public health

Alameda County Fire Department employee Max Shih, left, administers the second dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to Julia Jackson, a volunteer at a Berkeley needle exchange program, at St. Rose hospital in Hayward on Jan. 27, 2021. Photo by Anne Wernikoff, CalMatters

Coronavirus

Who’s getting vaccinated in California? A county-by-county look at racial data

Although data is incomplete, in nearly all counties, white people received the largest percentage of vaccine doses — even in counties with large Latino populations. Latinos are the biggest group vaccinated in Los Angeles and two other counties.

By

CalMatters Staff

• February 19, 2021

Kindergarten student Nima Alipour uses the no-touch hand sanitize dispenser class at Sun Valley Elementary School in San Rafael on Nov. 10, 2020. Nearly all of Marin County schools have been open for in-person instruction since January. Photo by Sherry LaVars, Marin Independent Journal

Education

School reopenings more common in rural areas and in private schools, state data shows

The California State Department of Public Health has for the first time during the pandemic published public-facing data about which schools in the state have reopened for physical instruction. The maps show a clear difference between rural areas in the state and the most populous school districts, and private schools versus public schools.

By

Ricardo Cano

• February 12, 2021

Crowds gather to enjoy the unseasonably warm weather at Dolores Park on Jan 16, 2021. Photo by Anne Wernikoff, CalMatters

Coronavirus

In race to vaccinate, could California see another surge?

Will California's bumpy vaccine rollout, more contagious coronavirus mutations, and decision to open up the state send COVID-19 cases surging again?

By

Ana B. Ibarra

• February 5, 2021

Las multitudes se reúnen para disfrutar del clima inusualmente cálido en Dolores Park el 16 de enero de 2021. Foto de Anne Wernikoff, CalMatters

CalMatters en Español

En la carrera por vacunar, ¿podría California ver otro aumento?

¿El lanzamiento irregular de la vacuna en California, las mutaciones de coronavirus más contagiosas y la decisión de abrir el estado harán que los casos de COVID-19 vuelvan a aumentar?

By

Ana B. Ibarra

• February 5, 2021

WhatMatters

Counties to get more money for vaccinations

Good morning, California. It’s Tuesday, February 2. Divided using equity formula California’s flagging vaccine rollout may have just gotten a shot in the arm. On Monday, the state Department of Finance formally notified lawmakers that California had received an unanticipated $1.7 billion in federal funds to help with its coronavirus response and vaccination efforts, according […]

By

Emily Hoeven

• February 2, 2021

Los residentes de Los Ángeles esperan en la fila en sus autos para recibir la vacuna covid-19 en el Dodger Stadium, el 26 de enero de 2021, en Los Ángeles. California está renovando su sistema de administración de vacunas para darle al estado más control sobre quién recibe las vacunas luego de las intensas críticas de un lanzamiento lento y disperso por parte de los condados. Foto de Richard Vogel, AP Foto

CalMatters en Español

¿Sacrificar la equidad por la velocidad? El lanzamiento de la vacuna COVID en California está causando preocupación

A medida que surgen disparidades en el lanzamiento de la vacuna en California, muchos temen que las comunidades de bajos ingresos y los trabajadores esenciales estén siendo empujados al final de la línea.

By

Barbara Feder Ostrov

• January 31, 2021

Los Angeles residents wait in line in their cars to receive a covid-19 vaccine at Dodger Stadium, on Jan. 26, 2021, in Los Angeles. California is revamping its vaccine delivery system to give the state more control over who gets the shots following intense criticism of a slow and scattered rollout by counties. Photo by Richard Vogel, AP Photo

Coronavirus

Sacrificing equity for speed? California’s COVID vaccine rollout stirs concern

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.

By

Barbara Feder Ostrov

• January 31, 2021

Alameda County health workers prepare different sized syringes with the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine during a distribution clinic at St. Rose hospital in Hayward on Jan. 27, 2021. Photo by Anne Wernikoff, CalMattersAlameda County health workers prepare syringes with the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine during a distribution clinic at St. Rose hospital in Hayward on Jan. 27, 2021. Photo by Anne Wernikoff, CalMatters

Coronavirus

Californians ask: Where are our coronavirus vaccines?

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?

By

Ana B. Ibarra

• January 29, 2021

Commentary

Those previously infected with COVID-19 should delay getting a vaccination

Evidence points to past COVID-19 infections producing strong immune responses which looks to be as effective as a vaccine.

By

Guest Commentary

• January 27, 2021

Nurse Lynnen Svensson, left, receives the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine from medical reserve corps nurse Katherine Ambrose at a drive-thru distribution site at Cal Expo in Sacramento on Jan. 21, 2021. Photo by Anne Wernikoff, CalMatters

Coronavirus

Educators, food workers join California’s priority list for vaccines

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.

By

Barbara Feder Ostrov

• January 26, 2021