Local and countywide coronavirus caseloads slow, restrictions remain

Story by Kahlen Miao  
Staff Writer

Illustration by Alicia Zhang
Staff Illustrator

The City of South Pasadena reached 242 coronavirus cases and 26 deaths on Monday, Aug. 24, according to the L.A. County Department of Public Health. This is an increase of 12 confirmed cases and one death within the past two weeks. The South Pasadena Care Center on Mission — where the bulk of cases at the beginning of the pandemic were — is no longer considered an active outbreak area.

L.A. County has averaged 1,386 new cases per day over the past week, a decreased rate from the 2,816 cases per day during the week of July 13. The total number of reported cases and deaths now stands at approximately 233,000 and 5, 560 respectively

Economic reopening is currently in phase three of California Governor Gavin Newsom’s plan, with outdoor dining and recreation allowed to function with social distancing in place. The countywide mandate for businesses to operate with limited customers spaced appropriately is still in effect. Shopping centers are to remain closed; however, retail businesses can have in-person shopping.

The California Department of Public Health testing guidelines allow anyone to test for the coronavirus, although priority is given to people with symptoms. Dodger Stadium offers appointments for free, drive-through testing. 

SPUSD has also begun requiring online health screenings for anyone visiting a school campus or related site. Screenings can be done in-person or remotely through a QR code.

L.A. County’s requirement to wear a mask in public continues and residents are encouraged to stay home whenever possible and properly social distance.

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