Simply concerning. Could the bay area run out of hospital beds . We continue to be at risk of exceeding our hospital capacity. Its not all bad news. Tonight a positive trend doctors and nurses are noticing. Plus what will it take to flatten the curve . Tonight we ask the experts. And cant wait to clear your head and hit the slopes . California just releasing its covid rules for ski resorts. We begin now with this. At this rate we could see a statewide lockdown as early as tomorrow. As of tonight, many people are simply defeated, especially business own. They already see the writing on the wall. Nbc bay areas Sergio Quintana leads our coverage from the east bay. Reporter after governor gavin newsom hinted at a possible statewide stayathome order on monday, members of his cabinet had a Conference Call with Business Leaders yesterday. Should we consider this imminent . We should. In fact, i think were understanding that were expecting that the governor is going to be making an announcement probably within the next day or so. Reporter john was on that call. He is the president of the National Federation of independent businesses which represents thousands of Small Businesses across the country. The possible order may be similar to those already issued by los angeles county, where street dining is paused and only essential businesses are allowed to stay open with cerinta restrictions. It wldoupply to all counties in the purple tier. The Governors Team made it clear theyre looking at a calendar date of three weeks out which would get us just before christmas. So were hoping and praying for that. Reporter we have reached out to Governor Newsoms office for further details on this proposal and have not received a response. For businesses struggling to stay open through the existing purple tier restrictions, a full shutdown could be devastating. Its daunting and scary. Reporter craig owns Diablo Crossfit in pleasant hill. He has been fined three times in the last three weeks since gyms were ordered to close operations in contra costa county. The gym owner says he is trying to take a stand to make a point that he needs to stay open in order to stay afloat. But he says he doesnt know how many more of these citations he can take. I cant afford to pay a thousand dollars or 2,000 fine every single day. There is a point i will probably have to close my doors. Reporter he says none of his members have been infected with covid19 since he has been able to reopen. He hopes Health Officials take that into consideration as they consider tighter restrictions. Sergio quintana, nbc bay area news. The governor told us for months he is following the data, and here it is. Another record breaking day in california. More than 20,000 new cases confirmed that blows away the states previous record. Take a look at this graph. During the july surge, a peak of 12,000 daily cases. This week were around 15 thou and today a record 20,000 cases. The real fear now is that its going get worse, which will likely make for a difficult Holiday Season. Nbc bay areas jean elle joins us from San Francisco. Reporter medical experts say the spike in cases is happening at the worst possible time, during the holidays when people are attempting to get together with loved ones and friends. And if they do, may be in for a series of surges. The joy of the Holiday Season is replaced with dread for medical professionals. They are bracing for the impact of thanksgiving travel, and thats just the beginning. Theyre going to be holiday party, even though there shouldnt be holiday parties. And thats going to cause another surge. And then christmas is going to cause another surge. And then new years eve and new years day is going to cause another surge on top of all these surges. Reporter dr. John schwartzberg of the Uc Berkeley Joint Medical Program says california hospitals are just a few weeks away from being overwhelmed. The only way to stop the spread of covid19 is to make sure people dont gather. He expects a statewide shutdown order. If things continue to go in the trajectory theyre going, the answer is yes. And it may need to be as draconian as it was in march. Reporter in union square tonight, we talk to people who say they are prepared to spend the holidays in their bubble. Enjoying the season at the very least because i cant go and be with my friends or family. For me its okay. But for my family, i think its a little bit of a downer. Reporter for many it will be an emotionally draining Holiday Season apart. And experts like dr. Anthony fauci say while relief in the form of the vaccine is coming in 2021, people will need to stay in their household groups much of the year. They get vaccinated through april, may and june, and really do a fullcourt press to get everybody vaccinated, you can get back to normal, or at least approaching close to normal as you get into the late summer and early fall. Reporter jean