Gov. Newsom launches statewide hotline to help older residents

WATCH LIVE AT NOON: During a news conference Tuesday, Governor Newsom is announcing an initiative to help older Californians to "Stay Connected" while they stay home.

Encouraging people to not feel isolated while socially distancing and self isolating during the coronavirus outbreak.

The 2-1-1 number will also be able to help older Californians access grocery and medication delivery while staying at home. The number will also be a one-stop-shop for residents to gets answers to their questions and get assistance during this crisis.

The state, in partnership with AARP, will also send a mailer to older residents, 65 and older, with useful resources and information to help adapt to the stay at home order.   

“The most important way for older Californians to stay safe is to stay at home,” said Governor Newsom. “No older Californian should be forced to go outside to get groceries or their medication. It’s on all of us across the state to check in on the older adults in our lives – our friends, family and neighbors – to help them during this outbreak. Each and every one of us must reach out in a safe way to make sure our older neighbors have someone to talk to and have enough food to eat during these difficult times.”

Gov Newsom announced that there are currently 6,932 positive cases throughout California. 1,617 of those patients are hospitalized, 657 are in the ICU.

Newsom also announced 1.6 million Californians have filed for unemployment.