The state is moving forward with licensing two dozen nursing homes whose primary owner’s companies have a lengthy track record of problems – as uncovered by a CalMatters investigation – despite a new law designed to provide better oversight of the facilities. The nursing homes in question are owned by Los Angeles businessman Shlomo Rechnitz, […]
California Department of Public Health
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The California Mask Mandate is Gone. Now Some Patients Fear for Their Health.
For months California disability and labor advocates have been attempting to preserve statewide masking requirements in health care settings. But with the sunset of one of the last remaining COVID-19 mandates, they say people who are the most vulnerable to severe illness now have to make an “impossible choice” — risk getting the virus at […]
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Governor Signs Contentious Nursing Home Licensing Bill that Splintered Advocates
A controversial bill aimed at fixing aspects of California’s broken nursing home licensing system was signed Tuesday by Gov. Gavin Newsom, who faced dueling pressure from advocates who typically are aligned. In approving Assembly Bill 1502, the governor had no comment about his decision. The bill was drafted to address serious problems with the state’s […]
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State Health Department Blasted Over Nursing Home Oversight
At an emotional legislative hearing Tuesday, lawmakers and critics subjected the Newsom administration to blistering questions about the state’s oversight of nursing homes. Assemblymember Jim Wood, a Santa Rosa Democrat who chairs the Assembly Health Committee, questioned the state’s lack of urgency in addressing licensing concerns. “Where is the proactive, patient centered, public safety approach […]
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Shlomo Rechnitz Nursing Home Suit Over COVID Deaths Reflects ‘Broken State Licensing’
The state’s largest nursing home owner, Shlomo Rechnitz, is facing a lawsuit alleging that one of his homes is responsible for the COVID-related deaths of some 24 elderly and dependent residents. The catch? Five years ago, the state denied Rechnitz and his companies a license to operate the place, the state’s own records show. The […]
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Mask Mandate Still in Effect in California
While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention made interim recommendations Wednesday about relaxing some safety protocols for fully vaccinated individuals, California state law on mask wearing still takes precedence. Currently, the California Department of Public Health and CalOSHA require that masks be worn in all indoor settings and at crowded outdoor events, according to […]
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Orange Tier Means Some Restrictions Lifted, Modifications
Humboldt County’s move to the state’s “moderate” or orange COVID-19 risk tier yesterday — coupled with new state guidelines on events and performances — means things will be opening up here on the North Coast. Crabs fans may be excited to learn that outdoor sporting and other seated spectator events are now allowed. In the […]
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COVID Variant Spreading Across State Found in Humboldt
A variant of COVID-19 has been identified in Humboldt County and is increasingly being found in counties across California, according to state health officials, who said the effort is on to learn more about 452R and how it spreads. To date, Humboldt has seen 2,263 cases, with 233 positive tests confirmed last week on the […]
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HACHR Denies Allegations as City Opposes Needle Program
The city of Eureka announced today it is opposing reauthorization of the Humboldt Area Center for Harm Reduction’s syringe exchange program due to “ongoing concerns” about operations at the nonprofit’s Third Street location. The California Department of Public Health authorized HACHR to run the harm reduction program for a two-year period in October of 2018 […]
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Fortuna Nursing Home Staffer Tests Positive for COVID, State Reports
A staff member at a Fortuna nursing home tested positive for COVID-19, according to the California Department of Public Health. According to Peggy Johnson, who responded to a phone inquiry at Fortuna Rehabilitation and Wellness Center, said the staff member does not work with patients. Further inquiries were referred to Brett Cook, vice president at […]
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State Releases Dining-in Guidelines for Restaurants
Gov. Gavin Newsom has posted the state’s COVID-19 Industry Guidance for dine-in restaurant service once California’s shelter-in-place order eases to allow it. The 12-page document by the California Department of Public Health and Cal Osha advises restaurants to — among a myriad of cleaning, training and serving practices — “continue to encourage takeout and delivery […]
Posted inArts + Scene
Culture Cancel: COVID-19 Nixes Local Events
The old theater adage is that the show must go on. But this time it may have to go on a bit later. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and California Department of Public Health recommendations on social distancing to slow and reduce the spread of the virus, events are canceling left and right. North Coast […]