elle, nbc bay area news. Here is the encouraging news. More signs of progress when it comes to the vaccine. Two bay area counties have submitted their vaccine plans to the state. Late tonight we got a look at alameda countys plan. It includes plans for mass distribution as well as who gets priority. First on the list, highrisk individuals like nursing home residents and front line workers. Santa claras plan is similar. The top priority in the south bay will be to provide vaccine to Health Care Workers on the frontlines. Hospitals are overwhelmed, and thats prompting a dire warning from county Health Officials. San francisco has about 30 of its er beds available right now, and in the south bay, its about 18 . Tonight were learning local hospitals are working together to make sure beds dont run out. Here is nbc bay areas ian cull. Reporter tonight more than 100,000 people in the u. S. Are hospitalized with covid19. Hospitals in the south bay are seeing their highest number of patients since april. We continue to be at risk of exceeding our hospital capacity. Reporter its why the county doubled down today, saying Everyone Needs to do their part as they expect more patients in the coming days. We are especially concerned because none of the hospitals serving south county and East San Jose had more than five icu beds available as of yesterday. Reporter that includes Regional Medical center in East San Jose. But a spokesperson says there is some good news. Overall, patients are going home sooner, which frees up beds, and most dont have as severe of symptoms. There are two reasons why. Staff now knows which treatments works the best, and the patients are younger. We anticipated this, and i think we have a little bit more prepared. So we can more accommodate them. Reporter regional also says its ready to expand its covid unit to other floors, but they dont need to yet. You know, we can open up the tents and hopefully we dont go there. Our hospitals throughout the county are working together, engaging in phone calls at least daily to redistribute patients as needed. Reporter the county adds although beds are filling up, if you have a medical emergency, dont hesitate. You should still go to the hospital. In san jose, ian cull, nbc bay area news. New at 11 00, a member of Governor Newsoms staff has tested positive for covid. A spokesperson tells us the unidentified staff member has not been around the governor or his family. The newsoms are in quarantine after one of his children was exposed to someone who later tested positive. The cdc is offering new guidance tonight about how long to quarantine. Instead of the standard 14day quarantine for people who may have been exposed, the cdc now says you only need to isolate for ten days. That is if there is no symptoms. If you test negative, you can shorten your quarantine to seven days. However, the agency still wants you to stay alert to symptoms for 14 days. As for holiday travel, the cdc is once again suggesting you simply stay home. If you do travel, you should get tested one to three days before going on your trip, and then again three to five days after you come home. There is a lot of misunderstanding about Santa Clara Countys travel orders. So the county continues to clarify it. In fact, they clarify it a couple times today. County Officials Say people who travel in for more than 150 miles must isolate for 14 days. Thats 150 miles from point to point as the crow flies, not driving distance. That means napa and sacramento are within that mileage. So are places in the Central Valley like fresno, and also, if you want to good to tahoe like north star on the north shore. However, the nevada side of lake tahoe is too far, as is santa maria downtown south. Just like our expectations around face coverings, just like our expectations around social distancing, we absolutely all need to do our collective part. The county admits that voluntary compliance is the key to the quarantines effectiveness. Well, here is something that is not voluntary, traveling to hawaii. This is a live look at sfo where a couple boarded a plane headed to hawaii despite having covid. Police say wesley maribe and courtney tested positive at sfo. So airport officials told them to isolate and not to travel, but they did anyway. They were arrested when they landed in hawaii. Because they were traveling with their 4yearold, they also face child endangerment charges. The couple lives in kauai. Were learning more details now about the United Kingdom and its plans on rolling out the pfizer vaccine. Vaccinations will begin next week. First in line, Health Care Workers and the elderly in Nursing Homes and their providers. So similar to our plans here in the bay area. Pfizer says that vaccine is 95 effective. I have to admit, i feel it is a historic day. Indeed the beginning of the end of the pandemic. Pfizers vaccine is jointly produced by a European Company