Scientists worry mutation in coronavirus variant first spotted in South Africa might decrease vaccine efficacy

California is seeing a glimmer of guarded optimism in what Health and Human Services Secretary Mark Ghaly called the “biggest sign that things are beginning to flatten or improve.”

Hospital admissions over the past two days are down by about 1,000 to approximately 2,500 patients being checked in. Before that around 3,500 patients were admitted each day.

Though Ghaly said he wouldn’t “declare victory in any way,” he is pleased to see less impact at the moment, especially for the hospital systems that have been overwhelmed by the tsunami of Covid-19 patients.

California’s health officials are revamping vaccine rollout plans, and will issue new guidance within 24 hours, Ghaly announced today. The state’s vaccine advisory group is working on recommendations today to align with new federal guidance. Ghaly said the revised guidelines will be applied statewide, not county by county.

To date, California has received nearly three million Covid-19 vaccine doses, though only about 25% have been administered. According to Ghaly’s estimate, fewer than 100,000 health care workers have received both needed doses of the Covid-19 vaccine.

Mass vaccination sites are being set up at a number of sites, including Disneyland, and more are expected to be announced this week, as providers are pressed to ensure that all doses are administered.

“By all means, don’t waste vaccine,” Ghaly urged.