FDA Authorizes First Antigen Test to Help in the Rapid Detection of the Virus that Causes COVID-19 in Patients
Posted by: thepinetree on 05/10/2020 02:01 PM
White Oak, MD...The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued the first emergency use authorization (EUA) for a COVID-19 antigen test, a new category of tests for use in the ongoing pandemic. These diagnostic tests quickly detect fragments of proteins found on or within the virus by testing samples collected from the nasal cavity using swabs. The EUA was issued late Friday to Quidel Corporation for the Sofia 2 SARS Antigen FIA. This test is authorized for use in high and moderate complexity laboratories certified by Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA), as well as for point-of-care testing by facilities operating under a CLIA Certificate of Waiver.
Judge Holds Landowner Liable for Cannabis Cultivation-Related Environmental Crimes
Posted by: thepinetree on 05/09/2020 08:11 AM
Sacramento, CA...A California judge recently ordered a Calaveras County property owner liable for damages after their tenant committed environmental crimes in conjunction with a cannabis operation. Poorly designed culvert impacts fish and wildlife downstream. Under Fish and Game Code section 12025, civil penalties can be levied against a landowner or occupant who has violated one or more environmental laws in conjunction with commercial cannabis cultivation. The code applies to both licensed and unlicensed operations and the civil penalties are added to any criminal fines. Elvis Ky Decision
Governor Newsom Issues Executive Order on Extending Deadlines Impacted by COVID-19
Posted by: thepinetree on 05/09/2020 09:10 AM
Sacramento, CA...Governor Gavin Newsom today issued an executive order that extends some critical deadlines that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The executive order extends deadlines for certification requirements for public school project inspectors who previously passed an initial evaluation, as well as Certified Access Specialists who ensure compliance with disability access in properties and businesses. The order also gives the State Fire Marshal 60 days to publish lists of building materials requirements and registration renewals for flame-retardant fabrics and applications.
Musk Threatens to Move Tesla out of California after Alameda County Blocks Plant Reopening
Posted by: thepinetree on 05/09/2020 04:34 PM
Fremont, CA...Elon Musk on Twitter this morning..."Tesla is filing a lawsuit against Alameda County immediately. The unelected & ignorant “Interim Health Officer” of Alameda is acting contrary to the Governor, the President, our Constitutional freedoms & just plain common sense!
Worst Single Month Jobs Report in History as Unemployment Soars to 14.7 Percent
Posted by: thepinetree on 05/08/2020 01:31 PM
Washington, DC...Total nonfarm payroll employment fell by 20.5 million in April, and the unemployment rate rose to 14.7 percent, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. The changes in these measures reflect the effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and efforts to contain it. Employment fell sharply in all major industry sectors, with particularly heavy job losses in leisure and hospitality.
Governor's Guidance for Business Reopening Now Available
Posted by: thepinetree on 05/08/2020 03:21 PM
San Andreas, CA...Following Governor Gavin Newsom’s briefing yesterday, the City of Angels Camp, Calaveras County Economic & Community Development, Public Health, and Calaveras County Chamber of Commerce (Business Leadership Collaborative) staff are working to provide assistance with disseminating the State’s Phase 2 business reopening guidelines. The State’s Business Resilience Roadmap can be found HERE and contains industry specific guidance and checklists for businesses reopening safely.
Governor Newsom Issues Executive Order to Mail Every Registered Voter a Ballot Ahead of the November General Election
Posted by: thepinetree on 05/08/2020 03:49 PM
Sacramento, CA...Recognizing the threat COVID-19 continues to pose to public health, Governor Gavin Newsom today signed an executive order to ensure that Californians can exercise their right to vote in a safe and accessible manner during the General Election this November. The order requires that each county’s elections officials send vote-by-mail ballots for the November 3, 2020 General Election to all registered voters. Californians who may need access to in-person voting opportunities – including individuals with disabilities, individuals who speak languages other than English, individuals experiencing homelessness, and others – will still be able to access in-person voting opportunities.
A Bit of the Celebrations & Speeches from Across the Pond on 75th Annual VE Day
Posted by: thepinetree on 05/08/2020 05:32 PM
London, UK...Her Majesty The Queen made a special address on the 75th anniversary of VE Day. On 8 May 1945, King George VI made a radio broadcast to the people of the Commonwealth to mark the end of war in Europe. The Queen's address was made at the same hour as her father's broadcast, exactly 75 years ago.
Board of Governors Announces Selection of Louis DeJoy to Serve as Nation’s 75th Postmaster General
Posted by: thepinetree on 05/07/2020 08:31 AM
Washington, DC...The Board of Governors of the United States Postal Service today announced its unanimous selection of Louis DeJoy to serve as the 75th Postmaster General of the United States and Chief Executive Officer of the world’s largest postal organization. DeJoy is an accomplished business executive with more than 35 years of experience. As Chairman and CEO of New Breed Logistics, DeJoy spent decades in collaboration with the U.S. Postal Service, Boeing, Verizon, Disney, United Technologies and other public and private companies to provide supply chain logistics, program management and transportation support. He is expected to begin serving in his new role effective June 15th.
