RELATED: Gov. Newsom announces reprieve on sales tax for small businesses amid coronavirus
The governor confirmed there are 8,155 positive cases of COVID-19 in California with 774 of those patients occupying ICU beds, as of Wednesday afternoon.
[Ads /]
Newsom reiterated the importance of social distancing and adhering to the guidelines outlined by state officials in recent weeks.
The governor also confirmed California schools will remain closed through the end of the academic year.
To help California students, the governor said Google is stepping up in a "big way" and is creating a 100,000 points of access to provide internet and broadband capacity to Californians.
The tech company will also provide three months of free broadband access in California, Newsom said.
RELATED: US surgeon general says California's aggressive measures helped flatten COVID-19 curve
After Newsom's announcement, Google's CEO clarified that the company, in partnership with the state, will be providing 4,000 chromebook laptops to California students.
This is in an effort to make distanced learning easier for students during the outbreak.
On a personal note, Newsom addressed the "deep respect and empathy" he has for mothers and caregivers during this time, referencing the role of parents while children are at home.
He acknowledged the hard work and effort that goes into caring for and teaching children inside the home during this time in California.
[Ads /]
"I know how stressful this is," the governor said.
VIDEO: Newsom addresses 'deep respect and empathy' for mothers and caregivers during this time.
Gov. Newsom says he has respect, empathy for moms during at-home schooling amid COVID-19
In terms of the best defenses against the coronavirus - state health officer Sonia Y. Angell also spoke during the briefing, reiterating the importance of staying home.
She says hand washing, physical distancing and staying at home are vital in protecting yourself from the virus.
Angell also addressed the effectiveness of face masks.
She said though there are some added benefits to masks, they need to be used in addition to social distancing protocols.
RELATED: Newsom calls for all healthcare workers to help during COVID-19 pandemic
State Superintendent of Schools Tony Thurmond also spoke during Wednesday's press briefing, confirming schools will not reopen this school year.
He emphasized that just because campuses are closed, class is still in session.
[Ads /]
In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, the University of California announced Wednesday it is suspending the SAT exam as a requirement for admission.
This "unprecedented" move applies to students looking to enroll in the fall of 2020 and "applicable" future years, according to the UC.
Thurmond will be holding a press conference Wednesday afternoon on the status of California schools during the COVID-19 crisis.
Get the latest news, information and videos about the novel coronavirus pandemic here
RELATED STORIES & VIDEOS:
- Live updates about coronavirus outbreak in US, around the world
- Everything you need to know about the Bay Area's shelter-in-place order
- 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 and the new normal of living in the San Francisco-Bay Area -- COVID-19 Diaries
- Happy hour goes virtual as people try to be sociable while social distancing during COVID-19 crisis
- Coronavirus Outbreak: Here's why you should practice 'social distancing'
- DRONEVIEW7: What the Bay Area looks like during the coronavirus shelter-in-place
- ABC7's drive around San Francisco shows empty streets, businesses shuttered
- Symptoms, prevention, and how to prepare for a COVID-19 outbreak in the US
- List of stores, companies closing due to coronavirus pandemic
- Canceled late fees, free services available amid COVID-19 crisis
- Here's how you can help during COVID-19 pandemic
- Coronavirus in CA: Get resources and information about COVID-19
- Bay Area school closures related to coronavirus pandemic
- How to maintain learning during school closures
- How coronavirus compares with the flu
- No masks but here are 100+ products that may help protect you against novel coronavirus germs
- Busting COVID-19 coronavirus myths: Facts from the Centers for Disease Control
- Here's a look at some of history's worst pandemics that have killed millions
- Asian community fighting racism, xenophobia, bigotry as world fights COVID-19