Alex Padilla: “I am proud to share with all of you the experience of California this last year in combating the COVID-19 pandemic. I am…”

“I am proud to share with all of you the experience of California this last year in combating the COVID-19 pandemic. I am proud to say that California has led the way on COVID-19 prevention and vaccine because we have seen the devastation that surging cases can cause. Last winter--remember where we were last winter? A catastrophic surge in my home county of Los Angeles overwhelmed local hospitals, as was the case, frankly, in many parts of the country. Families were desperate to find care for their loved ones. Ambulances struggled to find hospitals with capacity. As we approach this winter season, I recognize that we made incredible progress turning the tide since those tragic times. Now, just a month ago, California achieved the lowest level of COVID-19 transmission of any State in the Nation, but today cases are beginning to rise again. We are seeing the effects of the changing weather. We need to stay vigilant to prevent another devastating surge like the wave that peaked in California and across the country last winter. Fortunately, today, we are armed with a powerful defense: an FDA- approved vaccine that is safe, that is effective, and that is free for all. California's historic vaccination effort--made possible by the resources that we helped deliver when we passed the American Rescue Plan--has covered more than three-quarters of our residents, more than 55 million shots in arms of Californians. But now is not the time to let up.…”