The risk for COVID-19 exposure and infection continues as a number of Californians remain unvaccinated. With the emergence of the more transmissible Delta variant, there is a renewed urgency to get all eligible Californians vaccinated as quickly as possible and complete their two-dose vaccination process if they are receiving Pfizer or Moderna.
The COVID-19 vaccine is safe, free and provides excellent protection from severe COVID-19 illness, including the Delta variant, hospitalization, and death.
Vaccination appointments for individuals aged 12+ can be made by visiting myturn.ca.gov. The consent of a parent or legal guardian may be needed for those between the ages of 12 and 17 to receive a vaccination. Visit Vaccinate All 58 to learn more about the safe and effective vaccines available.
Health Care Workers
As of October 21, local health departments have reported 127,347 confirmed positive cases in health care workers and 522 deaths statewide.
Testing Turnaround Time
The testing turnaround time dashboard reports how long California patients are waiting for COVID-19 test results. During the week of October 10 to October 16, the average time patients waited for test results was 0.9 days. During this same time period, 81% of patients received test results in one day and 96% received them within two days.
Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C)
As of October 18, there have been 660 cases of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) reported statewide. MIS-C is a rare inflammatory condition associated with COVID-19 that can damage multiple organ systems. MIS-C can require hospitalization and be life threatening.
Keep California Healthy
Protect yourself, family, friends and your community by following these prevention measures:
Get vaccinated, it's your turn now! Californians age 12+ are eligible to make appointments or go to a walk-in site for vaccination.
If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle or body aches), call your health care provider.
If you believe you have been exposed, get tested. Free, confidential testing is available statewide.
Wear a mask when required. Read the latest face covering guidance.
Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Delay travel (both domestic and international) until you are fully vaccinated. Read the CDC's full travel guidance.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick and stay home from work and school if you feel ill.
Add your phone to the fight by signing up for COVID-19 exposure notifications from CA Notify.
Answer the call or text if a contact tracer from the CA COVID Team or your local health department tries to connect.