Hong Kong is ending its mask mandate Wednesday, becoming one of the world's last cities to drop rules demanding face coverings. While face coverings may be uncomfortable and inconvenient, they are a small sacrifice in comparison to protecting other peoples health and revitalizing our economy, Olsen said. The Omicron wave is receding, but COVID-19 will continue to be with us. Newsom said Wednesday that the state will soon announce an endemic plan that would include updated guidance on schools on the states mask mandate for students. "Hopefully, it is the beginning of the end to what we have been dealing with the last two years. Sacramento County and Yolo County had previously imposed local mask mandates. Times. Since then, Newsom has lifted most restrictions, such as mask requirements, beach closures and business shutdowns prompted by the pandemic. The cities of Pasadena and Long Beach, which have their own independent health departments, have said. Catching COVID gives you durable protection from virus, study finds. Fraud: A man in Southern California who tried to obtain $27 million in unemployment benefits by falsely claiming his business was affected by the pandemic was sentenced to more than 11 years in prison, The Associated Press reports. endobj Other counties across the region, like Sacramento and Yolo, have already made the same recommendation for fully vaccinated as the Delta variant continues to drive the increase in infections. You can reach the team at CAtoday@nytimes.com. The Omicron wave is receding, but COVID-19 will continue to be with us. The new order applies to Stanislaus County, which has not been under a mask requirement for a month. After years of mask mandates and COVID-19 protocols, you might be wondering just how long this pandemic is going to last. I still recommend that everybody wears a mask indoors in Yolo County, but it will no longer be required in most settings for fully vaccinated persons starting February 16. Read more here. When combined with social distancing and hand washing, the states top officials hope face coverings will mean fewer people come down with COVID-19 illness. 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Californias chief executive has been careful to avoid declaring victory over the virus, but in June 2021 he proclaimed at a reopening celebration at Universal Studios that the state was ready to turn the page. Later that year, another wave of the virus led to more restrictions. Gavin Newsom said this week that California will end its statewide indoor masking requirement for vaccinated people next week. "In the future, if there is a need for something else to be done differently, it will come to our board before that decision happens," said Withrow. Given that, the emergency declaration's end is more of a symbolic marker for the state. The order will remain in effect through the Christmas season before ending Jan. 15. We must learn to live with COVID-19. Gov. It's available and confidential for everyone in California. July 19, 2021 / 4:50 PM My position hasnt changed on any of this for three months, Dirkse said. Anticipating rapid spread of the virus that could overwhelm hospitals, the proclamation gave the governor the legal authority to make, amend and rescind state regulations, suspend state statutes and redirect state funds. An infected person can spread the virus before symptoms appear. I hope that's what this is. Details will be provided to the public by Friday, Olsen said. I want to be understood when I speak. We will be looking for recommendations and guidance from the state.". %PDF-1.7 In addition, 11 San Francisco Bay Area counties said they will also follow the states lead and lift their mask requirements. I've been previewing this last month because we've been working on it for more than a month are endemic plan? This small, verdant city, nestled in the mountains of Ventura County, has a famous attraction thats not to be missed. If we reach that level, Blumberg believes would could see fewer restrictions. &8 M[Re\SYI%0`a@MccPhs7VU |9yl7 Thus far, Stanislaus County health officials have not issued new recommendations. Greg Abbott has been reluctant to give it up because of the broad powers hes granted under an emergency declaration, said Randy Erben, an adjunct professor at the University of Texas School of Law and a former legislative director for Abbott. Carroll said he will direct officers to wear masks on calls and during citizen contacts. Indoor venues, such as casinos, can set requirements at their discretion. First published on July 19, 2021 / 4:50 PM. I have had people yell at me that I am taking away THEIR right of choice when I ask them to mask up around me, but they dont seem to understand or care that by being so one-sided in their thought process, they could be taking away my right to life. Meanwhile, leaders in his own party at times criticized his decisions. Their goals include increase in-person education, community treatment services and ensure testing while allowing their community to go back to normal. Gov. - listing US Job Opportunities, Staffing Agencies, International / Overseas Employment. The countys latest numbers Wednesday showed 55 new cases. Stanislaus County residents can break open a new package of face masks now that the state is requiring masks to prevent a severe winter surge of coronavirus illness. Federal government officials have said the Biden administration is seeking to ensure that supplies remain available beyond that time. Real-time updates and all local stories you want right in the palm of your hand. But can you specifically outline what factors you're looking for in making that decision? Ferrer said public health officials will be reviewing data to determine whether that requirement will continue under a revised health order. Gavin Newsom and California politics in Sacramento for the Los Angeles Times. The California Department of Public Health also reported this year that the state breached 100,000 deaths as a result of the virus. 