bio n tech. Pfizers approval here in the United States could be confirmed by the fda next week. Well tomorrow on today, an exclusive interview with bill gates, who reacts to the progress being made in the race for a vaccine. His foundation has been working for months with the w. H. O. , drugmaker, and nonprofits to develop a vaccine. The today show begins at 7 00 a. M. Right here on nbc bay area. Still ahead, we investigate it, and he apologized. And now he is talking to us exclusively. San jose mayor sam liccardo explains his decision on what he did on thanksgiving dinner with his extended family against his own advice. Also, covid on campus. The outbreak fueling new concerns as more students prepare to head back to school after the holidays. Im chief meteorologist jeff ranieri. Ill have more on the cold mornings coming our way. Also, details on whats happening with the rain. Why were not able to get any wet weather in here right now. Ill be back in about eight minutes with that. Momentum is building for a new covid relief plan. The Bipartisan Senate plan floated this week now has the support of Democratic Leaders who have wanted a much bigger package of benefits. The new plan would establish an additional 300 per week jobless benefit, send 160 billion to help state and local governments and revive the popular paycheck protection, the ppp subsidies for businesses. It would also advance bailout money to transit systems and airlines. President elect biden again focusing on the covid troubled economy today. He hosted a virtual round table with struggling workers and Small Business owners. As for president trump, he spoke at a White House ChristmasParty Last Night and hinted that hed enter the 2024 race. Its been an amazing four years. Were trying to do another four years. Otherwise, ill see you in four years. Sources tell nbc news the president may skip joe bidens inauguration to instead kick off his own 2024 campaign. And multiple sources also telling nbc news he is considering preemptive pardons for his three eldest children, his soninlaw jared kushner, and other close associates. He says he feels embattled and feels that he and his family have done nothing illegal. So whats his side of the story . Tonight were hearing directly from san jose mayor sam liccardo about his thanksgiving dinner that prompted him to issue a public apology. Our senior investigator begad siobhan broke the story that he had a holiday dinner with his family. State guidelines ban gatherings with more than three households. He spoke exclusively with the mayor this evening. I know the rules are hard to follow, because i broke them. And i failed to follow them. Did you not know about the state Health Guidelines . Or did you know and just decide to break them any way . I rationalized and if im outdoors and im only with Seven Members of my family and were all sitting at three different tables and were spacially distance and were all wearing masks, i rationalized it would be fine. I should have looked at the rules. There are families, people you represent, who have made the decision to stay away from aging parents, from newborn baby, weddings, funerals. What do you say to those who chose to miss out on a lot of important live moments when you yourself did not . This is brutally hard. These rules are tough. I know i broke them. So i know how tough it is to follow the rules. Im grateful. For the many residents who recognize how important following these rules are to saving lives. And ive got to do better, and im going to do better. We want to point out a spokesperson for the mayor originally told us he was going spend the holiday at home, but to their credit, his office called us on their own the day after thanksgiving to correct that and let us know that he had gone to his parents house instead. At that time they just wouldnt say how many people attended. Well, politicians sharing high profile dinners at the exclusive French Laundry is still a sore subject with many californians. The restaurant hosted Governor Newsom one night and San Francisco mayor london breed on a separate night. Now the anger of a lot of californians is spilling over to yelp, the website. Yelp has temporarily suspended its review suspension for the French Laundry in napa valley stating when a business makes news, people often react to the event rather than to the business itself. Concern this evening in the east bay after students and teachers tested positive for covid. It happened at del amigo in the San Ramon Valley school district. It came just days after special education students returned to class for the First Time Since the pandemic began. Autism specialist jan jimenez says she returned from her classroom on november 17th as part of the phase 2 reopening. She got covid, along with all of her students and fellow classroom staff. Eight people in all. The sad part for me is my class and myself, we were all