Three new COVID-19 deaths for Manhattan Beach were reported over the weekend by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. The COVID-19 death toll for Manhattan Beach now stands at 23.

"It is with a heavy heart that we learn of the three additional deaths in our community," said Manhattan Beach Mayor Hildy Stern. "Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of all those who have tragically died due to COVID-19. At this ongoing challenging time, we continue to do our utmost to protect the health and safety of our community."

Manhattan Beach, like the rest of Los Angeles County, has experienced a surge in COVID-19 cases with the rapid spread of the Omicron variant over the holidays and into the month of January.

Although the Omicron variant is said to be less deadly, the three deaths were the largest day-over-day increase in deaths reported in Manhattan Beach since the pandemic began.

(Note that the LACDPH only gives numbers, not demographics, for COVID-19 deaths per city.)

Manhattan Beach's total case count since the beginning of the pandemic stood at 4,362 as of January 24. There were 260 new cases recorded in Manhattan Beach in the past week.

County-wide, there have been 2,519,778 cases and 28,507 deaths from COVID-19 since the beginning of the pandemic.

In the past week, across L.A. County, there have been 235,595 new cases of COVID-19 and 425 new deaths.

“The most tragic consequence of this surge is the increase in those dying from COVID," said Barbara Ferrer, director of the LACDPH, in a statement on Monday. "I extend my deepest condolences to everyone who has lost someone to this virus."

Despite the increase in cases and the recent deaths, Manhattan Beach has fared relatively well among cities in Los Angeles County in terms of COVID-19.

Additionally, Manhattan Beach is also among the leaders in L.A. County in terms of its population that has been vaccinated for COVID-19.

Among residents ages 5 and over in Manhattan Beach, 92% have received at least one dose of the vaccine.

A total of 84% of those ages 5 and over in Manhattan Beach have been fully vaccinated.

A recently released study by the Centers for Disease and Control found that adults who were unvaccinated were 5 times more likely to get infected when compared with adults who were fully vaccinated and boosted. Another report from the CDC also found that additional or booster doses were 90% effective at preventing hospitalization.

To find a vaccination site near you, or to make an appointment, visit www.VaccinateLACounty.com (English) or www.VacunateLosAngeles.com (Spanish).

Those who need assistance may call 1-833-540-0473 for help finding an appointment, connecting to free transportation to and from a vaccination site, or scheduling a home visit.