L.A. County confirms first coronavirus case in Downey

DOWNEY — L.A. County public health officials on Tuesday confirmed the first positive case of COVID-19 in Downey.

The positive diagnosis was one of 128 new coronavirus cases confirmed in Los Angeles County overnight, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 662, including 11 deaths.

The actual number of infected persons in Downey could be much higher as COVID-19 testing remains limited.

There have been unconfirmed reports of COVID-19 patients being treated at local hospitals, and a Go Fund Me page was seeking to help four members of a Downey family allegedly battling the virus.

Health officials urged residents to continue to quarantine and to only go outside when absolutely necessary.

“While Public Health is doing everything possible to mitigate the impact of this disease in our community, we can only flatten the curve if everyone takes social distancing seriously and adheres to all isolation and quarantine orders issued by our health officer,” said Barbara Ferrer, Los Angeles County Public Health Director.