SACRAMENTO, Calif. — ABC10 is following the latest coronavirus statistics and vaccine news for the Sacramento region and the state of California.
This blog will be updated throughout the day with the latest COVID-19 news. Click HERE to learn when and where you can sign-up to get the coronavirus vaccine near you.
California Labor & Workforce Development Agency launches portal for pandemic guidance
The California Labor and Workforce Development Agency (LWDA) has launched a new employer portal to provide COVID-19 industry guidance.
According to a press release from LWDA, the portal is a one-stop hub for employers in California to find up-to-date state and local pandemic guidance by industry.
The portal can be accessed at SaferAtWork.covid19.ca.gov. Employers will need to answer a short set of questions regarding their business type, location and current COVID-19 protocols and the portal will generate a tailored "road map" of relevant information, links to resources and more. Depending on the answers given, the portal can generate more than 2,000 potential road maps, according to LWDA.
“We recognize that in a public health crisis, guidelines and best practices are evolving. That’s why we created a central navigation hub where employers can find the latest information,” said Labor Secretary Julie A. Su. “With this resource, we hope all employers will find it easier to access state and local information so that businesses can operate as safely as possible.”
Information on employee benefits, paid sick leave and immediate steps to take in the event of a COVID-19 case at work are also available in the new portal.
The portal is available in English in Spanish and pulls all COVID-19 guidance and requirement from trusted state, county and city sources. Information will be updated with local and state guidance on an ongoing basis, according to LWDA.
Community Vaccine Advisory Committee discusses supply and distribution
The Community Vaccine Advisory Committee met Wednesday to discuss the latest statewide information on the COVID-19 vaccine supply and distribution, as well as communications strategy and recommendations.
Over 9 million doses have been allocated and 4.7 million people have received at least one dose, according to Dr. Tomas Aragon, CDPH and State Health Officer. He said CDPH is focusing on speed and simplicity, and where the agency can have the most impact on vaccine supply and distribution.
“There are no absolute right answers,” Dr. Aragon said, stressing the imperfection of decision making. “There are only tradeoffs.”
Dr. Aragon says there are certain equity gaps that will need to be addressed moving forward, including people who are struggling with homelessness, behavioral and mental health concerns, and addiction.
Vaccines are currently being distributed to people in the Phase 1A and Phase 1B, Tier 1 groups. Starting on March 15, the highest risk people between the ages of 16 and 64 may start to receive vaccinations at the judgment of their healthcare providers, according to the CDPH website.
Although he said COVID-19 infection rates across the state continue to improve, Dr. Aragon highlighted both the Black and Latino communities as groups being vaccinated at rates less than half of what the state would like to see.
The state is targeting diverse communities with messages about health tips and vaccine information to encourage people to sign up for vaccines, if eligible. Additional outreach efforts are in progress, and the Committee was shown a recent public service announcement directed at mothers to encourage vaccination. The PSA was released in both Spanish and English.
The Committee was also presented with a demonstration of MyTurn, which is the state’s platform to schedule vaccination appointments. These appointments are primarily available in the San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego areas, and the state is working to expand coverage.
“What MyTurn gives us the ability to do is to make sure we are reserving and allocating appointments to the people who need to be seen,” said Yolanda Richardson, secretary of the California Government Operations Agency. “MyTurn allows us to make sure that the allocation of vaccines is actually going to the people that need it.”
Eric Norton from CDPH said that the agency is heavily prioritizing the languages available on the MyTurn website, with a goal of having 8 languages by Friday, February 19. The languages will be English, Spanish, Chinese (Traditional), Chinese (Simplified), Korean, Tagalog, Arabic and Vietnamese. Currently, English and Spanish are the only languages available.
The Committee will next meet on March 3 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Gov. Newsom, lawmakers set $9.6B virus spending plan
California Gov. Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders have agreed on a $9.6 billion spending deal aimed at aiding some of those hit hardest by the pandemic.
The package announced Wednesday includes a new round of small business grants, $600 stimulus checks for low-income individuals and more housing assistance for farmworkers infected by the coronavirus.
Lawmakers plan to quickly take up the measure, with votes expected as early as Monday.
