Coronavirus Disinfecting Services

Wednesday, 30 December 2020

Bay Area parents lean toward keeping kids in distance learning until vaccinated

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KRON) - Governor Gavin Newsom introduced a $2-billion school reopening plan on Wednesday, allowing some to restart in February.

The governor's plan will begin in phases with elementary school students and younger will begin in-person learning.

Parents with older kids KRON4 spoke with plan to keep their students in distance learning until they get vaccinated.

"I'm not sure yet until everything is okay with the vaccine,” Jesse Paraiso said.

"I think they will be safe once they get the vaccine,” Donn McMahon said.

These parents of high school students still leaning towards keeping their kids at home, even though distance learning is difficult for Jesse Paraiso’s son.

“Right now, it's just too short there's not a lot of one on one experience,” Paraiso said.

Governor Newsom unveiled a $2 billion school reopening plan - part of the state's budget that will allow students to return to in-person learning in February.

"As long as we can do it safely and I would say that children and teachers and staff are essential so they should be ones to get the vaccine soonest,” McMahon said.

Newsom says teachers will be prioritized in receiving the vaccine in the next rollout phase.

The governor insists schools will be the proper protective equipment, testing, and contact tracing.

School districts across the Bay Area and state still processing the governor's school plan.

In a joint statement that includes Oakland and San Francisco reads:

"We will look carefully at what is being proposed and intend to provide feedback to the Governor and his staff, as well as our legislative representatives in Sacramento, to make sure the guidelines address the needs of students and families served by large, urban districts across the state."

We expect to learn more details of the governor's plan next week.

Latest Posts

from KRON4 https://ift.tt/38JHJ3o

COVID outbreak at Santa Rosa care facility leaves families in fear

SANTA ROSA, Calif. (KRON) - Terrifying times for people in nursing homes and their family members who often feel helpless.

After a surge of cases in one North Bay facility, public health officials say they are doing their best to help but family members have been reaching out to KRON4 saying the assistance they need is not there, and their loved ones are suffering.

KRON4 has spoken to two family members who say they are beside themselves.

Their loved ones are at Santa Rosa Acute Care Center. One person says COVID is racing through the place, affecting staff and vulnerable patients.

“I am so scared,” Windy Paynes said.

Windy Paynes mom lives at Santa Rosa post-acute.

She came here after suffering a stroke. In the past few days, Windy says her father found out, her mother’s roommate contracted SARS COVID-19 when she left then returned for a party.

“We don't understand why she was able to leave and come back, and now no answers about my mom whether she has it or not, no one will answer calls or concerns,” Paynes said.

KRON4 reached out multiple times to Santa Rosa Acute. On the phone, an assistant mentioned that COVID was happening at the center and took a message for the administrator to contact us for clarification on how bad it is.

Another person who has a loved one at the center, who didn't want to go on camera for fear of retribution from staff members, called what she saw in the facility a horror show -- that the outbreak was horrific, leaving patients in dire medical need.

Sonoma County Public Health officials tell KRON4 they are seeing an increase in cases at skilled nursing facilities and are working with those agencies but would not identify any center by name, citing privacy issues.

“We know that 75 percent of those dying in Sonoma County from COVID are at centers,” Crista Barnett Nelson said.

Crista Barnett Nelson is with Senior Advocacy Services of Sonoma County. She says care centers are in a crisis.

As for Windy, she just wants the facts about her beloved mom.

“When I called, they wouldn’t tell me anything. I just want to know. I want to know if she is alright,” Paynes said.

Latest Posts

from KRON4 https://ift.tt/3b8L1jJ

Lafayette's El Charro Mexican Dining closing after 73 years due to pandemic

LAFAYETTE, Calif. (KRON) - It was a Facebook post seen all around the East Bay that led to a line wrapping all around El Charro Mexican Dining Wednesday afternoon.

Known for their delicious blue cheese dip and tasty margaritas, the restaurant in Lafayette will close its doors for good on New Year's Day.

"I cant believe they're closing."

The owners of the 73 year old restaurant announced on Tuesday that Thursday would be their last day.

"I wish it was different, I wish we could stay open, but this pandemic has hit hard," said bartender Cameron Door.

