Thread by @emily_hoeven

BREAKING: @GavinNewsom says California, Oregon and Washington have developed a framework for reopening from the coronavirus pandemic, not just as individual states, but as a region -- California's specific plan will be released tomorrow.

"This virus knows no boundaries, you can't build walls around it. We'll be driven by facts, by science, by our public health advisors, our collaborative spirit that defines the best of us. And we have to recognize that disparities persist and are exacerbated in moments like this.

"But the persistent issue of our children, particularly children in our welfare system, that are at-risk, remains a vexing challenge, particularly when we have a stay at home order which limits in-person visits from Child Protective Services."

"And when schools are closed, that used to be another point of contact when people can make referrals. Referrals and in-home visits are down as a consequence of the virus, but what's not down is our guard and our commitment to work around that."

"Today, we're announcing $42 million to build supports in CA, tracking 86,500 children in our system, 59,000 in the foster care system. We want to extend supports small and large along resource referrals, amplification of 211, more connection with call centers."

"We want to knock on the doors of those that are most vulnerable and continue telehealth and phone calls. We are concerned about foster kids who are emancipated on a monthly basis, roughly 200/month. We want to extend emancipation basis, so they can stay with current caregivers"

"We are providing additional $200 for families most at-risk to help with food and other incidentals at a time of deep need."

Kim Johnson, Director of Dept of Social Services: "We have $6.8 million to approach additional social worker outreach and $3 million for family resource centers. We are expanding our help lines. We're also providing resources through Parents Anonymous."

"$313,000 to provide laptops and cell phones to ensure foster youth can be connected to resources and education they need to be successful. $27.8 million to support $200/month for at-risk families, well over 25,000 families will be served. $1.7 million for foster families."

.@GavinNewsom: "We have a responsibility to do better and more on the behalf of foster kids. We are committed to doing more and doing better and we're here for the long haul to continue to reform our foster care system and child welfare system."

"Hospitalizations: 3,015. ICUs: 1,178. Both showed a modest increase, ICU by 2.9%. The curve is being bent because of you, and because of your willingness to continue to stay at home, even during Easter weekend. It reinforces why we are so grateful to each and every one of you."

"We have to maintain this work and advance the resolve that's required, we all have a little cabin fever and look forward to returning to normalcy. 687 families will not be going back to normalcy. Those are loved ones, not statistics, they are families, lives, stories."

"We certainly hope those numbers do not continue to climb, but nonetheless they continue to grow. Despite the optimism around us being able to advance a broad framework with other states and lay out strategies about going back to work, we have to tame this virus."

If you're a nation-state, why are you collaborating with other states?
"It's a choice of words that gives you a sense of the scale and scope. It's a state that's larger than 21+ states combined, the world's 5th largest economy, most diverse state and democracy."

"There's a little bit of politics being played on all sides in that frame, but CA for decades has seen itself in that light. But with all the resources that reside inside of it. There's a point of pride and principle. We collaborate, it's part of our DNA."

President said it's his decision to reopen the states, not the governor's. And he retweeted something about firing Fauci.
"We're very familiar with Fauci in NorCal because of his heroic work during the AIDS crisis. He's a man of remarkable integrity."

"On the issue of collaboration with the federal govt, I have all the confidence we'll maintain that collaborative spirit in decisionmaking as it relates to a roadmap of recovery, a roadmap to some semblance of normalcy."

Statement is more about principles than a plan to reopen economy. Is tmrw more detailed?
"Yes, more detailed tmrw. With the data, bc of extraordinary work 40 million Californians have done, we've been able to significantly bend that curve. It's a proof point of the data."

"It makes us feel more comfortable about socializing conversations we've had, we've been talking with Oregon and Washington for about a week about this. Tmrw we'll have a specific strategy and framework for CA. There's no pinpointed date for doing x and y."

"It's a vexing prospect for every governor and the president to figure out a way of doing this where we don't invite a second wave and let down our guard and put ourselves in a position where we regret moving too quickly. We expect many questions, it's an iterative process."

Incoming supplies?
"Broad strokes: Team on the ground in China doing audits and factory visits. It's a partnership with fed partners, who are doing the same. We're looking to make sure we don't procure what is not authorized and not validated."

OES director: "The contract with BYD America is being able to provide and obtain necessary PPE, predominantly N95 and surgical masks. That company had extensive vetting by us and companies like McKesson, Cardinal, etc. We have provisions that protect CA taxpayers."

"we're making sure all products meet testing standards, including FDA, other certifications. we've been working with FEMA throughout procurement process and will support some of their needs throughout the region as well. Lots of coordination to get timeframe and certifications."

New peak date?
"Tmrw we'll make metrics, guidelines, interventions, protocols available in detail. We look forward to engaging and making a presentation that will do justice to my effort to preview it."

Were you aware of problems with BYD before signing contract? Will you make contract public?
OES Dir: "Yes, we will make it public. Still in negotiation phases, and making sure language is placed in. Quality control thru onsite audits, by us, large pharma companies, and fed govt.

"Issues around company and its electric buses - that's separate from what we're focusing on here and their ability to deliver and manufacture N95 masks in the timeframe and scale we need. So far, there's nothing we've found in that effort that would suggest they can't deliver."

Could we have come this far w/out Bay Area shelter in place?
"I'm very proud of work being done in counties large and small and leaders of all political parties. We'll certainly have time to look back and think about what we could have done better. We had 1st stay at home order"

"It's not surprising the Bay Area would be leader in this respect. There's an acuity around health care crises from the HIV crisis in the 70s. It's part of the package. We're all expected to consider and advance bc we've been highly sensitized to it."

Where in state are cases still growing?
"In the aggregate, case numbers are rising. Incredibly important to do what we've done to help mitigate that. But we don't live in the aggregate, and the experience we have is very different depending on where we live."

Dr. Angell: "I would urge against looking at the numbers too specifically because testing is still being ramped up across the state, especially in areas that didn't have early access to testing. We're following those areas very closely, and are expanding testing."

New budget?
"We have legislative oversight hearings later this week so info will be public on Thurs. Putting together our presentations to look at economic toll the virus has taken. Later this week you'll hear more specifics."

Why did you make enormous contract with BYD given track record of problematic products?
"We're confident we won't procure any products that are problematic, and all will meet FDA and other approvals. All of this was done in concert with FEMA. Products are being tested."

"Let me express confidence in all of you to continue physical distancing and continue the good work that's allowed us the opportunity to present a framework of interventions and strategies to address new iteration and next phase."