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What to Know About California’s New ‘Health Corps’ What to Know About California’s New ‘Health Corps’
(3 days later)
Good morning.Good morning.
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In talking about California’s response to the spread of the coronavirus outbreak, Gov. Gavin Newsom has been unequivocal: The state needs more hospital capacity — and lots of it.In talking about California’s response to the spread of the coronavirus outbreak, Gov. Gavin Newsom has been unequivocal: The state needs more hospital capacity — and lots of it.
Mr. Newsom has said that the state needs to add 50,000 beds to get ahead of the expected surge of patients.Mr. Newsom has said that the state needs to add 50,000 beds to get ahead of the expected surge of patients.
On Monday, he said, that surge is materializing: The number of people who have been hospitalized with the coronavirus has increased over the last four days to 1,432 from 746, and the number of patients in intensive care has tripled to nearly 600 in that time.On Monday, he said, that surge is materializing: The number of people who have been hospitalized with the coronavirus has increased over the last four days to 1,432 from 746, and the number of patients in intensive care has tripled to nearly 600 in that time.
The state has been able to add places to care for patients, including aboard a 1,000-bed Navy hospital ship, which arrived at the Port of Los Angeles from San Diego on Friday, and at convention centers around the state.The state has been able to add places to care for patients, including aboard a 1,000-bed Navy hospital ship, which arrived at the Port of Los Angeles from San Diego on Friday, and at convention centers around the state.
But none of that does much good without front-line workers — doctors, nurses, paramedics, psychologists, pharmacists and dentists — who have the skills to care for patients.But none of that does much good without front-line workers — doctors, nurses, paramedics, psychologists, pharmacists and dentists — who have the skills to care for patients.
“It requires people,” Mr. Newsom said.“It requires people,” Mr. Newsom said.
So, he announced a new initiative aimed at tapping a pool of some 37,000 retired or part-time health care professionals to help the thousands already working through the crisis.So, he announced a new initiative aimed at tapping a pool of some 37,000 retired or part-time health care professionals to help the thousands already working through the crisis.
[Read the latest updates on the coronavirus pandemic around the world.][Read the latest updates on the coronavirus pandemic around the world.]
Here’s what to know about the new effort, the California Health Corps:Here’s what to know about the new effort, the California Health Corps:
Wait — is the governor saying that 37,000 health care professionals will just be sent back into the work force?Wait — is the governor saying that 37,000 health care professionals will just be sent back into the work force?
No, nobody’s being required to work. And it will take time and effort to ensure that everyone who would like to help is properly vetted.No, nobody’s being required to work. And it will take time and effort to ensure that everyone who would like to help is properly vetted.
The governor said that 37,000 number was “the universe” of possible workers.The governor said that 37,000 number was “the universe” of possible workers.
Mr. Newsom signed an executive order that he said would “provide flexibility” to waive some licensing and certification requirements until the end of June.Mr. Newsom signed an executive order that he said would “provide flexibility” to waive some licensing and certification requirements until the end of June.
That will allow some medical retirees, as well as students who are almost finished with their training, to join the work force. They’ll be “deployed” somewhere in the state according to their preference whenever possible.That will allow some medical retirees, as well as students who are almost finished with their training, to join the work force. They’ll be “deployed” somewhere in the state according to their preference whenever possible.
Those who raise their hands will be subjected to some kind of screening in lieu of normal licensing, the order said.Those who raise their hands will be subjected to some kind of screening in lieu of normal licensing, the order said.
This sounds almost too simple. What are the catches?This sounds almost too simple. What are the catches?
As CalMatters reported, there are still many unanswered questions about how all of this will work.As CalMatters reported, there are still many unanswered questions about how all of this will work.
Also, even before the state’s almost 40 million residents were given a blanket order to stay home, Californians who were 65 or older were told not to go out, since they are especially vulnerable if they are infected with the coronavirus.Also, even before the state’s almost 40 million residents were given a blanket order to stay home, Californians who were 65 or older were told not to go out, since they are especially vulnerable if they are infected with the coronavirus.
The list of requirements on the state’s Health Corps website does not specifically discourage older doctors from joining the ranks, despite the fact that older Californians have been told to stay home.The list of requirements on the state’s Health Corps website does not specifically discourage older doctors from joining the ranks, despite the fact that older Californians have been told to stay home.
Will people be paid?Will people be paid?
Yes, and they’ll get malpractice insurance, too.Yes, and they’ll get malpractice insurance, too.
[Learn more or register at healthcorps.ca.gov.][Learn more or register at healthcorps.ca.gov.]
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.
