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What Counts as an ‘Essential Business’ in California? What Counts as an ‘Essential Business’ in California?
(1 day later)
Good morning.Good morning.
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Over the weekend, roughly 40 million Californians adjusted to life under a sweeping new order to stay at home, even as questions lingered about what, exactly, that means.Over the weekend, roughly 40 million Californians adjusted to life under a sweeping new order to stay at home, even as questions lingered about what, exactly, that means.
For small businesses, there was plenty of confusion over how it was determined whether they were essential.For small businesses, there was plenty of confusion over how it was determined whether they were essential.
[What does it mean to shelter in place?][What does it mean to shelter in place?]
My colleagues Conor Dougherty and Thomas Fuller reported that even in the Bay Area, already several days into its massive containment experiment, there was plenty of room for interpretation.My colleagues Conor Dougherty and Thomas Fuller reported that even in the Bay Area, already several days into its massive containment experiment, there was plenty of room for interpretation.
Rather than get bogged down in questions, Matt Haney, a member of the San Francisco board of supervisors, said he’s advising businesses to simply think of the common good.Rather than get bogged down in questions, Matt Haney, a member of the San Francisco board of supervisors, said he’s advising businesses to simply think of the common good.
On Wednesday, a gin distillery that had been deemed as nonessential asked him if it could convert into a factory that makes hand sanitizer.On Wednesday, a gin distillery that had been deemed as nonessential asked him if it could convert into a factory that makes hand sanitizer.
In normal times, Mr. Haney said, that request would be met with various permitting requests and neighborhood and civic meetings that together would take months or years to satisfy, if it was possible at all. His advice: If you’re able to make hand sanitizer, then do it.In normal times, Mr. Haney said, that request would be met with various permitting requests and neighborhood and civic meetings that together would take months or years to satisfy, if it was possible at all. His advice: If you’re able to make hand sanitizer, then do it.
[What does it mean to call in the National Guard?][What does it mean to call in the National Guard?]
“There’s no decision maker in an office somewhere stamping expedited permits,” he said. “There’s a wartime feel to it, where if you are doing something that is contributing to public health then that’s the right thing to do.”“There’s no decision maker in an office somewhere stamping expedited permits,” he said. “There’s a wartime feel to it, where if you are doing something that is contributing to public health then that’s the right thing to do.”
Local leaders have been emphasizing that they don’t want to punish people who violate the restrictions.Local leaders have been emphasizing that they don’t want to punish people who violate the restrictions.
But they’ve said that as they’ve encountered residents or businesses not complying, enforcement is likely to ramp up.But they’ve said that as they’ve encountered residents or businesses not complying, enforcement is likely to ramp up.
The police chief of San Jose, Eddie Garcia, said Friday that his officers had already broken up gatherings in the city. The city also ordered a gun shop closed earlier this week. (Gun shops were declared nonessential by Mayor Sam Liccardo.)The police chief of San Jose, Eddie Garcia, said Friday that his officers had already broken up gatherings in the city. The city also ordered a gun shop closed earlier this week. (Gun shops were declared nonessential by Mayor Sam Liccardo.)
Chief Garcia said he was incredulous at some of the businesses that tried to stay open.Chief Garcia said he was incredulous at some of the businesses that tried to stay open.
“A billiards hall. Are you kidding me?” he said. “I don’t know how a billiards hall thought they could be open through this time.”“A billiards hall. Are you kidding me?” he said. “I don’t know how a billiards hall thought they could be open through this time.”
[Here’s what to know before you go to the grocery store.][Here’s what to know before you go to the grocery store.]
As the weekend wore on, big outdoor spaces — explicitly exempted from new restrictions — were crowded with people grasping for some sense of normalcy.As the weekend wore on, big outdoor spaces — explicitly exempted from new restrictions — were crowded with people grasping for some sense of normalcy.
In the East Bay, The San Francisco Chronicle reported, parks and beaches were so packed that officials may be forced to close some of them.In the East Bay, The San Francisco Chronicle reported, parks and beaches were so packed that officials may be forced to close some of them.
San Diegans flocked to beaches and parks, according to The San Diego Union-Tribune, prompting county health officials to plead with residents to stay home.San Diegans flocked to beaches and parks, according to The San Diego Union-Tribune, prompting county health officials to plead with residents to stay home.
In Malibu on Saturday, hikers on a wide trail mostly edged away from one another as they passed, even if their ecstatic dogs played together under a clear blue sky. Some, however, walked in larger groups down the center of the path.In Malibu on Saturday, hikers on a wide trail mostly edged away from one another as they passed, even if their ecstatic dogs played together under a clear blue sky. Some, however, walked in larger groups down the center of the path.
A group of young roommates narrated their walk to a phone. An older woman wore a T-shirt that read, “Stay Away,” written in marker, accented by a hand-drawn heart.A group of young roommates narrated their walk to a phone. An older woman wore a T-shirt that read, “Stay Away,” written in marker, accented by a hand-drawn heart.
[Read about how warmer weather may slow, but not stop, the spread of the coronavirus.][Read about how warmer weather may slow, but not stop, the spread of the coronavirus.]
