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Coronavirus in California: What to Know Coronavirus in California: What to Know
(3 days later)
Good morning.Good morning.
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The coronavirus outbreak that has killed more than 420 people in China is sending waves of panic around the world as it sickens thousands, scrambles travel and rattles economies.The coronavirus outbreak that has killed more than 420 people in China is sending waves of panic around the world as it sickens thousands, scrambles travel and rattles economies.
At the same time, fears about the outbreak have fueled racist sentiment both abroad and here in the U.S. — even as health officials note that the risk here is relatively low.At the same time, fears about the outbreak have fueled racist sentiment both abroad and here in the U.S. — even as health officials note that the risk here is relatively low.
On college campuses, students of Asian descent said they’ve been unsettled by the glares they get when they cough. At the University of California, Berkeley, a post by the university’s health services that said “xenophobia” would be a “normal” response to anxiety over the virus led to an immediate backlash, and the post’s removal.On college campuses, students of Asian descent said they’ve been unsettled by the glares they get when they cough. At the University of California, Berkeley, a post by the university’s health services that said “xenophobia” would be a “normal” response to anxiety over the virus led to an immediate backlash, and the post’s removal.
My colleague Farhad Manjoo wrote recently in a column that what he finds more worrisome than a little-understood, dangerous illness is the spread of misinformation and fear, which have historically been used to justify acts of repression against minorities.My colleague Farhad Manjoo wrote recently in a column that what he finds more worrisome than a little-understood, dangerous illness is the spread of misinformation and fear, which have historically been used to justify acts of repression against minorities.
[Have you or someone you know faced prejudice in the United States as a result of coronavirus fears? Please contact us at coronavirus@nytimes.com if you are willing to share your story.][Have you or someone you know faced prejudice in the United States as a result of coronavirus fears? Please contact us at coronavirus@nytimes.com if you are willing to share your story.]
All this is to say the situation is serious, but it’s important not to lose perspective. The flu, for example, has caused 10,000 deaths in the U.S. this season, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.All this is to say the situation is serious, but it’s important not to lose perspective. The flu, for example, has caused 10,000 deaths in the U.S. this season, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
So here are some answers about the coronavirus:So here are some answers about the coronavirus:
There are now six cases in California, the most of any U.S. state. That includes one case each in Los Angeles and Orange Counties, while four are in the Bay Area.There are now six cases in California, the most of any U.S. state. That includes one case each in Los Angeles and Orange Counties, while four are in the Bay Area.
A husband and wife in San Benito County learned they had the illness on Sunday and were taken by ambulance to a hospital in San Francisco on Monday, according to The San Francisco Chronicle. They were the first cases involving the household person-to-person transmission of coronavirus in California.A husband and wife in San Benito County learned they had the illness on Sunday and were taken by ambulance to a hospital in San Francisco on Monday, according to The San Francisco Chronicle. They were the first cases involving the household person-to-person transmission of coronavirus in California.
Because of the number of people in California who travel to and from China, the state is “on that front line,” an infectious disease expert told my colleagues. Screenings at the San Francisco and Los Angeles airports were put into place on Jan. 17. But flights have been canceled and officials advise against traveling to China if it’s avoidable.Because of the number of people in California who travel to and from China, the state is “on that front line,” an infectious disease expert told my colleagues. Screenings at the San Francisco and Los Angeles airports were put into place on Jan. 17. But flights have been canceled and officials advise against traveling to China if it’s avoidable.
[Read about a 17-year-old exchange student’s journey back to the U.S.][Read about a 17-year-old exchange student’s journey back to the U.S.]
Military bases in California, Colorado and Texas were getting ready to house Americans under quarantine. So far, though, the only people under quarantine were the 195 people who have been held at March Air Reserve Base in Riverside.Military bases in California, Colorado and Texas were getting ready to house Americans under quarantine. So far, though, the only people under quarantine were the 195 people who have been held at March Air Reserve Base in Riverside.
The outbreak is looking increasingly like a pandemic — an ongoing epidemic on two or more continents — according to top experts. But how fast the disease spreads depends on a number of factors, including how contagious the virus is and how long it takes to show symptoms. (Two to 14 days, experts say.)The outbreak is looking increasingly like a pandemic — an ongoing epidemic on two or more continents — according to top experts. But how fast the disease spreads depends on a number of factors, including how contagious the virus is and how long it takes to show symptoms. (Two to 14 days, experts say.)
