Governor Gavin Newsom held his daily briefing to provide a general update on the state’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak. The briefing concluded around 1pm.
He opened his remarks with quoting his mother’s mantra: “Stand guard at the door of your mind.” His comments were focused on the secondary impacts of COVID-19, including mental health during these times.
The Governor was joined by Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, California’s Surgeon General, who has put together a Playbook for stress relief during these times. A copy of this Playbook can be found here. The Surgeon General also has a Playbook specific to stress relief for caregivers and kids during COVID-19. A copy of this Playbook can be found here. Additional information regarding managing stress can be found on the California Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response webpage. Here is the direct link: https://covid19.ca.gov/manage-stress-for-health/#top.
Governor Newsom highlighted the various hotlines and emotional health resources available to help support Californians on issues related to domestic violence, suicide, child abuse, and more. Here is the link to this information: https://covid19.ca.gov/resources-for-emotional-support-and-well-being/#top.
Consistent with past briefings, he provided the latest COVID-19 hospitalization and intensive care unit (ICU) patient figures. He has called these data sets the best gauge of the coronavirus rate absent universal testing. The number of coronavirus hospitalizations is now 2,611. The number of coronavirus patients in ICU beds is 1,108, a 2.1 percent increase from the day before.
On these numbers, the Governor said, “We are seeing a slow & steady increase, but it’s moderate… because of… the actions that all of you have taken in physical distancing.” Further, the state’s efforts to bend the curve are pushing California’s predicted peak in infections into the future, he said. A later peak will buy the state time to add the needed beds and resources, as well as additional personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect health care workers.
During the Q&A, Governor Newsom was asked again about unemployment insurance (UI). Thus far, 2.3 million Californians have filed UI claims. The state has added more staff to handle those claims and the goal is to get those benefits out within three weeks, he said.
On testing, he said that the 25,000-a-day testing is a goal that is still a few weeks out.
On the state budget, the Governor stated that his team is working around-the-clock to get a new budget advanced with some economic stimulus strategies.
Yesterday, following his daily briefing, the Governor’s office issued a press release with the details of the state’s progress in securing additional beds to treat COVID-19 patients and relieve pressure on the health care delivery system. California aims to add 50,000 beds to our existing hospital capacity of nearly 75,000 beds. At least 60 percent of those additional beds, or 30,000, will come from within existing hospitals, and the state will secure the remaining beds, up to 20,000. A copy of the Governor’s press release can be found here.
Also, on April 6th, Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara issued a Notice to remind insurance companies, agents, and employers that California law requires the payment of workers’ compensation benefits to injured workers regardless of their immigration status. A copy of the Department of Insurance press release can be found here. A copy of the notice can be found here.
As of April 5th, California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced the most recent statistics on COVID-19 – there are a total of 14,336 positive cases and 343 deaths in California. Also, as of April 4th, local health departments have reported 212 confirmed positive cases in health care workers. Approximately 143,800 tests had been conducted in California. At least 129,693 results have been received and another 14,100 are pending. More information regarding the most recent COVID-19 statistics can be found here.
Lastly, the Assembly Budget Committee offered an updated memo addressing the: “June 15th Baseline Budget”; “August Revision” and “Deferring the Promises of 2020.” A copy of the memo can be found here.