The mortality rate from COVID - 19 in Los Angeles reached 2.9% on Friday according to county officials. Health officials reported 456 new cases and 25 additional deaths in LA County Saturday, reaching a total of 8,873 cases and 265 deaths. In light of the public health crisis, patrons crowded the local grocery stories ahead of the abnormal Easter Sunday. Angelenos have been struggling to cope with the closure of local recreational facilities such as beaches, county parks, nature areas and attractions. People like Sue Wilkinson are eager for things to get back to normal. According to Dr. Barbara Ferrer, the county's director of public health, testing capacity continues to increase in the county, with 14% of people testing positive. According to Ferrer thousands of people have been hospitalized at some point during their illness with the disease. The Director had words of encouragement for residents during these unforeseen circumstances, "As people of different faiths come together this weekend, my thoughts and prayers are with all those who are experiencing loss, illness and distress associated with the COVID-19 pandemic," Ferrer said. "I want to thank all our faith leaders who are tending to the spiritual needs of their members and exercising creative ways to ensure fellowship from a physical distance. And I want to express my gratitude to all the people of LA County who are finding ways of observing their faith while staying safe at home." Pandemic: The Crisis of a Lifetime! #pandemic #LosAngeles #COVID19 Germany Kent Reports