x
Breaking News
More () »

'A public health disaster' is how a new report describes state's handling of virus and inmates | COVID-19 updates for Northern California

The state's inspector general also noted in the report that the transfer was "deeply flawed, risking the health and lives of thousands."

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — ABC10 is following the latest coronavirus statistics and vaccine news for the Sacramento region and the state of California. 

This blog will be updated throughout the day with the latest COVID-19 news. Click HERE to learn when and where you can sign-up to get the coronavirus vaccine near you.

State releases latest COVID-19 statistics 

On Monday, the state of California announced a state total of 3,258,706 COVID-19 cases. There were also 211 deaths reported on Monday, bringing the state's death total to 40,908. As of Monday, 3,523,111 vaccine doses have been administered statewide. 

Report released on California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation's response to pandemic

California officials’ misguided attempts to protect inmates from the coronavirus at the California Institution for Men “caused a public health disaster” after "medically vulnerable inmate" were transferred to San Quentin State Prison, the state inspector general said Monday in laying out more details of the catastrophe that led to hundreds becoming ill.

Outdated tests failed to detect that some of the transferred inmates were already infected, and two of them later died. 

Corrections officials reiterated Monday that they had the best intentions. The report says the transfer of those inmates from the California Institution for Men east of Los Angeles to San Quentin State Prison north of San Francisco at the end of May led to the deaths of 28 inmates and a correctional officer there, while infecting 75% of inmates.

Dignity Health plans vaccine clinics in Sacramento

As California tries to meet the demand for vaccines, Dignity Health Sacramento announced they would be hosting a series of vaccine clinics.

"We are committed to being a partner to local health agencies to safely vaccinate all those in our community that are eligible and would like to receive it," Dignity Health said in a statement, adding that updates would be posted to their social media pages and website. 

Sacramento Libraries reopening

Twenty one Sacramento Public Library locations are set to reopen on Tuesday, Feb. 9, following an extended closure to the public. Curbside service will continue at all 26 library locations. 

Locations include:

  • Arcade
  • Arden-Dimick
  • Belle Cooledge
  • Carmichael
  • Colonial Heights
  • Del Paso Heights
  • Elk Grove
  • Fair Oaks
  • Galt-Marian O. Lawrence
  • Isleton
  • Martin Luther King Jr.
  • Nonie Wetzel Courtland
  • North Highlands-Antelope
  • Rancho Cordova
  • Rio Linda
  • Robbie Waters Pocket-Greenhaven
  • Southgate
  • South Natomas
  • Sylvan Oaks
  • Valley Hi – North Laguna
  • Walnut Grove

Sutter Health opens pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinics

Three new coronavirus vaccination pop-up locations have opened throughout the Sacramento region, courtesy of Sutter Health.

The vaccination clinics are located in Sacramento, Roseville, and Modesto and are prioritizing vaccinating those 75 years old and older and health care workers. The Roseville and Sacramento locations include 15 vaccination stations, with more stations available to use once more resources become available. 

All three location will have the capacity to vaccinate more than 2,000 patients per day. 

In order to register, patients will need to make an appointment through Sutter’s online patient portal or through a dedicated hotline. They can schedule on the My Health Online app or by calling 844-987-6115.

California has reported another 481 coronavirus deaths, a day after the statewide death toll topped 40,000 even as the rates of new infections and hospitalizations continue to fall. The state said Sunday that the number of people in the hospital with COVID-19 slipped below 14,850 — a drop of more than 25% in two weeks. The 18,974 new cases are about one-third the mid-December peak of 54,000. 

Watch more:

2,500 vaccine doses given to veterans at San Joaquin clinic

Before You Leave, Check This Out