Except for a sobering rise in deaths, most COVID-19 metrics, are better than anticipated at this point in the post-holiday season and when compared to past winters, likely due to preventative tools and health measures taken by residents and workers.

Los Angeles County remains in the Medium Community level, with a case rate of 122 new cases per 100,000 people and a hospital admission rate of 11.9 per 100,000 people.

Despite these promising trendlines, some individuals are at significantly greater risk for serious outcomes should they become infected.

Hospitalization rates for people 80 and older are nearly three times higher than for people 65-79-years-old in L.A. County, according to the most recent 90-day data.

In addition, when compared to people ages 50-64, residents ages 65-79 have hospitalization rates that are more than three times higher, and the number of deaths per 100,000 people is more than five times higher.

Residents who live in communities with high rates of poverty are also disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.

Hospitalization and death rates are nearly double for people living in the county’s poorest neighborhoods, where more than 30% of households live in poverty, compared to those residing in the wealthiest neighborhoods, according to data for the 90-day period ending Jan. 3.

To help minimize the impact of COVID-19, especially on the most vulnerable family, friends and community members, there are simple steps everyone can take to protect themselves, the people they love and their community.

It is essential to be up to date on vaccinations and boosters, wear high-fitting masks in public indoor spaces, and test at home before gatherings.

For information, visit publichealth.lacounty.gov.