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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:	Contact: Governor's Press Office
Friday, October 1, 2021	(916) 445-4571

California Becomes First State in Nation to Announce COVID-19 Vaccine Requirements for Schools

After implementing first-in-the-nation school masking and staff vaccination measures, California becomes the first state to announce plans to require student vaccinations – adding the COVID-19 vaccine to list of vaccinations required for school, such as the vaccines for measles, mumps, and rubella

 

Students will be required to be vaccinated for in person learning starting the term following FDA full approval of the vaccine for their grade span (7-12 and K-6).

 

SAN FRANCISCO – At a school in San Francisco, Governor Newsom announced plans to add the COVID-19 vaccine to the list of vaccinations required to attend school in-person when the vaccine receives full approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for middle and high school grades, making California the first state in the nation to announce such a measure. Following the other first-in-the-nation school masking and staff vaccination measures, Governor Newsom announced the COVID-19 vaccine will be required for in-person school attendance—just like vaccines for measles, mumps, rubella and more.

 

“The state already requires that students are vaccinated against viruses that cause measles, mumps, and rubella – there’s no reason why we wouldn’t do the same for COVID-19. Today’s measure, just like our first-in-the-nation school masking and staff vaccination requirements, is about protecting our children and school staff, and keeping them in the classroom,” said Governor Newsom. “Vaccines work. It’s why California leads the country in preventing school closures and has the lowest case rates. We encourage other states to follow our lead to keep our kids safe and prevent the spread of COVID-19.”

 

Thanks to the state’s bold public health measures, California continues to maintain the lowest case rate in the entire country and is one of only two states to have advanced out of the CDC's 'high' COVID transmission category. More information about the announcement can be found here.

 

The vast majority of school districts have reported that over 95% of students have returned to in-person instruction this school year, as can be seen on the state’s Student Supports & In-Person Dashboard. Thanks to unprecedented resources and public health measures (measures shown to be highly effective), California is leading national trends in preventing school closures and keeping kids in classrooms, accounting for only 14 out of over 2,000 school closures nationwide, or roughly 0.7% – despite the fact that California educates an estimated 12% of the nation’s public school students. If California’s rates had aligned with national trends, the state would have seen upwards of 240 school closures.

 

In order to further protect students and staff and continue supporting a safe return to in-person instruction for all students, the Governor directed the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to follow the procedures established by the Legislature to add the COVID-19 vaccine to other vaccinations required for in-person school attendance—such as measles, mumps, and rubella—pursuant to the Health and Safety Code. COVID-19 vaccine requirements will be phased-in by grade span, which will also promote smoother implementation.

 

Upon full FDA approval of age groups within a grade span, CDPH will consider the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Academy of Family Physicians prior to implementing a requirement. Following existing statute, full approval of ages 12+ corresponds to grades 7-12, and full approval of ages 5-11 corresponds to grades K-6. Students who are under the age of full approval, but within the grade span, will be required to be vaccinated once they reach the age of full approval (with a reasonable period of time to receive both doses), consistent with existing procedures for other vaccines. The requirement will take effect at the start of the term following full approval of that grade span, to be defined as January 1st or July 1st, whichever comes first. Based on current information, the requirement is expected to apply to grades 7-12 starting on July 1, 2022. However, local health jurisdictions and local education agencies are encouraged to implement requirements ahead of a statewide requirement based on their local circumstances. 

 

Governor Newsom’s historic $123.9 billion Pre-K and K-12 education package is providing an unprecedented level of school and student funding to transform the state’s public schools into gateways of equity and opportunity, supporting the potential of every California student by: achieving universal transitional kindergarten for four-year-olds by 2025, expanding afterschool and summer programs, providing universal free school nutrition, increasing the number of well-prepared staff per pupil, creating full-service community schools to support the mental and social-emotional well-being of students, and more.

 

 

 

September 27, 2021

Ventura County Now Administering Pfizer Booster Shots to Eligible Residents
Eligible Ventura County residents can begin receiving their booster dose at any of the almost 200 sites offering the Pfizer vaccine

Ventura, CA - Following the Centers for Disease Control and the California Department of Public Health endorsements, eligible County of Ventura residents can begin receiving their booster doses at any sites offering the Pfizer vaccine. The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 booster vaccine is recommended six months or later following the primary vaccination series for certain individuals.

People previously vaccinated with Pfizer BioNTech who SHOULD receive a booster include:

• Age 65 years and older;
• Long term care residents; and
• Age 50 through 64 years with underlying medical conditions or at increased risk of social inequities (including communities of color and others at risk of inequities).

