CALIFORNIA, USA — On Monday at noon, Governor Gavin Newsom gave a statewide COVID-19 update. You can watch the entire update here.
According to the California Department of Public Health, California now has 151,452 confirmed cases of COVID-19, resulting in 5,089 deaths. The number of COVID-related deaths increased by 0.5% from Saturday’s total of 5,063. The number of COVID-19 diagnostic test results in California reached a total of 2,868,182, an increase of 66,186 tests since Saturday. California’s hospitalizations due to COVID-19 increased by 11 from Saturday.
“Localism ultimately is determinative,” said Newsom, noting how populous of a state California is.
Newsom repeatedly asked Californians to wear face coverings, wash their hands, and socially distance in order to avoid a second wave of COVID-19.
“We are not using an on/off switch,” said Newsom. “We are using a dimmer switch based on data and science.”
Newsom said based on Monday’s data, he is optimistic about the capacity of the state’s healthcare system. However, data can change if people become complicit.
“ICU numbers are flat,” said Newsom.
Newsom said less than 28% of ICU beds for COVID-19 patients are being used.
California Health and Human Services Agency Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly said there are 13 counties in California that the state is monitoring with particular care. Ghaly said the goal is to test 150 people per 100,000 people. Ghaly also noted that communities of color in California often delay seeking medical care, so the state is brainstorming solutions to bring more testing and treatment resources to those communities sooner rather than later.
According to Newsom, 26 Californians died of COVID-19 on Sunday.
California has a goal to train 10,000 contact tracers by July 1. As of June 15, the state has trained or is in the process of training 7,000 people.
“We feel we’re in that frame,” said Newsom
Prior to the briefing, Newsom also praised the U.S. Supreme Court ruling affirming that employers cannot fire or take discriminatory actions against employees based on sexual orientation or gender preference.'
"Nobody should ever have to fear losing their job simply because of who they are or whom they love," Newsom said. "Today's Supreme Court decision rights this injustice and brings the country in line with what has long been California law, ensuring that LGBTQ persons across our nation enjoy core civil rights legal protection at work. While the fight for equality continues, this ruling is a significant victory for the LGBTQ community, civil rights and against discrimination."
