3/17/20

Governor Gavin Newsom  provided another update on COVID-19 via a press conference at 4:30 PM.  He spoke for about 40 minutes and then opened it up for questions. The press conference concluded at 5:45 PM.  Again, the Governor provided an overview on actions the state has taken in an effort to slow the spread of the virus.  He stressed the fluidity of the situation, that everything is being accessed in real time, and that the state will "reserve the right to go further" in pushing public health directives if needed as he updates efforts on COVID-19.

Newsom announced that he signed the emergency legislation passed yesterday by the Legislature to provide up to $1 billion in funding to help California fight the virus.  At the press conference, he thanked the Legislature for acting so quickly.  

Governor Newsom’s office also put out a release regarding California asking for a federal 1135 waiver to provide care to 13 million Medi-Cal recipients and expand tele-health options.  Here is a link to the federal request:  https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/Documents/COVID-19/CA-1135-Waiver-COVID-19-031620.pdf.

Additionally, Newsom mentioned that the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) asked California law enforcement to exercise discretion for 60 days in their enforcement of driver license and vehicle registration expiration dates beginning March 16, 2020.  More information related to DMV request: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/pubs/newsrel/2020/2020_12.

Nearly 99 percent of schools have closed, though the Governor has not issued a state mandate to do so.   In terms of schools, Newsom said it is more than likely many will remain closed until summer.

Newsom has also placed the National Guard personnel on alert to support COVID-19 community readiness.  See here: https://twitter.com/CalGuard/status/1240072892848549888.

The California Department of Public Health released the most recent statistics on COVID-19.  California now has 472 confirmed cases – 17 percent increase from yesterday.  Here is the link to the most recent figures: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/OPA/Pages/NR20-025.aspx.

Also here is a link to CDPH available Guidance Documents: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Guidance.aspx.

Thanks,

Naomi Padron

Legislative Advocate

McHugh Koepke & Associates

1121 L Street, Suite 103

Sacramento, CA 95814

(916) 930-1993

www.mchughgr.com