California hospitals are a critical element within the disaster
medical response system and work collaboratively with local
government, other health care providers and other agencies to
plan, prepare for and respond to the needs of victims of natural
or man-made disasters, bioterrorism, and other public health
emergencies. Hospital emergency preparedness is a priority for
government at all levels, as well as a key focus of regulatory
and accrediting agencies.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is closely
monitoring an outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel
(new) coronavirus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province,
China. Chinese authorities identified the new coronavirus, which
has resulted in thousands of confirmed cases in China, including
cases outside Wuhan City. Additional cases have been identified
in a growing number of other international locations,
including the United States. There are ongoing
investigations to learn more.
Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order to further assist
communities across the state recovering from devastating
wildfires dating back to 2017. The order extends the state’s
prohibition on price gouging for Butte, Los Angeles,
Mendocino, Napa, Santa Barbara, Sonoma, and Ventura counties.
A new state website has been launched as a resource for
Californians impacted by wildfires and utility power shutoffs.
RESPONSE.CA.GOV is a
portal to local and state services, including information on
shelters, housing, transportation, health and emergency
preparedness.
