by Ava Mulno
Governor Newson officially announced that the “State of Emergency” is to end this month, on Tuesday, February 28th.
In an article published in the official California.gov website, in October of 2022, it noted that the heightened sense of emergency to the pandemic has decreased.
“Throughout the pandemic, we’ve been guided by the science and data – moving quickly and strategically to save lives,” Newsom said. “The State of Emergency was an effective and necessary tool that we utilized to protect our state, and we wouldn’t have gotten to this point without it. With the operational preparedness that we’ve built up and the measures that we’ll continue to employ moving forward, California is ready to phase out this tool.”
The “tool” being what was previously declared as the State of Emergency.
Alongside state officials, Newsom is preparing for the phase-out of one of the most important implements that California has used to combat COVID-19 and save lives.
As of October, California has four months to prepare and make any changes before the Order of State Emergency ends.
So, what exactly will change in California after February 28th?
As the state’s emergency order is to be dissolved, the Newsom administration announced that California would follow the “SMARTER” plan to help combat the virus. This plan ensures seven items that are listed within the acronym.
Shots: Vaccines are the most powerful weapon against hospitalization and serious illness.
Masks: If properly worn, with good filtration, masks can help slow the spread of the virus.
Awareness: It is important to continue to stay aware and alert on how COVID-19 is spreading, and to coordinate the state and local governments to respond.
Readiness: Science has made it clear that this is not going away; the state needs to be ready with the tools and resources to quickly respond and keep public health well prepared.
Testing: Distribution of the right types of tests – whether it be PCR or antigen, to the communities where they are most needed.
Education: California will continue to keep schools open and children in classrooms for in-person instruction, as long as it is safe.
Rx: Evolved and improved treatments will become more available and are critical as a tool to save lives.