By Hanna Park
(LOS ANGELES) Los Angeles County reported no new coronavirus-related deaths on Sunday, marking major progress for a county that has been hit hard by the virus.
Health officials told the Los Angeles Times that the figure could be an undercount due to reporting delays on weekends. But even if the figure is not exactly zero, it reflects the significant drop in COVID-19 deaths in the county amid vaccine rollout.
The county reported 313 new coronavirus cases and 390 hospitalizations as of Saturday, marking a 16% drop from two weeks before.
The county drew national attention in December and January for its surge in coronavirus cases and hospitalization rates that had put a strain on local hospitals and healthcare workers.
L.A. County has recorded more than 1.2 million confirmed coronavirus cases, and 23,915 residents have died of COVID-19-related causes, according to The Times. The county is now averaging 25 COVID-19 deaths per day, down from its almost 250 daily average in January.