State’s death toll nearing 16,000

Nearly eightmonths after California officially recorded its first death related to COVID-19, the death toll from the pandemic inched closer to 16,000 on Friday.

The state neared the tragic threshold as the country turned its attention to the health of the president and first lady, who tested positive for the coronavirus late Thursday night.

Patients 65 and older have accounted for roughly 74% of deaths in the state, and Latino people have comprised the largest share, roughly 48% of deaths.

Since the pandemic began, California has reported more than 822,700 infections — more than any other state. Though daily case counts and hospitalizations have declined in recent weeks, officials have forecast an 89% increase in the latter by Oct. 25. Following a surge in emergency room visits and a slight, but notable, increase in cases, the statewide projected transmission rate of the virus has risen.

In Los Angeles County, officials are preparing for a possible surge, warning that intensive care capacity couldbecome strained inupcoming weeks if a spike in casesdoes occur. Theassessment is based on the county’s projected transmission rate, whichcurrently sits at 1 — ametric that relies on the understanding that people’s actions remain constant.

“If our behavior does not remain constant, we’ll see that change,” Human Services Director Dr. Christina Ghaly said Wednesday.

The county recently gave the green light formore sectors to reopen, despitewarnings thatCOVID-19 numbers could rise again in the near future, requiring a pullback. Nail salonsweregiventhego ahead to resume indoor operations Thursday, the county’s school waiver program and outdoor operations at card rooms will be allowed to resume Monday, and indoor shopping malls will be able to follow suit Wednesday.

L. A. County has accounted for the bulk of the state’s total infections and deaths. The majority of people who have died had underlying conditions. Hypertension and diabetes are themost common such conditions and have factored in more than half the county’s deaths. Neurologic conditions and cardiovascular disease are also common in victims, officials have said.

Weight, age and gender have played a major role in a person’s risk for developing serious symptoms of COVID-19. Obese men 65 and older are especially vulnerable. Those factors are currently under scrutiny in regards to Trump, who is 74 and considered obese.