Coronavirus

Gov. Gavin Newsom says his administration has been planning for a mass COVID-19 vaccination campaign for months. Why have things gone so wrong— for him and his fellow Californians?

As disparities emerge in California’s vaccine rollout, many fear that low-income communities and essential workers are being pushed to the end of the line.

California officials conceded this week it hasn’t worked to allow counties and health systems to take charge of coronavirus vaccine delivery. Amid slow rollout, state officials have been unable to answer a key question: Where are the unused doses?

Beginning in mid-February, some essential workers will be eligible for vaccines under new standards announced today. Then, the next priority group will be based on age, likely people 50+, not health conditions.

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.