By Jorge Casuso

March 22, 2020 -- The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Santa Monica rose to seven as of noon Sunday, and one resident of nearby Culver City was among five deaths so far in Los Angeles County.

The number of cases in Santa Monica has risen from one case confirmed by County health officials on Monday to three on Wednesday to five on Saturday.

The latest death -- reported Sunday in Culver City -- came after two deaths were confirmed in LA County on Saturday, one in Miracle Mile, the other in Del Rey.

The three individuals who died this weekend were older than 65 and had underlying health conditions, County officials said.

To date, Public Health officials have identified 409 cases across the County of more than 10 million residents, with 132 new cases confirmed between noon Friday and noon Sunday.

Of the total, 84 individuals who have tested positive for the virus have been hospitalized.

"We are deeply sorry for the passing of loved ones and send our prayers to the families and friends of those who have died from COVID-19," said Dr. Barbara Ferrer, the County's Public Health Director.

“It is critical that everyone practices social distancing, obey the Safer at Home Health Officer Order and assume that anyone can have COVID-19, and anyone could unintentionally infect others," Ferrer said.

On Sunday, the number of confirmed cases in Brentwood reached 23, the highest tally of any area in the County, while West Hollywood saw its number rise to 19.

In Beverly Hills, eight cases were confirmed as of noon Sunday, while Venice, like Santa Monica, had seven cases.

"Public Health is investigating all new cases and will notify close contacts who are household members, intimate partners and healthcare professionals to assess and monitor them for signs and symptoms of illness," health officials said.

"All confirmed cases are being isolated and close contacts are quarantined," officials said.

On Saturday, LA County Public Health issued an enhanced order that prohibits all gatherings and events, and "clarifies that golf courses and personal grooming services (including hair and nail salons) are non-essential services that are closed."

The County changes were made in order to be consistent with Governor Gavin Newsome's order issued Thursday that mandates California's 40 million residents to stay home ("Santa Monica's Coronavirus Count Reaches Four as Californians Ordered to Stay Home," March 20, 2020).