Westside Story Newspaper – Online The News of The Empire – Sharing the Quest for Excellence
Governor Newsom: “It’s critical that we keep our immunity strong, not just for ourselves, but for our communities”
SACRAMENTO – As California marks the one-year anniversary of the first COVID-19 vaccine administered in the state, Governor Gavin Newsom today released his latest “On the Record” ethnic media column highlighting California’s nation-leading measures to slow the spread of the virus and the imperative to continue the state’s progress with lifesaving boosters and vaccinations as we head into the winter months.
California has put more shots in arms than any other state – administering more than 62.7 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine – with 86 percent of all eligible Californians having received at least one dose and more than 6 million adults have received a booster.
“California has led the nation’s fight against COVID-19 through robust vaccination efforts rooted in science and data. This has helped slow the spread of the virus and save countless lives, especially in our most vulnerable communities,” wrote Governor Newsom. “It’s critical that we keep our immunity strong, not just for ourselves, but for our communities…Californians have met every challenge with vigor and courage, and together, we will continue to lead the nation in the fight against COVID-19.”
Amid an uptick in transmission since Thanksgiving, Governor Newsom urged all eligible Californians to get vaccinated and receive their booster – the most impactful steps we can take to protect ourselves and slow the spread of the virus. Boosters have been approved for those 16 and up who received the Pfizer vaccine at least six months ago, those 18 and up who received the Moderna vaccine at least six months before and those 18 and over who got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least two months ago.
Over the last year, California has launched first-in-the-nation vaccine measures, including requiring that workers in health care settings be fully vaccinated, adding the COVID-19 vaccine to the list of vaccinations required to attend school in-person when fully authorized for applicable grade spans, and implementing a standard that all school staff and all state workers either show proof of full vaccination or be tested at least once per week.
Governor Newsom also highlighted the state’s partnerships with more than 130 faith-based and 700 community-based organizations, which have helped close vaccination equity gaps in hard-to-reach communities. These organizations have served as trusted messengers at the local level, providing direct appointment assistance, at-home vaccinations and transportation services and targeted community outreach to build confidence in vaccines and mobilize Californians to get vaccinated.
With COVID-19 case rates and hospitalizations increasing, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has issued updated guidance to curb the spread of COVID-19 and its variants. Beginning December 15, the state will require masks to be worn in all indoor public settings irrespective of vaccine status through January 15, 2022, at which point California will make further recommendations as needed in response to the pandemic. CDPH has also updated requirements for attending mega events and issued a new travel advisory, more information can be found here.
The COVID-19 vaccine and boosters are free for all Californians regardless of insurance and immigration status. Californians can visit MyTurn.ca.gov or call 1-833-422-4255 to make an appointment or find a walk-in clinic and learn more about eligibility.
