Gov. Newsom declares state of emergency over monkeypox
Governor Gavin Newsom on Monday declared a State of Emergency in an effort to bolster the state's monkeypox vaccination efforts, as cases continue to rise.
The governor's proclamation means the state can now get more support to boost vaccine efforts.
On Tuesday, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors followed suit, issuing their own proclamation of local emergency, citing rising cases as the spurring cause.
"This proclamation is critical in helping us get ahead of this virus. By declaring a local emergency, it allows us to cut through the red tape to better dedicate resources and educate residents on how to protect themselves and help stop the spread. It will also allow the County to quickly administer vaccines as more become available and to take the necessary efforts to obtain supplies and enhance outreach and awareness," the statement said.
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"In the last couple of weeks, there has been an increase in the amount of cases that we're seeing in the emergency room in particular," Dr. Michael Daingnault told CBSLA.
Daingnault, an emergency room physician in Burbank, said that for weeks getting treatment to monkeypox patients has been difficult.
The governor's new declaration, however, will allow emergency room doctors to administer monkeypox vaccines that have been approved by the Food and Drug administration.
"I'm glad we have a state of emergency because the issue has always been how quickly can we get testing, vaccines, treatments that we need in the ER to contain this," Daingnault said.
The state has so far received 61,000 doses of the vaccine, but California labs can only process 1,000 tests a week and the antiviral drug Tecovirimat is limited.
In a statement, the governor wrote:
"California is working urgently across all levels of government to slow the spread of monkeypox, leveraging our robust testing, contact tracing and community partnerships strengthened during the pandemic to ensure that those most at risk are our focus for vaccines, treatments and outreach. We'll continue to work with the federal government to secure more vaccines, raise awareness about reducing risk, and stand with the LGBTQ community fighting stigmatization."
Officials said people most at risk for monkeypox have been men who have sex with other men, although health officials stress that anyone can contract the virus.
"It's really just skin-to-skin contact, sharing bedding, sharing towels, things like that," Daignault said.
However, those who have contracted monkeypox, like David Watson, have a warning for others.
"It is the most painful thing I've ever experienced in my 47 years on this planet," he said.
County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, moments after the governor's declaration, said that LA County should now begin to accelerate distribution of the vaccines.
Supervisor Janice Hahn doubled down on that sentiment via Twitter, stating that she's "hopeful this will help vaccination efforts and ultimately help slow the spread of this virus."
The tweet also noted that she planned to introduce a "motion to declare a Local Emergency in LA County."
City officials in West Hollywood said that a pop-up monkeypox vaccination clinic is set to open Wednesday at the West Hollywood Library Community Meeting Room, and remain open Monday-Friday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for the month of August.
As of August 1, health officials with LA County report 400 confirmed cases of monkeypox.
On Tuesday, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors followed suit, issuing their own proclamation of local emergency, citing rising cases as the spurring cause.
"This proclamation is critical in helping us get ahead of this virus. By declaring a local emergency, it allows us to cut through the red tape to better dedicate resources and educate residents on how to protect themselves and help stop the spread. It will also allow the County to quickly administer vaccines as more become available and to take the necessary efforts to obtain supplies and enhance outreach and awareness," the statement said.
