Governor Gavin Newsom signed emergency legislation Tuesday, March 17, providing up to $1 billion in funding to help California fight COVID-19.The emergency legislative package provides $500 million General Fund to help California fight COVID-19 and authorizes increases up to $1 billion.The funding will:#placement_573654_0_i{width:100%;max-width:550px;margin:0 auto;}var rnd = window.rnd || Math.floor(Math.random()*10e6);var pid573654 = window.pid573654 || rnd;var plc573654 = window.plc573654 || 0;var abkw = window.abkw || '';var absrc = 'https://ads.empowerlocal.co/adserve/;ID=181918;size=0x0;setID=573654;type=js;sw='+screen.width+';sh='+screen.height+';spr='+window.devicePixelRatio+';kw='+abkw+';pid='+pid573654+';place='+(plc573654++)+';rnd='+rnd+';click=CLICK_MACRO_PLACEHOLDER';var _absrc = absrc.split("type=js"); absrc = _absrc[0] + 'type=js;referrer=' + encodeURIComponent(document.location.href) + _absrc[1];document.write('');• Increase hospital bed capacity and purchase medical equipment to combat the coming surge in COVID-19 patients;• Protect hospitals, nursing homes, and other facilities most vulnerable to COVID-19 spread;• Provide lifesaving services to Californians isolating at home;• Support local government to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in homeless populations and provide safe beds for people experiencing homelessness;• and Provide funding to clean child care facilities that remain open.The package also provides $100 million Proposition 98 General Fund for personal protective equipment and cleaning for schools that remain open. It also allows schools to maintain funding despite service disruptions.National Guard on alertFollowing through on his commitment to mobilize state personnel and assets to protect local communities and fight the spread of COVID-19, Governor Newsom announced March 17 that he has placed the California National Guard on alert.The National Guard has been directed by the governor to be prepared to perform humanitarian missions across the state including food distribution, ensuring the resiliency of supply lines, as well as supporting public safety as required.“As Californians make sacrifices over the coming weeks and stay home, we are immensely grateful for medical providers, first-responders and National Guard personnel who are assisting those who are most vulnerable to COVID-19,” said Newsom.The announcement, made in the Governor’s capacity as the Commander-in-Chief of the California National Guard, is consistent with duties routinely performed by the California National Guard during natural disasters and other emergencies within the state.Taking action to ensure that key commodities can be delivered to California retailers promptly during the COVID-19 outbreak, Newsom also signed an executive order on March 17 to ease restrictions on commercial drivers engaged in support of emergency relief efforts.The change comes in conjunction with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s emergency waiver announced last week to ensure the free flow of critical supplies and equipment.The executive order also suspends existing law for employers directly impacted by COVID-19 and directs the Labor and Workforce Development Agency to provide guidance to impacted employees.The Governor’s full executive order can be found online at http://bit.ly/2wjjXMj.State Parks temporarily closes all campgroundsCalifornia State Parks announced Wednesday, March 18, the temporary closure of all campgrounds in the state park system to support state and local efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 coronavirus.Non-campground outdoor areas of parks, including trails and beaches, remain open.Visitors are reminded to practice social distancing and maintain at least 6 feet between other visitors and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.Restrooms also remain open and visitors are advised to take soap for handwashing and alcohol-based hand sanitizers when water is not available.Last week, State Parks temporarily suspended guided tours and large events and temporarily closed facilities such as visitor centers and museums. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('ad-1515727'); });