California to unveil shift to ‘endemic’ approach to virus

By DON THOMPSON
Associated Press

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California officials will unveil a plan for coexisting with the coronavirus, which scientists say is likely to be around for the foreseeable future. The approach being announced Thursday presumes that the most populous state is entering an endemic stage, where the virus still exists in a community but becomes manageable as immunity builds. California’s health secretary, Dr. Mark Ghaly, says the focus is on being prepared and being ready. The move comes a day after California lifted its latest indoor masking mandate. Officials are delaying an announcement on when they will stop requiring masks in schools.