About 5.7 million one-time payments would go to those with incomes below $30,000. It also includes those that the trio of Democratic leaders said were unfairly excluded from previous federal stimulus payments under the administration of Republican Donald Trump.
“As we continue to fight the pandemic and recover, I’m grateful for the Legislature’s partnership to provide urgent relief and support for California families and small businesses where it’s needed most,” said Governor Newsom. “From child care, relief for small business owners, direct cash support to individuals, financial aid for community college students and more, these actions are critical for millions of Californians who embody the resilience of the California spirit.”
Newsom's comments came as he visited a vaccination clinic in the Coachella Valley, an area that's home to many farmworkers.
“We’re nearly a year into this pandemic, and millions of Californians continue to feel the impact on their wallets and bottom lines. Businesses are struggling. People are having a hard time making ends meet. This agreement builds on Governor Newsom’s proposal and in many ways, enhances it so that we can provide the kind of immediate emergency relief that families and small businesses desperately need right now,” said Senate President pro Tempore Atkins. “People are hungry and hurting, and businesses our communities have loved for decades are at risk of closing their doors. We are at a critical moment, and I’m proud we were able to come together to get Californians some needed relief.”
California's virus numbers continue to improve but demand for vaccine far exceeds supply.
California counties to receive vaccines based on population and needs
California’s 58 counties will each receive a unique supply of vaccines based on the county’s population and needs. Up to now, the state has handled the logistics, sending first and second dose allocations separately. However, according to Sacramento County Public Health Officer Dr. Olivia Kasirye, that is about to change. Making, sure enough, second doses are set aside will be up to the county.
“For example, if you know that you vaccinated 1,000 people this week, you need to know that in three weeks’ time if it’s Pfizer, that you will have to have 1,000 doses available for the second doses,” explained Dr. Kasirye.
Additionally, winter weather around the country means delays in shipments. A Spokespeople for Sacramento and Stanislaus counties says this could mean a delay in vaccination clinics and appointments. However, San Joaquin County said it has around 25,000 doses saved for second doses and it will use those to fill in the gap during the shortage in vaccines.
State releases latest COVID-19 statistics
On Wednesday, the state of California announced a state total of 3,416,147 confirmed cases of COVID-19. California on Wednesday reported 400 new deaths from COVID, bringing the total to more than 47,507.
As of Wednesday, Feb. 17, it's estimated that at least 6,435,184 vaccines have been administered to Californians.
One county in-state moves to less restrictive tier
Plumas County was the only county in California allowed to move to a less restrictive tier this week.
The Northern California county moved from the purple tier to the red tier. Statewide, only six counties are out of the purple tier: Trinity, Sierra, Del Norte, Alpine, Plumas and Mariposa counties.
California moved back to the colored-tiered system in January after the government lifted the nearly statewide stay-at-home order.
Lawmakers to announce new virus spending
California Gov. Gavin Newsom says details will be released Wednesday on spending for small business grants, stimulus checks for individuals and housing for farmworkers infected by the coronavirus.
The deal with lawmakers will include $24 million for a program that puts farm and food processing workers up in hotels if they are exposed to the virus and can't isolate. He didn't share other details.
His comments came as he visited a vaccination clinic in the Coachella Valley, an area thart's home to many farmworkers.
Yolo County schedules more vaccination clinics for first shot
Yolo County has scheduled more vaccination clinics aimed at seniors 65 years old and above. The clinics are by appointment only, and are available for seniors with or without insurance. The clinics are scheduled for:
The state got 1.08 million doses this week and expects 1.28 million doses next week.
Yolo County announced Tuesday it is expanding its vaccination efforts to include all frontline workers in Phase 1B of California's vaccination framework. That means people working in education, childcare, emergency services, food and agriculture can all start applying to get their vaccine.
Resources guide for California families
- San Joaquin County Help: A Resource Guide for Struggling Families and Individuals
- Yolo County Help: A Resource Guide for Struggling Families and Individuals
- Stanislaus County Help: A Resource Guide for Struggling Families and Individuals
- Sacramento County Help: A Resource Guide for Struggling Families and Individuals
- Where to find help in Placer County: A resource guide for struggling individuals and families
- El Dorado County Help: A resource guide for struggling families and individuals
- Northern California Help: A resource guide for struggling Families and individuals
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