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California declares state of emergency over coronavirus

Gov. Gavin Newsom declares health emergency for California after first coronavirus-related death in California.

California Governor Gavin Newsom speaks to members of the press at a news conference in Sacramento, Calif., Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020. Newsom spoke about the state's response to novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. Behind him are Director of the Governor's Office of Emergency Services Mark Ghilarducci, right, and California Department of Public Health Director and State Health Officer Dr. Sonia Angell. Yesterday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed a possible first case of person-to-person transmission of COVID-19 in California in the general public.(AP Photo/Randall Benton)

The number of confirmed cases for COVID-19 continues to increase in the United States. 11 people have died from the virus as California confirmed its first death. Responding to the situation, California’s Governor Gavin Newsom declared state of emergency on Wednesday.

“The emergency proclamation includes provisions that protect consumers against price gouging, allow for health care workers to come from out of state to assist at health care facilities, and give health care facilities the flexibility to plan and adapt to accommodate incoming patients.” The governor wrote in his statement for declaring emergency.

Los Angeles Country also sees 4 new cases of confirmed COVID-19 cases. Mayor Eric Garcetti declared local emergency in response to the situation.