Los Angeles passes 1,000 coronavirus deaths

Los Angeles County has reported 59 new COVID-19-related deaths, raising the total to 1,000.

Mayor Eric Garcetti says it was the fourth highest number of deaths in one day since the city has been tracking them.

Los Angeles County, the nation's most populous with 10 million residents, also reported 597 new cases, raising its total to 20,976.

But Garcetti also says the testing capacity in the county has expanded to be able to test more than 16,000 people.

He says the number of essential workers who can receive tests if they are asymptomatic has expanded to include taxi drivers and construction workers.

The new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms for most people.

For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness or death.