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Why Workplace Hygiene Should Be More Than Just Hand-Washing Why Workplace Hygiene Should Be More Than Just Hand-Washing
(3 days later)
Good morning.Good morning.
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When I called David Levine, a professor at the University of California, Berkeley’s Haas School of Business, he was working on figuring out how to use Zoom, a video conferencing application, to teach.When I called David Levine, a professor at the University of California, Berkeley’s Haas School of Business, he was working on figuring out how to use Zoom, a video conferencing application, to teach.
“I’ve been preparing for this, but it turns out I have more to do,” he told me.“I’ve been preparing for this, but it turns out I have more to do,” he told me.
U.C. Berkeley is one of a rising number of universities that have canceled in-person classes in an effort to slow what experts describe as the largely inevitable spread of the coronavirus.U.C. Berkeley is one of a rising number of universities that have canceled in-person classes in an effort to slow what experts describe as the largely inevitable spread of the coronavirus.
Large employers across California have taken similar steps, ordering employees to work from home or postpone all but the most vital travel.Large employers across California have taken similar steps, ordering employees to work from home or postpone all but the most vital travel.
[Read more about working from home in the age of the coronavirus.][Read more about working from home in the age of the coronavirus.]
As The San Francisco Chronicle noted, there’s no clear endpoint for many of the measures. The situation, as we’ve reported, is changing at an almost overwhelming pace.As The San Francisco Chronicle noted, there’s no clear endpoint for many of the measures. The situation, as we’ve reported, is changing at an almost overwhelming pace.
But I was curious about what will stick after the states of emergency are drawn down.But I was curious about what will stick after the states of emergency are drawn down.
I spoke with Mr. Levine about workplace hygiene and why major employers should research best practices for themselves. Here’s our conversation, edited and condensed:I spoke with Mr. Levine about workplace hygiene and why major employers should research best practices for themselves. Here’s our conversation, edited and condensed:
Tell me about what’s at the front of your mind in the midst of this outbreak.Tell me about what’s at the front of your mind in the midst of this outbreak.
So I’m an economist, I work a lot on health — on behavior change, including hand-washing.So I’m an economist, I work a lot on health — on behavior change, including hand-washing.
What’s clear is that everybody knows they should wash their hands after they use the toilet. Years of research have found that people don’t, but they do if someone is watching.What’s clear is that everybody knows they should wash their hands after they use the toilet. Years of research have found that people don’t, but they do if someone is watching.
And what my research has found is that organizational routine is important.And what my research has found is that organizational routine is important.
When you walk into a doctor’s office, there’s often hand sanitizer, but it shouldn’t be a question of whether people use it.When you walk into a doctor’s office, there’s often hand sanitizer, but it shouldn’t be a question of whether people use it.
In a business, we also need standard procedures for cleaning surfaces, which require schedules, monitoring, incentives and sufficient supplies — you need this for everything a lot of customers or staff are touching.In a business, we also need standard procedures for cleaning surfaces, which require schedules, monitoring, incentives and sufficient supplies — you need this for everything a lot of customers or staff are touching.
My last point would be, good hygiene could help make all Americans a lot safer. But by itself, the U.S. cannot protect itself from a global outbreak. The U.S. and other industrialized nations should be working rapidly to subsidize hygiene practices around the globe.My last point would be, good hygiene could help make all Americans a lot safer. But by itself, the U.S. cannot protect itself from a global outbreak. The U.S. and other industrialized nations should be working rapidly to subsidize hygiene practices around the globe.
So that’s all sort of what should have happened or should be happening. What are you actually seeing in the work force? And could some of those things become a new normal?So that’s all sort of what should have happened or should be happening. What are you actually seeing in the work force? And could some of those things become a new normal?
In the short run, the C.D.C. and others have recommended social distancing and working from home is an important part of that. All the work from home is sort of an interesting experiment.In the short run, the C.D.C. and others have recommended social distancing and working from home is an important part of that. All the work from home is sort of an interesting experiment.
During big transit strikes, for instance, some people find new ways to commute and they don’t go back.During big transit strikes, for instance, some people find new ways to commute and they don’t go back.
So organizations may find that allowing work from home is at least as effective as the old ways. I don’t expect it to be universal, but I think there will be some institutional learning that comes from this tragedy.So organizations may find that allowing work from home is at least as effective as the old ways. I don’t expect it to be universal, but I think there will be some institutional learning that comes from this tragedy.
What would our economy look like if that’s the case?What would our economy look like if that’s the case?
For as long as the internet has been around, there’s been increasing opportunities for dispersed teams to work together. This disruption may accelerate that movement, but it didn’t invent it.For as long as the internet has been around, there’s been increasing opportunities for dispersed teams to work together. This disruption may accelerate that movement, but it didn’t invent it.
