The Los Angeles Post

State Officials Announce Latest COVID-19 Facts

by · Published · Updated

SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) today announced the most recent statistics on COVID-19, including data on intensive care unit (ICU) capacity across the state. Based on ICU data, three regions, San Joaquin Valley, Southern California, and Greater Sacramento remain under the Regional Stay at Home Order.

Regions must remain under the order for at least three weeks and will be eligible to exit the order and return to the Blueprint for a Safer Economy only if ICU capacity projections for the following month are above or equal to 15%. The dates that regions will be eligible to exit follow:

  • San Joaquin: December 28
  • Southern California: December 28
  • Greater Sacramento: January 1

Under the terms of the order, when ICU capacity drops below 15% in a region, certain sectors must close by 11:59 p.m. the next day. In addition, several sectors in these regions, including restaurants, retail and shopping centers and hotels and lodging, will have additional modifications in addition to 100% masking and physical distancing requirements. Critical infrastructure, schools and non-urgent medical and dental care can remain open with appropriate infectious disease preventative measures. Details on sector closings or modifications can be found in the frequently asked questions.

Read the full Regional Stay Home Order and Supplement to the Order.

The state continues to support hospital systems and congregate care facilities across the state during as ICU capacity continues to drop. The state is providing staff assistance, personal protective gear, durable medical equipment and supplies, and infection prevention technical assistance. Yesterday, CDPH implemented a temporary waiver of nurse-to-patient ratios for intensive care units, step down units, emergency medical services and medical and surgical units. In addition, more than 300 additional medical staff has been deployed across the state, with more expected before the end of the month.

Current available ICU capacity by region:

  • Bay Area: 17.8%
  • Greater Sacramento Region: 14.8%
  • Northern California: 29.0%
  • San Joaquin Valley: 0.0%
  • Southern California: 2.7%

See region map.

Statewide COVID-19 Data:

  • California has 1,585,044 confirmed cases to date. Numbers may not represent true day-over-day change as reporting of test results can be delayed.

  • There were 33,278 newly recorded confirmed cases Sunday. Numbers do not represent true day-over-day change as these results include cases from prior to yesterday.

  • The 7-day positivity rate is 10.6% and the 14-day positivity rate is 10.5%.

  • There have been 27,552,039 tests conducted in California. This represents an increase of 356,452 over the prior 24-hour reporting period.

  • As case numbers continue to rise in California, the total number of individuals who will have serious outcomes will also increase. There have been 21,046 COVID-19 deaths since the start of the pandemic.