Dear Constituent,

Since early November, the COVID-19 infection rate has been worsening here in the Bay Area and throughout the state. Health officials have grave concerns that last week's Thanksgiving gatherings will result in many more cases that will then overwhelm hospital ICU beds. California is now entering "the most challenging moment since the pandemic began."

Yesterday, Gov. Newsom announced that a stay-at-home order will be put in place wherever ICU beds fill to a certain level with COVID-19 patients. And today, Bay Area health officials announced that the stay-at-home order will take effect for the entire region on Sunday, Dec. 6.

To convey why a stay-at-home order is necessary and give context to the current spread of COVID 19, my office will host a virtual Town Hall on Tuesday, Dec. 8, from 4-5 p.m. Experts will provide updates on coronavirus vaccines and how California plans to distribute them, as well as information about how to have a healthy and safe holiday season.

Featured speakers include:

• Dr. Nicholas Moss, Alameda County Health officer
• Dr. Noha Aboelata, CEO of Oakland's Roots Community Health Center. Dr. Aboelata will provide information on the spread of the disease in impacted communities, along with issues concerning equity of care
• Dr. Bob Wachter, chair of UC San Francisco's Department of Medicine. Dr. Wachter will provide the latest updates on vaccines and distribution and the spread of the disease.

This virtual Town Hall will be available to view on my website, from 4-5 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 8. If you would like to submit a question on a topic listed above, please do so here by 11 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 8.

We know that wearing a face covering, maintaining physical distancing, and refraining from indoor activities with people we do not live with remain the best ways to protect ourselves and others from catching the virus. By contrast, indoor activities, including gatherings with friends and family, can spread COVID-19 infections.

I look forward to your joining me for the virtual Town Hall on Tuesday, Dec. 8, from 4-5 p.m.

Sincerely,

Nancy Skinner
Senator, 9th District