A.M. Brief: Who’s Next For Vaccine Priority in California?

With COVID-19 vaccine still in limited supply, the ethics of prioritizing one group over another are not crystal clear. Also this morning: Donald Trump says adios to SAG, local hospitalizations continue to drop, and a federal judge holds court in Skid Row. It’s Friday. Here is your news brief. Take it!

Morning News Rundown

As vaccine distribution centers face shortages amid high public demand, state officials trying to craft ethical guidelines for vaccine prioritization face tough decisions as they choose who—and who doesn’t—move to the front of the line. A high-level state task force has proposed people ages 16 to 64 with underlying health conditions or disabilities should be next. The new recommendations are scheduled to be presented to the state later today. [L.A. Times]

A federal judge held a court hearing on Thursday morning at the Downtown Women’s Center on Skid Row as part of an effort to highlight the disastrous conditions in the area. Homeless advocates and city officials testified at the hearing, which was held as part of a lawsuit filed against the city by a coalition of downtown interests who charge that local dollars slated for fighting homelessness have gone to waste. [LAist]

COVID-19 numbers continue to trend in a positive direction in Los Angeles, with countywide hospitalizations dipping below 5,000 after peaking earlier this month at over 8,000. To protect against another surge, health officials are warning the public against gathering at house parties to watch this Sunday’s Super Bowl. [CBS Los Angeles]

Earlier this month, the union national board of directors for SAG-AFTRA voted that Donald Trump violated the union’s constitution with his part in the Capitol insurrection on Jan. 6. In an apparent attempt to prevent further embarrassment or formal expulsion, Trump sent a resignation letter yesterday. The union subsequently released a two-word statement in response: “Thank you.” [LA Mag]

To address the mobility gap facing many eligible vaccine recipients, Los Angeles has begun rolling out mobile vaccine clinics. The program has already begun in District 8 and aims to open in District 9 as soon as possible. At this time, it’s unclear if residents will be able to schedule appointments directly for mobile vaccination via online portals. [KTLA]