With More Than 4000 Covid-19 Patients, Gov. Newsom Says California Will Pass New York in One Week.

The number of Coronavirus cases in California is now 4,040. Governor Gavin Newsom says we will be at the numbers of NY in less than a week.

Since 5 p.m. Wednesday, the state has confirmed an additional 1,026 cases and an additional 19 deaths from COVID-19. Statewide, 83 people have now died from complications with the coronavirus. The Bay Area total grew to 1,439 with 252 new cases in its 10 counties on Thursday, with five new deaths pushing its total to 32.

In California, that represents a 34% day-over-day increase. Cases also surged in the Bay Area, and are expected to continue to do so, but less rapidly than statewide, with a 21% increase from the previous day. In Los Angeles County, the increase in cases far outpaced the Bay Area, growing by 51% from Wednesday.

Dr. Barbara Ferrer, Director of LA Co. Health Dept., said there were five new LA County deaths Friday. Speaking at Friday's daily briefing, Ferrer noted that all of the deceased were over the age of 60; four men and one woman.

Yesterday's nine deaths included eight people over 60, with one younger, in their 40's, who had underlying health conditions. 257 new cases today; 678 new cases over the last 48 hours. Total of 1,465 now in LA co. "In 6 days we have gone from 409 cases to this; more than tripled the number of people positive in Covid-19.

Part of the increase is due to more testing, but we also have to assume numbers represent a lot more people infected who are capable of infecting others. 18-65 is the majority of people infected, but most who died are over 60. Young people can infect other more vulnerable people. 317 cases have been hospitalized, which is 22 per cent of all positive cases. 1.8 per cent of those positive have died.

Higher than NY City and in U.S. NY has more than 25,000 cases and 366 deaths; 1.4 per cent mortality rate. They have tested a lot more. Of those hospitalized, about 70 are in ICU, and the majority are older than 60. Close contacts are quarantined. 35 cases in assisted living facilities, staff and residents.

Three or more cases are in Kensington Assisted Living in Redondo Beach, Belmont Village in Hollywood, and Alameda Care Center in Burbank. 11,000 people have now been tested in LA Co. 11 per cent are positive. Health officer Dr. Davis is ordering the temporary closure of all public trails, trail heads, beaches, beach parking lots, beach bike paths, and beach access points, by public health order, to slow the spread of Covid-19 infections.

This is effective immediately through April 19, 2020. It is crucial we limit access to non-essential places where crowds have been gathering. Many of our parks remain open, but only if we practice social distancing. Our tools are limited, and require all of us to adhere to the directives. Please stay home as much as possible". Director of Dept. of Beaches and Harbors Mr. Jones said last weekend there were still thousands of people congregating on the beaches, despite orders to stay home. "We can not see repeat of crowded beaches again this weekend", he said. "We are coordinating with local law enforcement agencies and Sheriff to ensure compliance. "