Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) on Monday announced that California's Covid-19 state of emergency would end on Feb. 28, 2023, in today's bite-sized hospital and health industry news from California and Florida.

• California: Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) on Monday announced that California's Covid-19 state of emergency would end on Feb. 28, 2023. According to Newsom's office, the decision to end the state of emergency was due to a decline in Covid-19 hospitalizations and deaths from the state's public health measures and vaccination efforts. "Throughout the pandemic, we've been guided by the science and data—moving quickly and strategically to save lives," Newsom said. "The state of emergency was an effective and necessary tool that we utilized to protect our state, and we wouldn't have gotten to this point without it. With the operational preparedness that we've built up and the measures that we'll continue to employ moving forward, California is ready to phase out this tool." (Falconer, Axios, 10/17)

   

• Florida: In the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, Florida is reporting a sharp increase in deadly infections from the Vibrio vulnificus bacteria. According to CDC, Vibrio vulnificus is found in warm, brackish water can enter the body through the consumption of raw or undercooked seafood, as well as open wounds. Although the bacteria cannot spread from person-to-person, infections can be severe for individuals with compromised immune systems. So far, the state recorded 65 cases and 11 deaths, with 29 cases and four deaths occurring in Lee County alone. In a notice earlier this month, Lee County health officials warned residents "to take precautions against infection and illness" caused by the bacteria. To avoid infection, people should stay out of floodwater, standing water, sea water, and brackish water as much as possible, especially if they have any open wounds. (Chen, Axios, 10/17)