 

People who MAY CONSIDER receiving a booster based on their individual benefits and risks include:

• Age 18 through 49 years with underlying medical conditions; and
• Age 18 through 64 who are at increased risk of exposure to COVID-19 due to their occupation or institutional setting including healthcare workers, first responders, teachers and day care staff, grocery workers, farmworkers and workers in homeless shelters or prisons.

 

The CDC will soon release more specific definitions for underlying medical conditions and high-risk occupational or institutional settings. Residents who received Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines will need to wait until the FDA and CDC review the data and determines the need for and safety of boosters for these vaccines.

 

Eligible residents who completed their two-dose Pfizer vaccine series at least six months ago can make an appointment for their boosters by visiting MyTurn.ca.gov or by calling 833-422-4255. Vaccine locations can be filtered by type of vaccine by visiting www.vaccines.gov or calling 1-800-232-0233. Community members also encouraged to contact their medical provider, make an appointment at a pharmacy or clinic that offers Pfizer vaccinations, or find a Public Health clinic at www.vcrecovers.org. Whether by appointment or walk-in, residents are required to bring proof that they received two previous Pfizer doses, which can be in the form of the white vaccination card, a photo of the white card, or a digital record of the previous two doses. At some sites, residents may be asked to sign an attestation form indicating they meet the criteria to receive the Pfizer booster.

Boosters offer enhanced protection for those fully vaccinated with the Pfizer vaccine at least six months ago who are at increased risk of getting COVID-19 and/or experiencing severe illness from COVID. According to Ventura County Public Health Director Rigoberto Vargas, while eligible residents are encouraged to get their booster, “the focus remains on vaccinating those at greatest risk for getting infected, being hospitalized and dying from COVID: those that have not been fully vaccinated.” Those not yet vaccinated can also make an appointment to get vaccinated at MyTurn.ca.gov, by calling 833-422-4255. Residents can obtain a record of their vaccine record at https://myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov/.

The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging provides no cost transportation to vaccination sites for those in need of support and in-home vaccination for homebound individuals. Services can be requested by calling 805-477-7300.

Stay informed about COVID-19 at www.vcrecovers.org.

 

https://www.vcnewschannel.com/news/488-vc-pfizer-booster-shot

 

Ventura County Public Health has extended the indoor mask order, requiring all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, to wear face coverings when indoors in public settings, with limited exceptions. The order will continue to be in effect until October 19, 2021 or until it is extended, rescinded, superseded, or amended by the Health Officer. “Our current case rate of 19.3 is still considered high community transmission by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the California Department of Public Health,” said Public Health Officer Doctor Robert Levin. “We need to see a continued decrease in the case rate and hospitalizations before safely lifting indoor masking requirements to help prevent future surges.”

• Require all patrons to wear face coverings for all indoor settings, regardless of their vaccination status; and

• Post clearly visible and easy-to-read signage at all entry points for indoor settings to communicate the masking requirements to all patrons. Signage is provided by Ventura County Public Health at www.vcrecovers.org.

 

 

August 26, 2021

Expanded Golden State Stimulus, the Largest State Tax Rebate in American History, to Start Reaching Californians Tomorrow

Two out of every three Californians eligible for Golden State Stimulus payments, providing $12 billion in total relief

 

SACRAMENTO – Tomorrow, August 27, Californians will begin receiving the second round of Golden State Stimulus payments, the historic $12 billion state tax rebate program enacted by Governor Gavin Newsom to provide direct relief for Californians hit hardest by the pandemic and support the state’s economic recovery. 

 

The Golden State Stimulus program was a key element of the Governor’s Immediate Action package in January to offset the worst economic effects of the pandemic, allocating $4 billion for low-income Californians, which included undocumented households that file taxes with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) who were not eligible for the federal stimulus. In July, Governor Newsom expanded the program to include Californians making $75,000 or less. All told, the Golden State Stimulus package resulted in:

 

