Coronavirus: First person dies in LA as WHO officially declares pandemic

Health officials in county of 10 million people say 'there are more cases in our community that have yet to be diagnosed'

A woman in her 60s is the first coronavirus-related death in the Los Angeles area.

The woman had recently travelled extensively before visiting California, according to Los Angeles County Department of Public Health director Barbara Ferrer. She was not a resident of the state and had underlying health issues, Dr Ferrer said.

Officials also reported six additional positive Covid-19 cases, totalling 27 in the county, including three cases previously reported by the city of Long Beach. More than 10 million people live in Los Angeles county. California has reported more than 100 positive cases of coronavirus across the state.

Dr Ferrer urged people to avoid mass gatherings like concerts and performing events.

She said: "We all know there are more cases in our community that have yet to be diagnosed. ... This is an ask of all of you."

One of the newest cases reported by health officials involves the county's second confirmed case through community spread.

Dr Ferrer said that without a vaccine, "social distancing" is "the next best tool" to prevent a spread of the flu-like illness.

She also urged people to avoid going to hospital emergency rooms if they feel sick to ensure that the area's hospitals are able to operate without pressuring capacity.

The announcement follows the World Health Organization's declaration of a pandemic as the virus sweeps to more than 100 countries and has led to more than 4,000 deaths. It's the first time the organisation has issued the designation since the H1N1 "swine flu" outbreak in 2009.

More than 1,000 cases have been reported across the US, including more than 30 deaths. The latest death in California is the nation's 33rd reported coronavirus-related death.

Responding to questions about whether the fatal case is "in my neighbourhood", Dr Ferrer said that there is "no district without a positive case."

"We at this point say to everyone: You need to be aware, you need to expect there is community transmission, and you need to take the steps to protect yourself and the people you love" as well as the people most vulnerable to serious illness, she said.

Officials in Los Angeles also told people experiencing homelessness that "now is the time" to visit a shelter to avoid illness and to prevent transmitting it to other people.

There are nearly 60,000 people experiencing homelessness in the region, according to a 2019 assessment.