15, 2021, the average daily case rate of COVID-19 in Stanislaus County has increased 9-fold and the testing positivity rate has risen 4-fold. If you're curious, uh putting out additional information about what's next for masking in our public schools. |~ECJ?4@CMR57]#V9^yIBS{69H[o8geIEUwv,q Ib The recommendation from the county asks those 65 and up, or those who live with others that are 65 and older, have risk factors for the virus or have any medical conditions to mask up indoors. Let us know at CAtoday@nytimes.com. "Once this is an endemic disease, then what we get is there is a lot less controversy out there. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Kristin Olsen, chairwoman of the Board of Supervisors, disclosed the countys plans during Wednesdays update on the Stanemergency Facebook page. We fear the mask mandates and fights over masks more than we do the darn virus! Hugo Schwyzer, Hawthorne, Mask mandates should be reinstated whenever there is a surge. " A health officer always has authority to mitigate the impact of communicable diseases," she said. Masks are not required for children younger than 2 years old or for people with medical, mental health or developmental disabilities that prevent them from wearing one. Heres what NorCal counties are planning to do when Californias mask mandate expires. Or did the drought prompt you to rip out your grass? Hong Kong is ending its mask mandate Wednesday, becoming one of the world's last cities to drop rules demanding face coverings. STANISLAUS COUNTY (CBS13) Some residents in Stanislaus County are now being urged to wear masks indoors, even if fully vaccinated, as COVID-19 cases continue to rise. Lucy Yu was certain that a bookstore focused on Asian American and immigrant stories was just what Chinatown needed. )DjK/;{dp _,|F/A]R{KW\.iA}D/eJC3rn8dr-:p".PyE2wwD@("VZ&% :.^a"3Urq )0mKlRyeRFQ &U\.yJ}F 2-=tx&:GhcS_:VS8WI**qpiP_YXyWTb{@- gS{#1j1\RTMjl <>/Metadata 269 0 R/ViewerPreferences 270 0 R>> 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of KCRA-TV. "Ef.+-\B@Z(\LD>SuhsWt+bs$:eS4) hZ,b)|$ 9k$h: K5JCA~`;2=t (z$D%jDsW`L5}E] Sign up here to get this newsletter in your inbox. Listed on 2023-03-01. "Sacramento County: We are planning to follow the states lead on lifting the masking mandate. Read more here. Testing Get tested for COVID-19 if you may have been exposed. "No, we don't want to abandon those tools that got us to this place but with effective vaccines and testing abundantly available we can move on to the next phase of our response to COVID-19.". On Tuesday, Hong Kong recorded just 96 COVID-19 cases, according to Hong Kong's Centre for Health Protection. Public File for KMAX-TV / Good Day Sacramento. This includes those with weak immune systems, those who are pregnant, and the unvaccinated. I want to smile at people again. The state Department of Public Health said the new state order has limited exceptions. Stanislaus County: "There will be no mask mandate re-issued. Ken Carlson covers county government and health care for The Modesto Bee. Ive learned to smile with my eyes. Bruces Beach: Los Angeles County officials presented the deed to an oceanfront property to the heirs of a Black couple who built a beach resort for African Americans there a century ago, The Associated Press reports. One of the mandates set to be lifted is a requirement that people who are exposed to COVID-19 wear a mask for 10 days. I have a disability, and a good number of my friends and loved ones do, too. This comes nearly three years after Gov. Listing for: Humana. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. Robert Wachter, chair of UC San Franciscos Department of Medicine, warned that any policy changes that make it more difficult for the uninsured to access free COVID-19 care, testing or vaccinations could pose health equity problems and as a result increase the threat of contracting COVID for all Californians. Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads, California will end its statewide indoor masking requirement, 11 San Francisco Bay Area counties said they will also follow the states lead and lift their mask requirements, Your Privacy Choices/(Opt-Out of Sale/Targeted Ads). County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said last week her agency will be reviewing existing health officer orders, noting that some of the requirements in them were enacted under the county's emergency declaration, but others were not. Im not making a criminal out of someone over this.. This story was originally published June 17, 2020, 8:10 PM. California will lift a statewide COVID-19 mandate requiring masks indoors after Tuesday, Feb. 15 as coronavirus cases related to the omicron variant continue to decline. Olsen gave two main reasons for implementing a mandatory order. Honestly, its such a small ask. Sonya Sones, Santa Monica. Stanislaus County residents can break open a new package of face masks now that the state is requiring masks to prevent a severe winter surge of coronavirus illness. And many of the new shops are run by nonwhite booksellers, a major shift in an industry that has long lacked diversity. Ken Carlson covers county government and health care for The Modesto Bee. More information on vaccine clinics is. Isabella Grulln Paz and Briana Scalia contributed to California Today. After initially requiring masks in indoor public places from July 2020 until the following March, Abbott changed course months later and has used his emergency powers to prevent cities and counties from instituting their own mask requirements and vaccine mandates. Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Sacramento County and Yolo County had previously imposed local mask mandates. Get up to speed with our Essential California newsletter, sent six days a week. UC Davis experts advised people in high-risk categories to remain cautious and stay up to date on vaccinations. Lo Chung-mau, director of the Medical and Health Bureau, said at the press conference that he expects cases of respiratory viruses, such he expects the peak to be short and that it will have very little impact on public health systems. This story was originally published December 13, 2021, 4:29 PM. It was lifted in November after the seven-day average of COVID-19 cases dropped below 20 per 100,000 population. Fire at Salida auto dismantling yard creates visual hazard, slows traffic on Hwy 99, Crop duster crashes in west Stanislaus County, pilot hospitalized, Here are 11 ways to prevent identity theft after data breach at Modesto Police Department, Do not be alarmed. Stanislaus Sheriffs Office responds to 911 calls about lights in sky. A county mask order ran from early September to mid-November, requiring people to wear face coverings in indoor public places, regardless of their vaccination status. Starting in early November, drugs and tests will be covered only if obtained from providers in patients insurance networks. Dirkse said he will wait for the order to come out before making that determination for deputies. Those counties are: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Monterey, Napa, San Benito, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, Solano, Sonoma, and the city of Berkeley One exception is Santa Clara, the most populous in the region, with nearly 2 million people. Experts have ideas why, California COVID-19 state of emergency ends soon. The indoor mask mandate is expected to be in effect until Jan. 15, 2022 . California Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly said the mandate will affect about 50% of Californians who are not currently under a county-level mask mandate. A person not wearing a mask and refusing to leave a business would be handled the same as it is now for a person refusing to leave a business, Carroll said. Health officers across the country seem reluctant to hand down any new orders, but officials in Los Angeles County, home to about a quarter of Californians, are planning for an indoor mask mandate to take effect later this month. Anyone can read what you share. Fee: California could soon add a fee of up to 10 cents to wine and liquor bottles, The San Francisco Chronicle reports. Newsom handily defeated the recall campaign, but the French Laundry misstep frustrated even his staunchest supporters. Guih But I think the fundamental factor that goes to your question and the reason why we are continuing to work with our local education partners is the vaccination rates in our schools are substantially lower than they are for adults. <> Masks will still be required in health care settings. The board voted unanimously in support of Supervisor Janice Hahn's motion, which will end the proclamation of a local emergency and the proclamation of a local health emergency on March 31. Think of it like an umbrella: If its raining, we use it; if not, we dont. But the evidence is shakier on whether mandating that people wear masks is an effective strategy. If you have a situation where more people are sick, feel sick, dont know what they have, potentially are going into work and exposing themselves to other people and probably should be on Paxlovid, but dont have access to it, thats all bad, Wachter said. There are no plans for additional health orders., Placer County: Placer County Public Health continues to align with the state's COVID safety measures and does not have COVID-related health orders that are more restrictive than the state's guidance. The governor, accused by conservatives of abusing his powers, noted that California is ending its state COVID emergency while Republican-led Texas is not. I am in favor of the mask mandate because it means that I will be able to spend time with