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By Jorge Casuso

July 6, 2020 -- The number of confirmed coronavirus cases and deaths in Santa Monica held steady last week, as Los Angeles County Health officials reported that cases are increasing among younger people.

There were 42 new cases reported in Santa Monica -- up from 41 the previous week -- while the number of deaths remained at 31. There have been 445 cases of COVID-19 reported citywide.

Cases reported in local nursing homes also remained stable with five new confirmed cases last week bringing the total to 274. There have been 40 deaths reported, one of those last week.

Health officials said Monday that almost half of the new COVID-19 cases are now occurring among a younger segment of the population, which is less vulnerable.

The most significant increase in the percentage of cases took place among residents between the ages of 18 and 40, health officials said.

Hospitalizations for that age group have also increased from a little more than 10 percent of hospitalized cases in April to about 25 percent in July.

The spread of the disease among a younger population in part explains why deaths have remained relatively stable nationwide as the number of cases spikes.

Experts also attribute the trend to the reopening of businesses, large demonstrations nationwide, increased testing and a better understanding of how to treat those infected with the virus.

There are indications that since mid-April, more people are disregarding social distancing guidelines, County Health officials said.

The Understanding America Study that is administered by USC’s Dornsife Center reports that in the last seven days, 55.2 percent of LA County residents had close contact (within 6 feet) with people who do not live with them.

That was an increase from the 30.5 percent reported from April 8 to 14.

There were 1,584 new cases of COVID-19 reported as of 8 p.m. Sunday, bringing the total to 114,993, in the County of some 10 million.

There were 48 new deaths reported as of Sunday, bringing the death toll to 3,487.

Of those who died, 39 were over the age of 65 and 41 had underlying health conditions, according to the County data.

Of the persons who have died since the pandemic began in mid-March, 93 percent had underlying health conditions.

These include immune disorders, diabetes, obesity and chronic conditions that affect the lungs, heart and kidneys, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Test results in LA County are now available for nearly 1.2 million individuals, with 9 percent testing positive.

There are 1,921 patients infected with COVID-19 currently hospitalized, 28 percent of them in the ICU and 18 percent on ventilators.

In response to the recent spike in cases, County health officials have updated the houses of worship protocol to align with the governor's directive prohibiting singing and chanting during indoor services.

The County also has closed in-person dining at restaurants, indoor museums, indoor operations at zoos and aquariums, cardrooms and satellite wagering facilities.

Last week, Santa Monica issued an order authorizing fines for customers who enter businesses without a face covering ("Santa Monica Issues Face-Covering Order," July 2, 2020).