COVID-19 - Observer News Group

Tens of Thousands of Black Californians Retain Health Coverage After Post-Covid Redetermination

by Stefi Mar | Aug 27, 2024 | Bakersfield, COVID-19, Features, Health Care, Los Angeles, Valleys | 0

Over 36,000 Black Californians maintained coverage with a health insurance provider through the 14-month Medi-Cal to Covered California redetermination process led by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and Covered California

FDA Approves Updated COVID-19 Vaccines Amid Rising Cases and Hospitalizations

by Stefi Mar | Sep 12, 2023 | Bakersfield, COVID-19, Features, Health, Health Care, Los Angeles, Valleys | 0

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved updated COVID-19 vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech in response to the surge in cases and hospitalizations. Both manufacturers have reported that their vaccines demonstrate effectiveness against the currently dominant EG.5 strain in the United States.

New COVID-19 Variant, “Pirola,” Raises Concerns Amidst Ongoing Crises

by Stefi Mar | Sep 5, 2023 | Bakersfield, COVID-19, Los Angeles, Valleys, World & Nation | 0

Amidst a news cycle that now routinely features wildfires, former president indictments, and extreme weather events, the world is grappling with the resurgence of COVID-19 as a new and concerning variant, BA.2.86, emerges. This variant, informally dubbed “Pirola,” has ignited alarm among public health experts due to its substantial spike protein mutations. 

Opinion: How We Can Protect Our Communities From COVID After the Pandemic

by Stefi Mar | Sep 5, 2023 | Bakersfield, COVID-19, Features, Los Angeles, Op-Ed | 0

Every Sunday, I look out at the faces of my congregation, and I am grateful that we have overcome the many challenges we have faced over the past few years. At the same time, I am also reminded of all the beautiful souls we have lost to COVID-19. The pandemic has upended the lives of many in our community, and the residual effects are still being felt.

Black and Hispanic Households Consistently Saw Lower Cash Balances and Relative Gains During Pandemic

by Stefi Mar | Aug 15, 2023 | Bakersfield, COVID-19, Front Page, Latino, Los Angeles | 0

Black and Hispanic households consistently maintained lower median cash balances than their white and Asian counterparts during and post-pandemic, according to a new JPMorgan & Chase Co. comprehensive Household Pulse study.

California and Florida Govs Clash Over Their COVID-19 Responses

by Stefi Mar | Mar 14, 2023 | Bakersfield, COVID-19, State, State & Local Politics, World & Nation | 0

California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Florida Gov. Rob DeSantis seem to be on a political and philosophical collision course. Each one takes a shot at the other when the opportunity presents itself — which is often, as both men stand diametrically opposed, Left and Right respectively, on most issues.

The New Year is the Perfect Time to Stay Healthy Against COVID-19

by News Observer | Jan 17, 2023 | COVID-19, Features | 0

As we settle into the new year, COVID-19 continues to evolve and change. Public health experts continue to track the emergence of additional strains of COVID-19, underscoring the importance of choosing to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 and the flu.

Lack of Access to COVID-19 Treatments Plagues Black Patients

by News Observer | Jan 10, 2023 | African Americans, COVID-19, Features | 0

With the celebrations of the holidays behind us – and as we enter the coldest months of the year — Medical experts are warning of a winter surge of COVID-19 cases. They expect the spike in infections to be accompanied by waves of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and the common flu. Access to care and treatment are crucial in the battle to minimize the damage this triple threat could cause, they say.

Kern Public Health Department Encourages The Community To Take Preventative Measures Against Winter Viruses

by News Observer | Dec 6, 2022 | Bakersfield, COVID-19, Health Care, Local | 0

During the winter season, many people are starting to get sick and the public health department is seeing an influx of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and COVID-19. The Kern County Public Health Department encouraged community members in a press release to take preventative measures.

California Is Facing A “Tripledemic” Threat As Respiratory Illnesses Surge

by Jovi | Nov 8, 2022 | COVID-19, Health, Local | 0

An increase in the number of cases of COVID-19, the flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is prompting concern across California communities as threats of three coinciding epidemics — a “tripledemic” — are looming ahead of the upcoming holiday season.