Covid Swamps L.A. County: Los Angeles County reported its largest single-day total of new coronavirus cases in months as the region races to wrap its arms around a new surge of the virus. Public health officials reported 2,551 new infections Wednesday — the highest since early March. Read more from the Los Angles Times and MediaNews.
Two Bay Area Oil Refineries Must Slash Air Pollution, Board Says: Local air regulators moved Wednesday to require two of California's largest oil refineries to significantly reduce the amount of pollution they spew into the air. The board that oversees the Bay Area Air Quality Management District voted 19 to 3 to force Chevron's Richmond refinery and the PBF Energy-owned refinery in Martinez to cut down on the particulate matter emitted by a key part of their plants. Read more from KQED.
Below, check out the roundup of California Healthline’s coverage. For today's national health news, read KHN's Morning Briefing.
More News From Across The State
Los Angeles Times:
California COVID Hospitalizations Surge Amid Delta Spread
A spate of new coronavirus infections is striking California’s healthcare system, pushing COVID-19 hospitalizations to levels not seen since early spring — lending new urgency to efforts to tamp down transmission as a growing number of counties urge residents to wear masks indoors. Statewide, the number of coronavirus patients in the hospital more than doubled in the last month, and the numbers have accelerated further in the last two weeks. (Money, 7/21)
Bay Area News Group:
Concern In California: Is More Action Needed As Delta Fuels COVID Surge?
Nobody wants a return to our pandemic past — especially when it comes to the color purple. But with the Delta variant steadily driving up COVID-19 rates across California, there is growing concern just a month after the state shed its color-coded restrictions on businesses, schools and social gatherings. And now, a Bay Area News Group analysis earlier this week of how rising COVID-19 rates would have vaulted a dozen counties — including Los Angeles, Alameda and Contra Costa — into the state’s now-extinct but most-restrictive purple tier is reigniting the debate: Is it time for public health officials to take action? (Woolfolk and Oh, 7/21)
Bay Area News Group:
In California, Is More Action Needed As Delta Fuels COVID Surge?
With the Delta variant steadily driving up COVID-19 rates across California, there is growing concern just a month after the state shed its color-coded restrictions on businesses, schools and social gatherings. And now, a Bay Area News Group analysis earlier this week of how rising COVID-19 rates would have vaulted a dozen counties — including Los Angeles, Alameda and Contra Costa — into the state’s now-extinct but most-restrictive purple tier is reigniting the debate: Is it time for public health officials to take action? (Woolfolk, 7/21)
San Francisco Chronicle:
Most Of The U.S. Is Back In COVID 'High Risk' Level. Here's Where California Stands
Two months ago, the COVID-19 situation was looking very encouraging in the U.S., with a steady vaccination rollout and low coronavirus case rates almost nationwide.At the end of May, according to nonprofit data website COVID Act. Now, nearly every state — including California — was in the second-lowest “medium risk” category, just one away from the lowest risk tier. (Hwang, 7/21)
San Francisco Chronicle:
Delta And Lambda Variants In California: What You Need To Know
The Bay Area has become an “emerging hot spot” as coronavirus cases and hospitalizations surge throughout the region and state, driven by the highly contagious delta variant. Meanwhile, the lambda version of the coronavirus has been attracting attention in the U.S. since the World Health Organization labeled it a “variant of interest” in June. While its progress in the U.S. has been slow and experts say it currently poses nowhere near the threat of delta, studies are under way to learn more. (Flores and Vainshtein, 7/22)
San Francisco Chronicle:
Delta Is The Most Infectious COVID Variant We've Seen. So, What Comes Next?