guinea pigs, guinea pigs on a system that did not work in our special ed classroom. The superintendent said teachers will now be given medical grade ppe including n95 masks and the district is making sure all staff and parents understand the safety protocols. A south Bay Community isnt just letting this pandemic dampen its spirits. Staff and volunteers at the Sunnyvale Community Service hosted a drivethrough distribution today. They handed out target gift cards and food for families in need. The Community Services center regularly help morse than 2,000 people. Well, here is an easy way that you can help all our neighbors and friends in need this Holiday Season. Its through our nourishing neighbors food drive. The next time youre at any safeway in the bay area, if you can, make a 10 donation, right there at the check stand. That money will go directly to our local food banks. Our drive along with safeway goes through september excuse me, december 29th. Three, two, one light it up all right, there it is. Americas most famous Christmas Tree lit up tonight at 30 rock. Right there at rockefeller center. You may have watched it right here on nbc bay area. The 88th annual Christmas TreeLighting Ceremony took place without the public tonight, or at least a limited crowd because of the pandemic. This years tree 75foottall norway spruce. It has more than five miles of lights on it. Those who want to get close to the tree this season will have to make reservations. I like jeff ranieris tree a bit better. How it is looking, jeff . It looks great, actually. Oh, that is saying a lot, thanks, raj. And, you know, maybe i can say we took a little inspiration from the rockefeller Christmas Tree of years past. And hopefully you were able to get your tree going this weekend or youre still looking to get up some christmas decorations. And weve got some great weather if youve got some outdoor decorating to do the next couple of days. Lets start off this weather forecast. A look at the problem. We should be getting some rainfall this time of year, but it is not happening. And its all about this area of High Pressure where you see areas of High Pressure. It is often some very dry air. So as these systems like this one thats moving in tomorrow moves off to the north, the area of High Pressure is going to block any kind of rain chances and keep it away. Yes, we are stuck with that dry pattern. Look at the weather headlines, tomorrow morning 30s and 40s. Also, a little bit of that patchy isolated morning fog to start. Through tomorrow, dry weather, moderate air quality. Overall looks very good. Watching for wind on sunday and also on monday. Make sure to have the jacket if youre up early tomorrow morning, taking the dog for a walk, maybe headed out to the grocery store. Down at 37 in the trivalley. Peninsula 41. South bay at 40. Also more of those 30s for the east bay and the north bay as well. Temperatures tomorrow probably not too many complaints. This time of the year we can be quite a bit colder. 68 in san jose. Down in gilroy, 69 degrees. Over through the east bay, things dont change much. I have 65 in livermore. Also notice 65 in hayward. Or bring you to the peninsula. 63 in redwood city. Partly cloudy skies and a light wind tomorrow afternoon. San francisco, 60 in the marina. And the temperatures treating you right across the north bay. 66 in sonoma. 63 novato. My extended forecast. Foerpts for morning lows in San Francisco. 60s for afternoon highs. And a little breezy in the hills sunday and monday. Winds out of the north 10 to 25 miles per hour. And for the inland valleys, were looking at 30s to low 40s. For those morning temps and 60s as we roll through the next seven days. So i talked about the problem with that rainfall, raj. We might not see any rain until the end of this month and into january. At least some better chances of that. But you can bet ill keep you all up to date on that. You got to get those Christmas Lights going, raj. Im working on it. And youre doing something on instagram, right . Where were going to take photos and share it on your social media . Yes. Send me your picture and well get up. Well get it going. Im putting my picture. Im going to tag you on that. Thank you, jeff. Speaking of our weather, cant wait to escape to lake tahoe . Plan and pack accordingly. The new covid rules for ski resorts that the state just announced. And we have jimmy. Hey, everyone. Tonight we have an all new show with jamie dornan, Lisa Robinson and music from phoebe bridges. Plus, an exclusive look at my vanity fair same interview fourth year interview, tonight. Happening now, San Franciscos new floating fire station is here. Its anchored off of treasure island, but that wont be its permanent home. Overnight tugboats will tow it to pier 22. Fire station 35 will house the citys fleet of fire boats and rescue gear. Were back in a moment. Make your holidays happen. At ross