[See how various factors will determine how bad the outbreak will get.][See how various factors will determine how bad the outbreak will get.]
Many healthy people don’t need masks, which largely help prevent you from transmitting a respiratory illness. And hoarding them can contribute to shortages among those who need them.Many healthy people don’t need masks, which largely help prevent you from transmitting a respiratory illness. And hoarding them can contribute to shortages among those who need them.
Ultimately, experts say, the best mode of prevention is frequently washing your hands and not getting too close to people who are coughing or sneezing. And if you’re sick, don’t go to the office.Ultimately, experts say, the best mode of prevention is frequently washing your hands and not getting too close to people who are coughing or sneezing. And if you’re sick, don’t go to the office.
We often link to sites that limit access for nonsubscribers. We appreciate your reading Times coverage, but we also encourage you to support local news if you can.We often link to sites that limit access for nonsubscribers. We appreciate your reading Times coverage, but we also encourage you to support local news if you can.
In Monday’s newsletter, my colleague Jennifer Medina told us about what Californians should keep an eye out for in the Iowa caucuses. She mentioned that Joe Biden and Senator Bernie Sanders, especially, were ones to watch to gauge whether they would be heading west, where they’ve been campaigning heavily, with momentum.In Monday’s newsletter, my colleague Jennifer Medina told us about what Californians should keep an eye out for in the Iowa caucuses. She mentioned that Joe Biden and Senator Bernie Sanders, especially, were ones to watch to gauge whether they would be heading west, where they’ve been campaigning heavily, with momentum.
Well, things got confusing, and the release of the Iowa caucus results was delayed after inconsistencies in the reporting of data, officials said. So we’ll be waiting a little longer to be able to interpret the results — and how they may reshape the race in California.Well, things got confusing, and the release of the Iowa caucus results was delayed after inconsistencies in the reporting of data, officials said. So we’ll be waiting a little longer to be able to interpret the results — and how they may reshape the race in California.
Also: Here’s everything you need to know about registering to vote in California. [The New York Times]Also: Here’s everything you need to know about registering to vote in California. [The New York Times]
Scott Wiener, the state senator from San Francisco, proposed legislation that would make Pacific Gas & Electric a public utility. [The Sacramento Bee]Scott Wiener, the state senator from San Francisco, proposed legislation that would make Pacific Gas & Electric a public utility. [The Sacramento Bee]
A shooting on a Greyhound Bus heading from Los Angeles to the Bay Area left one dead and five people injured. [The New York Times]A shooting on a Greyhound Bus heading from Los Angeles to the Bay Area left one dead and five people injured. [The New York Times]
Public memorial services for John, Keri and Alyssa Altobelli, who were killed in the helicopter crash in which Kobe Bryant and five others also perished, will be held at Angel Stadium on Feb. 10. Mr. Altobelli was Orange Coast College’s baseball coach for nearly three decades. [The Orange County Register]Public memorial services for John, Keri and Alyssa Altobelli, who were killed in the helicopter crash in which Kobe Bryant and five others also perished, will be held at Angel Stadium on Feb. 10. Mr. Altobelli was Orange Coast College’s baseball coach for nearly three decades. [The Orange County Register]
It’s not just in California: The number of homeless public school students nationwide reached its highest number in more than a decade during the 2017-18 school year, according to a new report. And still, a California audit found that public school districts undercount the number. [The New York Times]It’s not just in California: The number of homeless public school students nationwide reached its highest number in more than a decade during the 2017-18 school year, according to a new report. And still, a California audit found that public school districts undercount the number. [The New York Times]
Read more about how Los Angeles counts its homeless population. [The New York Times]Read more about how Los Angeles counts its homeless population. [The New York Times]
Ever since the state ended cities’ redevelopment agencies, Fresno has been struggling to redevelop blighted properties. That could change, one council member says, if the city adopts tax increment financing. [The Fresno Bee]Ever since the state ended cities’ redevelopment agencies, Fresno has been struggling to redevelop blighted properties. That could change, one council member says, if the city adopts tax increment financing. [The Fresno Bee]