• First round: 1) $600 payment to taxpayers with a Social Security Number who qualified for CalEITC (making $30,000 or less); 2) $600 payment to qualified ITIN filers making $75,000 or less; 3) $1,200 payment to qualified ITIN filers who also qualified for CalEITC.
• Second round: 1) $600 payment to taxpayers with a Social Security Number making $75,000 or less who did not receive a first payment; 2) $1,000 payment to qualified ITIN filers making $75,000 or less and have one or more dependents.
• Additional payment for families with dependents: Qualified families who file with a Social Security Number with one or more dependents are eligible for an additional $500.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: August 19, 2021 Contact: Robert Sherman Assistant Executive Officer (805) 289-8514 VENTURA SUPERIOR COURT REINSTATES MANDATORY FACE MASK REQUIREMENT FOR ALL PERSONS Beginning Monday, August 23, 2021, all persons entering any courthouse – regardless of vaccination status – will be required to wear a face mask over both the nose and mouth while in any public area of the courthouse, including courtrooms. Children under the age of two are exempt. This requirement is governed by Administrative Order 21.16 issued by Presiding Judge Bruce A. Young after consultation with Ventura County Public Health Officer Dr. Robert Levin. The order is not intended to apply to the internal offices of the District Attorney or Public Defender. Individuals who have a medical condition, mental health condition or disability, may apply for an exemption as an ADA accommodation under the American with Disabilities Act and California Rules of Court, rule 1.100. Individuals who decline or refuse to wear a face mask without a court order exempting them for the mask requirement will be denied entry to the courthouse. Individuals who remove their face masks after entering the courthouse or courtroom will be reminded to wear them. If they refuse, they may be denied services, have their legal matters rescheduled, and/or be asked to leave the courthouse or courtroom immediately. Persons who refuse to leave voluntarily will be escorted out of the courthouse by Sheriff’s Department personnel. Administrative Order 21.16 can be found on the Ventura Superior Court website at ventura.courts.ca.gov. 

Vaccine Incentive Program Ventura County Public Health is now offering incentives for County residents vaccinated at Public Health operated clinics in north and south Oxnard and mobile community clinics. View a list of the sites at www.vcrecovers.org/vaccine Incentives include $25 gift cards to Vons and Albertsons grocery stores   Residents are eligible if they: Get a first or second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. (Boosters not eligible) Live in Ventura County Are age 12 or older The incentives will be distributed by Ventura County Public Health staff at vaccination sites. Available until supplies last. *Community members qualified to receive a third dose booster are not eligible for the incentive. For more information visit www.vcrecovers.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wednesday, August 11, 2021	(916) 445-4571

California Implements First-in-the-Nation Measure to Encourage Teachers and School Staff to Get Vaccinated

California continues to lead the nation in implementing vaccination strategies and measures to stop the spread of COVID-19

 

SACRAMENTO – In order to best protect students and staff as California starts the school year fully in-person, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) today issued a new public health order requiring all school staff to either show proof of full vaccination or be tested at least once per week.

 

“To give parents confidence that their children are safe as schools return to full, in-person learning, we are urging all school staff to get vaccinated. Vaccinations are how we will end this pandemic,” said Governor Newsom. “As a father, I look forward to the start of the school year and seeing all California kids back in the classroom.” 

 

The new policy for school staff will take effect August 12, 2021, and schools must be in full compliance by October 15, 2021. Robust and free testing resources are available to K-12 schools through the CA K-12 schools testing program. 

 

“There’s no substitute for in-person instruction, and California will continue to lead the nation in keeping students and staff safe while ensuring fully open classrooms,” said Dr. Tomás J. Aragón, CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer. “Today’s order will help the state’s continued efforts to increase vaccinations, similar to the orders encouraging state and health care workers and businesses to get vaccinated.”

 

In recent weeks, California has led the nation in implementing measures to slow the spread of COVID-19, including: 

 

• Vaccine verification for state workers. Requires all state workers to either show proof of full vaccination or be tested at least once per week, and encourages local governments and other employers to adopt a similar protocol. Following California’s announcement, some of the largest California businesses and local governments followed suit, as did the federal government.
• Vaccinations for health care workers. Requires workers in health care settings to be fully vaccinated or receive their second dose by September 30, 2021.
• Universal masking in K-12 settings. Aligned with guidance from the CDC and American Academy of Pediatrics, California was the first state to implement universal masking in school settings to keep students and staff safe while optimizing fully in-person instruction.
• Medi-Cal vaccination incentives. $350 million in incentive payments to help close the vaccination gap between Medi-Cal beneficiaries and Californians as a whole, significantly stepping up outreach in underserved communities.  
• Statewide mask recommendation. In response to the spike in COVID-19 hospitalizations and new CDC guidance calling for masking, the state recommended mask use for indoor public settings regardless of vaccination status.