Mayor Eric Garcetti of Los Angeles said on Sunday that after seeing the flood of people heading toward the water in Venice, he’d be working with other leaders around the county to close beach parking lots, and if necessary, close off beaches altogether.Mayor Eric Garcetti of Los Angeles said on Sunday that after seeing the flood of people heading toward the water in Venice, he’d be working with other leaders around the county to close beach parking lots, and if necessary, close off beaches altogether.
“Your decision to not physically distance yourself may kill someone,” he said. “Don’t take risks, don’t mess around, don’t be selfish.”“Your decision to not physically distance yourself may kill someone,” he said. “Don’t take risks, don’t mess around, don’t be selfish.”
[Check here for statistics and more information about the coronavirus outbreak in California.][Check here for statistics and more information about the coronavirus outbreak in California.]
Here’s more about which businesses are considered essential:Here’s more about which businesses are considered essential:
On Friday, after the statewide stay-at-home order went into effect, officials posted a longer document laying out which workers and businesses are considered essential and how they’d be allowed to operate.On Friday, after the statewide stay-at-home order went into effect, officials posted a longer document laying out which workers and businesses are considered essential and how they’d be allowed to operate.
Among the businesses that will be allowed to keep operating are convenience stores that sell food, liquor stores, cannabis dispensaries and laundromats.Among the businesses that will be allowed to keep operating are convenience stores that sell food, liquor stores, cannabis dispensaries and laundromats.
You can read the list in full here, though state officials have said the directive could evolve in days and weeks to come.You can read the list in full here, though state officials have said the directive could evolve in days and weeks to come.
[Read more about which industries and companies are hiring — a lot.][Read more about which industries and companies are hiring — a lot.]
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.
President Trump approved a major disaster declaration that Mr. Newsom had requested earlier on Sunday. The move will bring more federal resources to help California fight the Covid-19 outbreak.President Trump approved a major disaster declaration that Mr. Newsom had requested earlier on Sunday. The move will bring more federal resources to help California fight the Covid-19 outbreak.
Pacific Gas & Electric reached a deal with the governor, clearing a major hurdle to exiting bankruptcy. (The plan needs a judge’s approval, but a signoff from the governor makes that more likely.) [The New York Times]Pacific Gas & Electric reached a deal with the governor, clearing a major hurdle to exiting bankruptcy. (The plan needs a judge’s approval, but a signoff from the governor makes that more likely.) [The New York Times]
Firefighters are finding themselves squeezed from both sides amid the pandemic, which could make wildfire season much more difficult. [The New York Times]Firefighters are finding themselves squeezed from both sides amid the pandemic, which could make wildfire season much more difficult. [The New York Times]
And Hayward is set to open a coronavirus testing center that will prioritize emergency workers. [KQED]And Hayward is set to open a coronavirus testing center that will prioritize emergency workers. [KQED]
As requested, the U.S. Navy is set to send a 1,000-bed hospital ship to the Port of Los Angeles this week. It’s based in San Diego. [City News Service and NBC 7]As requested, the U.S. Navy is set to send a 1,000-bed hospital ship to the Port of Los Angeles this week. It’s based in San Diego. [City News Service and NBC 7]
Want to understand how the coronavirus spread across the world? Here’s a graphic explainer. [The New York Times]Want to understand how the coronavirus spread across the world? Here’s a graphic explainer. [The New York Times]
“Through this whole ordeal, we didn’t want her to get lost in the story.” Thousands of people have been dying from the coronavirus. They’ve been laid to rest without big gatherings. But the family of Loretta Mendoza Dionisio, outgoing and unstoppable, wanted her to be remembered as more than a statistic. [The New York Times]“Through this whole ordeal, we didn’t want her to get lost in the story.” Thousands of people have been dying from the coronavirus. They’ve been laid to rest without big gatherings. But the family of Loretta Mendoza Dionisio, outgoing and unstoppable, wanted her to be remembered as more than a statistic. [The New York Times]
[Read the latest updates on the coronavirus pandemic here.][Read the latest updates on the coronavirus pandemic here.]
Updated June 12, 2020 Updated June 16, 2020
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.
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.
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.)
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.
I don’t know about you, but last week felt like a lifetime to me. And this week seems unlikely to be any less strange and anxiety-ridden.I don’t know about you, but last week felt like a lifetime to me. And this week seems unlikely to be any less strange and anxiety-ridden.
We’ll have some more pet photos soon, but first, here are some tips for staying sane. They include setting small, achievable goals, finding joy and turning your panic into service. (Here’s a list of organizations to get you started, if you’re in a position to donate.)We’ll have some more pet photos soon, but first, here are some tips for staying sane. They include setting small, achievable goals, finding joy and turning your panic into service. (Here’s a list of organizations to get you started, if you’re in a position to donate.)
And on the bright side, you can go to the hottest parties happening anywhere, and you can stay in your sweats; they’re all happening online.And on the bright side, you can go to the hottest parties happening anywhere, and you can stay in your sweats; they’re all happening online.
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.