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How California Is Responding to Coronavirus How California Is Responding to Coronavirus
(about 5 hours later)
Good morning.Good morning.
(Here’s the sign-up, if you don’t already get California Today by email.)(Here’s the sign-up, if you don’t already get California Today by email.)
The worries about the spread of the coronavirus reached new heights in California yesterday, essentially drowning out all of the state’s other anxieties. (It still hasn’t rained in the Bay Area, for instance.)The worries about the spread of the coronavirus reached new heights in California yesterday, essentially drowning out all of the state’s other anxieties. (It still hasn’t rained in the Bay Area, for instance.)
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that there had been 33 cases in California and as many as 8,400 people were being monitored for the virus, but that the state had only about 200 testing kits, which he described as “inadequate.” The C.D.C., he said, had promised to provide more.Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that there had been 33 cases in California and as many as 8,400 people were being monitored for the virus, but that the state had only about 200 testing kits, which he described as “inadequate.” The C.D.C., he said, had promised to provide more.
My colleagues reported that one of those 33, a Solano County woman, had to wait days to be tested. That woman may also be the first patient in the United States to be infected through community spread — a case in which the source of infection is unknown.My colleagues reported that one of those 33, a Solano County woman, had to wait days to be tested. That woman may also be the first patient in the United States to be infected through community spread — a case in which the source of infection is unknown.
Later on Thursday, The Sacramento Bee reported that a student at the University of California, Davis, was showing “mild symptoms,” and that the student's three roommates were in isolation.Later on Thursday, The Sacramento Bee reported that a student at the University of California, Davis, was showing “mild symptoms,” and that the student's three roommates were in isolation.
But although the authorities have emphasized that emergency declarations and other measures are still mostly precautionary, The Los Angeles Times reported that businesses were pulling events out of California and that this weekend’s Korea Times Music Festival at the Hollywood Bowl has been postponed.But although the authorities have emphasized that emergency declarations and other measures are still mostly precautionary, The Los Angeles Times reported that businesses were pulling events out of California and that this weekend’s Korea Times Music Festival at the Hollywood Bowl has been postponed.
Businesses in Chinese enclaves are struggling, too: The Guardian described San Francisco’s Chinatown — normally bustling with tourists — as almost eerily deserted.Businesses in Chinese enclaves are struggling, too: The Guardian described San Francisco’s Chinatown — normally bustling with tourists — as almost eerily deserted.
Of course, this is all just in California. The outbreak has been a global phenomenon, sending financial markets plummeting and becoming a political cudgel.Of course, this is all just in California. The outbreak has been a global phenomenon, sending financial markets plummeting and becoming a political cudgel.
Here’s more of The Times’s coverage:Here’s more of The Times’s coverage:
The latest on the virus around the globe.The latest on the virus around the globe.
The virus can be deadly, but the vast majority of those who have been infected suffer only mild symptoms and make full recoveries — here's why that’s kind of a double-edged sword.The virus can be deadly, but the vast majority of those who have been infected suffer only mild symptoms and make full recoveries — here's why that’s kind of a double-edged sword.
Kara Swisher on how the spread of a novel illness is a test for the tech industry. (It’s been a boon for Zoom Video Communications, the teleconferencing company.)Kara Swisher on how the spread of a novel illness is a test for the tech industry. (It’s been a boon for Zoom Video Communications, the teleconferencing company.)
What a coronavirus outbreak means for schools around the U.S.What a coronavirus outbreak means for schools around the U.S.
And how to prepare. (Wash your hands, get a flu shot, stay home if you don’t feel well and don’t panic.)And how to prepare. (Wash your hands, get a flu shot, stay home if you don’t feel well and don’t panic.)
As we’ve mentioned, California really wants people to vote.As we’ve mentioned, California really wants people to vote.
Didn’t register online in time for the deadline earlier this month? No problem; you can go in person on Election Day. Haven’t sent off your vote-by-mail ballot? Fine! (As long as it’s postmarked by Tuesday and gets to your county election office within three days.)Didn’t register online in time for the deadline earlier this month? No problem; you can go in person on Election Day. Haven’t sent off your vote-by-mail ballot? Fine! (As long as it’s postmarked by Tuesday and gets to your county election office within three days.)
Secretary of State Alex Padilla told reporters on Thursday morning that more than 2.7 million Californians had already voted by mail. He wouldn't even estimate how many more ballots could be on their way (about 15 million vote-by-mail ballots went out), or how many people will take advantage of the in-person, day-of voter registration.Secretary of State Alex Padilla told reporters on Thursday morning that more than 2.7 million Californians had already voted by mail. He wouldn't even estimate how many more ballots could be on their way (about 15 million vote-by-mail ballots went out), or how many people will take advantage of the in-person, day-of voter registration.
He did, however, caution that because of all the ways Californians can vote, it may take some time to finish verifying and counting all the ballots. County election officials must report final results to the secretary of state’s office by April 3.He did, however, caution that because of all the ways Californians can vote, it may take some time to finish verifying and counting all the ballots. County election officials must report final results to the secretary of state’s office by April 3.
So who’s going to win? That’s a tougher question to answer, but according to CalMatters, if things go according to the polls, Senator Bernie Sanders could win all the delegates chosen by statewide vote.So who’s going to win? That’s a tougher question to answer, but according to CalMatters, if things go according to the polls, Senator Bernie Sanders could win all the delegates chosen by statewide vote.
That’s not all of California’s delegates, but it’d still be a lot. (The CalMatters story also has a handy video to explain how California’s delegates are divvied up.)That’s not all of California’s delegates, but it’d still be a lot. (The CalMatters story also has a handy video to explain how California’s delegates are divvied up.)
[See the state’s election site for more information.][See the state’s election site for more information.]
