SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Gov. Gavin Newsom is sticking to a mid-May projection of when the COVID-19 outbreak will reach its peak in California.
While confirmed cases and deaths are rising in California, the rate of hospitalizations and intensive-care placements — a key indicator of resources the state needs — have been increasing more slowly. Newsom said they rose less than 5 percent over the weekend.
A new analysis by researchers at the University of Washington shows California will hit its peak of COVID-19 deaths on April 17.
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Newsom isn't changing his forecast for the state but he and the researchers agree things will worsen if people stop social distancing.
As of Tuesday, California reported15,865 confirmed positive coronavirus cases. Of those, 2,611 patients are hospitalized, with 1,108 of those in the ICU.
"We expect these numbers to continue to rise. Stay home. Practice physical distancing," Newsom tweeted.