my grandchild with far less apprehension about infecting him with the virus before he is old enough to get the vaccine. We are at a spot where we are comfortable, our rates are going down, our hospitalizations are going down," said Withrow. "I think it has limited our ability to serve the public," explained Board Chairman, Terry Withrow. As water restrictions take their toll on Southern California, tell us: Whats going on with your lawn? That distinction has led to a lot of disagreement about what California officials should do during yet another coronavirus wave. Health experts at the state, local and international level agree face masks are an important tool in reducing the spread of COVID-19, Olsen said. But for the time being, masks will still be required for schoolchildren, people who are unvaccinated and for high risk-areas like public transit, nursing homes and other congregate living facilities. Olsen said she realizes theres a difference of opinion about requiring face masks. The Delta variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which is significantly more transmissible than the original virus, has become the predominant strain in the US, in California, and in Stanislaus County. You mentioned local control. "That would be something like influenza. The union cited the standard public health advice that masking is one of the layers of. Additionally, last week, the gambling hub of Macao said people will not be required to wear mask outdoors but will still be required in elderly care homes, hospitals and public transit. The change wont make much of a difference in the daily lives of most Californians but could eventually affect the cost of and access to treatment and preventive services. Post sales jobs for free; apply online for / Medicare Sales Field Agent - San Joaquin/Stanislaus County CA job California, USA. So, what is an endemic and how do we get there? \kA%\J*" p :R\cAq|hyE.!wE]q6>2*SeHKgG2gU]FL8t"N8t Xa2vcrShIBvT2(J{5F%hegAmo (~~Da@Fc0HRHT;Sz-7;u:P`F>_yf6jbZ([uUHm|O*8L[#}4-(|U 949 QTG+@x Rk`61s %V`Z EY-)\wBQ,8b*~d37ucQ*f5dBsc%\MDZu {u \QcE&+ February 7, 2022 / 11:38 PM Full Time, Remote/Work from Home position. But the limits of her ability to translate rhetoric into concrete changeare beginning to show, Politico reports. Stanislaus County's local health order will remain in place, even if the board votes to remove the county's emergency order Tuesday. But other counties, especially those where vaccine rates are low, are seeing a greater rate of increase that could pressure hospital capacity. My workplace has required masks throughout the pandemic. It occurs every year at a regular level," explained UC Davis Health Infectious Disease Expert Dr. Dean Blumberg. Public File for KMAX-TV / Good Day Sacramento. Starting Wednesday, all California residents will be required to wear masks indoors in public places. It will help safeguard public health and also enable the countys public health officer to approve the reopening of more businesses and activities. However, after China dropped several of its stringent policies in December 2022 and Hong Kong followed suit, it led to a surge of cases not seen since March 2022, according to Our World in Data, which uses data from Johns Hopkins University. And similar to Newsom, Gov. "We feel like at this point we are there. CalPERS loss: The California Public Employees Retirement System announced its first annual investment loss since the Great Recession, reporting a preliminary drop of 6.1 percent for the fiscal year, The Sacramento Bee reports. San Joaquin County: On Feb. 15, San Joaquin County will go back to its previous indoor mask recommendation as detailed here. STANISLAUS COUNTY, Calif. Health officials in Stanislaus County are dropping their local face covering mandate that has been in place since September . Strategies would change from a pandemic approach to endemic approach. Critics also seized on the fact that Newsoms children were attending classes at a private school while millions of California public school children were forced into distance learning programs from home. UaNg8ZipZ[ty~* PYHPp;+PamYo_EvmUsF)N @ @N$0oqFcz7#NHHP:c-P.^P2X Let me give you a specific proofpoint were over 92% of 18 year olds plus receiving at least one dose were less than well less than 28% I believe, quote me. Free sales job search site: Medicare Sales Field Agent - San Joaquin/Stanislaus County CA job in California, USA. There is so much resistance to wearing a simple mask; it makes me very sad. Allison Hill, the chief executive of the American Booksellers Association, a trade organization for independent bookstores, told The New York Times that the bookstore resurgence is kind of shocking when you think about what dire straits the stores were in in 2020.. Suggestions may be selected). Moving away from requiring everybody to wear masks indoors is a first step toward living with COVID-19. There are no plans for additional health orders.Placer County: Placer County Public Health continues to align with the state's COVID safety measures and does not have COVID-related health orders that are more restrictive than the state's guidance. The county has a Public Health Immunization Clinic, at 401 Paradise Road in