Glendale coronavirus deaths climb to 4, following a senior resident’s passing on Tuesday
Another Glendale resident lost his life to the novel coronavirus this week, bringing the local death toll connected to the virus to four. The virus has claimed 360 lives across L.A. County.
On Tuesday afternoon, the city received word that a 77-year-old male resident had passed away at a local hospital due to complications from the virus.
Last week, two senior male residents lost their lives to the virus that causes COVID-19. An 89-year-old resident died Thursday, preceded days earlier by a 75-year-old on Monday.
The city saw its first reported death related to the virus on March 23. A resident over 65 years old with underlying conditions succumbed to the virus, according to the L.A. County Department of Public Health.
“We offer our sincere condolences to the family and friends grieving their loved ones during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.” Mayor Vrej Agajanian said in a statement.
“These heartbreaking announcements of additional deaths related to COVID-19 are a reminder of the seriousness of the situation,” he added.
Glendale now has 269 confirmed cases of the deadly virus, with more than 10,000 cases reported across the county. The number of local cases has been rising since USC Verdugo Hills Hospital announced the first case on March 16. Glendale’s infection rate now stands at just over 130 cases per 100,000 people.
County officials said in a statement that testing capacity continues to increase, with testing results available for about 63,000 individuals and 11% of people testing positive.
However, little is known about testing rates in Glendale, according to several city officials. Only one local hospital is reporting its testing results, and city officials said they are not given details by the L.A. Department of Public Health, the lead agency handling the virus for Glendale.
Selected as Glendale’s new mayor on Monday, Agajanian said residents can do their part to slow the spread of the virus by staying home except for essential needs and practicing social distancing.
Last week, city officials announced that all employees and customers at essential businesses, such as grocery stores and pharmacies, are required to wear protective face masks, joining a growing number of cities that have implemented the practice.
Agajanian acknowledged during a special council meeting on Monday that the virus has disrupted the city as residents once knew it.
Anticipating months of battling the health and economic impacts of what he described as the “invisible enemy,” Agajanian suggested there is light at the end of the tunnel.
“Like the enemies of our past, we will be victorious against this one as well. And with this victory, we will emerge with stronger bonds, clear minds and a renewed spirit,” Agajanian said during the meeting.