SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — Gov. Gavin Newsom says California is beginning to have discussions on re-opening its economy while controlling the spread of COVID-19.
Newsom told reporters during a daily press conference that California is working with officials in Oregon and Washington on a shared approach to reopening economies.
While each state will have its own specific plan, the three will agree to a framework. In a joint statement, Newsom, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, and Oregon Gov. Kate Brown said the framework will be guided on health outcomes, scientific data, and putting residents' health first.
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"COVID-19 has preyed upon our interconnectedness. In the coming weeks, the West Coast will flip the script on COVID-19 – with our states acting in close coordination and collaboration to ensure the virus can never spread wildly in our communities," the statement read. "Through quick and decisive action, each of our states has made significant progress in flattening the curve and slowing the spread of COVID-19 among the broader public."
The statement adds that while re-opening measures are rolled out, measures will be taken to protect vulnerable populations at risk for COVID-19 complications, ensure care for those who may become infected, mitigating non-direct impacts of COVID-19, and developing a better system for testing, tracking, and isolating.
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As of Monday, California has reported 22,348 coronavirus cases and 687 deaths. Gov. Newsom added that modest increases showed some stabilization in hospital and ICU cases, though positive cases were still growing.