He's been a bartender and server at El Charro for eight years.

He says not only have COVID restrictions hurt the business, but a sale of the building has given the owners no choice.

"It is what it is. The people that own El Charro itself don't own the building. And without any rent relief, or government aid, its set us back."

The closure comes the same week the state of California has announced 500 million dollars in grant money available for small businesses.

Unfortunately, the help came too late.

"Would've been nice to have that two months ago," Doorn said.

State senator Bob Wieckowski who represents portions of the East and South Bay says legislators have worked as quickly as possible to get this money out.

"For government, we turned this around pretty quickly," said Wieckowski.

But he understands it isn't going to fix everyone's problems.

"I wish we had another zero after this number. Believe me. We're hoping small businesses and non profits will take advantage of this. They'll be in chunks of 5k, 15k and 25k dollars," Wieckowski added.

Small business owners have until January 8th to apply for the grants.

The money will be awarded in two rounds. Wieckowski says the more applications they receive, the better idea they'll have of just how much more needs to be allotted in the future.

"This is last year's money, so when we go back in January, we'll continue discussions about what we need," Wieckowski said.

Unfortunately this new round of funding won't help El Charro stay open, but Wednesday's boom of business hopefully gave a little extra lifeline before the year is up.

"I have people in there that have worked here their whole lives over 30 years, so its just sad."

Any small business or nonprofit owner looking to take advantage of the grant money, click here for more information.

Latest Stories:

from KRON4 https://ift.tt/3aXvJOC

CA schools react to Newsom's plan to resume in-person learning

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. (KRON) - After distance learning for the better part of a year, the pressure is on for students to return to the classroom.

On Wednesday, Governor Gavin Newsom introduced a new plan to resume in-person instruction as early as February but some early reactions from key stakeholders suggest the governor still has work to do, to bring everyone on board.

The reactions to Governor Gavin Newsom's plan for students returning to in-person learning in early 2021 came with a mix of cautious optimism, a bit of skepticism, and a little - it's about time, the basic sentiment from the California Teachers Association.

Their statement reads in part:

"We have been calling for tougher safety standards, rigorous and consistent testing, data collection, and transparency. While these tenets are addressed in the proposal released Wednesday, there are many unanswered questions and the devil is always in the details, particularly as it relates to implementation and execution."

Several California school districts released a joint statement, reading in part:

The governor’s plan includes a $2 billion legislative proposal to help schools prepare for students and teachers to return to the classroom.

"In general, to see that there could be $2 billion given to schools to support school districts bringing students back is something that's not only a good thing but should have happened months ago,” Susan Solomon said.

The president of United Educators of San Francisco, Susan Solomon, says she wants to see more details.

She explains why the governor announcing a specific month of February 2021, for the return of in-person learning is a red flag.

"Schools should open when they are safe. COVID doesn't have a date,” Solomon said.

However, Governor Newsom's optimism for returning to in-person learning remains undaunted.

"Really try to lean into the future with anticipation, again, we are seeing light at the end of the tunnel,” Governor Newsom said.

Latest Posts

from KRON4 https://ift.tt/3o1FXkJ

Flying Tails: Napa pet pantry offers support for animals during pandemic

NAPA COUNTY, Calif. (KRON) - The financial hardships from the COVID-19 pandemic have not only taken their toll on people... but also on pets.

A North Bay animal sanctuary has stepped up its efforts to help.

A steady line of cars paraded through the Crosswalk Community Church in Napa.

These are families in need, and their pets are part of the family.

"What a great time now that we're not working you know. Get any kind of help we can get," said pet owner Luke Ramirez.

"You've got the food banks. You've got the food drives. But not very many people think about providing the pet food, and the animals need just the same thing we do," Brenda Burke said.

Jameson Humane has been providing free pet food and supplies for more than five years. Notably during the wildfires that devastated Northern California last Summer.

The pandemic has brought new pain and hardship, and this bi-weekly giveaway is easing the suffering.

"We have two pets at home. We have a cat and we have a dog. We care about those," pet owner Cesar Hernadez.