Even as the White House has been consumed with responding to the coronavirus crisis, Trump administration officials have raced to complete a new rule, expected to be announced today, that would virtually undo Obama-era fuel efficiency standards. [The New York Times]Even as the White House has been consumed with responding to the coronavirus crisis, Trump administration officials have raced to complete a new rule, expected to be announced today, that would virtually undo Obama-era fuel efficiency standards. [The New York Times]
California built up a huge reserve of ventilators, masks and other equipment that would be critical right now. But the state let it collapse. [Reveal]California built up a huge reserve of ventilators, masks and other equipment that would be critical right now. But the state let it collapse. [Reveal]
Bay Area officials in the first counties to order residents to shelter in place extended the restrictions until the end of April. (The state’s order to stay at home didn’t have a set end date.)[The Mercury News]Bay Area officials in the first counties to order residents to shelter in place extended the restrictions until the end of April. (The state’s order to stay at home didn’t have a set end date.)[The Mercury News]
Here’s what it means to “shelter in place.” [The New York Times]Here’s what it means to “shelter in place.” [The New York Times]
Mayor Eric Garcetti of Los Angeles added more protections for renters on Monday, barring landlords from increasing rent on homes that fall under the city’s rent stabilization program. [The Los Angeles Times]Mayor Eric Garcetti of Los Angeles added more protections for renters on Monday, barring landlords from increasing rent on homes that fall under the city’s rent stabilization program. [The Los Angeles Times]
Four inmates and 18 workers at state prisons have tested positive for Covid-19. The news comes as family members of inmates and workers push for more protections in an environment where the virus could spread rapidly. [The Fresno Bee]Four inmates and 18 workers at state prisons have tested positive for Covid-19. The news comes as family members of inmates and workers push for more protections in an environment where the virus could spread rapidly. [The Fresno Bee]
Read more about why the virus could spread easily behind bars. [The New York Times]Read more about why the virus could spread easily behind bars. [The New York Times]
A swanky tennis facility in San Francisco will become a temporary homeless shelter during the coronavirus crisis. [The San Francisco Chronicle]A swanky tennis facility in San Francisco will become a temporary homeless shelter during the coronavirus crisis. [The San Francisco Chronicle]
Emails and memos show how Tesla fought to keep its Fremont factory open, even after officials said they considered the plant a public safety risk. [Protocol]Emails and memos show how Tesla fought to keep its Fremont factory open, even after officials said they considered the plant a public safety risk. [Protocol]
These two women have lived through the Spanish flu, the Depression and the Holocaust. They shared their perspectives on this pandemic. [The New York Times]These two women have lived through the Spanish flu, the Depression and the Holocaust. They shared their perspectives on this pandemic. [The New York Times]
I’ve written about March Fong Eu, the longtime California leader who took a literal sledgehammer to the patriarchy, how California helped shape McCarthyism and the work of Alfred Eichler, an architect for the California Department of Public Works.I’ve written about March Fong Eu, the longtime California leader who took a literal sledgehammer to the patriarchy, how California helped shape McCarthyism and the work of Alfred Eichler, an architect for the California Department of Public Works.
I learned about all of them from digital exhibits put together by the California Secretary of State’s Office and the California State Archives.I learned about all of them from digital exhibits put together by the California Secretary of State’s Office and the California State Archives.
Updated June 2, 2020 Updated June 5, 2020
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
More than 40 million people — the equivalent of 1 in 4 U.S. workers — have filed for unemployment benefits since the pandemic took hold. One in five who were working in February reported losing a job or being furloughed in March or the beginning of April, data from a Federal Reserve survey released on May 14 showed, and that pain was highly concentrated among low earners. Fully 39 percent of former workers living in a household earning $40,000 or less lost work, compared with 13 percent in those making more than $100,000, a Fed official said.
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.
If you’ve found that you have a bit more time lately for some low-impact mental exercise, I’d recommend checking out more of the exhibits, which you can find here. They’re full of gorgeous archival images and fascinating California history.If you’ve found that you have a bit more time lately for some low-impact mental exercise, I’d recommend checking out more of the exhibits, which you can find here. They’re full of gorgeous archival images and fascinating California history.
Right now, one called “Farmworkers in the Land of Plenty,” feels especially appropriate.Right now, one called “Farmworkers in the Land of Plenty,” feels especially appropriate.
So go forth, dig into the weeds, look at some pictures of California agriculture circa 1879. You’re not missing anything outside, anyway.So go forth, dig into the weeds, look at some pictures of California agriculture circa 1879. You’re not missing anything outside, anyway.
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.