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Gov. Gavin Newsom provided an update on the latest California figures, along with plans for further stay-at-home orders statewide.
You can read the highlights below or watch the full press conference above.
LATEST CORONAVIRUS NUMBERS
the 7 day average of new cases across California 15 121; during the last reporting period, there was 18,591 new cases.
“A surge in addition to a surge” is expected in the coming weeks, said Newsom, choosing Dr Anthony Fauci. the 14-day positivity rate fell from 5.2% two weeks ago to 7%. The 7-day rate is even higher.
Hospitalizations are up 86% over the past two weeks, with COVID-positive Intensive care admissions up 67%.
There was 113 deaths December 2, and it’s the same number as the day before. This represents 14 deaths on the same day a month earlier. In the past two weeks, 971 Californians have died from COVID-19.
REGIONAL ORDERS 3 WEEK HOME STAY WHEN ICU CAPACITY IS LOW
Newsom said it was the last wave and the most critical time since the start of the pandemic.
California is responding to the latest figures by “pulling the emergency brake” and introducing a regional stay-at-home order, Newsom said. LA County is already under its own stay-at-home ordinance.
RELATED: Everyone in Los Angeles should stay home – unless you need to golf, go Christmas shopping, or shoot a music video.
The bottom line: Californians should stop congregating with those outside your home, keep activities outside, and always wear a mask.
Regions where ICU capacity drops below 15% will be placed in a three-week stay-at-home order.
The state is divided into five regions, one of those regions being Southern California. These regions are linked to the health care delivery systems in hospitals, because when a county reaches intensive care capacity, it depends on neighboring counties for intensive care capacity assistance.
Projections show that Southern California is expected to drop below 15% capacity in early December. That should happen as early as tomorrow, and possibly within a week, according to Newsom.
When a region is placed under an order, these sectors will be closed:
- Bars
- Vineyards
- Personal services
- Hairdressers / barbers
Areas that will remain open include:
- Schools that have received an exemption
- Critical infrastructure
- Retail at 20% capacity
- Restaurants (take-out and delivery)
RELATED: A running list of CA officials who warned us to eat in restaurants, then did it themselves
The state is seeking to prevent people from concentrating in “mass retailing,” which is why medical professionals have advised keeping the retail business open, according to Newsom.
To get off the list, the state will screen the ICU numbers four weeks later.
TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS, SHORTER QUARANTINES
All non-essential travel is temporarily limited, Newsom said. Newsom noted that if counties refuse to enforce travel restrictions, the state will redirect funding to other counties.
When regions are placed under a regional stay-at-home order, they are requested to stay at home and avoid travel.
California Health Secretary Dr Mark Ghaly said officials continue to ask people to voluntarily cancel vacation travel plans or, if they are traveling, to avoid traveling far.
When the state moves on a stay at home order, it turns from a notice to a requirement, Ghaly said.
Ghaly noted that the state is considering implementing a shorter quarantine period, based on new CDC guidelines, including for those who have recently traveled. They hope that by shortening this period it will increase Californians’ compliance, Ghaly said. This update is expected to be released in a day or two, according to Newsom.
YOU CAN GO OUTSIDE, JUST NOT WITH OTHER HOUSEHOLDS
Newsom said people are always encouraged to go outdoors for their mental and physical health. People are also encouraged to connect with loved ones virtually.
Outdoor activities that are encouraged include:
- Go to a park
- To go to the beach
- Go hiking
- Take a bike ride
- Go fishing
- Do yoga, meditate
- Take your dog for a walk
- Take an outdoor fitness class
- Go for a run with your partner
- Skiing, snowboarding, sledding
Newsom stressed that the idea behind the closures is to avoid as much indoor activity as possible.
Dr Ghaly said it’s not about how to mix it safely – it’s an effort to get people to reduce the mix completely.
The governor said it is expected that this period of additional closures will last for the next 1-2 months.
The state is preparing a number of surge installations, including in Orange and Riverside counties in Southern California, among others.
VACCINE UPDATE – 327,000 DOSES ARRIVE BETWEEN DEC. 12-15
Newsom noted that a number of vaccine suppliers are expected in the coming months. “Help is on the way,” Newsom said.
State expects to receive 327,000 doses of the vaccine at any given time between December 12 and December 15.
This initial vaccine is part of the state Phase 1A, with priority groups including critical health care workers and long-term care residents.
Based on vaccine availability, these 327,000 doses have been divided into three levels. Full details are on the state’s COVID-19 website. Newsom said people will be able to find out where they are in the plan on this website.
Phase 1A is divided into these levels:
Level 1:
- Acute care hospitals, psychiatric hospitals and correctional facilities
- Qualified nursing homes, assisted living residences and similar settings for the elderly or medically vulnerable
- Paramedics, paramedics and other emergency medical service providers
- Dialysis centers
Level 2:
- Intermediate care facilities
- Home health care and home support services
- Community health workers
- Public health field staff
- Primary care clinics, including federally licensed health centers, rural health centers, correctional facility clinics, and emergency care clinics
Level 3: Other settings and health workers, including:
- Specialized clinics
- Laboratory workers
- Dental / oral health clinics
- Pharmacy staff do not work in higher level establishments
The first group will be divided into six vaccination regions, which are different from the five regions in the state’s regional stay-at-home order. These regions will be made directly from regions to Pfizer starting Friday, Newsom said.
The amount each region will receive varies, ranging from 8,592 doses for region 3 to 126,750 in region 1.
The state is still awaiting details of when it will receive more doses of the vaccine beyond this first batch, from Pfizer and other companies once their vaccines are approved by the FDA.
COVID-19 ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE, WORKERS AND BUSINESS SUPPORT
Along with the relief previously announced during this time, as further action from the federal government is expected, Newsom said the state was working with the Legislature on a broader relief program.
This includes waiving or changing fees for heavily impacted industries including bars, restaurants, hair salons, personal services, and more. The state is also working to accelerate additional funding for infrastructure.
Newsom also spoke about the Bond fire in Orange County, which is still 0% contained; you can read more details in our story on the fire here.
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