The delta variant has sprinted into pandemic prominence, now accounting for the largest share of coronavirus cases in California, the nation and worldwide, according to health officials. The reason for its dominance is straightforward: It’s the most infectious strain yet, experts say. And while vaccinations are proving highly effective at preventing severe illness and death from the variant, experts say their biggest worry is that delta won’t be the pandemic’s final threat. (Vainshtein, 7/21)
Southern California News:
UCLA Survey: 1 In 5 Ignore COVID Guidelines In California
More than one in five California adults said they never or only sometimes followed state COVID-19 health guidelines, according to new data from UCLA’s 2021 California Health Interview Survey. With state vaccination rates slowing and guidelines on mask wearing changing, the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research study sheds light on residents’ views on getting the vaccine and following suggested safety protocols. (7/21)
San Diego Union-Tribune:
COVID-19 Activity Jumps In San Diego County And Likely To Continue Rising
This summer is starting to look like last summer, at least where coronavirus is concerned. The county’s latest COVID-19 tracking report lists 521 new coronavirus cases Tuesday. That’s 138 more than the 385 new cases reported one year ago on July 20, 2020. After many weeks under 100 new cases per day, San Diego County has spent a week logging more than 400 new cases per day, according to the latest update from the county health department, with the local unadjusted case rate at 7.6 per 100,000, enough to put the region right back in the most-restrictive purple tier if the state’s reopening system had not been retired mid-June. (Sisson, 7/21)
The Santa Rosa Press Democrat:
Cases Of Delta Variant Of Coronavirus Increasing Rapidly In Sonoma County
Sonoma County public health officials said Wednesday genetic testing of selected COVID-19 samples has detected at least 115 cases of the highly transmissible delta variant, a big jump from the 68 infections reported less than two weeks ago. The finding mirrors a national trend in which the delta has now become the dominant coronavirus strain, said Dr. Sundari Mase, the county’s health officer. (Espinoza, 7/21)
The Bakersfield Californian:
Kern County Public Health Reports 169 New Coronavirus Cases Wednesday
Kern County Public Health Services reported 169 new coronavirus cases Wednesday, and no new deaths. That brings the county's confirmed case count since the pandemic began to 112,063, and the deaths to 1,416. Public Health reports that 40,887 people have recovered from the illness, and 68,507 people are presumed to have recovered. (7/21)
Orange County Register:
Coronavirus: Orange County Reported 290 New Cases And No New Deaths As Of July 21
The OC Health Care Agency reported 290 new cases of the coronavirus on Wednesday, July 21, increasing the cumulative total in the county to 259,9855 cases since tracking began. There have been 2,808 new infections reported in the last 14 days. (Goertzen, 7/21)
San Francisco Chronicle:
'You Can See The Storm Coming:' Here Are The Bay Area Restaurants And Bars Requiring Proof Of Vaccination
With coronavirus cases sharply rising in the Bay Area, more restaurants and bars are planning to require proof of vaccination to enter. Previously an action only taken by a few of the most cautious owners, the concept of only allowing vaccinated individuals inside businesses is gaining steam amid concerns about the rapidly spreading and more infectious delta variant. (Bitker, 7/21)
San Francisco Chronicle:
San Francisco Mulls Requiring Proof Of Vaccination At Businesses Like Bars And Restaurants
As the delta variant surges, conversations are swirling in San Francisco among businesses and in City Hall about whether officials can — or should — force people to show vaccine cards at businesses like bars, restaurants and retailers. It’s a massive question that could prompt a number of legal and logistical hurdles for the city. But, with the recent uptick in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, Mayor London Breed and two major businesses groups in the city said they’re exploring how they can prevent yet another shutdown. (Warerkar and Thadani, 7/21)
San Francisco Chronicle:
Bay Briefing: No Vaccine Card, No Entry At S.F. Restaurants?
As the delta variant surges, conversations are swirling in San Francisco about whether officials can — or should — force people to show vaccine cards at everyday establishments, like bars and restaurants. It’s a big move that would likely prompt legal and logistical questions. But, with the recent uptick in coronavirus cases and hospitalizations, Mayor London Breed and two major business groups said they’re exploring how they can be proactive and prevent yet another shutdown. (Hwang and Buchmann, 7/22)
Los Angeles Times:
Gold Medalist Calls Out Michael Andrew For Not Vaccinating
Two-time Olympic gold medalist Maya DiRado said in a Twitter thread that she is “disappointed” in Michael Andrew’s decision to swim in the Summer Games without being vaccinated against COVID-19. Andrew holds the top seed in the 200-meter individual medley, one of three events in which he is a medal contender during the swimming competition that starts Saturday. (Fenno, 7/21)
Vallejo Times Herald:
Despite Increase In COVID-19 Cases, Solano County Not Changing Stance On Masks
When many people think of the Fourth of July, they think of the colors red, white and blue. Thankfully, they won’t also be seeing purple. Despite the number of COVID-19 cases doubling since July 4, the Solano County Health Department said no rules are being changed yet on whether or not one should wear a mask for indoor events. This comes as a relief to some, as the county would be in the least restrictive purple tier if it was still following the old tier system used before the state reopened in early June. (Gase, 7/22)
Los Angeles Times:
Do I Need To Wear A Mask Indoors? California COVID Rules Vary
One-third of California counties are now urging even fully vaccinated people to wear masks indoors as coronavirus cases continue to rise across the state. In some areas, the renewed call for indoor face coverings applies to everyone. In at least one county, health officials say those who are especially vulnerable to COVID-19, or live with someone who is, should consider masking up. (Money and Lin II, 7/21)
Los Angeles Times:
Employees Enjoy New Leverage Over Employers Due To Pandemic
It was only five years ago that Taquasia Mason started her working career at a McDonald’s in Durham, N.C., grateful to find even a job that only paid the legal minimum of $7.25 an hour. But thanks to the pandemic, Mason’s prospects, and her leverage, have vastly improved. (Lee, 7/22)
Orange County Register:
Santa Ana Will Spend Federal Pandemic Money On Several Fronts, Including A Memorial For COVID-19 Victims
Santa Ana is spending $80 million on the first phase of a wide-ranging pandemic recovery plan that could boost the city’s economy by spreading federal money to residents, businesses and non-profits, and launch several long-term projects, such as new open space, expanded city libraries and Orange County’s first memorial to people who died from COVID-19. The plan approved late Tuesday, dubbed Revive Santa Ana, would send grocery gift cards to people who live in the hardest hit neighborhoods, create new programs for young children and upgrade some community centers. In addition, the city plans new recreation options, including a wintertime ice rink near the Civic Center that would double as a roller rink during warmer months. (Kopetman, 7/21)
Bay Area News Group:
How COVID Altered College Plans For Bay Area High Schoolers
According to a nationwide survey conducted by the nonprofit group America’s Promise Alliance, nearly 80% of high school students in the classes of 2021 and 2022 say the pandemic has affected their post-graduation plans. The effects may be especially pronounced, education experts speculated, for Bay Area seniors, who unlike students in other parts of the country, have spent most or all of their junior year online. The motivations for a change in plans are manifold, but family finances are at the top of many students’ minds, whether it’s parents who have lost income or students who have had to step up into leadership roles as family earners and caregivers. Students also say their mental health and educational achievement have taken a hit, making them less competitive for college or personally ready. (Selig, 7/21)
Modesto Bee:
How Stanislaus Schools Will Address Students’ Mental Health
Students across the country will return to school this fall carrying trauma from the COVID-19 pandemic, unrest from witnessing racial injustices, and health anxieties as the Delta variant spreads. Loneliness and isolation have contributed to a nationwide rise in anxiety and depression, especially among young people. The well-being of students and teachers will be a focus of local schools this year, said Christine Sisco, assistant superintendent of instructional support services at the Stanislaus County Office of Education. Districts across the county have used pandemic relief dollars to add clinicians and will train teachers to help students who are struggling. (Isaacman, 7/22)
Sacramento Bee:
PG&E To Bury Power Lines To Prevent California Wildfires
Pacific Gas and Electric Co. executives committed Wednesday to move 10,000 miles of the utility’s power lines underground, a daunting and expensive task for the embattled utility that’s just emerging from bankruptcy after it was held responsible for some of California’s most destructive wildfires in recent years. The announcement came at a press conference in Butte County, where a plume of smoke from the Dixie Fire could be seen in the distance. Just three days ago, PG&E told the Public Utilities Commission that its equipment might have sparked the fire. (Sabalow and Kasler, 7/21)
Bay Area News Group:
PG&E Will Place 10,000 Miles Of Electric Lines Underground
Pacific Gas & Electric, the state’s largest power company, said Wednesday that it plans to place 10,000 miles of power lines underground to reduce the possibility of sparking massive wildfires in Northern and Central California — but the utility provided no timeline for the project and limited details of how it would be paid for. The promise comes three days after the utility admitted that its equipment may have sparked the Dixie Fire burning across at least 85,000-acres in rugged Butte County in the same area where a PG&E transmission line caused the Camp Fire, which killed 85 people and destroyed the town of Paradise in 2018. (Kelliher and Avalos, 7/21)
Los Angeles Times:
