State sets 40% of vaccines for hard-hit areas, speeds reopening efforts

SAN DIEGO (CNS) - Southern California counties and others across the state could be cleared to open more businesses and lift other restrictions

sooner than anticipated under a plan announced today that will prioritize COVID-19 vaccines in communities hardest hit by the pandemic.

Fueling the plan is a move announced by Gov. Gavin Newsom to set aside 40% of the state's vaccine doses for hard-hit communities, generally those that are lower income and have had higher infection rates and lower numbers of residents getting vaccinated.

"With more vaccines online and administered, California is now in...