The documentary about women who have accused Russell Simmons of sexual misconduct will appear on HBO Max after Oprah Winfrey and Apple’s streaming service dropped the film last month. [The New York Times]The documentary about women who have accused Russell Simmons of sexual misconduct will appear on HBO Max after Oprah Winfrey and Apple’s streaming service dropped the film last month. [The New York Times]
The gap between tech’s wealthiest companies — the Alphabets, the Apples, the Amazons — and the rest of the industry is widening. And it’s not expected to reverse course. [The New York Times]The gap between tech’s wealthiest companies — the Alphabets, the Apples, the Amazons — and the rest of the industry is widening. And it’s not expected to reverse course. [The New York Times]
YouTube said it would ban misleading content, specifically if it’s related to elections. [The New York Times]YouTube said it would ban misleading content, specifically if it’s related to elections. [The New York Times]
Elon Musk can’t lose. Just look at the court case Vernon Unsworth v. Elon Musk. [Buzzfeed News]Elon Musk can’t lose. Just look at the court case Vernon Unsworth v. Elon Musk. [Buzzfeed News]
“BoJack Horseman,” an animated show about mortality, depression and show business, released its final episodes on Friday. One more thing it’s likely to be remembered for: Some top-notch animal visual puns. [The New York Times]“BoJack Horseman,” an animated show about mortality, depression and show business, released its final episodes on Friday. One more thing it’s likely to be remembered for: Some top-notch animal visual puns. [The New York Times]
A contested plan for an art installation in Petaluma is slowly making its way through environmental review. The project consists of a series of bathtubs on stilts. [Argus-Courier]A contested plan for an art installation in Petaluma is slowly making its way through environmental review. The project consists of a series of bathtubs on stilts. [Argus-Courier]
Last winter, atmospheric rivers drenched the state, yielding a super bloom.Last winter, atmospheric rivers drenched the state, yielding a super bloom.
The state’s deserts exploded in color, and Instagrammers descended. Some drew the ire of locals and environmentalists, who saw people trampling flowers and clogging traffic in pursuit of the perfect shot.The state’s deserts exploded in color, and Instagrammers descended. Some drew the ire of locals and environmentalists, who saw people trampling flowers and clogging traffic in pursuit of the perfect shot.
This year, though, The Desert Sun reported that such a profusion of wildflowers is less likely, thanks to a drier start to the year.This year, though, The Desert Sun reported that such a profusion of wildflowers is less likely, thanks to a drier start to the year.
Still, the piece offered some tips for flower peeping; it’ll still be beautiful, if less gregariously colored.Still, the piece offered some tips for flower peeping; it’ll still be beautiful, if less gregariously colored.
Updated June 5, 2020Updated June 5, 2020
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
And I suspect that the advice I got last year from Casey Schreiner, the founder and editor of Modern Hiker, will still hold up for optimizing spring nature excursions: Do a little research and be flexible. (Here’s how.)And I suspect that the advice I got last year from Casey Schreiner, the founder and editor of Modern Hiker, will still hold up for optimizing spring nature excursions: Do a little research and be flexible. (Here’s how.)
California Today goes live at 6:30 a.m. Pacific time weekdays. Tell us what you want to see: CAtoday@nytimes.com. Were you forwarded this email? Sign up for California Today here.California Today goes live at 6:30 a.m. Pacific time weekdays. Tell us what you want to see: CAtoday@nytimes.com. Were you forwarded this email? Sign up for California Today here.
Jill Cowan grew up in Orange County, graduated from U.C. Berkeley and has reported all over the state, including the Bay Area, Bakersfield and Los Angeles — but she always wants to see more. Follow along here or on Twitter, @jillcowan.Jill Cowan grew up in Orange County, graduated from U.C. Berkeley and has reported all over the state, including the Bay Area, Bakersfield and Los Angeles — but she always wants to see more. Follow along here or on Twitter, @jillcowan.
California Today is edited by Julie Bloom, who grew up in Los Angeles and graduated from U.C. Berkeley.California Today is edited by Julie Bloom, who grew up in Los Angeles and graduated from U.C. Berkeley.