COVID-19 Report For Manhattan Beach: Caution Urged As #s Go Down

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA — The City of Manhattan Beach reported 11 new cases of residents testing positive for the Novel Coronavirus, bringing the city's cumulative total since March when data was first collection to 1,075. Deaths remained at 11 for the city, according to the latest data released by Los Angeles County.

According to data from Providence Little Company of Mary and San Pedro medical centers, the numbers for hospitalized patients is going down. The number of new COVID-19 cases in Manhattan Beach has gone from a high of 101 for the week of January 4-10 to 53 for the latest recorded week of January 18-24. That number falls close to the 55 cases in the city the week of December 21-27 after a prior week of 60 new cases. The last time Manhattan Beach had weekly new cases under 40, was the week of November 23-29 with 33 cases recorded.

The lower numbers have translated into the reopening of outdoor dining countywide today, including in Manhattan Beach. With rainfall most of the day, outdoor dining was kept at bay briefly.

Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Hilda Solis issued an email today [Friday, Jan. 29] stating that when the State of California lifted the Regional Stay at Home Order for Southern California on Monday, Jan. 25, doing so "was based on projections of ICU bed capacity four weeks from now."

Continued the First District supervisor, "I am pleased with this announcement, which reflects the hard work of Angelenos these past months to stay home and save lives. We have seen decreases in the number of cases and hospitalizations in Los Angeles County, and that is attributed to our collective sacrifices.

"However, we cannot let our guard down again. We've seen what it means when that happens, when we visit with others in their homes, attend large gatherings, and run errands like we did pre-pandemic. That cannot happen again. We must continue to meet the moment and defeat this virus as soon as possible. Masks, physical distancing, and limiting activities are still key to getting out of this pandemic until we can get everyone vaccinated.

"But I want to underscore the tremendous hardships our local businesses – the engine of our economy – have endured these last months. There are people behind the cash registers; they are cooks and food servers at restaurants, and small business owners. I am glad that many of our residents can return to work. But the situation can change overnight. Like we’ve seen before, more restrictions may be needed if noncompliance leads to more transmission and more hospitalizations. I urge both customers and businesses to please adhere to safety protocols for the sake of employees.

"With the vaccine getting into the arms of residents, I hope that we will beat this virus before any new variant takes hold, but we will be vigilant and always do what is best for our residents."