Do you have any advice for big employers?Do you have any advice for big employers?
What I stressed earlier is the C.D.C. should be doing research.What I stressed earlier is the C.D.C. should be doing research.
But big employers, like Uber and McDonald’s, have a big incentive to research, too, and determine their best practices. Ride-share companies need to figure out what combination of tissues and hand sanitizer in the back seat and wiping down seats they should do.But big employers, like Uber and McDonald’s, have a big incentive to research, too, and determine their best practices. Ride-share companies need to figure out what combination of tissues and hand sanitizer in the back seat and wiping down seats they should do.
Every senior living facility has the capability to become a tragic news story. To a lesser extent, every grocery store chain and ride-share company and fast-food company could become known as a center of epidemic spread. So they have an incentive to disseminate new routines.Every senior living facility has the capability to become a tragic news story. To a lesser extent, every grocery store chain and ride-share company and fast-food company could become known as a center of epidemic spread. So they have an incentive to disseminate new routines.
Any other thoughts?Any other thoughts?
Workers are going to be going to work because they can’t afford to take time off. It would be an excellent time for the federal government to use some combination of Medicare and unemployment insurance to pay for sick leave and Covid-19 testing.Workers are going to be going to work because they can’t afford to take time off. It would be an excellent time for the federal government to use some combination of Medicare and unemployment insurance to pay for sick leave and Covid-19 testing.
[Read more about how the coronavirus is spurring a renewed push for federally mandated sick leave.][Read more about how the coronavirus is spurring a renewed push for federally mandated sick leave.]
Because having someone avoid testing so they can keep going to work is a guaranteed route for very rapid spread of the virus.Because having someone avoid testing so they can keep going to work is a guaranteed route for very rapid spread of the virus.
Updated June 5, 2020 Updated June 12, 2020
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
When we’re thinking about some sort of stimulus, we should think about directing it to cover the sick leave and testing of those affected. It would cover the right people because if there aren’t very many sick people, the government won’t have to write that many checks.When we’re thinking about some sort of stimulus, we should think about directing it to cover the sick leave and testing of those affected. It would cover the right people because if there aren’t very many sick people, the government won’t have to write that many checks.
If you read one story, make it this chilling account of how a series of missed chances by the federal government prevented wider testing in the outbreak’s early days, when containment would have been easier. [The New York Times]If you read one story, make it this chilling account of how a series of missed chances by the federal government prevented wider testing in the outbreak’s early days, when containment would have been easier. [The New York Times]
“We’re just saying our prayers.” Among the most vulnerable to the illness are people experiencing homelessness. At shelters, infections can spread rapidly and care is hard to come by. [The New York Times]“We’re just saying our prayers.” Among the most vulnerable to the illness are people experiencing homelessness. At shelters, infections can spread rapidly and care is hard to come by. [The New York Times]
It’s official: Coachella and Stagecoach have been postponed until October. [The New York Times]It’s official: Coachella and Stagecoach have been postponed until October. [The New York Times]
And here’s how to get a refund. [The Desert Sun]And here’s how to get a refund. [The Desert Sun]
School is where low-income children often get food they might not have access to at home. But when schools are closed, they often miss out. [Civil Eats]School is where low-income children often get food they might not have access to at home. But when schools are closed, they often miss out. [Civil Eats]
Here are the latest updates. [The New York Times]Here are the latest updates. [The New York Times]
One more thing: What do you want to know about the coronavirus outbreak in California? Email us your questions at catoday@nytimes.com.One more thing: What do you want to know about the coronavirus outbreak in California? Email us your questions at catoday@nytimes.com.
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.
The man who fatally stabbed Nia Wilson on a BART platform in 2018 was convicted of first-degree murder on Tuesday. Next the jury must decide whether he’s criminally insane. [The New York Times]The man who fatally stabbed Nia Wilson on a BART platform in 2018 was convicted of first-degree murder on Tuesday. Next the jury must decide whether he’s criminally insane. [The New York Times]
Here are updates from the Democratic presidential primaries. (States, including Michigan, hit the polls on Tuesday.) [The New York Times]Here are updates from the Democratic presidential primaries. (States, including Michigan, hit the polls on Tuesday.) [The New York Times]
If Earth is starting to feel less than ideal, but you’d never be able to give up your salad to live Mars, the findings of a new study may be of interest to you. [The New York Times]If Earth is starting to feel less than ideal, but you’d never be able to give up your salad to live Mars, the findings of a new study may be of interest to you. [The New York Times]
The Dynamic Miss Faye Carol might be the hardest-working live musician in the East Bay. She’s also one of the most established. [KQED]The Dynamic Miss Faye Carol might be the hardest-working live musician in the East Bay. She’s also one of the most established. [KQED]
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 and read every edition online 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 and read every edition online 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.