Second coronavirus death reported in LA County; confirmed cases up to 230

LOS ANGELES - A second death due to coronavirus was reported in Los Angeles County on Thursday, according to Los Angeles County Public Health Director Dr. Barbara Ferrer.

The individual was relatively young, between the ages of 30 and 50, Ferrer said, adding that he had underlying health conditions. The person lived in a "small community" near Pasadena.

"I want to express my deepest condolences to the family and friends of the person who's deceased," Ferrer said. "I'm so sorry for your loss and I hope you know that we as a community are mourning with you."

In addition, Ferrer announced that there were 40 new coronavirus cases in Los Angeles County, bringing the county's total to 230.

Ferrer said that the increased number of cases will continue to rise because healthcare workers now have the ability to test more individuals for COVID-19.

The first coronavirus death in the county was reported March 11. A woman over the age of 60 died in the county after contracting COVID-19, health officials said. The woman, who has not been publically identified, was visiting friends in LA County and also had underlying health conditions.

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Social distancing is not only about preventing the illness itself, but rather, slowing the rate at which people get sick. 

According to the California Department of Public Health, there have been 16 coronavirus deaths in the state.

Although most people who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 recover, certain individuals are at higher risk of infection, such as elderly residents, pregnant women and those with underlying health conditions.

Social distancing practices, such as closing bars and other public establishments, are essential in order to prevent the virus from spreading to those who might have bigger challenges combating the disease. Ferrer reminded younger residents that the steps they are taking are for the benefit of the community as a whole.

Dr. Barbara Ferrer urges young adults to practice social distancing

Ferrer stressed that the county is going to see continued increases in cases over the next four to 12 weeks.

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

• Avoid non-essential travel, public gatherings, and places where large groups of people congregate.
• Event organizers postpone or cancel non-essential gatherings of 50 or more until at least the end of March.
• Limit gatherings of individuals who are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 (people older than 65, pregnant women, and those with chronic illness) to no more than 10 people.
• This guidance does not apply to activities such as attendance at regular school classes, work, or essential services, including public transportation, airport travel or shopping.
• If you are mildly sick with a fever, stay home and 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.
• Exclude employees and visitors with any fever and/or respiratory infection symptoms and visitors with recent travel to any country or region with significant community transmission (including communities in the US) from all schools, businesses, and gatherings of any size.
• Follow all social distancing recommendations issued by Public Health.

RELATED: CoronavirusNOW.com, FOX launches national hub for COVID-19 news and updates.

The locations were cases have occurred:

Laboratory Confirmed Cases -- 231 Total Cases
Los Angeles County (excl. LB and Pas) -- 217
Long Beach -- 12
Pasadena -- 2
By City
Alhambra -- 2
Arcadia --2
Baldwin Hills --1
Beverly Hills -- 4
Beverlywood --2
Boyle Heights --5
Brentwood -- 13
Burbank --1
Calabasas -- 1
Carson -- 1
Castaic --1
Covina -- 1
Crestview --1
Culver City --3
Diamond Bar --2
Eagle Rock -- 1
East Los Angeles --1
Echo Park -- 1
Encino -- 6
Gardena --1
Glendale -- 4
Granada Hills --4
Hancock Park -- 2
Hawthorne -- 1
Hollywood Hills -- 2
Hollywood -- 5
Inglewood -- 2
Koreatown -- 1
La Mirada -- 3
Lawndale --1
Lomita -- 5
Lynwood -- 1
Manhattan Beach -- 5
Mar Vista -- 1
Melrose -- 11
Monterey Park --2
North Hollywood --3
Northridge --1
Pacific Palisades --5
Palms--1
Park LaBrea -- 3
Playa Vista -- 1
Reseda --1
San Dimas -- 1
San Pedro --1
Santa Clarita -- 3
Santa Monica Mountains -- 2
Santa Monica --2
Sherman Oaks -- 5
South El Monte --1
South Pasadena -- 1
Stevenson Ranch --1
Studio City -- 3
Sylmar -- 1
Tarzana --5
Torrance-- 2
Tujunga --1
University Park -- 1
Valley Glen --1
Van Nuys --1
Venice -- 4
Vermont Knolls -- 1
Walnut -- 1
West Adams -- 1
West Hills --3
West Hollywood -- 12
West Los Angeles --2
West Vernon -- 1
Westchester --3
Westwood -- 2
Whittier --2
Woodland Hills --3
Under Investigation --30

*These numbers are subject to change based on further investigation; one previously reported case was not in Public Health's jurisdiction. **Locations that were less <25000 have been added to the nearest city or community.