Moments ago, Governor Gavin Newsom shared that 66,800 COVID-19 tests have now been conducted in California. This is a jump of more than 39,000 from the number announced yesterday as a result of reporting protocols now feeding up into the state’s system with commercial labs and academic institutions. Test kits are also coming online with higher processing speeds.
Tens of thousands of tests are now waiting for results to be finalized. A full-time task force is vetting testing technologies.
As of 10:00am today, March 25, 2,535 individuals in California have tested positive. This is a 17 percent increase from the previous day. Of those testing positive, 53 lives have been lost.
Yesterday, Governor Newsom announced the death of a 17-year-old. Today he shared that 37 people under the age of 17 have tested positive. Of those testing positive, 51 percent have been 18-49 years old.
“These stay at home orders are real and we want to maintain our vigilance,” stated Governor Newsom. “We can bend the curve; we can defeat this virus, but we can’t defeat it unless we commit. Halfway is no way. With intention go outside; not to congregate.”
Governor Newsom warned Californians, “Don’t think for a second that we are a day or two away from lifting that order. We are not even a week or two (away).”
According to the Governor’s public health advisor, today we are looking at a doubling rate of every three to four days; previously the state had anticipated doubling every six to seven days. However, there are early signs that social distancing efforts are helping in certain pockets of the state. The surge that California anticipated in a week or two may be a little further out. Right now, the state believes the 50,000 additional hospital beds is where it needs to be for “Phase 1.”
Governor Newsom reiterated his mantra that, “It is decisions not conditions that determine our fate and future.” He also advised that, “We have to focus on economics by focusing on health first.”
Additional Topics Covered During the Briefing:
- Governor Newsom applauded congressional leaders for coming to a deal on the stimulus package. California will receive $10 billion. The state is translating the federal package “in real-time” into the state budget in granular form. Governor Newsom acknowledged, “Economic impacts to the budget were self-evident yesterday when I announced a baseline budget.”
- California just passed one million mark for unemployment insurance claims.
- 200 state-chartered banks and credit unions have committed to providing forbearance on foreclosures and mortgage payments for those who have been impacted by COVID-19. Four of the five largest banking institutions committed to 90 days forbearance, while Bank of America committed to 30 days. There will be no income requirements, but applicants will be required to show documentation that it is COVID-19-related.
- Seton Hospital is now ready, staffed, and functioning. St. Vincent in Los Angeles is working to come online. Advanced conversations are occurring with a number of other new hospitals.
- Santa Clara, Riverside, and San Mateo are working to convert large field medical centers. Eight in total are on the way and unpacking to produce 2,000 additional beds.
- Leadership of the USS Mercy are in-state and working out details with Los Angeles County in preparation for Friday’s arrival of the ship. There are up to 1,000 beds onboard the ship, but the number may come down in terms of useable beds.
- 2 million N-95 masks have already been distributed in the State of California and the state has now secured 100 million new N-95 masks. Governor Newsome stated, “For those healthcare workers that are demanding more and deserve more, I want them to know we will get them to them as quickly as we can.” Sir Richard Branson is bringing one million N-95 masks and 150,000 testing kits from China to Oakland on a 747.
- In excess of the 1,000 ventilators Elon Musk already delivered, he was able to go above and beyond to provide 225 more. Bloom Energy is also repurposing ventilators.
- Governor Newsom warned Californians to look out for phishing and cyber activity, including personal messages from strangers. The Governor cautioned, “Be careful before providing personal information and be thoughtful. There is a tsunami of people claiming extraordinary things.”
- The Governor shared that he has a team reviewing the legal parameters related to a potential moratorium on housing evictions. He stated, “To me it’s practice not promise. When I have clarity on those legal parameters, we will provide clarity and I will be direct with you on the answer. Hopefully within the next day or two we will have absolute clarity on next steps.”
- The Governor said that he would defer to the Los Angeles County Sheriff and other sheriffs to determine whether gun stores are essential business operations.
- The Governor has no information at this time as to whether signature gathering timelines for state and local propositions will be adjusted.
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