Good morning, North State. Here's what you need to know to start your day on Dec. 29.
ICU capacity improves, some businesses prepare to reopen
The Greater Sacramento Region has a chance to see the stay-at-home order lifted. The Greater Sacramento Region, which includes Butte County, reached over 16% ICU availability on Monday. That's just over the 15% threshold. This means there is a chance the order could be lifted as soon as Friday.
Lockdowns likely to be extended as California hospitals fill
However, the same cannot be said for areas in Southern California. Gov. Gavin Newsom started the week by saying he expects the state to extend the stay-at-home order in the San Joaquin Valley and Southern California regions. The stay-at-home order for those areas would have been eligible to expire as early as Monday. But both regions are now operating at 0% of ICU capacity.
CVS, Walgreens vaccinating patients in California long-term care facilities
Both CVS and Walgreens are slated to begin COVID-19 vaccinations at long term care facilities. Health representatives from CVS say they will be able to provide shots from the Pfizer vaccine for nearly 500 skilled nursing facilities. That is phase one, eventually, CVS wants to immunize close to 700,000 residents and staff in long-term care facilities, across our state.
FDA says Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine vials may hold extra doses
There may be more COVID-19 vaccine doses available - than previously reported. The Food and Drug Administration says health care providers can squeeze up to 40% more doses from the existing supply. That guidance comes after some providers noticed vials meant to hold five doses of the Pfizer vaccine, often contain enough for six and in some cases - seven doses.
House approves Trump's $2K checks, sending to GOP-led Senate
The House of Representatives passed a bill increasing the coronavirus stimulus checks to $2,000 Monday. The legislation would increase the $600 in direct payments to those who earned less than $75,000 last year to $2,000. The bill will still need to pass the Senate before it makes it to the president's desk.
With a two-thirds majority the House voted to override a presidential veto – It is the first in Trump's presidency. That vote - on a key military spending bill. The president said he vetoed the bill as it allows the renaming of military bases that honor confederate military generals. The president also sought the removal of liability protections for social media companies.
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