Modesto, open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. But it noted that thanks to the widespread availability of vaccines, therapeutics and other measures to combat virus spread and illness, "hospitalizations and deaths due to COVID-19 have dramatically reduced.". State health officials. Local hospitals are caring for about 80 patients infected with COVID-19, including 23 in intensive care. I want to see other people smile and understand what they say. Linda Ledgerwood, Walnut Creek, I realize that everyone is over the pandemic, nobody enjoys wearing a mask, but shouldnt we do what we can to protect ourselves and others? Dr. Sara Cody, the county's director of public health, said the county will lift its indoor mask mandate when COVID-19 hospitalizations in the jurisdiction are low and stable and the 7-day average of newly confirmed infection cases per day is at or below 550 for at least a week.Changing guidance for school coming? The county has delayed the opening of personal services like nail salons, tattoo shops and massage therapy until more is known about the recent spikes in coronavirus illness. California will end its COVID-19 state of emergency on Feb. 28. The resolution detailed: "As there is now a level of protection against severe COVID-19 in most county residents, diseasemanagement shifts from pandemic-related strategies to a new focus recognizing COVID-19 will likely reach endemic status in 2022 and join other common respiratory illnesses circulating in the community.". There's tremendous progress. And we have been working now for weeks With our education partners. The Associated Press contributed to this report. The state's mask mandate for everyone in indoor public spaces and workplaces is expiring on Feb. 15; the state's masking guidance will revert to the one in place prior to Dec. 15, requiring masking for unvaccinated individuals in indoor public settings and for everyone in settings like public transit.. California law requires health plans to cover the cost of COVID-19 therapeutics and vaccines and, until November, reimburse the cost of at-home tests. And in that endemic plan, I think we'll be able to answer many questions that a lot of you have about, What world are we living in? Gavin Newsoms administration released a statewide order that Californians wear a face covering to help prevent outbreaks of COVID-19 illness. Sheriff Jeff Dirkse and Modesto Police Chief Galen Carroll told The Modesto Bee that they have no plans to enforce it. Dec. 6. photo of shoppers, some wearing masks, some not, make their way along Santee Alley in Los Angeles. Masks Wear a mask to keep from spreading the virus to those who are vulnerable. Texas is one of seven states with an emergency declaration still in place. 3 0 obj Cases have been declining for weeks. Masks are required in: Healthcare settings Long-term care and adult senior care settings In other settings, masks may be recommended for people who are vulnerable. After previously resisting GOP pressure to end the emergency as conditions improved, Newsom now says California is finally ready to move forward. 4 0 obj One of the mandates set to be lifted is a requirement that people who are exposed to COVID-19 wear a mask for 10 days. Dec. 6. photo of shoppers, some wearing masks, some not, make their way along Santee Alley in Los Angeles. We have had cases of Covid within our work force, but not one case of workplace transmission. I think we're at 27.5% this morning in 5 to 11 year olds receiving um their vaccines. The emergency declaration also allowed Newsom to commandeer private property, including hospitals, medical labs, hotels and motels. I just think there was no winning. "So by the end of March, some of the health officer orders that were written here in L.A. County by Dr. (Muntu) Davis (the county health officer), would in fact need to be changed if they are going to continue, because some of them were done under an emergency declaration," Ferrer said. After years of mask mandates and COVID-19protocols, you might be wondering just how long this pandemic is going to last. "It is frustrating, but it will help keep our community safe," said Stanislaus County Public Health Services . Updated: 5:44 PM PST November 15, 2021. Gavin Newsom declared COVID-19 a public health emergency. Taryn Luna covers Gov. So I think in many ways those factors will be answered as we relates to putting out our detailed plan. We recommend our community members to wear face coverings and follow the other recommendations to stay protected.. 1 0 obj City News Service contributed to this report. The rise in transmission is occurring only a month after California's reopening and mask requirements were . Moving away from requiring everybody to wear masks indoors is a first step toward living with COVID-19. The other recommendations include washing hands regularly and safe distancing. (Enter less keywords for more results. The order goes into effect on Saturday, Sept. 4. / Good Day Sacramento. Bay Area Rapid Transit lifted its mandate, an indoor mask mandate to take effect later this month, my colleagues Tara Parker-Pope and Knvul Sheikh have explained, revive the psychedelic spirit for a new generation, a famous attraction thats not to be missed.