California, the most populous state in the nation, is bracing for the possible spread of H1N1 virus, also known as swine flu, Governor Schwarzenegger said on Monday.

    Schwarzenegger said he has issued an executive order to support and facilitate California´s aggressive approach to addressing the spread of the virus.

    "Today´s action will make sure California has the ability to continue to aggressively fight the spread of the H1N1 virus by cutting red tape and giving the state greater flexibility to respond to an outbreak," the governor said.

    Under the order, the state will be able to acquire services faster such as medical staff for state facilities and transportation of H1N1 vaccine and goods such as hand sanitizer and paper masks.

    "California stands ready to combat what could be a very severe flu season with the threat of H1N1," Schwarzenegger.

    "The state of California is taking the H1N1 virus very seriously, and I urge every Californian to take it seriously too."

    As the outbreak of H1N1 is spreading across the U.S., California is expected to be among the hardest hit, health experts said.

    California and other Far West states are weathering a 53 percent shortage of medical technologists in hospitals, commercial labs and other diagnostic facilities to cope with the spread of the virus, the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) warned earlier.

    California´s public health and emergency response officials have been planning for the further escalation of the disease and the distribution of vaccines, Schwarzenegger said.

    This includes expanding surveillance to detect increased pandemic activity, continuing development of clear guidelines for the public, working with local health departments to ensure healthcare facilities can respond to a surge in the need for patient care, and strengthening communication lines with medical providers and the public to get out information, according to the governor.

    Schwarzenegger urged Californians to take the following everyday steps to help protect against and prevent the spread of germs that cause the flu: Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and throw the tissue in the trash after you use it; Wash your hands often with soap and water, or alcohol-based hand cleaners, especially after you cough or sneeze; Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth to prevent germs from spreading; Try to avoid close contact with sick people; Stay home if you are sick for seven days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer so as to keep from infecting others and spreading the virus further.