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California releases health guidelines for most counties to reopen economies sooner

Most California counties are currently on track to meet the newly released qualifications.

NAPA, Calif. — On Monday at noon, Governor Gavin Newsom gave an update on COVID-19 in California.

Newsom announced that many California counties have the health data and plans necessary to further reopen their economies if their local health leaders so choose. Newsom estimated that currently, 53 of 58 counties statewide meet the qualifications, but stressed that the number is “fluid” based on the virus and incoming data. 

“One size does not fit all. None of us are naive about that,” said Newsom. 

Newsom said “meaningful modifications” could come soon if local data supports it, including in-store retail shopping, sporting events with modifications and no audiences, and even haircuts in the beginning of June. 

Counties will need to show no more than 25 new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people in the last two weeks, or less than 8% testing positive in the past seven days, as well as increased testing. There are free COVID-19 testing sites across the state.

The biggest driver for more local control is data. Dr. Mark Ghaly said hospitalizations countywide should be no greater than a five percent increase in the past week on average. Alternatively, smaller counties can show that no more than 20 people have been hospitalized with COVID-19 over the last 14 days. 

Counties should also aim for 15 tracers per 100,000 people and to test 1.5 people per 1,000 people per day.  Counties must also have detailed plans and PPE to protect essential workers, like grocery store and transportation workers.

Newsom thanked local and faith-based leaders.

“We are encouraged by the progress and the only thing that will set is us back is if we move too quickly,” said Newsom. 

The state wants to focus on skilled nursing homes, which have been devastated by COVID-19. Skilled nursing facilities (SNF) must have more than a 14-day supply of PPE on hand for staff, with an established process for ongoing procurement from non-state supply chains.  

Newsom said 41 Californians have died of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours.

“We cannot impress upon folks  more that this disease has not gone away,” said Newsom. 

If a county decides to pursue a variance to move further into Stage 2, the local public health officer must:

1). Notify the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).

2). Certify through submission of a written attestation to CDPH that the county has met the readiness criteria , including guidance to be issued by the county and detailed plans, and that the county is designed to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

San Diego County will give an update to its progress with COVID-19 at 2:30 p.m. on Monday. 

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Governor Newsom discusses California's COVID-19 latest numbers and reopening plans - May 18, 2020

Posted by CBS 8 - San Diego News on Monday, May 18, 2020

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