Convenience Big Store: No April Fools: Vaccine eligibility expands to 50+ across California

Californians 50 and above can start receiving the COVID-19 vaccine today. Here's what you need to know. – Starting April 1, people 50 and older will be eligible to get their COVID-19 vaccine. It’s one of two expected increases in eligibility that will take place in April. You can find out how to get a vaccine in Northern California here. The other increase is expected on April 15, when people 16 and older become eligible. Public health departments and providers across California are bracing for the change, but simply enough, more eligibility doesn’t necessarily mean more vaccine, at least not yet as supply still lags to catch up to demand. Stanislaus County is taking this next step in eligibility to a new level by expanding vaccine eligibility to any county resident 16 and older, jumping ahead of the state’s timeline for eligibility by about two weeks. (Eric Escalante, ABC10)

'It's absolutely possible for a fourth wave' | Health experts say people need to stay vigilant around pandemic concerns – In early March, a Public Policy Institute poll found 74% of Californians believe the worst of the pandemic is over. Meanwhile, twenty six states have seen a rise in COVID-19 cases going along with the rise of new variants. Nationwide, infections are up 15% in the last two weeks. Health professionals warn of a possible fourth wave of coronavirus cases. "My biggest concern is that this increase will outpace the rate that we're able to vaccinate individuals," explained Dr. Shashank Ravi, assistant director at Stanford's emergency department. "Many of the states seeing the spikes are the same states lagging behind in vaccinations." (Barbara Bingley, ABC10)

On tap in California: Another drought four years after last – California's hopes for a wet "March miracle" did not materialize and a dousing of April showers may be a mirage at this point. When the state takes its snow survey on Thursday it's likely to confirm that California's winter snowfall fell far short of normal levels. About 90% of the state already is experiencing drought conditions. Meanwhile, the Department of Water Resources projected 10% water allocation, then dropped that to 5% after water storage numbers showed less promise. The lack of rainfall and warmer temperatures is a major concern for the 2021 fire season. Just this week, Governor Newsom announced a plan to hire more firefighters this year. (Associated Press, Staff, ABC10)

Reserve your St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway ticket by this Friday, April 2nd and you’ll be eligible to win the house and a $150 Mikuni Gift Card!

Tickets are almost sold out so call 1-800-564-8758 to reserve your ticket for only $100 and help St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital continue its life saving work. Then watch ABC10 on April 8th to see who wins the house and other prizes.

You could win a house. You will make a difference in the lives of children with cancer.

TIP OF THE DAY

Don't get fooled April Fools' Day pranks abound, but you may not be in the mood for tricks. It's the perfect day to remember this piece of sage advice: If it looks too good to be true, it probably is. Find out more tips to avoid getting hoaxed here. (Travis Pittman, TEGNA)

SMILE

Rollercoaster ride It's hard to tell in this photo, but there is terror in Mark S. Allen's eyes. This morning, Mark took on 'The Joker' rollercoaster at Six Flag's Discovery Kingdom on its April 1 reopening day. Watch the video to see how Mark reacts to the early morning thrill. (Mark S. Allen, ABC10)