Gov. Gavin Newsom delivered an update on California's response to the coronavirus, as well as acknowledging today's 5.8 earthquake in Central California. He recommended that people download the state's MyShake app so they can get an early warning of earthquakes in their area.
You can watch the full press conference above or read more highlights below.
CONSEQUENCES FOR COUNTIES NOT ENFORCING RESTRICTIONS
The governor said there will be consequences for counties that flaunt the rules they've agreed to with the state in order to reopen their businesses. There is $2.5 billion in the state's new budget that won't go to those counties, Newsom said.
"If they decide, 'You know what? Even though the numbers are going up, we're done. We've got this, and we're just going to dismiss these new rules and regulations,' we're going to attach some considerations and consequences to that," he said.
Newsom said he doesn't expect counties to dismiss the rules. Still, he said the state funding will be evaluated on a monthly rather than annual basis.
LATEST CORONAVIRUS NUMBERS: RECORD CASES, RISING POSITIVITY RATE
Particular concern remains in 11 counties — including L.A. County, due to the size, scope and scale of the disease here, Newsom said.
Case numbers are rising, from 4,230 positive tests Sunday, to 5,019 Monday, to 7,149 Tuesday. Newsom said more tests lead to more positives, which means that number can be misleading.
The number Newsom recommended watching is the percentage of people whose tests come back positive. That rolling two-week average is currently up to 5.1% for the state — and up to 5.6% over the past week. The peak in the early days of COVID-19 testing was 40.8%, but it was down to 4.6% two weeks ago and has dipped even lower, Newsom noted.
COVID-19 hospitalizations are also increasing — there's been a 29% increase in hospitalizations over the past two weeks, from 3,177 hospitalizations to 4,095 yesterday. Currently 8% of the state's hospital beds are in use for coronavirus patients.
The number of COVID-19 patients ending up in the ICU is also rising. It's up 18% in the past two weeks, from 1,073 to 1,268 in that timespan. About 30% of the state's capacity is being used, Newsom said. There are currently 4,034 ICU beds available, and 11,529 ventilators.
There were 52 deaths in the last 24 hours, and 65 people died in the prior reporting period, Newsom said.
FIGHTING RISING NUMBERS WITH BETTER HABITS
Newsom called for Californians to improve our physical and social distancing habits due to a rise in California's coronavirus numbers. He stressed the importance of practicing physical distancing, whether it be during kids' playdates or events with family and friends.
"It is our behaviors that are leading to these numbers, and we are putting people's lives at risk," Newsom said.
Newsom noted that more young people are being affected by COVID-19 and that they can spread the virus to those who can't handle it, such as the elderly and those with preexisting conditions — including fellow young people.
"There is a sense that a lot of young people are — well, they're young, so you feel a little bit more invincible. But respectfully, often that can be a selfish mindset," Newsom said.
The governor stressed the need to practice physical distancing as people start to do things like invite family or friends over.
"When you're having a barbecue, and you want to say, 'You know what? I miss ya,' to your neighbors, your friends, not just your family members. And you invite them over, and you say 'All right, we're going to do our best to practice physical distancing.' And all of a sudden, two cousins see each other, and they run and hug, and you say 'Boys, you've got to practice social distancing.' And they then run away with the soccer ball, and all of a sudden, you're back having a conversation," Newsom said.
The governor noted the ongoing protests against racism and police brutality. If you're in one of those crowds, he said, wear a mask. And if you're 65 or older, or you have underlying health conditions, you should stay home.
"Look at these numbers, and ask yourself, do you feel safer going out today than you did a few months ago, based upon an unprecedented number of people now that are working around with this virus, and the likelihood so many of them are asymptomatic, and are within just a few feet of where you are?" Newsom said.
Besides stressing the importance of wearing a face covering, the governor emphasized the need for thorough hand washing, including under the fingernails.
When not at home, Californians should minimize their time indoors with multiple people, Newsom said, and move as many activities as they can outdoors. He also advised against going into crowds — for those who do, he underlined the need to wear a mask.
The governor said we're still in the first wave of the pandemic. He said we will get through this and there will be a vaccine, and we will be able to get back to the way things were — though there will be modifications so that something like this doesn't happen again.
Newsom also addressed death threats that local health officials have faced, offering an apology and thanks to health directors who have been threatened, including those who've had to quit their jobs over those threats.
"There's no nobility in [threats]. You're not a bigger person because you threaten someone else — you're a weaker person," Newsom said.
Our news is free on LAist. To make sure you get our coverage: Sign up for our daily coronavirus newsletter. To support our nonprofit public service journalism: Donate now.
Mcbeaban on June 25th, 2020 at 12:21 UTC »
Where I work, we trialled a “mental health unit” where a policeman rides around with a mental health professional. They can get requested to help out crews who find someone wiht mental health concerns and sometimes even are first response to nonviolent mental health calls. It’s a really good initiative
SysAdminIGuess on June 25th, 2020 at 11:15 UTC »
Not trying to start an argument but serious questions with all this defund the police stuff:
Has anyone notified these social workers and whoever else will be responsible for responding to these 911 calls? Are they in support of this? Are they allowed to have a firearm if they are a CCW holder? Do they want to respond to these calls? I get what the approach of defund the police is but are all these social workers on board?
Trygolds on June 25th, 2020 at 08:47 UTC »
I had a friend that was once an EMT and they would often arrive on a scene before the police and had to deal with unruly people when they showed up. no point just an observation.