California governor reports total of 6,932 coronavirus cases but expects numbers to rise

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) reported a total of 6,932 confirmed coronavirus cases in his state Tuesday but said he expects the number to rise. 

The California governor said 1,617 of those who tested positive are hospitalized, with 657 in intensive care. There have been 629 new cases since Sunday at 2 p.m., the last available data posted on the California Department of Public Health. 

“Over the next few weeks we expect these numbers to increase,” Newsom posted Tuesday in Twitter. “This disease can impact anyone. Stay home. Take this seriously.”

NEW: CA has 6,932 positive cases of #COVID19.

1,617 of those who have tested positive are in our hospitals. 657 of those patients are in the ICU.

Over the next few weeks we expect these numbers to increase. This disease can impact anyone. Stay home. Take this seriously.

— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) March 31, 2020

During his Tuesday press conference, Newsom said there has been 150 deaths in the state, 15 more than what was recorded Sunday.

“We have seen more than a doubling number of people hospitalized in the state over the last five days and now more than triple the number of people in our ICUs reinforcing the importance of preparation in meeting this moment,” he said.

LIVE NOW: Governor @GavinNewsom announces the launch of an initiative to help older Californians stay connected while they stay home during the #COVID19 outbreak. https://t.co/SNqWZ0RdjO

— Office of the Governor of California (@CAgovernor) March 31, 2020

Newsom has taken statewide action after California became one of the first states to face the pandemic. This month, the governor issued a stay-at-home order, a moratorium on evictions and a shutdown of schools.

The governor also announced the launching of a hotline to deliver services and help for older California residents.

“Social isolation is real. During these trying times it’s important to check in with our loved ones,” he tweeted.