In a reassured tone for Angelenos, the latest reports indicate that COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in Los Angeles County are on a downward trend, even if numbers are still above the lows before the recent surge. According to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, the region is witnessing a steady fall in daily coronavirus cases, now at an average of 262, down from last week’s 376. Public health officials caution that these figures don’t include the results of home tests, hinting the real infection numbers could be higher.

Providing a broader perspective of the pandemic's trajectory, wastewater monitoring shows the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus at just 36 percent of peak levels seen during the winter of 2022-2023, down from the 64 percent reported just a week prior. This insight, obtained by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, suggests that while reported case numbers give a snapshot of the situation, analyzing wastewater can offer a more comprehensive look at transmission rates in the community.

Hospitalizations have seen a similar positive trend, with the average number of COVID-positive patients now at 563, compared to the previous week’s 658. Yet, not all indicators are showing immediate improvement. The average daily death rate has ticked up slightly to 5.6 from 5.0, Public Health reports. This lag in the decline of deaths, however, is not surprising considering the typical progression of the virus and the delay in processing official death certificates.

Despite the optimistic signs, vigilance remains key as the county continues to battle the pandemic. Detailed statistics from the past four weeks reveal fluctuating patterns with new COVID outbreaks down to 16 from the previous 25, but total ongoing investigations are still a high concern at 90. County health authorities continue to provide a wide array of data and resources regarding COVID-19 on the Public Health website, ensuring residents have access to up-to-date, accurate information.