California nurses, doctors and lawmakers question state's 'premature' move to open up

SAN FRANCISCO -- After California's statewide stay-at-home order was lifted on Monday, nurses, medical professionals, and some lawmakers are questioning the decision, saying it's coming too early.

"The pandemic is still here, it is still real, we have a lot of patients that are very very sick!" said Zenei Triunfo-Cortez, a registered nurse at Kaiser Permanente in South San Francisco, who is president of the California Nurses Association. She is calling the decision to lift the stay-at-home order premature.

RELATED: California lifts regional stay at home order

"I have been a nurse for 40 years and I have never seen so many patients die in my career," says Triunfo-Cortez, whose thoughts are even echoed by some democratic lawmakers like State Senator Steven Glazer.

"It's a glimmer of positive news but I think the actions are premature," says Glazer, who went on to say, "I think the governor, with all the best of intentions, has moved too fast."

RELATED: Outdoor dining, hair salons among businesses allowed to reopen in SF

Dr. Dean Winslow, who is an infectious disease physician at Stanford Health Care, also questions the decision, referencing the COVID-19 surge we saw over the summer.

"I honestly have mixed feelings about lifting the order at this point, I don't want to second guess my colleagues in the various health departments, but again realize that our cases have only been declining for the last 10 days or so," says Dr. Winslow.

Everyone is hopeful for more good coronavirus news, but urging caution above all else.

"A lot of people think the pandemic is over and we will be getting back to normal. It's not anywhere near normal," says Triunfo-Cortez.

If you have a question or comment about the coronavirus pandemic, submit yours via the form below or here.

Get the latest news, information and videos about the novel coronavirus pandemic here

RELATED STORIES & VIDEOS:

• From COVID-19 to Black Lives Matter, these 13 people defined the Bay Area in 2020
• Map: CA counties that can, can't reopen under new rules
• CALCULATOR: Find out how many people may get a COVID-19 vaccine before you
• VIDEO: When will I get the COVID-19 vaccine? We explain who goes 1st
• COVID-19 risk calculator: The safest and most dangerous things to do this holiday season
• Want to get a COVID-19 test in time for the holidays? Here's what you need to know
• Updated number of COVID-19 deaths, cases in Bay Area
• Map shows everywhere you can get a COVID-19 test in the Bay Area
• COVID-19 Diaries: Personal stories of Bay Area residents during pandemic
• California EDD: The most commonly asked questions we get about unemployment and PUA
• Health experts urge flu shots in effort to avoid 'twindemic'
• How to tell the difference between seasonal allergies and coronavirus symptoms
• Here's which mask is better to protect from COVID-19
• First COVID-19 vaccine volunteers in US describe experience as Bay Area launches vaccine trials
• Coronavirus origin: Where did COVID-19 come from?
• What is a COVID-19 genetic, antigen and antibody test?
• What will it take to get a COVID-19 vaccine and how will it be made?
• What does COVID-19 do to your body and why does it spread so easily?
• Here's how shelter in place, stay at home orders can slow spread of COVID-19
• Coronavirus Timeline: Tracking major moments of COVID-19 pandemic in San Francisco Bay Area
• Coronavirus Doctor's Note: Dr. Alok Patel gives his insight into COVID-19 pandemic