Health

Outdoor dining and personal care businesses are allowed to reopen — pending local approval — after the latest abrupt shift in the state’s handling of the pandemic.

Pressure has been building for California to vaccinate people faster, especially those most vulnerable to severe COVID-19. Yet ongoing vaccine scarcities are forcing officials to make trade-offs and tough calls.

California’s vaccination rate lags behind almost every other state. Its balkanized system, spread across 58 counties and three cities, and lack of adequate supply from the federal government have caused widespread confusion for people 65 and over.

Until now, there was no single government site where all Californians could go for information on vaccinations. People can register there, but in most cases they can’t sign up for appointments yet.

The pandemic has made a stressful task only harder for the 4.7 million Californias who care for a relative or close friend over the age of 50.

As COVID-19 cases increase among adults, they have also increased in children, along with cases of a new inflammatory syndrome. Also like the adult population, Latino kids have borne a disproportionate brunt of the cases.

Gov. Gavin Newsom said the feds failed to deliver promised vaccine supplies, but he expects Californians with their first shots to be able to secure their second.

Download and read this 53-page overview of all the major issues facing California policymakers.

As complaints mount about the state’s lagging vaccine rollout, health officials allow any seniors to seek the shot now — but not younger people with preexisting conditions.

As ICUs are overwhelmed, California hospitals ask the state to loosen rules related to nursing and where patients are discharged. But nurses say hospitals already have too much leeway. “This is not the time to be cutting back on standards of nursing care,” said registered nurse Gerard Brogan.