On Monday, January 11, Governor Gavin Newsom delivered his latest update on California’s response to the coronavirus. You can see his full comments in the livestream above.
TOO GOOD TO TELL IF HOSPITALIZATIONS AGREEMENT
Government Newsom pointed out today that we are seeing a 6% increase in the total number of hospitalizations over the past 14 days, which is an improvement in the state curve.
“This is one of the smallest increases we have seen over a two-week period,” Newsom said.
The increase is also lower in the ICUs of the state.
However, the governor warns that it is too early to say whether it is a real sign of the upswing going down.
Dr. Mark Ghaly, secretary of California’s health and human services, explained that officials expect that, “If people make different decisions in the latter half of December, we will only begin to flatten hospital numbers.”
‘That being said, we’re still worried we’ve seen some big numbers over the last week, and it’s going to end up in our hospitals five to ten days from now. “I do not want to think that we are out of the woods in any way,” Ghaly said.
He added that his team is still grateful for the ‘slight flattening’ they are starting to see, which could give the healthcare system some breathing space.
HOSPITAL STAFF
The governor says the state is now focusing on hospital staff, especially contract staff.
“We continue to work with the federal Department of Defense and others to solicit additional resources … this is a top priority,” Newsom said.
More than 1,788 state and federal staff members are now deployed in the state of California, mostly in Southern California where the numbers are highest. The Governor says within the next week that he expects about 1,000 contract staff to hit the ground, including registered nurses, licensed occupational nurses and respiratory specialists. He said the state is currently determining exactly where they are going. These health workers will complement the 2000 already deployed.
INSTITUTE SETTING
California has received just under 2.4 million doses of the vaccine, Newsom said, with the goal of vaccinating 1 million Californians within ten days and following an ‘approach to all coverage sites’.
To accomplish this, Newsom said, the state has loosened some of the levels and expanded the pool for those who can administer the vaccines, including nursing students, dentists and pharmacists.
“We now have 15 national strike teams up and down the state,” he said. “And they work there with the emergency services office and work directly with clinics and health care providers.”
Newsom added that the state would open up larger sites for the distribution of vaccines, such as Dodger’s Stadium:
“We realize that the current strategy will not have to take us so fast to where we all need to go, and that’s why we are accelerating the government, not only for priority groups, but also now. , Meet Cal Expo, you will see these great mass vaccination sites, this week you are starting to see those coming up.You will see many, many more … it’s encouraging.
Newsom added that it expects $ 350 million in stimulus support for the distribution of vaccines.
The state has also launched a new PSA campaign in English and Spanish to raise awareness about it, focusing on the fact that the vaccine is free for all but that the public should still wear masks and social distances after they received it.
GORILLAS
Yes, you read that right. Two gorillas tested positive for COVID-19, and a third gorilla was symptomatic.
“We are currently confirming the source of the infection and the strain,” Newsom said. “This is an area that has long been of concern, from human to animal, but our beloved gorillas are naturally concerned.”
The Governor said that we would probably see more information on this within the next few hours. He also mentioned that his four children found this slide in his presentation particularly amusing.
Update: According to a press release from the zoo: “Apart from congestion and coughing, the gorillas are doing well.”
GENERAL VIEW BY CALIFORNIA’S NUMBERS:
Here’s a look at long-term trends in the state. For more information, visit us California COVID-19 Tracker and select California or any country in the state that interests you. These numbers apply from 10 January:
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