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How Will the Federal Stimulus Help Californians? How Will the Federal Stimulus Help Californians?
(8 days later)
Good morning.Good morning.
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Today, the House is poised to approve the biggest economic stimulus package in modern American history, a $2 trillion plan aimed at helping Americans through the Covid-19 pandemic, just as the United States finds itself at its center.Today, the House is poised to approve the biggest economic stimulus package in modern American history, a $2 trillion plan aimed at helping Americans through the Covid-19 pandemic, just as the United States finds itself at its center.
And for the millions of Americans who have lost work — including more than one million Californians — the relief can’t come quickly enough.And for the millions of Americans who have lost work — including more than one million Californians — the relief can’t come quickly enough.
On Wednesday, Gov. Gavin Newsom said that according to early estimates, the legislation would send more than $10 billion just to California and communities around the state, not including direct support to residents.On Wednesday, Gov. Gavin Newsom said that according to early estimates, the legislation would send more than $10 billion just to California and communities around the state, not including direct support to residents.
That money, he said, will help hurting state coffers as California spends billions of dollars on protective equipment and places to house people who must be isolated or who had been living on the streets.That money, he said, will help hurting state coffers as California spends billions of dollars on protective equipment and places to house people who must be isolated or who had been living on the streets.
While Mr. Newsom applauded congressional leaders like House Speaker Nancy Pelosi for their work so far, he noted that “there will need to be more in the future.”While Mr. Newsom applauded congressional leaders like House Speaker Nancy Pelosi for their work so far, he noted that “there will need to be more in the future.”
For now, though, here are some useful resources to figure out how the stimulus may help you:For now, though, here are some useful resources to figure out how the stimulus may help you:
Answers to frequently asked questions about expanded unemployment benefits and stimulus payments. [The New York Times]Answers to frequently asked questions about expanded unemployment benefits and stimulus payments. [The New York Times]
A breakdown of what’s in the stimulus package, including loans to big corporations and small businesses. [The New York Times]A breakdown of what’s in the stimulus package, including loans to big corporations and small businesses. [The New York Times]
A calculator to show you how much you could get from the $1,200 (or more) in the coronavirus checks. [The Washington Post]A calculator to show you how much you could get from the $1,200 (or more) in the coronavirus checks. [The Washington Post]
Capt. John R. Rotruck was somewhere between San Diego and Los Angeles on Thursday night, he told me, set to arrive at L.A.’s port this morning at about 9 o’clock.Capt. John R. Rotruck was somewhere between San Diego and Los Angeles on Thursday night, he told me, set to arrive at L.A.’s port this morning at about 9 o’clock.
Since he was traveling by gigantic boat and not by car, he’d been en route since Monday.Since he was traveling by gigantic boat and not by car, he’d been en route since Monday.
“I’m sitting in my cabin right now,” he said.“I’m sitting in my cabin right now,” he said.
Captain Rotruck is the commanding officer of the Mercy, the 1,000-bed U.S. Navy hospital ship heading to the Port of L.A. to alleviate pressure on the region’s health care systems caused by an anticipated surge in coronavirus patients.Captain Rotruck is the commanding officer of the Mercy, the 1,000-bed U.S. Navy hospital ship heading to the Port of L.A. to alleviate pressure on the region’s health care systems caused by an anticipated surge in coronavirus patients.
Officials have said the medical staff aboard the ship will treat Angelenos with conditions not related to Covid-19, like heart attacks, or who have been in car crashes.Officials have said the medical staff aboard the ship will treat Angelenos with conditions not related to Covid-19, like heart attacks, or who have been in car crashes.
Though the task may sound grim, for many of the roughly 1,000 sailors aboard, including a full-time crew of 61 who maintain the vessel, it’s a new kind of mission, Captain Rotruck said.Though the task may sound grim, for many of the roughly 1,000 sailors aboard, including a full-time crew of 61 who maintain the vessel, it’s a new kind of mission, Captain Rotruck said.
“I see a tremendous amount of enthusiasm,” he said. “It’s very unusual for us to be able to do something this directly for the American people.”“I see a tremendous amount of enthusiasm,” he said. “It’s very unusual for us to be able to do something this directly for the American people.”
Typically, he said, the ship goes out every couple years to provide care or to help build medical capacity in other countries, like the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia.Typically, he said, the ship goes out every couple years to provide care or to help build medical capacity in other countries, like the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia.
This time, the mission is hitting much closer to home, not just because it’s on American soil, but because many of the crew are based in San Diego.This time, the mission is hitting much closer to home, not just because it’s on American soil, but because many of the crew are based in San Diego.
Captain Rotruck said he didn’t know how long the Mercy would stay in Los Angeles — that’s for state and federal emergency officials to decide — but he said he felt confident in the ship’s initial supply of protective equipment and the crew’s ability to take recommended precautions against the spread of Covid-19.Captain Rotruck said he didn’t know how long the Mercy would stay in Los Angeles — that’s for state and federal emergency officials to decide — but he said he felt confident in the ship’s initial supply of protective equipment and the crew’s ability to take recommended precautions against the spread of Covid-19.
“We accept a certain amount of risk,” he said. “But we mitigate that risk like any civilian hospital.”“We accept a certain amount of risk,” he said. “But we mitigate that risk like any civilian hospital.”
The Mercy, Captain Rotruck said, is in many ways like “a regular hospital.” That’s the comment he occasionally gets from visitors touring the medical facility.The Mercy, Captain Rotruck said, is in many ways like “a regular hospital.” That’s the comment he occasionally gets from visitors touring the medical facility.
