Covid-19 variant in California, just in time for the summer jump

Stanford scientists have recently confirmed the first known California infection of Highly portable version of Covid-19Known as nb.1.8.1. Discovered in the state as early as April 17, its symptoms seem to be no larger than the older strains so far, and since Nb.1.8.1 is an OMICRON version, the latest vaccines should provide some immunityS

But nb.1.8.1 is more impressed: the strain spreads throughout Asia and Europe and is responsible for the most native Lighting infections in ChinaS In addition to California, it was reported to international visitors traveling through airports in Washington, New York and Virginia. Separate from airport travelers, the option was also reported in Ohio, Rod Island and Hawaii.

Against the backdrop of this last strain, the US Food and Medicines Administration said on Tuesday that it would Limit the eligibility of the Covid-19 vaccine people 65 years of age and more and people who are at high risk of severe infections. In an article published last week in The New England Journal of MedicineFDA officials said “the benefit of re-dosage-ongoing among low-risk persons … is uncertain.”

Historically, the vaccine has been available to almost all people aged 6 months and older, and the new policy means that FDA no longer recommends the vaccine for healthy children and pregnant women. FDA is led by Minister of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., who had a distribution history Widely debuted views of anti-vaccinationS

The change of FDA rules comes two months after the California Department of Public Health stated that President Donald Trump’s administration has terminated more than 700 million dollars grants for public health Related to the Covid-19 response.

Although there is no longer a pandemic, infections tend to Spike in the summerCalifornia some of his tallest jumps Last summer. More than 101,000 Californians were killed by Covid-19 And more than 1 million Americans have died – exceeding the US victim services in every war combined.

Governor Gavin Newsom has suggested that an asset limit for Medi-Cal participants be restored. Critics are concerned about this would keep thousands of elderly with low -income and disabled people From the vital health coatingwrites Calmatters’ ChristenS

California last year eliminated its restriction on how much an assets a person can have to qualify for Medi-Cal. This led to an unforeseen number of people who are enrolled for medical, according to the Newsom administration.

And so, against the backdrop of the multi -millionth budget deficit for both condition and Medi-CalThe governor wants to restore an asset limit, which was originally set in 1989: 2000 dollars for individuals at 65 and older, as well as those with disabilities. Among other things, assets include life insurance, cash, savings accounts and even possession of some funeral plots.

NEWSOM said the proposal will save $ 94 million this year and $ 500 million in the next one. But those who oppose say that it will create a financial scale for those who will be 65 years old, and that it is almost impossible to live with only $ 2,000 assets in California – especially if you have to pay expensive medical expenses.

Read more hereS

Public Transport Systems in California are facing “Fiscal scale“And there are a number of reasons why the rider is reduced: an aging transit infrastructure, more people have cars and a lack of stable, continuing investment from state and federal governments to name several.

But as Calmatters’ Ben Christopher Explains, there is another, less obvious reason: The California Housing Accessibility crisisS

In neighborhoods located in the Counts in Los Angeles and Orange, which have reliable buses and train systems, the transit riding was a tendency to reduce there 2024S For example, in South La Chinatown, the average rentals increased by $ 379, and the use of transit fell by 21%. In part of the Pacoima of the San Fernando Valley, the rent has grown $ 305, the rider has dropped by 28%.

The findings suggest that genetration – in addition to the expansion of economic inequalities – displaces some residents who rely on transit systems. When they move to other neighborhoods where the transit system may not be so good, they are pushed further from their work, leading to more driving, more traffic and more pollution.

Read more hereS

As part of the efforts to return billions of dollars to finance green energy, the Trump administration has frozen $ 250 million for non -profit grants to help companies replace diesel trucks in the ports in Long and Long Beach. Calmatters Alejandro Lazo And the video strategy director Robert Miex has a video segment in legal dispute As part of our partnership with PBS Socal. Watch it hereS

SocalMatters broadcast at 5:58 pm weekdays Of PBS socalS