LOS ANGELES (CNS) — The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has confirmed four new deaths and 175 new cases of COVID-19.

To date, Public Health identified 1,243,882 positive cases of COVID-19 across all areas of LA County and a total of 24,339 deaths. There are 258 people with COVID-19 currently hospitalized.

What You Need To Know

  • The LA County Department of Public Health has confirmed four new deaths and 175 new cases of COVID-19

  • There are 258 people with COVID-19 currently hospitalized

  • Over the past month, LA County continues to see small declines in cases, hospitalizations and deaths, but health officials said it's critical for people to continue getting vaccinated and maintaining safety practices

  • Among county residents age 16 and older, 63% have received at least one dose, and 51% are fully vaccinated. Among those 65 and older, 85% have received at least one dose, and 72% are fully vaccinated

Testing results are available for more than 6,760,000 individuals with 17% of people testing positive. The daily test positivity rate is 0.3%.

There is a reporting lag on weekends.

Over the past month, Los Angeles County continues to see small declines in cases, hospitalizations and deaths, but health officials said it's critical for people to continue getting vaccinated and maintaining safety practices, especially over the holiday weekend.

Public Health officials said that if all people at a Memorial Day gathering are fully vaccinated, people can meet up indoors and outdoors without any masking or distancing requirements. But if guests from more than one household are unvaccinated, they should wear masks and keep a distance from others, preferably outdoors.

Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer also noted that she and the department send their deepest sympathies to the friends and families grieving the loss of a loved one this Memorial Day.

"We are all glad this Memorial Day will look so different from last Memorial Day — it's such a relief for so many of us to be able to gather with family and friends again," she said. "If you're celebrating with someone elderly and they haven't been vaccinated, celebrate safely outdoors with masks and distancing or virtually. I encourage everyone who hasn't been vaccinated yet, to make time to get vaccinated. The vaccine provides the best protection and is keeping transmission in L.A. County low."

Through Thursday, June 3, at all the county-run vaccination sites, city sites and the St. John's Well Child and Family Center sites, everyone 18 and older getting their first COVID-19 vaccine or bringing a first-time vaccine recipient with them to their second dose appointment will have an opportunity to win a pair of tickets to the 2021-2022 home season of either the LA Kings or the LA Galaxy. Two residents will be awarded prizes.

Anyone 12 and older is eligible to be vaccinated.

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Continuing their efforts to reach vaccine-hesitant communities, Los Angeles County health officials have announced a partnership with the gang-rehabilitation organization Homeboy Industries for a series of public-service announcements encouraging COVID-19 vaccinations.

As of Friday, a total of 9,564,035 vaccine doses had been administered in the county, including more than 5.5 million first doses and more than 4 million second doses. Among county residents age 16 and older, 63% have received at least one dose, and 51% are fully vaccinated. Among those 65 and older, 85% have received at least one dose, and 72% are fully vaccinated.