surprise ahhh yes i love it you dont have to spend a lot to give a lot to the ones who mean the most. Youve got the holidays, and weve got you, with the best bargains ever. At ross. Yes for less yep get the gifts you love. Yesss . For everyone on your list. Youve got the holidays, and weve got you. With all the gift for less. At ross. Yes for less its here. Ski season is just Getting Started and california today revealing new restrictions. Here we go. Resorts are banned from selling day of tickets. Basically, youve got to have a season pass or make a reservation in advance. Skiers and borders must wear a mask and social distance at all times, even when youre going down the slopes. When riding a chair lift or a tram, you can only ride with members of your own household. Resorts are being asked to discourage group activities. That means ski lessons and Training Classes could change. Indoor restaurants and gift shops will have to follow the dining and retail rules in place in that county. So a lot of things to keep in mind when you head to tahoe. Were back in a moment. Were going check in with steph curry. Stay with us. We made usaa insurance for members like martin. An air force veteran made of doing whats right, not whats easy. So when a hailstorm hit, usaa reached out before he could even inspect the damage. Thats how you do it right. Usaa insurance is made just the way martins family needs it with hasslefree claims, he got paid before his neighbor even got started. Because doing right by our members, thats whats right. Usaa. What youre made of, were made for. Usaa the phoenix 49ers, not for real, but temporarily. Its basically a monthlong business trip. Tonight the 49ers resting comfortably in their new home away from home. The niners charter flight taking off from sjc late this afternoon. The team is now at the Renaissance Hotel in glendale, right next door to the cardinals domed stadium. Theyre going play in that cardinals dome for the next two games. Theyll also practice in the complex beginning tomorrow. 49ers were forced to relocate after Santa Clara County banned Contact Sports again. Theyll be in arizona for at least the next three weeks. Big trade in the nba tonight. Russell westbrook traded by the rockets and going to the Washington Wizards in exchange for john wall and a first round draft pick. As for the warriors, back to business for steph curry, focused on what he does best, play hoops. After missing most of last season with an injury, stephs ready. Its going to be pretty awesome, just to be playing basketball again. Im excited, man. Its going to be here before you know it. It is. It is here. Training camp starts monday. The warriors will tip off the regular season with some high profile matchups. First up theyre going to play kd, kevin durant and the nets in brooklyn on december 22nd. Then on christmas day, theyre in milwaukee to play the bucks. It should be exciting. Were back in a moment. Todays ways of working may work differently tomorrow. But you can work out anything with comcast business. Get fast, reliable, and secure internet on the nations largest gig speed network. Flexible tools like wifi you control. Voice solutions that connect you from anywhere. And expert advice here, here, or even here. Be fast. Be flexible. Bounce forward with comcast business. Get started with a powerful internet and voice solution for just 64. 90 a month. Plus, for a limited time, ask how to get a 500 prepaid card when you upgrade. Switch today. Great day on the lake it is. Lunch is cookin and i saved a bunch of money on my boat insurance with geico. Fellas, can it get any better than this . Whoa my old hairstyle grew back. So did mine. [80s music] what . I was an 80s kid. It only gets better when you switch and save with geico. Blood banks across the bay area are in desperate need right now. The red cross and other major Blood Centers have reported a huge drop in blood donations. Both covid and natural disasters like wildfires here in california have forced them to cancel blood drives, which makes it difficult to build up supply. The rookies is asking anyone who is infected and recovered from covid to donate blood so they can collect the antibodies. Well, finally tonight, remember the san jose teenager who painted the portrait of Vice President elect Kamala Harris . His artwork is now on display in los angeles. 14yearold tyler gordon, great kid, a student at Overfelt High School in san jose posted this time lapse video of him painting a portrait of mrs. Harris. It quickly went viral, and even prompted harris to call him last week. His work can be seen at the heirs to the throne exhibit at the beverly center. Its featured along with prolific artists of past and present. Congratulations to tyler. Thats going to the it for us at 11 00. For everyone here at nbc bay area, we hope to see you tomorrow. We hope you stay healthy. Good night. [ cheers and applause