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 response to the University of Southern California’s handling of complaints against the campus gynecologist who was accused of abusing hundreds of patients, regulators ordered federal oversight and major changes in its operations. [The New York Times]In response to the University of Southern California’s handling of complaints against the campus gynecologist who was accused of abusing hundreds of patients, regulators ordered federal oversight and major changes in its operations. [The New York Times]
If you missed it, here’s more about the arrest last year of the gynecologist, Dr. George Tyndall, and more about the latest on the university’s settlement with his former patients.If you missed it, here’s more about the arrest last year of the gynecologist, Dr. George Tyndall, and more about the latest on the university’s settlement with his former patients.
William Singer, the mastermind of the college admissions scandal, was pushed by federal investigators to lie in order to incriminate his clients, lawyers for Lori Loughlin said. They cited Mr. Singer’s notes taken while cooperating with agents. [The New York Times]William Singer, the mastermind of the college admissions scandal, was pushed by federal investigators to lie in order to incriminate his clients, lawyers for Lori Loughlin said. They cited Mr. Singer’s notes taken while cooperating with agents. [The New York Times]
Following a series of in-custody deaths, the state will audit how the sheriff runs the Fresno County jail. The six-month review will also focus on Los Angeles and Alameda Counties. [The Fresno Bee]Following a series of in-custody deaths, the state will audit how the sheriff runs the Fresno County jail. The six-month review will also focus on Los Angeles and Alameda Counties. [The Fresno Bee]
Even after the tiny community of McFarland blocked an effort by a private prison company to open an immigrant detention facility in town, Adelanto is moving forward with a similar plan by the company, the GEO Group. A planning commissioner who pushed back was booted from his post. [The Desert Sun]Even after the tiny community of McFarland blocked an effort by a private prison company to open an immigrant detention facility in town, Adelanto is moving forward with a similar plan by the company, the GEO Group. A planning commissioner who pushed back was booted from his post. [The Desert Sun]
Carpinteria residents have sued the pot companies that have become their neighbors recently, arguing that the stench is inescapable. [KEYT]Carpinteria residents have sued the pot companies that have become their neighbors recently, arguing that the stench is inescapable. [KEYT]
Read more about how the smell has permeated communities where growers are trying to cash in on legal marijuana. [The New York Times]Read more about how the smell has permeated communities where growers are trying to cash in on legal marijuana. [The New York Times]
In Silicon Valley, religious groups got $1.4 billion in property tax exemptions for 838 parcels of land last year. [The Mercury News]In Silicon Valley, religious groups got $1.4 billion in property tax exemptions for 838 parcels of land last year. [The Mercury News]
Nancy Meyers, queen of aspirational interiors and woman-centered rom-coms, wrote a Modern Love story! (She lives in L.A.) [The New York Times]Nancy Meyers, queen of aspirational interiors and woman-centered rom-coms, wrote a Modern Love story! (She lives in L.A.) [The New York Times]
Read all the columns here. [The New York Times]Read all the columns here. [The New York Times]
It’s been almost a decade since Steve Jobs died. Now, Laurene Powell Jobs, who has long stayed out of the public eye, is letting the world know what she thinks: “I’m not interested in legacy wealth buildings, and my children know that.” [The New York Times]It’s been almost a decade since Steve Jobs died. Now, Laurene Powell Jobs, who has long stayed out of the public eye, is letting the world know what she thinks: “I’m not interested in legacy wealth buildings, and my children know that.” [The New York Times]
Last year, around Pride, I wrote about the delicate efforts to keep San Francisco’s L.G.B.T.Q. communities alive and thriving.Last year, around Pride, I wrote about the delicate efforts to keep San Francisco’s L.G.B.T.Q. communities alive and thriving.
On Saturday afternoon, a group of the city’s L.G.B.T.Q. leaders are set to host a march aimed at remembering the city’s Castro district as it once was, as well as highlighting the need to support businesses there today.
“Our community, especially the Castro, relied on locally owned and community-oriented small businesses,” Juanita MORE!, the drag queen and longtime L.G.B.T.Q. advocate, told me recently. “Now with so many threats of eviction and rent hikes, that’s becoming super difficult.”
Updated June 22, 2020Updated June 22, 2020
A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
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.
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.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.
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.
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.)
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.
On Saturday afternoon, a group of the city’s L.G.B.T.Q. leaders are set to host a march aimed at remembering the city’s Castro district as it once was, as well as highlighting the need to support businesses there today.
“Our community, especially the Castro, relied on locally owned and community-oriented small businesses,” Juanita MORE!, the drag queen and longtime L.G.B.T.Q. advocate, told me recently. “Now with so many threats of eviction and rent hikes, that’s becoming super difficult.”
Ms. MORE! will be helping to lead Saturday’s march — in heels, naturally. The group will be laying black wreaths at the sites of businesses that have closed and rainbow wreaths on queer businesses that are open.Ms. MORE! will be helping to lead Saturday’s march — in heels, naturally. The group will be laying black wreaths at the sites of businesses that have closed and rainbow wreaths on queer businesses that are open.
Ms. MORE! said the march is meant as much to “shake everyone" to attention as it is to mourn a bygone era.Ms. MORE! said the march is meant as much to “shake everyone" to attention as it is to mourn a bygone era.
“My hope is to, really, reignite hope,” she said.“My hope is to, really, reignite hope,” she said.
Whether or not you’ll be out in your heels, it’s worth perusing the list of businesses on the route — like Castro Camera, the camera shop that was run by Harvey Milk — which you can find here.Whether or not you’ll be out in your heels, it’s worth perusing the list of businesses on the route — like Castro Camera, the camera shop that was run by Harvey Milk — which you can find here.
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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.