March 27, 2020 – The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has confirmed five new deaths and 257 new cases of 2019 novel coronavirus COVID-19, with 27 total cases in the Santa Clarita Valley: 24 in the city of Santa Clarita and 3 in Castaic.

The county no longer provides a breakdown by communities with a population under 25,000. In the SCV, only Castaic is reported separately (3 of Friday’s 27).

Additional information regarding some of the new cases is pending further investigation. Over the last 48 hours, there have been 678 new cases.

To date, Public Health has identified 1465 cases across all areas of LA County, including 26 deaths, up from 1,216 cases and 21 deaths Thursday. Upon further investigation, two cases reported earlier were not LA County residents.

As of Friday, 317 positive cases (21% of positive cases) have been hospitalized.

On Friday, a new Health Officer Order is being issued to temporarily close beaches and hiking trails due to recent dramatic increases in COVID-19 cases, and increased usage of beaches and hiking trails by many groups of people.

It is imperative that everyone, collectively, take action to slow the spread of COVID-19.

County and city parks may remain open for passive recreational activities. Persons using the parks are required to practice social distancing at all times. The Order is effective immediately and will continue through April 19.

“The crowds we saw at our beaches last weekend were unacceptable,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn. “In order to save lives, beaches in LA County will be temporarily closed. I understand that this is a huge sacrifice for everyone who enjoys going to our beaches. But we cannot risk another sunny weekend with crowds at the beach spreading this virus. This closure is temporary and we can always reopen these beaches when it is safe to do so.”

“The new Health Officer Order is in line with our efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 in Los Angeles County. It is crucial that we limit access to non-essential places where crowds have been gathering,” said Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Los Angeles County Public Health Director. “Please practice social distancing when you do go outside to enjoy the beautiful weather. That means staying at least 6 feet away from other people.”

Public Health has issued the following guidance during this time of increased spread:

* If you are mildly sick, stay home for at least seven days or until 72 hours after being fever free, whichever is longer.

* Call your doctor if you are concerned and/or your symptoms worsen.

* Individuals who are elderly, have underlying health conditions or pregnant should consider contacting their providers earlier when they are sick.

Public Health reminds LA County residents to do their part and adhere to the Order by always practicing social distancing.

Please see the locations were cases have occurred:

Laboratory Confirmed Cases — 1465 Total Cases

* Los Angeles County (excl. LB and Pas) — 1402*

* Long Beach — 54

* Pasadena — 9

Deaths 26

* Los Angeles County (excl. LB and Pas) 25

* Long Beach 1

* Pasadena 0

Age Group (Los Angeles County Cases Only-excl LB and Pas)

* 0 to 17 — 22

* 18 to 40 –547

* 41 to 65 –565

* over 65 –268

Hospitalization

Hospitalized (Ever) 317