COVID-19 FAQ

COVID-19 FAQ

Updated: 4/12/21

What is the California’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy based on? 

The state looks at two things, case rate and testing positivity within a county. Please visit APPENDIX 1: Calculation of metrics to learn more.  

The state also uses the Healthy Places Index to ensure most disadvantaged neighborhoods do not lag significantly behind well-resourced communities.  


What is open and what is closed? 

On April 6th, Governor Newsom announced plans to move away from California’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy with the intent to fully reopen businesses and the state on June 15, 2021.   

Opening is contingent on keeping hospitalization and case rates low, and on vaccination supply to ensure everyone 16 and older who wants to be vaccinated can be. 

As of January 25, 2021, counties are back in the color coded tier system of California’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy.  

The stay-at-home order that was implemented after Thanksgiving, segmenting California in 5 regions and basing information on shared ICU capacity, is now rescinded. The majority of California’s 58 counties are back in the most restrictive tier, purple, in which outdoor dining, barber shops, and salons are open under limited capacity.  

Find the status of your county here: https://covid19.ca.gov/safer-economy/  


What framework is the state using in vaccinations? 

The California Department of Public Health created three advisory committees to guide its vaccine plan. These are: Drafting Guidelines WorkgroupCommunity Vaccine Advisory Committee, and Scientific Safety Review Workgroup

The California Department of Public Health recently updated their guidance, as per the federal government’s direction, to begin vaccinating everyone 65 and older. 

Each county, depending on their allotted doses and where they are in the original phase system in vaccinating health care workers, will determine when they will be vaccinating those 65 and older. 

After 65+ and healthcare workers, state will prioritize first responders, food & agriculture workers, teachers and school staff. After that eligibility will be based on age. 

People with high-risk disabilities as well as people in congregate settings like detention facilities, and those who are unhoused have also been added to the prioritization. 

As of May 1st, the Federal government has directed states to make vaccines eligible to all adults. This does not mean you will be vaccinated before May 1st, simply that you can “get in line” to be vaccinated.  

Starting April 15th, all Californians ages 16 and older are eligible for the vaccine. 


How do I know when it is my turn to get the vaccine? 

You can sign up for updates at the state website: https://myturn.ca.gov/  

For individuals who do not have an email address or mobile phone, they can call the CA COVID-19 Information Hotline at 1-833-422-4255 (M-F 8AM-8PM, Sa-Su 8AM-5PM) to inquire on their specific concern and receive assistance. 

Alternatively, you can contact your local county public health department for more information. Alternatively, you can contact your local county public health department for more information. You can check with your primary care provider for updates. And you can navigate directly to a CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, Safeway, or Costco website to sign up for available appointments! 

Find out more options here: https://www.sfchronicle.com/local/article/find-schedule-california-COVID-vaccine-appointment-16062302.php.  


What vaccinations are available? 

There are three vaccines currently being used, Moderna, Pfizer, and Johnson & Johnson. Moderna and Pfizer require two doses of the shot. Johnson and Johnson requires one dose. All have been reviewed by the federal government and state and have been shown to be effective and safe. https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/COVID-19Vaccine.aspx  


How is the state doing on vaccination? 

The state has administered 20 million doses thus far.  

The state continues to rank 33rd among the 50 states and Washington, D.C 

https://www.sacbee.com/news/coronavirus/article249284140.html?ac_cid=DM387491&ac_bid=-521875536

There are many concerns in the state and nationwide that Black, Indigenous, people of color are being vaccinated at the lowest rates. https://www.kff.org/policy-watch/early-state-vaccination-data-raise-warning-flags-racial-equity/  

Related