This week, the state has seen 77 percent of the state’s
population required to adjust to Governor Newsom’s sweeping
Regional Stay-at-Home Order and both houses of the Legislature
returning to Sacramento to open the 2021-2022 legislative
session. Besides swearing in Senator Toni Atkins as Senate
President pro Tempore and Anthony Rendon as Assembly Speaker,
members from both houses signaled their eagerness to re-engage
with the Governor on the COVID-19 crisis and the state budget.
The Administration released a stunning 7-day statewide
coronavirus positivity rate of 8.4 percent and a statewide ICU
capacity of only 9.9 percent as of December 10. By region, ICU
capacities are:
1.9 percent in the San Joaquin Valley.
7.7 percent in Southern California.
13.3 percent in Greater Sacramento.
17.8 percent in the Bay Area.
30.3 percent in Northern California.
Since the Regional Stay-At-Home order was issued, CDPH has been
busy fielding questions from counties seeking clarity among the
Regional Stay-at-Home Order, current guidance, and the Governor’s
statements. The Department released supplemental iterations of
the order to clarify requirements such as travel restrictions and
reverse initial restrictions to outdoor activities like the
closure of playgrounds. Future modifications and clarifying
communication is expected as a host of clarifying questions for
CDPH remain.
The state’s overall hospital system continues to stretch with an
unprecedented number of cases and key unions threatening to
strike due to overwork and lack of PPE. Among all this, CSAC
continues to engage with California Health and Human Services
Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly, the Governor’s Office, and other key
stakeholders to assist counties in coping with the surge. Despite
the current crisis, the CSAC has begun to strategize on county
COVID-19 advocacy over the short- and medium-term.
On the federal front, Congress appears to be edging closer to a
stimulus package that state and local governments, businesses,
and communities all need.
