California says the federal government is cutting funding for the state’s COVID-19 response.
The California Department of Public Health said via email on Tuesday that it received notice the programs would be cut immediately by the U.S. Centers For Disease Control and Prevention.
The funding pays for virus monitoring, testing and response. It also covers vaccines for children and public health work related to COVID-19.
CDPH Director Dr. Erica Pan said in a statement that her agency is working to evaluate the impact of the cuts. She did not disclose the total amount.
“All Californians deserve to live in healthy and thriving communities, which is the role of public health,” Pan said. “CDPH remains committed to seeking the resources required to support the critical, lifesaving infrastructure needed to keep people healthy and protect them against infectious disease, vaccine-preventable diseases and health emergencies.”
The statement did not give a reason for the cuts.
NBC News reported the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees the CDC, confirmed Tuesday it would pull back $11.4 billion in COVID-19 response funds. CapRadio has reached out to the CDC and HHS for comment.
This is a developing story.
Correction: An earlier version of this story said CDC confirmed with NBC it will pull back $11.4 billion in COVID-19 response funds. The news agency got confirmation from HHS not CDC.
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