Today, Thursday, June 18, Governor Newsom did not provide a live update on COVID-19; however, the Department of Public Health did issue a new compulsory mask requirement to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Today, Thursday, June 18, Governor Newsom did not provide a live update on COVID-19; however, the Department of Public Health did issue a new compulsory mask requirement to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus (read more here). Under this order, Californians are required to wear masks or face coverings in most settings outside their own homes. This action comes, as today marks the third day in a row where the positivity rate has risen—from a flat rate of 4% over the past 14 days to 4.6% today.
As noted, (repeatedly) by Governor Newsom, the positivity rate is the key indicator that the COVID-19 virus is spreading. In issuing the new directive, the Governor stated, “Simply put, we are seeing too many people with faces uncovered – putting at risk the real progress we have made in fighting the disease. California’s strategy to restart the economy and get people back to work will only be successful if people act safely and follow health recommendations. That means wearing a face covering, washing your hands and practicing physical distancing.” This is the most significant action taken to slow the spread of the virus, since the end of the stay-at-home order was lifted just a couple of weeks ago.
State has dramatically increased the number of tests conducted daily (upwards of 60,000 per day), which has led to an overall increase in the number of positive cases of COVID-19, whereas the positivity rate is the number of people who tested positive for coronavirus divided by total number of tests administered, and is considered a true indicator of the virus spreading. Contact tracers have found the majority of the new COVID-19 cases have occurred through community spread among family and friends at gatherings, such as funerals, birthday parties, and graduation celebrations. The Governor is urging Californians to remember the state is still fighting the COVID-19 virus and only by practicing social distancing and wearing appropriate PPE are we able to contain the spread of the virus.
Californians are urged to familiarize themselves with their county’s variances and requirements. Counties will report in real time their data related to testing, contact tracing, hospitalizations, and infection rates. The COVID-19 page will be updated regularly, so people are able to read about the current state of the stay-at-home order and Phase 2 progress for every county (read more about county guidelines here), including their self-certification and attestations.
Key milestones – COVID-19 numbers – as of today (6.18.20)
- 5,290 deaths, up by 26 or +1.6%. Averaging 2.1 per 100,000 people.
- 161,099 positive cases-up by +1.4% averaging 95.8 cases per 100,000 per people. Flat positivity rate of 4.6% over the past 14 days.
- 3,074,530 tests conducted. The state hit the 60,000 tests per-day goal.
- Latinos continue to have the highest percentage of positive cases at 56.6%; Caucasians 17.6%; Asians 7.6%, and Blacks 4.5%.
- Hospitalizations increased by 18 to 3,439, up by .05%.
- The majority of hospitalizations are in LA County 1,446, followed by Orange County 351; San Diego County at 285; Riverside 285; San Bernardino 233; Kern 99; Alameda 90; Imperial 86; Fresno 73; San Joaquin 47; Stanislaus 49; Kings 48; Tulare 46; Santa Barbara 38.
- ICU – 1,145 increased by 44 or up by 4%.
Budget News
No news on progress to finalize the 2020-21 budget. The Governor and Legislative leaders continue to negotiate the final terms. The Legislature is scheduled to adjourn this Friday, June 19 for a three-week summer break. The Governor has until June 30 to sign or veto the budget. The current rumor is that the Assembly will return next week to continue their work on the budget even though they are currently scheduled to be on summer recess.
Supreme Court decision regarding Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
Today, June 18, 2020, the Supreme Court blocked the Trump Administration from ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) (read more here and here). Governor Newsom issued a statement on the high court’s decision, reading in part, “Today’s decision is an important victory, for now, for the hundreds of thousands of Dreamers — including over 200,000 Californians — who contribute deeply to their communities each day. They are our neighbors, our coworkers and our friends, and in California, we will continue to have their backs,” (read the Governor’s complete statement here). At nearly 190,000, California has the largest number of DACA residents in the nation.
Secretary of State Alex Padilla (D) also issued a statement on the Supreme Court’s DACA decision. His statement reads in part, “I now call on the Trump administration to resume taking DACA applications immediately. And I urge Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform, including a path to citizenship, so that Dreamers and their families don’t have to live in a constant state of uncertainty,” (read his statement here).