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.
Audit shows contact tracing in California failed to meet goals
A new audit says California did not meet its goal of hiring contact tracers during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Department of Public Health set a goal of 31,400 contact tracers statewide. But the state had 12,100 contact tracers in January when the virus was spreading rapidly. State Auditor Elaine Howle said that even if California had met its goal, it still would not have been enough. The goal was based on an assumption the state would average 5,000 new cases per day. But the state averaged 25,000 new cases per day from late November through December.
California to allow indoor gatherings as virus cases plummet
The California Department of Public Health announced the changes on Friday as the rate of people testing positive for the virus nears a record low. To attend, people will have to either be tested or show proof of full vaccination. How many people can attend events will depend on the level of restrictions in place at each county. The state divides counties into four tiers based on how widespread the virus is in those places. California Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly said the new rules are in part a result of vaccinations.
“Today’s update to the Blueprint for a Safer Economy is a result of the progress we are making both in vaccinations and in controlling the spread of COVID-19,” Dr. Ghaly, said. “By following public health guidelines such as wearing masks and getting vaccinated when eligible, we can resume additional activities as we take steps to reduce risk.”
Yolo County added big box stores as vaccination centers
In a tweet, Yolo County has announced the additions of Costco and Walmart as locations in the county where people can get their COVID-19 vaccines.
Latest coronavirus numbers in California
According to the latest figures from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), California has 3,573,074 confirmed coronavirus cases to date.
There have been 58,269 COVID-19 deaths since the start of the pandemic, with the state announcing 179 new deaths on Friday.
As of April 2, a total of 18,862,091 vaccine doses have been administered statewide.
California Congressman proposes bill to ban "COVID-19 passports"
A Northern California Congressman is pushing back against growing interesting in "COVID-19 passports."
Congressman Dog LaMalfa, R-Richvale, has introduced one of two bills that would "prohibit the use of “COVID Vaccine Passports.”
“It is unacceptable in this country that someone might be denied service because they are unable to receive a vaccine injection due to legitimate health reasons, availability, or simply because they choose not to receive one," LaMalfa said in a press release.
The bill that LaMalfa has introduced would prohibit air carriers and Amtrak from denying service "solely because such individual lacks COVID-19 related documentation."
Watch Gov. Newsom tour SoCal vaccination clinic
California lifts 120-mile travel advisory
On Thursday, the California Department of Public Health [CDPH] announced in its daily press release that the state has lifted its 120 mile travel advisory. The state previously asked residents to limit all non-essential travel to 120 miles from their doorstep.
"Postponing travel and staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19, and Californians should continue to avoid non-essential travel outside of California," the press release from the CDPH said.
Resources guide for California families
- San Joaquin County Help: A Resource Guide for Struggling Families and Individuals
- Yolo County Help: A Resource Guide for Struggling Families and Individuals
- Stanislaus County Help: A Resource Guide for Struggling Families and Individuals
- Sacramento County Help: A Resource Guide for Struggling Families and Individuals
- Where to find help in Placer County: A resource guide for struggling individuals and families
- Northern California Help: A resource guide for struggling Families and individuals
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