California has surpassed 50,000 COVID-19 deaths, a number that came when Los Angeles County reported a backlog of more than 800 deaths during the fall-and-winter rise.
The count is because the number of daily coronavirus cases and the number of COVID-19 deaths have dropped significantly in recent weeks, although some scientists remain concerned about the potential spread of mutant variants that are more contagious and potentially more deadly. Although California has the highest number of COVID-19 deaths of any state in the country, it ranks 32nd out of 50 states and the District of Columbia for COVID-19 deaths per capita.
The backlog of 806 new COVID-19 deaths in LA County, which mainly occurred in December and January, was discovered after extensive death data checks, Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said Wednesday.
“This was a time, as you all know, when there were very many deaths across the country. And not all were reported [the Department of] Public health because of the large number of records. “
The county typically identifies COVID-19 deaths through daily reports from health care providers. But the county is also auditing the causes of death listed on death certificates, where the additional 806 were found.
“The 806 deaths reported today reflect the COVID-related deaths that occurred during the wave that were not reported [the Department of] Public health through the death report, but they were later identified through our death certificate, and we always do these assessments, ”Ferrer said.
The 806 additional deaths account for about 8% of the new total of COVID-19 deaths in LA County in December and January, she added.
“It is heartbreaking to report on this large number of additional deaths related to COVID-19. And it is a devastating reminder of the terrible toll the winter storm surge has taken on so many families across the country, ”said Ferrer.
The news of the dismal record came when officials were investigating a cluster of four coronavirus cases at the USC, two of which have been confirmed as the most contagious and potentially deadly variant first identified in Britain. B.1.1.7.
The other two cases are still awaiting laboratory confirmation, Ferrer said.
“All of these cases were discovered as part of the USC’s routine testing and surveillance program,” she said Wednesday. “The individuals are doing well, and they are in isolation. Close contacts have been identified, notified and quarantined. “
Scientific research suggests that the currently available COVID-19 vaccines are effective against the UK variant.
“But as vaccine supply is still very limited, the local transmission of the potentially more contagious British variety underscores the need for all our residents to continue to use every tool we have to prevent transmission,” Ferrer said, “including not getting together. with people you don’t live with, and distance and mask when you are out of your home and around others. ”
There are now 18 confirmed cases of the British variant in LA County; more than 200 in California and more than 1,800 nationwide, with 45 states reporting cases.
Another worrying variant, first identified in South Africa, B.1.351, has not been identified in LA County, but has been identified in the Bay Area, where the only two confirmed cases are in California – one in Santa Clara County, and the another in Alameda County. The South African variant has been reported in 46 countries in 14 states nationwide.
A variant related to the South African tribe, P.1, which was first identified in Brazil, has not been identified in California, but has been identified in four states out of five people. But another Brazilian strain, P.2., Has been identified in a Bay Area sample.
This week, researchers at UC San Francisco revealed new information about the native California variety called B.1.427 / B.1.429, which contains a concerning mutation called L452R.
New research strongly suggests that the coronavirus strain that is now dominant in California not only spreads more easily than its predecessors, but also has the ability to evade antibodies generated by COVID-19 vaccines or previous infection. It is also associated with more serious illness and death.
Those traits have worried some scientists that the indigenous variety could reverse California’s recent progress in reducing new infections – especially if it is able to trade mutations with other threatening species. Experts said it underscores the need to vaccinate people as soon as possible and continue to wear masks, maintain social distance, and follow other public health precautions as the state begins to reopen more.
By the end of next month, the native B.1.427 / B.1.429 strain is likely to be responsible for 90% of coronavirus infections in the state, said Dr. Charles Chiu, an infectious disease researcher and physician at UC San Francisco.
Ferrer said 40% to 50% of the coronavirus samples sequenced in the LA County Public Health Lab since December contained the L452R mutation.
Despite the words of caution regarding the variants, officials continued to send an optimistic message amid the news that a third vaccine manufactured by Johnson & Johnson could receive emergency clearance for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration within days.
And this week, additional vaccines have arrived in LA County following delays in distribution due to weather.
“While we still have no clarity about the supply chain, simple math over the next two weeks indicates that we should only see more supply in the coming weeks. So get ready, ”LA Mayor Eric Garcetti said Wednesday. “Hope is literally on the horizon.”
On March 1, education and childcare workers, food and agricultural workers, law enforcement officers, and other emergency responders who are not already eligible for the vaccine can begin taking injections in LA County. Eligible people can sign up for appointments starting next week.
Times writer Kevin Rector contributed to this report.