A 'SMARTER' Framework for Coexistence with COVID is being implemented by California

Photo Credit: Gage Skidmore

On Feb. 17, the State of California announced new guidelines on how to combat COVID-19, taking into account that the virus will be a continuing threat and preparing the state to respond to any localized outbreaks and any reoccurrences of the virus-while trying to maintain some sense of normalcy among residents.

Gov. Gavin Newsom said at a news conference in Fontana that we are no longer in the crisis phase, but moving into a phase where we must live with this disease permanently, maintain a posture of readiness and ensure that we stay on top of the changes inevitable as a result of this pandemic. Our move is to move away from a more control-oriented system of mandates and toward one where we will create the conditions and the environment for us to not react; instead, we will maintain a posture where we remain on top of the mutations and take steps to effectively communicate."

State officials continue to emphasize vaccinating and testing, as well as educating residents on the virus, communicating changes as they unfold, and staying vigilant for new variants that may emerge and lead to new outbreaks.

According to the official statement by the governor's office, there is no question that the virus will be around for some time, if not forever. “We are less certain about how often and to what extent this will have an impact on our well-being and health going forward. "Over the last two years, we've developed the tools to learn about this virus and fine-tune our defenses while it evolves."

“In the most over-hyped announcement since the opening of Al Capone’s vault, Gavin Newsom today served an extra-large helping of word salad and little else,” Patterson said. “Let us know when he decides to follow the lead of other blue states and end his state of emergency or lift his school mask mandate.

18 Feb 2022