COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations continue downward trend in L.A. County

By Emily Jo Wharry, Contributing Writer

Unemployed Californians will receive an additional $300 per week in unemployment benefits.

L.A. County’s COVID-19 cases and hospitalization rates have dropped to their lowest point since early April. The rate of transmission is currently at 0.92 — higher than last week’s rate of 0.86 — but cases should continue to fall so long as it remains below 1. — KTLA, NBC Los Angeles

At least 43 USC students currently living in off-campus housing have tested positive for COVID-19, prompting the mandatory quarantining of more than 100 students. — Daily Trojan, CBS Los Angeles

The federal government approved California’s application for workers to receive an additional $300 in unemployment benefits. — The Mercury News

Nine more children in L.A. County have been diagnosed with a rare COVID-19-related pediatric illness called Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome, or MIS-C. Nationally, the ailment predominantly impacts Latinx and Black children. — Deadline

Two walk-up coronavirus testing sites will be open Aug. 25 and Aug. 26 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. for Angelenos who don’t have cars, and are therefore unable to access drive-thru testing sites. — NBC Los Angeles

To boost the city’s economy, L.A.’s tourism board launched a program encouraging employed Angelenos to patronize local restaurants, hotels and other attractions. — Los Angeleno

Chinatown’s popular hot chicken spot, Howlin’ Ray’s, is temporarily closed for at least two days due to an employee testing positive for COVID-19. — Eater Los Angeles

Orange County was removed from the state’s coronavirus watchlist on Sunday. Its current positive test rate is 5.4%. (L.A. County is still on the watchlist.) — L.A. Times