SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Gov. Gavin Newsom has had a summer of muddled messaging and bad news in the coronavirus fight.
The trend was crystallized last week by his delayed response to a data error that caused a backlog of nearly 300,000 virus test results. California's Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly said he became aware of the backlog on Monday, Aug. 3. Earlier this week, a top California health official says a technical glitch that caused a lag in collecting coronavirus test information has been fixed, but it could take up to 48 hours to get the data updated.
Newsom has also been criticized for his reversal on reopening the economy, delayed directions on the return to schools and problems with issuing unemployment checks. Newsom says the buck stops with him.
But his decisions in the crisis will help forge his legacy and so far, they are getting mixed reviews.
CORONAVIRUS CONTEXT
According to the CDC, coronavirus (COVID-19) is a family of viruses that is spreadable from person to person. If someone is sick with coronavirus, the symptoms they may show include mild to severe respiratory illness, cough, and difficulty breathing.
Currently, there is no vaccine. The CDC suggests the following precautions, along with any other respiratory illness:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Wash your hands with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds.
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