In another twist on covid vaccine hesitancy, blood centers say they are starting to hear from transfusion patients demanding blood from unvaccinated donors. Experts say the option is neither practical nor medically justifiable.
Vaccine Watch
Posted inBusiness & Technology
Jab steps: Here’s where to get vaccinated throughout Santa Cruz County
With the Delta variant sparking a COVID-19 surge that’s expected to continue through August, just under 60% of Santa Cruz County’s total population is fully vaccinated. Here’s how to add yourself or someone in need of a vaccine to that number.
Posted inCOVID Today
Child COVID-19 hospitalization rates hit record in U.S. — but not in California and here’s why
A boom in COVID-19 hospitalizations for children has been driven by states like Florida, Texas and Georgia, but the numbers in California have been less dire.
Posted inHealth & Wellness
The Lambda COVID variant is in California: 5 things to know
Experts think Lambda is more infectious than the original coronavirus behind COVID-19 but less infectious than the Delta variant that’s raging across the state and country. There are also signs it could be more resistant to vaccines, though more study is needed.
Posted inCOVID 2022
Coronavirus case rate among unvaccinated Californians is six times that of the vaccinated
The chasm in coronavirus case rates between unvaccinated and vaccinated Californians is continuing to widen, state data show, as some officials move to require the shots for both work and play.
Posted inCOVID Today
Here’s how Gail Newel deals with indoor masking: That and other takeaways from her chat with Zach Friend
Says Santa Cruz Public Health Officer Gail Newel: “I really think that a mask mandate is not going to increase mask-wearing in our county. I am open to hearing otherwise.” That was one topic of discussion when she sat down with Santa Cruz County Supervisor Zach Friend on Friday.
Posted inCOVID Today
What we learned from county health officers Thursday about Delta variant, vaccine rate, etc.
Compared to the novel coronavirus, the Delta variant has presented differently in those affected. County health officer Gail Newel cited sniffles, sore throat, and irritated eyes as signs of the variant, with sneezing being the most common symptom for fully vaccinated people with breakthrough cases.
Posted inK-12 Education
Reading, ’rithmetic and resisting COVID: The new 3 Rs as kids head back to school
Children under 12 can’t get a vaccine, so parents are concerned about how to keep them safe as classes resume — especially as the Delta variant spreads. Kaiser Health News has some answers for parents and guardians trying to navigate the new landscape.
Posted inCOVID Today
Gail Newel breaks down the problems with a mask mandate, beginning with enforcement
While many concerned citizens in Santa Cruz County have been voicing their feeling that the mask mandate being enforced around most of the Bay Area should also be back in effect here, public health officer Gail Newel offered reasons why it isn’t happening.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
How to show vaccination proof amid California COVID mandates
California state officials and private businesses are increasingly prepared to request proof of COVID-19 vaccination as a precondition of both work and play. On Thursday, San Francisco said it will require those attending many indoor events to be vaccinated as of Aug. 20.