 

As of last week, California administered 335,009 new first doses, a 24 percent increase compared to the previous two weeks. This is a 62 percent increase compared to the week of July 5- July 11. Today’s policy will help keep staff and students safe while encouraging additional vaccinations.

 

“Educators want to be in classrooms with their students, and the best way to make sure that happens is for everyone who is medically eligible to be vaccinated, with robust testing and multi-tiered safety measures,” said California Teachers Association President E. Toby Boyd. “Today’s announcement is an appropriate next step to ensure the safety of our school communities and to protect our youngest learners under 12 who are not yet vaccine eligible from this highly contagious Delta variant.”

 

“Worker-led school safety protocols have created the model for safe school reopening, and many school workers have already created similar agreements,” said SEIU Local 99 Executive Director and SEIU California Executive Board Member Max Arias. “Workers and employers sitting down at the bargaining table is the most effective way to create and implement vaccine policies for the benefit of the entire school community.” 

 

“We want to do everything possible to protect our most vulnerable children and ensure that all children can return to school as safely as possible,” said California State PTA President Carol Green. “We stand by our position that educators are essential workers and support the safe opening of schools to in person instruction.”

 

“Combining this policy with mitigation measures like masking, hand washing, and good ventilation will ensure we are doing everything possible to keep schools safe for in-person learning. We applaud the Governor’s efforts to provide a framework that works toward this goal,” said California Federation of Teachers President Jeff Freitas.

 

“While we hope that all employees will ultimately decide to be vaccinated, we look forward to working with the Governor’s administration on the necessary staffing and operations support required to conduct employee COVID testing in our schools,” said Association of California School Administrators President Charlie Hoffman.

 

“A vaccine requirement for education staff, as announced by Governor Newsom, is a necessary step, one that aligns with the science, and public health recommendations to create the safest environment possible as we reopen our campuses,” said California County Superintendents Educational Services Association President and Alameda County Superintendent of Schools L.K. Monroe.

 

“CCSA supports the orders by the California Department of Public Health to mitigate transmission and ensure a safe return to in-person learning,” ​​said California Charter Schools Association President and CEO Myrna Castrejón.  “We urge all educators and school staff to get vaccinated to keep yourselves and students safe.”

 

Despite California leading the nation in vaccinations, with more than 46 million doses administered and over 77 percent of those eligible having received at least one dose, the state is seeing increasing numbers of people who refused to get the vaccine being admitted to the ICU and dying. This increase is heavily due to the Delta variant.

 

California remains committed to increasing vaccination rates and urges businesses and local communities to encourage vaccination.

 

COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective and free. Unvaccinated Californians age 12 and up can go to myturn.ca.gov or call (833) 422-4255 to schedule an appointment or go to myturn.ca.gov/clinic to find a walk-in clinic in their county.

 

 