Dixie Fire Burns 2 Structures As California Blazes Grow
One of the state’s largest wildfires has taken a turn toward destruction. The Dixie fire, burning in Butte and Plumas counties, has grown to 85,479 acres with 15% containment, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said Wednesday — and burned at least two structures. (Smith and Ormseth, 7/21)
San Francisco Chronicle:
Here's What The Air Quality Is Like In The West Coast Vs. The East Coast Right Now
Air quality across the East Coast remained relatively unhealthy Wednesday from smoke spewing from Western wildfires while much of the Bay Area had some of the best air quality in the country. Photos on social media showed a hazy sky over New York City on Wednesday morning where the air quality was considered “moderate,” according to the AirNow monitoring service. (Flores, 7/21)
San Francisco Chronicle:
Smoke From California's Wildfires Could Contain Dangerous Levels Of Toxic Metals, New Research Shows
As California’s fire season begins to cough up nasty, gray air — all too familiar over the past few years — scientists are learning that wildfire smoke may be a lot more harmful than previously thought, even for those living far from the flames. Several recent studies reveal new and elevated risks associated with smoke exposure, including lead poisoning, increased susceptibility to COVID-19 and more severe flare-ups of respiratory illnesses, like asthma. The findings come alongside research that’s in the works on the long-term effects of even brief bouts with smoke, which could include cancer and heart disease. (Alexander, 7/21)
The Bakersfield Californian:
Kern County Cooling Center Program Announces Changes
The Kern County Cooling Center Program will experience changes starting this Friday, July 23. Some of the changes are being made to make the program more effective, according to a news release from Kern County Aging and Adult Services. For instance, the Cooling Centers Daily Report for Saturday and Sunday will be released by 11 a.m. on Friday. The report for Monday will be released by 11 a.m. Sunday. (7/21)
Orange County Register:
Founder Of Irvine Bioscience Company Indicted In Alleged $3.5 Million Kickback Scheme
A former executive with a defunct Irvine based health sciences lab business faces federal charges alleging he paid physicians at least $3.5 million in kickbacks to induce them to order unnecessary genetic tests for Medicare and Medicaid recipients. Brian Javaade Meshkin, 45, of Ladera Ranch, who is the founder of Proove Biosciences Inc., was arraigned last week in U.S. District Court in San Diego on a multicount indictment that includes charges of conspiracy and making illegal payments. (Schwebke, 7/21)
San Diego Union-Tribune:
La Jolla Billionaire Donates $220M In Unusual Quest To Make People Healthier
On the eve of the Tokyo Olympics, a La Jolla billionaire couple is giving scientists $220 million to study the biology of elite athletes in hopes of gaining insights that will broadly help people live longer, healthier lives. The gift from Joe and Clara Tsai appears to be among the largest ever made for sports-related health and medical research and will benefit the Salk Institute in La Jolla, a world leader in basic biology, and UC San Diego, which specializes in turning discoveries into drugs and therapies. (Robbins, 7/21)
Sacramento Bee:
They Abuse Their Partners — And Commit 2 Of 3 Mass Shootings
Perpetrators of domestic abuse represent a tiny subset of U.S. gun owners but pose the greatest threat when it comes to mass shootings, according to gun violence researchers who studied cases over a six-year period from 2014 to 2019. This group is composed of people who have abused an intimate partner or who have a history of having done so, according to research from the Educational Fund to Stop Gun Violence published in the Injury Epidemiology journal. (Anderson, 7/21)
Bay Area News Group:
Predicted Pandemic Pet Crisis Mostly Sidestepped Bay Area
Rescue groups feared there might be a reckoning when California went into a COVID lock-down and people sought companionship by adopting pets. A day might come when people, who were no longer cooped up at home, might discover that adopting Fido might not have been the best decision. Here’s cause for cautious optimism: That day has yet to arrive. So far, people are keeping their pandemic pets. (Morris, 7/21)
Sacramento Bee:
Sacramento LGBTQ Center Hosts Variety Of Events For Pride
On June 22, the Sacramento LGBTQ center was able to officially open its door at a brand new location in south Sacramento. The newly named Marsha P. Johnson Center is located at 7752 Stockton Blvd. For its grand opening, the center promoted free HIV testing and provided COVID vaccines for visitors. (Pérez Aguilar, 7/22)
Sacramento Bee:
“Food Sovereignty’: Community Gardens, Urban Farms In Sacramento
During the pandemic, gardening and plant care exploded in popularity, as people cooped up at home looked to bring life into their apartments and backyards. It’s a trend that appears to not let up, with some seed sellers reporting ongoing demand. And in Sacramento, urban farmers and community advocates have dived head-first into encouraging families and residents to grow their own produce and share their successes — particularly those living in neighborhoods where food insecurity may be more prevalent. (Yoon-Hendricks, 7/22)