California sees increases in hospitalizations as it prepares for vaccine distribution
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KION)
UPDATE 11/23/2020 2:30 p.m. Gov. Gavin Newsom provided an update on the state of the COVID-19 pandemic from quarantine as the state sees and increase in cases.
The 7-day positivity rate in California is currently at 5.8%, lower than the 9.8% national average, but still an increase from weeks past. Many of the new cases reported are in younger people. Newsom said that 60% of new cases are in people between the ages of 18 and 49.
Hospitalizations and ICU admissions are also increasing. Hospitalizations have increased by 77% over the past 14 days, and ICU admissions have gone up by 55% in the same period of time.
In preparation for increases in hospitalizations, the state has prepared 11 surge facilities around the state to provide an additional 1,862 beds that are able to be ready within 24 to 96 hours.
The state also has a stockpile of more than half a million N95 masks and millions of surgical masks, gloves, face shields, gowns and other supplies in storage in case they are needed.
Now, the state is also preparing for expected vaccine distribution. Three pharmaceutical companies have now released information about the efficacy of their vaccines, and Pfizer has applied for emergency use authorization. Newsom expects that at least one will be approved in December.
Newsom said the state has worked with the CDC to make plans, and past pandemics and vaccines have provided experience in mass vaccination efforts.
As the vaccines are approved, they will have limited availability at first, and at the beginning, they will mainly be given to healthcare workers and people living in congregate living settings, such as nursing and assisted living homes. Newsom did warn, however, that Californians should not expect a mass distribution to happen right away.
PREVIOUS STORY: Gov. Gavin Newsom is providing an update on the state's response to the COVID-19 pandemic at a news conference Monday afternoon.
As of Nov. 21, there were more than 1.1 million confirmed COVID-19 cases statewide, up more than 14,000 from the previous day, according to the California Department of Public Health. 18,676 people have died.
On Saturday night, the state's limited stay at home order for counties in the purple tier of the Blueprint for a Safer Economy went into effect, and that is set to last until Dec. 21.
Newsom and his family have been in quarantine after three of his children came into contact with a California Highway Patrol officer who tested positive.
