Health CareWho might benefit from a 4th shot — and who might notFebruary 23, 2022Some countries are moving ahead with plans to offer a fourth dose of COVID-19 vaccine. But studies are raising questions about the potential advantages of this extra booster.
Health CareMandates may be lifting in California, but many people remain vulnerable to COVID-19February 23, 2022 | Janelle SalangaEven as California and Sacramento drop their mask mandates, some public health experts caution it may be too soon to declare the pandemic over, and stress that many people remain vulnerable to COVID-19 even as case rates fall.
Health CareCalifornia lays out shifting pandemic response as case rates dropFebruary 17, 2022 | Nicole Nixon | Kris HooksAfter Gov. Gavin Newsom hinted last week of new COVID-19 strategies coming for California, state health officials said Thursday the state wants to be prepared for future COVID-19 waves, but didn't make major changes to current pandemic policies. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
PolitiFact CaliforniaWhat’s going on with California’s mask rules for schools?February 15, 2022 | Sasha HupkaState officials announced Monday that they will reassess school mask rules on Feb. 28. Schools and experts are divided on whether the masks should come off now.
State GovernmentNew COVID sick leave would leave out at least 1 in 4 California workersFebruary 8, 2022California lawmakers’ plan to bring back COVID supplemental paid sick leave, but it won’t cover small business workers.
Health CareSacramento city school bus drivers accuse district of allowing unsafe working conditions during omicron surgeFebruary 8, 2022 | Janelle SalangaThe drivers and transportation employees say physical distancing precautions are disregarded due to staffing shortages, creating an unsafe environment for students and workers.
Health CareCalifornia will lift universal mask mandate Feb. 16, Sacramento County could followFebruary 7, 2022 | Chris Hagan | Kris HooksWhile the statewide rules relax, several counties still have their own indoor mask mandates, including Sacramento and Yolo. Sacramento County’s mandate is still in effect, but officials say the county "anticipates following the state's lead.”
Health CareCalifornia inks sweetheart deal with Kaiser Permanente, jeopardizing Medicaid reformsFebruary 5, 2022The backroom deal with politically connected Kaiser Permanente, which infuriated other Medi-Cal health plans, allows the health care giant to continue selecting the enrollees it wants.
Health CareWhen can babies and kids under age 5 get their shots? Here's the timelineFebruary 2, 2022The first big hurdle was crossed when Pfizer shared its clinical trial data with the FDA. Now there are five more steps to get through before this vulnerable population can be vaccinated.
State GovernmentSingle-payer health care proposal defeated in California Legislature without a voteJanuary 31, 2022 | Nicole NixonAssembly member Ash Kalra (D-San Jose) said he did not have the votes to advance the bill beyond the Assembly floor. A similar proposal to cover all Californians under a single health plan also failed in 2017. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
