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Is Construction an ‘Essential Business’? in California? Is Construction an ‘Essential Business’? in California?
(3 days later)
Good morning.Good morning.
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Today, Adam Popescu, a journalist based in Los Angeles, looks at how stay-at-home orders are affecting the construction industry.Today, Adam Popescu, a journalist based in Los Angeles, looks at how stay-at-home orders are affecting the construction industry.
The update comes as cities and states around the country grapple with similar questions. On Tuesday, Bay Area health officials shut down a broad range of construction projects, including office buildings and market-rate housing — after initially deeming them essential.The update comes as cities and states around the country grapple with similar questions. On Tuesday, Bay Area health officials shut down a broad range of construction projects, including office buildings and market-rate housing — after initially deeming them essential.
In Los Angeles, work continued. Here’s Adam’s dispatch:In Los Angeles, work continued. Here’s Adam’s dispatch:
Throughout Los Angeles, construction crews are clustering on work sites and at food trucks, many not distancing or wearing any protection besides an occasional hard hat.Throughout Los Angeles, construction crews are clustering on work sites and at food trucks, many not distancing or wearing any protection besides an occasional hard hat.
Masks and gloves are not mandatory, according to Los Angeles’s safety regulations, but keeping at least six feet apart is a measure the authorities call central to stopping Covid-19’s spread.Masks and gloves are not mandatory, according to Los Angeles’s safety regulations, but keeping at least six feet apart is a measure the authorities call central to stopping Covid-19’s spread.
With most businesses shuttered, the question of what is essential and why was on display this week at a construction site in a densely populated section of apartment buildings just south of West Hollywood.With most businesses shuttered, the question of what is essential and why was on display this week at a construction site in a densely populated section of apartment buildings just south of West Hollywood.
A worker in a baseball cap pulled out a blue bandanna, tying the rag around his nose and mouth.A worker in a baseball cap pulled out a blue bandanna, tying the rag around his nose and mouth.
“They should be wearing masks and gloves. If they’re not distancing, they should be,” said Anat Mergi, the co-owner of Ariel Builders, Inc., the company running the site. “No one has told us to close anything, so we’re not. This is an essential business.”“They should be wearing masks and gloves. If they’re not distancing, they should be,” said Anat Mergi, the co-owner of Ariel Builders, Inc., the company running the site. “No one has told us to close anything, so we’re not. This is an essential business.”
[What counts as an essential business, according to California’s order?][What counts as an essential business, according to California’s order?]
She’s right. Officials agree this work is essential, but what’s happening in neighborhoods like this — with landlords and contractors scrambling, and residents wondering about how to report concerns — reveals confusion over a broad directive with lots of room for interpretation.She’s right. Officials agree this work is essential, but what’s happening in neighborhoods like this — with landlords and contractors scrambling, and residents wondering about how to report concerns — reveals confusion over a broad directive with lots of room for interpretation.
Concerned residents have also been searching for clarity: Do they contact the county’s Public Health Department, the Los Angeles Police Department or the city attorney, if they see violations?Concerned residents have also been searching for clarity: Do they contact the county’s Public Health Department, the Los Angeles Police Department or the city attorney, if they see violations?
“This is uncharted territory for all of us,” said Josh Rubenstein, a spokesman for the L.A.P.D.“This is uncharted territory for all of us,” said Josh Rubenstein, a spokesman for the L.A.P.D.
On Monday, the department visited 46 nonessential businesses still operating and the city closed all farmers’ markets until they could come up with plans to ensure shoppers and vendors were able to keep their distance.On Monday, the department visited 46 nonessential businesses still operating and the city closed all farmers’ markets until they could come up with plans to ensure shoppers and vendors were able to keep their distance.
The failure to follow social-distancing rules is not an arrestable offense, said Mr. Rubenstein, but it is a misdemeanor. Violating the city’s “Safer at Home” order could result in fines or even jail time.The failure to follow social-distancing rules is not an arrestable offense, said Mr. Rubenstein, but it is a misdemeanor. Violating the city’s “Safer at Home” order could result in fines or even jail time.
“I will give a warning to anyone doing those improvements: six feet or we will shut you down,” Mayor Eric Garcetti said Sunday. “We have inspectors that will be going out to work sites.”“I will give a warning to anyone doing those improvements: six feet or we will shut you down,” Mayor Eric Garcetti said Sunday. “We have inspectors that will be going out to work sites.”
On Tuesday, the city authorized its Department of Building and Safety to visit construction sites in order to enforce social distancing and personal protective equipment. And on Wednesday, The Los Angeles Times reported that sites will be required to create a Covid-19 exposure control plan.On Tuesday, the city authorized its Department of Building and Safety to visit construction sites in order to enforce social distancing and personal protective equipment. And on Wednesday, The Los Angeles Times reported that sites will be required to create a Covid-19 exposure control plan.
Groups of city staff and volunteers had previously been warning businesses that were in violation before a series of escalating measures, including shutting water and power and citations from L.A.P.D.Groups of city staff and volunteers had previously been warning businesses that were in violation before a series of escalating measures, including shutting water and power and citations from L.A.P.D.
With measures evolving, just which stretched agency takes the lead has been unclear. Right now, residents can call 311 to report nonessential businesses refusing to cooperate or share complaints here.With measures evolving, just which stretched agency takes the lead has been unclear. Right now, residents can call 311 to report nonessential businesses refusing to cooperate or share complaints here.
