COVID-19 State Policy Update 05.01.20

Today, Friday May 1stGovernor Newsom began his daily briefing with acknowledgment that today is May Day and International Workers’ Day and the importance of honor the work done by not only first responders, law enforcement, health care professionals, but also grocers, food workers, delivery workers, and all essential workers. The Governor later in his briefing also acknowledged truckers and other supply chain workers, including those in meat packing plants and logistics who “keep our society moving.” Newsom also made special mention of mothers and their significant contributions in keeping children involved in their education while the stay-at-home order is in place, many, while also trying to work at home, keep their home running, etc.

On the status of the state’s budget picture, the Governor said, “Last year at May revise we had a $21 billion surplus. This year, my May revise reflects tens of billions in deficit. In one year, we’ve seen that change.” 

Easing stay-at-home order – Entering what we hope is a new phase, not months or weeks away but likely days away from some changes. The Governor hopes to announce some changes next week. He noted that he has already made some changes such as allowing bike shops to be essential, changes to help faith-based organizations, and announcements regarding outdoor activities, including biking, golf, tennis, and others that allow for physical and social distancing. The Governor stated, “We are getting very close to making announcements regarding changes to retail, hospitality, including restaurants—of course with serious modifications.”

Childcare – The Governor noted the state has set aside 20,000 vouchers to help secure child are for families in need. There are 28,000 child care spaces available. Noted that the portal is an essential tool to help parents find licensed, safe, appropriate childcare by entering their ZIP code into the portal. He further stated that there is more work to do in this area, and that the state will have $350 million to distribute from the federal government to help. Lastly on this, he acknowledged great work by Dept of Social Services.

Sick leave and Fed CARES Act – Made great strides in protecting workers in the food-supply chain. Advanced agreements with the largest unions and Grocers Association to help make sure all employees have paid leave. Still more work to be done in this area and improvement to be made but making significant strides.

Care for Caregivers – He stress the importance of support our health care workers and those working in skilled nursing facilities who could not go home out of fear of spreading the virus and infecting their families, capacity for 50,000 stipends. The state has so far supported these workers with 78,000 free and deeply discounted room nights and stated that this is an example of private partnerships that work. The Governor’s original announcement on this initiative can be found here

Newsom stated that 173,000 wellness checks of vulnerable populations have been conducted and that agreements with the largest unions to allow additional resources to increase wellness checks and allow additional attention to vulnerable Californians who are part of the care system that allows people to stay in their homes.

Healthcare planning – Noted extraordinary success in establishing assets to prepare for a health care surge, including increase number of alternative sites, establishing Health Core, and securing more PPE.  All of the health care assets are key and foundational, as parts of the state economy begin to reopen. Should infection rates rise, we have the assets necessary to respond.

Newsom shared that Health Core resulted in tens of thousands of applicants. Focused on Skilled nursing facilities and infection control is a key to containing the virus and that 87 people from Health Core added to the strike team to inspect skilled nursing facilities in Southern California; 78 in Northern California; and another 35 in the Bay Area.

PPE – The Governor stated worker safety is an issue that goes to the heart of May Day and Int’l Workers’ Day. Protective gear for health care professionals and other essential workers is key to protecting our population. He shared some numbers on the status of PPE including:

  • 3.1 million surgical masks arrived in the past 48 hours from overseas.
  • 2 additional flights arrived in the past 24 hours with more PPE.
  • In total, 5.2 million masks have arrived and 5.1 million have been distributed in the past 24 hours; 8.2 million in the past few days.
  • N95 masks; gloves, and shields are all important for HC workers and essential workers, as we begin to reopen the economy.

Testing, contact tracing and quarantine – The Governor shared that this coming Monday, he will be ready to talk more about contact tracing, quarantine, and the technology used to address these issues.  Newsom stated that these areas are fundamental to reopening the economy and making assets like PPE available to various employees and customers.

Unemployment and workforce – Governor Newsom discussed the important changes made to help people with wage garnishments. Since March 12, the state has processed 3.9 million applications for unemployment and distributed $7.5 billion to people. 340,000 have signed up for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and are processing as quickly as possible. The state has waived the one-week delay requirement for unemployment insurance, added 600 to the 1,340 staffing the EDD call center and added texting and chat bots to the EDD service system. The Governor also stated that EDD has be able to improve engagement with those seeing information by “50%,” and that although an improvement, the state will continue to do more.

Newsom also noted that training is pivotal, as employees will need to be retrained and recalibrated in terms of opportunities in the workforce and changes to previous job descriptions, as we adapt to the needs of the moment. He stated that there will be $17.8 million in training grants made available, of that $10 million went to 42 boards in Southern California and the rest distributed throughout the state.

The Governor noted the value of everyone who contributes to the economy and asked them to honor their value and their vocation. 

Key Covid-19 numbers can be found here. Today’s numbers include:

  • More than 2,073 deaths (4.6% increase)  
  • Last 24-hours 91 people died.
  • 50,442 positive cases (13.1% increase)
  • 654,985 tests conducted and that is not enough.
  • Averaging 25,000 tests per day; 30,000 reported as conducted just yesterday. Supplies are a still a factor.
  • 1,192 ICU numbers were flat; 3,428 hospitalizations (decreased by 69)
  • People under investigation for infection dropped by 13.9%

The Governor stated that while infection numbers and deaths are still bad news and a concern, “we are making progress through your good work—that’s why the numbers are improving.”

Prior to opening up to Q&A the Governor stressed that he understands and shares the impatience and frustration everyone is feeling. He acknowledged and thanked those who protested and asked only that they protect themselves and their families by still physically distancing themselves from others.

The Q&A was short today and the six questions included the OC Beach lawsuit; whether law enforcement will respond to Capitol building protestors not adhering to social distancing; sterilizing used surgical N95 masks; testing availability in rural areas; whether considering canceling mortgage and rent payments; and considering more financial help for cities and counties from state budget.

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