SACRAMENTO – On December 3, 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom outlined the state’s distribution plan for COVID-19 vaccines, once they become available, likely in the middle of December. California is scheduled to receive approximately 327,000 doses, initially, which will be administered to approximately 163,500 individuals, as two doses are required per person.
The state has established three initial tiers for the distribution of the vaccine. The three tiers focus on health care professionals and first responders. The first tier of individuals to receive the vaccine under the state’s plan include acute care workers, those employed in skilled nursing homes, assisted living facilities, dialysis centers, psychiatric and correction facility hospitals, paramedics and EMTs.
“In light of the announcement, our California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) Chief Counsel Kasey Clark has reached out to CalHR to determine which Unit 7 classifications fall within the initial three tiers for vaccine distribution,” said CSLEA President Alan Barcelona. “We will keep our membership apprised of what we learn. We know that this is a challenging time and vaccine distribution is going to take many months.”
In addition to announcing the state’s vaccine distribution plan, the governor announced a new stay-at-home order as the state is expecting a surge of COVID-19 cases on top of its current surge. The governor reported that on December 2nd, 113 Californians died as a result of COVID-19 compared to 14 deaths on November 2nd. “If we don’t act now, we will see more lives lost,” said Newsom.
Regions in California where hospital ICU capacity falls below 15 percent will see the closures of bars, wineries, personal services, and salons. Stores will have to reduce the number of customers allowed inside and restaurants would only remain open for take-out and delivery. The governor is also directing Californians to stop non-essential travel. Don’t mix and move, stay home, said the governor.
So, what does this mean for state employees in Bargaining Unit 7? CalHR has advised agencies this afternoon that they are to return to critical need guidelines that were in place earlier in the pandemic. Agencies must determine which personnel needs to be in the workplace and in the field. (CalHR Notice to Departments)
CSLEA will continue to work with CalHR to keep its members informed and as always, members with any questions or concerns are encouraged to contact CSLEA.