[Read the latest on the coronavirus pandemic in California.][Read the latest on the coronavirus pandemic in California.]
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.
Here’s our new map showing coronavirus case counts in each California county. (Stay tuned to learn more about it.) [The New York Times]Here’s our new map showing coronavirus case counts in each California county. (Stay tuned to learn more about it.) [The New York Times]
State health officials advised residents to wear masks when they’re out, if they can access a mask while still sticking to distancing measures. [California Department of Public Health]State health officials advised residents to wear masks when they’re out, if they can access a mask while still sticking to distancing measures. [California Department of Public Health]
The news came after federal officials said they were weighing advising everyone to wear masks in order to slow community transmission. [The New York Times]The news came after federal officials said they were weighing advising everyone to wear masks in order to slow community transmission. [The New York Times]
And here’s how to make your own fabric mask. [The New York Times]And here’s how to make your own fabric mask. [The New York Times]
One is a top-ranked research hospital in West L.A. and another is a community hospital in South L.A. Both are being tested during the pandemic. [The New York Times]One is a top-ranked research hospital in West L.A. and another is a community hospital in South L.A. Both are being tested during the pandemic. [The New York Times]
Federal prosecutors accused a locomotive driver of intentionally derailing a train near the Mercy, the U.S. Navy hospital ship docked at the Port of L.A. The authorities reported that the man said, “People don’t know what’s going on here. Now they will.” [The Los Angeles Times]Federal prosecutors accused a locomotive driver of intentionally derailing a train near the Mercy, the U.S. Navy hospital ship docked at the Port of L.A. The authorities reported that the man said, “People don’t know what’s going on here. Now they will.” [The Los Angeles Times]
The University of California system won’t require applicants for 2021 admission to take the SAT or ACT. [The Sacramento Bee]The University of California system won’t require applicants for 2021 admission to take the SAT or ACT. [The Sacramento Bee]
Representative Devin Nunes said that decisions to keep schools closed for the rest of the year were “overkill.” [The New York Times]Representative Devin Nunes said that decisions to keep schools closed for the rest of the year were “overkill.” [The New York Times]
If you missed it, Gov. Gavin Newsom unveiled a new hotline for seniors looking for help finding resources. It is 833-544-2374.If you missed it, Gov. Gavin Newsom unveiled a new hotline for seniors looking for help finding resources. It is 833-544-2374.
Drive-throughs are open, the skies are blue and the freeways are empty. But this isn’t how it was supposed to be. [The New York Times]Drive-throughs are open, the skies are blue and the freeways are empty. But this isn’t how it was supposed to be. [The New York Times]
A little while ago, I asked readers to send photos of their animal colleagues as offices around the state told employees to work from home.A little while ago, I asked readers to send photos of their animal colleagues as offices around the state told employees to work from home.
Dr. Helen Yu, 34, a child psychiatrist, sent the above photo of Cosmo, the cat, and Mina, the dog.Dr. Helen Yu, 34, a child psychiatrist, sent the above photo of Cosmo, the cat, and Mina, the dog.
“They are tolerating being close to each other in order to be next to the furnace,” she wrote.“They are tolerating being close to each other in order to be next to the furnace,” she wrote.
Later, I caught up with Dr. Yu by phone to ask her how things were going with her patients. I was curious about what it was like working with kids who may have already been struggling. And now, their school had been canceled and their parents might be out of jobs.Later, I caught up with Dr. Yu by phone to ask her how things were going with her patients. I was curious about what it was like working with kids who may have already been struggling. And now, their school had been canceled and their parents might be out of jobs.
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 the technology is working, Dr. Yu told me, the video appointments are mostly fine substitutes for face-to-face interactions — in fact, she said, the change gave her a rare opportunity to see where her patients live, “which can be helpful.”When the technology is working, Dr. Yu told me, the video appointments are mostly fine substitutes for face-to-face interactions — in fact, she said, the change gave her a rare opportunity to see where her patients live, “which can be helpful.”
Still, she said, “this is a huge disruption to their lives.” Some patients were having trouble sleeping. Some had symptoms under control that were coming back.Still, she said, “this is a huge disruption to their lives.” Some patients were having trouble sleeping. Some had symptoms under control that were coming back.
I asked what advice she’s been giving patients and their families.I asked what advice she’s been giving patients and their families.
“It’s important to try to maintain some sense of normalcy and structure to your day,” she said. For children and teenagers, it may be tempting to stay up late or to eat meals whenever the mood strikes.“It’s important to try to maintain some sense of normalcy and structure to your day,” she said. For children and teenagers, it may be tempting to stay up late or to eat meals whenever the mood strikes.
But Dr. Yu said, “the lack of structure makes it harder to contain emotions and feelings.”But Dr. Yu said, “the lack of structure makes it harder to contain emotions and feelings.”
Dr. Yu echoed some of these tips for keeping anxiety at bay: Try to keep in touch with friends, and try not to worry about things that are out of your control.Dr. Yu echoed some of these tips for keeping anxiety at bay: Try to keep in touch with friends, and try not to worry about things that are out of your control.
And set aside time to relax.And set aside time to relax.
“I’ve been trying to take my own advice,” she said.“I’ve been trying to take my own advice,” she said.
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.