“It just happens to be inside a supertanker,” he said.“It just happens to be inside a supertanker,” he said.
If you’ve experienced symptoms of Covid-19 and have tried, unsuccessfully, to get a test in California, we want to hear from you. If you’re feeling well enough, please email us at CAtoday@nytimes.com, and we may reach out. Thank you.If you’ve experienced symptoms of Covid-19 and have tried, unsuccessfully, to get a test in California, we want to hear from you. If you’re feeling well enough, please email us at CAtoday@nytimes.com, and we may reach out. Thank you.
Updated June 24, 2020 Updated June 30, 2020
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.
Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles.Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles.
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.
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.
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.
“Oh my God, she canceled, too.” The coronavirus outbreak has led many to cast aside household workers, who rarely have the kind of protections that come with working for a formal, full-time employer, like paid sick leave. Many household workers are undocumented, leaving their families even more vulnerable. [The New York Times]“Oh my God, she canceled, too.” The coronavirus outbreak has led many to cast aside household workers, who rarely have the kind of protections that come with working for a formal, full-time employer, like paid sick leave. Many household workers are undocumented, leaving their families even more vulnerable. [The New York Times]
Also, the coronavirus has stalled the nation’s asylum system and exacerbated poor conditions for migrants: “How can we ask those people to keep a safe distance and wash hands if they don’t even have access to water?” [The San Diego Union-Tribune]Also, the coronavirus has stalled the nation’s asylum system and exacerbated poor conditions for migrants: “How can we ask those people to keep a safe distance and wash hands if they don’t even have access to water?” [The San Diego Union-Tribune]
She seemed like one of the least likely people to get the coronavirus. She lived simply and her daily routine had a small radius. But Azar Ahrabi was the first person in the Bay Area to die from the illness. Her son said it struck “out of the blue.” [The San Francisco Chronicle]She seemed like one of the least likely people to get the coronavirus. She lived simply and her daily routine had a small radius. But Azar Ahrabi was the first person in the Bay Area to die from the illness. Her son said it struck “out of the blue.” [The San Francisco Chronicle]
As California’s researchers contend with orders to stay home, what happens to their work? Some scientists have been able to switch to study the coronavirus. Others are just trying to keep their research from being ruined. [CalMatters]As California’s researchers contend with orders to stay home, what happens to their work? Some scientists have been able to switch to study the coronavirus. Others are just trying to keep their research from being ruined. [CalMatters]
The economy is breaking. We’re trying to turn it off and turn it back on. (But seriously, read this to understand how the recovery might work, and why it’ll be different from past economic recoveries.) [The New York Times]The economy is breaking. We’re trying to turn it off and turn it back on. (But seriously, read this to understand how the recovery might work, and why it’ll be different from past economic recoveries.) [The New York Times]
If you missed it, here’s how big tech could emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic stronger than ever. But those lucky few companies should still be worried. [The New York Times]If you missed it, here’s how big tech could emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic stronger than ever. But those lucky few companies should still be worried. [The New York Times]
How are people dating during the pandemic? Orders to shelter in place are forcing some closer together while others are stuck apart. [KQED]How are people dating during the pandemic? Orders to shelter in place are forcing some closer together while others are stuck apart. [KQED]
If you want to read something totally unrelated to anything happening in the world right now, the Internet Archive in San Francisco has opened the National Emergency Library, a digital collection of 1.4 million books you can check out at no cost. [The New Yorker]If you want to read something totally unrelated to anything happening in the world right now, the Internet Archive in San Francisco has opened the National Emergency Library, a digital collection of 1.4 million books you can check out at no cost. [The New Yorker]
Or there’s this profile of the feline “mayor” of Little Tokyo, who turned 23 this month. [The Los Angeles Times]Or there’s this profile of the feline “mayor” of Little Tokyo, who turned 23 this month. [The Los Angeles Times]
Also, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have reportedly left Canada for Los Angeles, Ms. Markle’s hometown. [Reuters]Also, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have reportedly left Canada for Los Angeles, Ms. Markle’s hometown. [Reuters]
She was anxious because she couldn’t find hand sanitizer. Her neighbor was running low on toilet paper.She was anxious because she couldn’t find hand sanitizer. Her neighbor was running low on toilet paper.
And so, one day recently, Mary Whiteford, 68, and Nancy Dickenson, 64, did a little bartering: “My three rolls of toilet paper for her one bottle of rubbing alcohol!” Ms. Whiteford told me in an email.And so, one day recently, Mary Whiteford, 68, and Nancy Dickenson, 64, did a little bartering: “My three rolls of toilet paper for her one bottle of rubbing alcohol!” Ms. Whiteford told me in an email.
The two women, who live in Morro Bay, had run into each other while walking their dogs. They chatted — at a safe distance — and realized this was one way they could help each other through a tough time.The two women, who live in Morro Bay, had run into each other while walking their dogs. They chatted — at a safe distance — and realized this was one way they could help each other through a tough time.
We know gestures like this, big and small, are taking place around California. And we want to hear about them.We know gestures like this, big and small, are taking place around California. And we want to hear about them.
So if you’ve been part of an interaction that’s made life a little better for you or for someone else, email us at CAtoday@nytimes.com.So if you’ve been part of an interaction that’s made life a little better for you or for someone else, email us at CAtoday@nytimes.com.
We hope you have a safe, restful weekend.We hope you have a safe, restful weekend.
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.