When asked if the pet drive makes a big difference Gabriella Arbala said, "Of course. Absolutely! During a really hard time for everyone. Especially for the dogs and cats, a really hard time."

"Probably 80,000 meals we've provided for cats and dogs since we started in April. So it's a real need in the community," Brenda Burke said.

And it's not just food. Pet beds, blankets, collars and toys are also donated by local suppliers.

It's become so popular and needed that surrounding counties and agencies are reaching out to Jameson to learn how they can set up their own pet food pantries to help animals in need.

"I believe that this pantry, similar to something like this will be a real integral part for another county, other people, other communities to create."

The pet food drive-throughs will continue on the first and third Thursdays of the month from 2 to 4 pm at the Crosswalk Community Church.

Latest Stories:

from KRON4 https://ift.tt/3pzRHv2

Miami packed with partiers ahead of New Year’s Eve

MIAMI (NewsNation Now) — Social media is full of South Florida party videos of bars and clubs packed with people from around the country coming to the Sunshine State to party.

Unlike states like California and New York with strict COVID-19 restrictions on crowds and businesses, Florida has not imposed limitations.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis made it illegal for local governments to fine people for not wearing masks and reduce capacity inside restaurants, bars, and clubs.

As a result, people are flying to destinations like Miami to party.

“We are doing our best. Frankly, it is a difficult situation,” Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber said.

Mayor Gelber would prefer a mask mandate in his city but can’t enforce one with fines because of the Governor’s executive order.

“We are not allowed really to fully enforce social distancing at a certain level even in bars because the governor has prevented us from doing that. We cannot issue fines on individuals who do not wear masks. But we are still giving out thousands of masks daily to people,” Gelber said.

Gelber says hotels are requiring masks and most are taking precautions so guests can have a safe experience.

“Hotels have been outstanding. I think they realize wearing a mask and promoting a healthy environment actually helps them with attracting business. It is sort of an advantage,” Gelber said.

But bars and restaurants can be a different story.

Miami Beach’s iconic Ocean Drive was crowded with partiers on many weekend nights in December, most people are from the states of California, New York, and Illinois.

Miami-Dade County is able to enforce a midnight curfew, police will clear the streets in Miami Beach and encourage visitors to return to their hotels.

The average two-week percentage of positive COVID-19 cases is about 10%, according to the Miami-Dade County Health Department.

On Wednesday, Florida reported 13,871 new COVID-19 cases and 137 deaths.

Latest Posts

from KRON4 https://ift.tt/381PjHG

L.A. County COVID deaths surpass 10,000 as NYE approaches

LOS ANGELES (KRON) -- Los Angeles County has surpassed another tragic milestone: 10,000 confirmed COVID-19 deaths.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public health confirmed the county as the New Year's Eve holiday approaches.

More than 756,000 positive cases have been reported across the county along with a total of 10,056 deaths.

On Wednesday, the health department confirmed 274 new deaths, surpassing Tuesday's all-time high.

Nearly 10,400 cases were reported Wednesday.

Two months ago, L.A. County reported about 1,200 cases a day. This past week, the county has averaged 13,000 new cases every day.

On top of that, hospitalizations are at an all-time high since the pandemic began. Currently, there are 7,415 people hospitalized with COVID-19 and 20% of them are in ICU, according to the public health department.

That's an increase of more than 500 people in the last two days.

The L.A. County Department of Public Health is working to deliver COVID-19 vaccines and prioritize specific populations.

As of Tuesday, more than 78,000 frontline healthcare workers at acute care hospitals received their first doses.

“To everyone who is mourning a loved one, a friend, a co-worker or a neighbor who has passed away from COVID-19, we send you our deepest sympathies and keep you in our thoughts every day. Unfortunately, given the amount of travel and holiday intermingling that may be happening over this winter holiday, we all need to be prepared for another surge that will start with even higher case numbers in January. I want to again urge everyone recently returning or coming to Los Angeles County from outside the greater Southern California region – whether you just went to visit family in another state or took a trip north of here – to quarantine at home for a minimum of 10 days. This is required for everyone who traveled for leisure or recreation."
Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director of Public Health.

Latest Posts

from KRON4 https://ift.tt/381m0Vt