SACRAMENTO
Gov. Newsom signs executive order to prevent price gouging on at-home COVID tests
As part of the state’s ongoing efforts to protect Californians amid the national surge in COVID-19 cases driven by the Omicron variant, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office over the weekend announced he had signed an executive order establishing consumer protections against price gouging on at-home test kits.
Helping to improve access to these tests at a fair price, the order generally prohibits sellers from increasing prices on COVID-19 At-Home Test Kits by more than 10 percent. The order also gives additional tools to the California Department of Justice and Attorney General’s Office, District Attorneys and other local law enforcement to take action against price gougers.
Moving to bolster California’s robust testing program, Governor Newsom yesterday announced the deployment of more than 200 Cal Guard members to expand capacity at 50 testing sites around the state. This effort is in addition to the existing 6,000 testing sites that have been set up across California, the recent demand-based expansion of hours at state-operated sites and the 9.6 million tests that the state has distributed to schools since early December.
The Administration late last week unveiled Governor Newsom’s proposed $2.7 billion COVID-19 Emergency Response Package, including $1.2 billion to bolster testing efforts through expanded hours and capacity at testing sites, distributing millions of COVID antigen tests to local health departments, clinics, county offices of education and schools, and more. This effort includes a $1.4 billion emergency appropriation request to the Legislature for California’s immediate needs. The package also includes investments to accelerate vaccination and booster efforts, support frontline workers, strengthen the health care system and battle misinformation.
A copy of the Governor’s executive order today can be found online at https://www.gov.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/1.8.22-EO-N-2-22-Price-Gouging-Test-Kits.pdf
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LAKE COUNTY
Free eight-week grief and loss group
Hospice Services of Lake County is beginning another series of meetings to help adults who have experienced the death of a loved one, either recently or in the past.
Recognizing there is not just a single way through grief, the Hospice Services’ bereavement program will present “The Journey of Grief,” a free, educational series. The grief and loss group will meet once a week for eight weeks starting January 20.
Hospice Services invites interested individuals to attend in person from 2 to 4 p.m. Thursdays at the bereavement center in Lakeport. COVID precautions including masks will be required, and the group size will be limited.
To register for the group meetings or obtain additional information, call Jennifer Nystrom at (707) 263-6222, ext.130, or email jnysstrom@lakecountyhospice.org.
Group sessions are structured with combined instruction and discussion in a safe environment, facilitated by Bereavement Services Manager Kathleen Bradley and Bereavement Counselor Jennifer Nystrom.
“In our world today, we are being challenged by losses of all kinds. In addition to these, many of us are trying to also navigate grief due to the death of a loved one. In our groups, we companion and support each other as we attempt to find our footing and a new normal,” states Bradley. “During the weekly group sessions, education will be provided about grief, mourning, and what is ‘normal’ as well as support toward healing.”
Weekly topics are presented in a meaningful sequence, so attendance at all sessions is essential. Examples of topics covered in groups include setting intentions to heal, dispelling misconceptions about grief, exploring personal feelings of loss, seeking resolution, and self-care.
Hospice Services reminds individuals they do not have to navigate grief and loss alone.
“Often, when we lose a loved one, we don’t know where to turn for emotional support,” said Bradley. “Additionally, during these uncertain times, Lake County residents are coping with multiple losses and stress related to natural disasters and COVID-19, topped off by the sense of isolation as we refrain from our normal social rituals. The ‘Journey of Grief’ sessions are designed to help individuals through the loss.”
Hospice Services of Lake County provides high quality medical, emotional and spiritual care to help patients and their families navigate their end-of-life journeys. For more information, call Hospice Services of Lake County, (707) 263-6222. Visit the organization’s website at www.lakecountyhospice.org.
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