In the second state in three days to declare a state of emergency, California's governor declared a state of emergency on Monday to speed up efforts to combat monkeypox.
Gov. Gavin Newsom stated that the declaration would assist in coordinating the response across the California government, as well as provide more vaccines and resources to help people get treated and vaccinated.
“We’ll continue to work with the federal government to secure more vaccines, raise awareness about reducing risk, and stand with the LGBTQ community fighting stigmatization,” Newsom said in a statement announcing his declaration.
According to state public health officials, nearly 800 cases of monkeypox have been reported in California. The monkeypox virus spreads through prolonged and close skin-to-skin contact, which can include hugging, cuddling and kissing, as well as through the sharing of bedding, towels and clothing. People getting sick so far have mainly been men who have sex with men, though health officials note that the virus can infect anyone.
2 August 2022
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