Ventura County Public Health Issues Health Advisory Urging Vaccinations and Masking Indoors  Click here to read the Public Health Advisory. Due to the current surge, Ventura County Public Health (VCPH) is urging all Ventura County residents that are eligible but have not yet been fully vaccinated to get vaccinated as soon as possible. In alignment with state and federal health authorities, VCPH officials also continue to strongly recommend mask wearing indoors in public places regardless of vaccination status. While Ventura County continues to be aligned with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance on masking, which recommends that everyone regardless of vaccination status wear masks indoors, and that requires those that are not fully vaccinated to mask indoors, officials are closely monitoring the current surge in case additional mitigation measures are needed. COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are rising due to the increased circulation of the highly transmissible Delta variant. The latest local case rate has reached 17.0 cases per 100,000 residents and a positivity rate of 6.3%. With these metrics, Ventura County would be in the purple tier in the now retired color tiered framework. “We are seeing an increase in cases at this stage in the pandemic as the Delta variant spreads but this time it is different. The vaccines have been effective in keeping our hospitalizations and deaths far lower than previous surges,” said County of Ventura Health Officer Doctor Robert Levin. “We call on all individuals and businesses to follow this health advisory to mask indoors, while we also continue to focus on increasing our vaccination rates to reach herd immunity levels.” Vaccines remain the most powerful tool against COVID-19 and its variants, including the Delta variant. Nonetheless, the Delta variant is infecting a small percentage of vaccinated people in Ventura County but such vaccinated people remain strongly protected against severe illness, hospitalization, and death. State data reported on August 4, 2021 shows that there have been 688 total cases among fully vaccinated people, a “breakthrough” or infection rate of 0.14%. The demographics of those contracting the virus and getting hospitalized has shifted. Cases in the past month have trended younger with persons 18-29 years of age making up the majority of cases. It is important for all eligible people to get vaccinated especially as school resumes in person and youth under 12 years of age are not eligible to receive the vaccines. “The end of this pandemic is in sight. The more immunity we can get in the population, the more we can keep down the levels of the disease that once led to closures. It is important for people who are eligible to get vaccinated as soon as possible to get ahead of the variants and reduce the transmission of the virus,” said Public Health Director Rigoberto Vargas. “More than 475,000 residents that have taken action to protect themselves and their loved ones by getting fully vaccinated. We urge the approximate 250,000 eligible persons in Ventura County who remain unvaccinated to get vaccinated now. It is strongly recommended that until we get past the current surge by increasing our vaccination rates, both vaccinated and unvaccinated people wear masks indoors in public places to help protect yourself, others, and those who are not able to get vaccinated yet.” Mask wearing prevents transmission of the virus especially to those most at risk and people who cannot get vaccinated yet for eligibility and other health reasons. People are strongly recommended to wear masks indoors in settings like grocery or retail stores, theaters, and family entertainment centers, even if they are fully vaccinated as an added layer of protection for both themselves and unvaccinated residents. Businesses are asked to expect masking for customers entering indoor areas of their businesses to provide better protection to their employees and customers. Workplaces must comply with Cal/OSHA requirements and fully vaccinated employees are encouraged to wear masks indoors even though no longer required for fully vaccinated employees by the Cal/OSHA COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standards. For masks to work properly, they need to completely cover your nose and mouth and fit snugly against the sides of your face and around your nose. People with only one vaccine dose of Pfizer or Moderna are not fully protected. Completion of the vaccine series is necessary to provide full protection. People are considered fully vaccinated 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Public Health continues to monitor transmission rates, hospitalizations, deaths and increasing vaccination rates throughout the County and will reevaluate the recommendation as needed in the coming weeks. COVID-19 data can be monitored at www.vcrecovers.org. COVID-19 vaccines are free for all community members 12 or older. Vaccination locations can be found at www.vaccines.gov or by calling 800-232-0233. Appointments can be made at MyTurn.CA.gov or by calling 833-422-4255. Visit www.vcrecovers.org for more information. View the press release at https://www.vcnewschannel.com/

 

August 4, 2021

 

• Fully vaccinated: 474,932
• Total cases among vaccinated individuals: 688
• Rate of infection among fully vaccinated: 0.14% (688/474,932)
• Total hospitalizations among fully vaccinated: 35
• Hospitalization rate: 0.007% (35/477,932)
• Total deaths among fully vaccinated: 3. All individuals were over the age of 65 and had comorbidities.

 

• Get vaccinated
• Wear a mask in indoor public settings
• Motivate an unvaccinated loved one to get vaccinated

• No appointment is needed at County clinics. View the clinic schedule at www.vcrecovers.org/vaccine
• Want to plan ahead? Schedule an appointment at MyTurn.ca.gov or call 833-422-4255.
• Visit www.vaccines.gov or call 1-800-232-0233 to find additional vaccine locations including pharmacies and other health care

 

County of Ventura

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:	Contact: Governor's Press Office
Friday, June 25, 2021	(916) 445-4571

Governor Newsom, Legislative Leaders Announce Eviction Moratorium Extension, Increased Compensation for Rent Relief 

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders of both the Senate and the Assembly today announced a proposed extension of California’s statewide evictions moratorium, and an increase in compensation for California’s rent relief program.

 

The three-party agreement on AB 832 – which extends the current eviction moratorium through September 30, 2021 – will ensure that California quickly uses the more than $5 billion in federal rental assistance to help the state’s tenants and small landlords and protect vulnerable households from eviction. The agreement widens rental assistance by enhancing current law. Provisions include increasing reimbursement to 100 percent for both rent that is past due and prospective payments for both tenants and landlords. Additionally, the bill ensures rental assistance dollars stay in California by prioritizing cities and counties with unmet needs, and uses the judicial process to ensure tenants and landlords have attempted to obtain rental assistance.

 

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• Get vaccinated to protect yourself from COVID-19. Anyone ages 12 and older can get vaccinated for free in Ventura County. No appointment is needed. To find a vaccine site, visit: www.venturacountyrecovers.org/vaccine-information/
• Get tested if you suspect you have been in contact with an infected person or have symptoms. Find information about COVID-19 testing here: www.venturacountyrecovers.org/coronavirus-testing/