Jacob’s Journal – Weekly News Rewind (07/12-07/18)

LA County Sees Alarming Spike in Corona Virus Cases

Wednesday, July 21 (Los Angeles Times) – On Wednesday, public health officials reported 2,551 new coronavirus infections in Los Angeles County, which is the highest total since early March. The report coincides with increased transmission of the Delta variant and a pattern of overall increased transmission since California’s June 15 reopening. The average case rate among unvaccinated residence, for the week of July 7 to 14, was 13 per 100,000, while that for unvaccinated people was 2 per 100,000.

Countywide, the test positivity rate now stands at 5.2% compared to 0.7% a month ago. While hospitalizations have risen rapidly, daily deaths remain relatively low. Increases in COVID-19 cases have been reported statewide, with close to 5,000 new cases per day over the last week and, in many locations, officials are urging even fully vaccinated people to wear masks indoors. When asked this week, Governor Gavin Newsom said he didn’t believe new state masking guidance or mandates are necessary if enough people are vaccinated.

LAPD Officer, 2 Others Hurt in Tarzana Car Crash

Thursday, July 15 (NBC Los Angeles) – An LAPD officer and two other people were injured in a two-vehicle traffic crash in the Tarzana area on the morning of Thursday, July 15. The crash occurred at the 18500 block of West Burbank Boulevard, according to the LAFD, at about 9:30 a.m. All three people injured were taken to the hospital in fair condition. The incident follows a crash on Wednesday night in which an LAPD motorcycle officer was hurt; he was listed in stable condition at a local hospital. The driver, who remained at the scene, cooperated with the investigation.

Lakers, LeBron James Reportedly Interested in Adding Chris Paul or Russell Westbrook This Off Season

Wednesday, July 21 (Yahoo! Sports) – Following his NBA Finals loss with the Phoenix Suns, Chris Paul is reportedly considering a move elsewhere. The Undefeated’s Mark J. Spears said that the Los Angeles Lakers are interested in pursuing Paul this off season, and are also considering Russell Westbrook of the Washington Wizards. The Lakers lost the first round of the playoffs with Anthony Davis injured and James with an ankle injury. It’s not the first time the franchise has taken interest in Paul, a 36-year-old 11-time All-Star, but there’s speculation as to whether he’d take a potential pay cut, and if the Suns would cooperate with a possible deal and agree to a sign-and-trade, in which case the Lakers could pay him more.

LA Restaurants Temporarily Close In Response To Rising Numbers, Breakthrough Cases Of COVID-19

Wednesday, July 21 (CBS Los Angeles) – Los Angeles-area restaurants are taking a toll amidst a new surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. The rise in infections, specially among those who are unvaccinated, has led to the temporary closure of Bottega Louie in West Hollywood (which closed out of caution) and Village Idiot in Los Angeles, which were announced on Instagram. The Village Idiot said it would close for a few days after a fully vaccinated staff member tested positive. It also reported that all of its employees would be tested. A rise in infections statewide has been reported since safety restrictions and mask mandates were lifted on June 15, while an indoor mask mandate has been reimposed in Los Angeles County. In other counties, public health officials have strongly recommended mask wearing indoors and in crowded outdoor venues.

Northbound 605 Freeway Closed in Whittier After Fatal Crash

Friday, June 25 (Los Angeles Times) – A five-vehicle crash occurred at about 2:30 a.m. on the 605 Freeway in Whittier, the California Highway Patrol reported. The fatal crash occurred near the Rose Hills Road offramp on Friday, June 25, and involved one vehicle that overturned. One person was reported to have died. Northbound freeway lanes were closed for several hours, and all were moving again by 8:00 a.m., according to the CHP. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

L.A County Health Officials say COVID-19 Surge Mostly Hits Adults Under 50

Thursday, July 22 (KTLA 5) – The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said that the recent surge of COVID-19 infections in the area is mostly affecting people under the age of 50. On Wednesday, 2,551 new cases were reported; 83% of them were people younger than 50 and 65% between the ages of 18 and 49 years old. One in seven people reported on July 21 to have died due to the virus was between 30 and 49, while two deaths involved people between 65 and 79 and three were between 60 and 64. In the release that included these stats, Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said officials are hoping vaccines will help avoid the number of deaths seen last year, and that a new mask requirement for indoors, and vaccine availability, will help reduce the risk of transmission. A mask requirement was reinstated this past weekend regardless of vaccination status.

L.A. County Reports 55 More People Have Died from Covid-19, Marking Another Single-Day High in Deaths

Saturday, April 17, 2020 (KTLA 5) – On April 15, 2020, Los Angeles County health officials reported another 55 deaths due to COVID-19. This follows a report of 101 new deaths on the previous day. For three days in a row, the county saw single-day highs in fatalities due to the virus. Meanwhile, the total number of infections appeared to be leveling out, flattening the curve, despite the more rapid climb in the death toll. Between Wednesday and Thursday, the mortality rate in the county rose from 3.8% to 4.2%, said officials, while deaths across the U.S. multiplied in recent days (exceeding 2,000 nationwide on three different days this past week).

As of April 14, the number of people who have died in L.A. County represented 49% of all virus-related fatalities in California. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti told CNN said the city would not likely host concerts, sporting events, and other large gatherings until 2021. Officials have reported concerning infection rates at jail facilities, nursing homes, and homeless shelters, while Garcetti said the city will not reopen until expanded testing or a vaccine was available. A shortage of 95 masks have hit the L.A. area and other parts of the country, as the number of infected patients increases in emergency rooms, straining crucial supplies and creating a shortage in hospital beds.

Los Angeles Lakers: Predicting Where Each Lakers Free Agent Signs

Wednesday, July 21 (Lake Show Life) – With a loss in the first round of the NBA Playoffs, and multiple players with uncertain futures, the Los Angeles Lakers are set for a busy offseason. The team has 11 potential free agents. They include Jared Dudley, Ben McLemore, Devontae Cacok, and Kostas Antetokounmpo who has signed a two-year deal with a French team, and will be out of the NBA. For Dennis Schroder, the Chicago Bulls are reportedly interested, while the Charlotte Hornets is a possibility for Montrezl Harrell.

Alex Caruso is expected to stay with the Lakers, while Andre Drummond is a possible pick for the Dallas Mavericks and, with his diminished role in the NBA, Wesley Matthews could return to the Lakers on a minimum deal. The Lakers won’t likely let 21-year-old Talen Horton-Tucker walk away. However, there’s speculation that Markieff Morris could sign a two-year contract with the Golden State Warriors.