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Why Mammoth Lakes Is Turning Away Visitors Why Mammoth Lakes Is Turning Away Visitors
(about 2 hours later)
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The Times has joined forces with the University of California, Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism to provide expanded coverage on how the coronavirus pandemic is affecting California.The Times has joined forces with the University of California, Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism to provide expanded coverage on how the coronavirus pandemic is affecting California.
More than 80 students and nearly 20 journalism instructors have been organized to report on the impact of the novel coronavirus in each of California’s 58 counties. They are gathering data, helping correspondents and producing stories — the first of which is today’s dispatch about Mammoth Lakes:More than 80 students and nearly 20 journalism instructors have been organized to report on the impact of the novel coronavirus in each of California’s 58 counties. They are gathering data, helping correspondents and producing stories — the first of which is today’s dispatch about Mammoth Lakes:
For most of the year, about 8,000 people live in Mammoth Lakes, a resort town 7,881 feet high in the Sierra Nevada mountains. At peak ski season, the population triples, a fact normally welcomed by civic leaders.For most of the year, about 8,000 people live in Mammoth Lakes, a resort town 7,881 feet high in the Sierra Nevada mountains. At peak ski season, the population triples, a fact normally welcomed by civic leaders.
But not now. Not when surrounding Mono County has the highest rate of coronavirus infection in the state. Not when the county’s lone hospital has just 17 beds. Not when transferring a patient to another hospital means a special medical evacuation flight at a cost of up to $50,000, and when even this option can be delayed by frequent blizzard conditions. And when the town’s thin air only makes respiratory ailments worse.But not now. Not when surrounding Mono County has the highest rate of coronavirus infection in the state. Not when the county’s lone hospital has just 17 beds. Not when transferring a patient to another hospital means a special medical evacuation flight at a cost of up to $50,000, and when even this option can be delayed by frequent blizzard conditions. And when the town’s thin air only makes respiratory ailments worse.
[See our interactive coronavirus case map for California.][See our interactive coronavirus case map for California.]
“I’m absolutely terrified,” Dr. Tom Boo, Mono County’s public health officer, said in an interview the same day Mammoth Lakes decided to set up a highway checkpoint to turn away tourists.“I’m absolutely terrified,” Dr. Tom Boo, Mono County’s public health officer, said in an interview the same day Mammoth Lakes decided to set up a highway checkpoint to turn away tourists.
Dr. Boo and other county officials were stunned by how swiftly the virus spread through this community. In late March there was one confirmed case in Mono County; two weeks later, 19 people were infected, one person had died, and four more had symptoms serious enough to require hospitalization.Dr. Boo and other county officials were stunned by how swiftly the virus spread through this community. In late March there was one confirmed case in Mono County; two weeks later, 19 people were infected, one person had died, and four more had symptoms serious enough to require hospitalization.
This relentless math is behind the growing fear that Mammoth Hospital, which has four ventilators and two I.C.U. beds, will soon be overwhelmed. Adding to the worry, an infected patient’s special medical evacuation flight last month was held up for hours by a snowstorm.This relentless math is behind the growing fear that Mammoth Hospital, which has four ventilators and two I.C.U. beds, will soon be overwhelmed. Adding to the worry, an infected patient’s special medical evacuation flight last month was held up for hours by a snowstorm.
In a letter to the state health department, Thomas Parker, chief executive of Mammoth Hospital, said that based on the rapidly deteriorating conditions, the hospital was bracing for a surge of up to 100 patients a day, with several dozen likely needing ventilators because of the altitude. “We expect our ability to transfer to a higher level of care (Reno or Los Angeles) will soon be eliminated due to saturation of those hospital facilities,” he added.In a letter to the state health department, Thomas Parker, chief executive of Mammoth Hospital, said that based on the rapidly deteriorating conditions, the hospital was bracing for a surge of up to 100 patients a day, with several dozen likely needing ventilators because of the altitude. “We expect our ability to transfer to a higher level of care (Reno or Los Angeles) will soon be eliminated due to saturation of those hospital facilities,” he added.
Dr. Boo put it more bluntly: “In that situation,” he said, “people will die."Dr. Boo put it more bluntly: “In that situation,” he said, “people will die."
[An expert explains numbers to watch to better understand the coronavirus crisis.][An expert explains numbers to watch to better understand the coronavirus crisis.]
With no good alternatives, the town has concentrated its efforts on the twin challenges of emptying the town of skiers and snowboarders and blocking access to people fleeing the likes of Los Angeles and San Francisco to wait out the pandemic in their vacation homes.With no good alternatives, the town has concentrated its efforts on the twin challenges of emptying the town of skiers and snowboarders and blocking access to people fleeing the likes of Los Angeles and San Francisco to wait out the pandemic in their vacation homes.
“If they’re here and they’re sick, we can’t help them,” Ingrid Braun, the sheriff of Mono County, explained.“If they’re here and they’re sick, we can’t help them,” Ingrid Braun, the sheriff of Mono County, explained.
On March 15, a day before San Francisco became the first major metro area in the nation to order residents to shelter in place, Dr. Boo declared a local health emergency in Mono County. Ski areas were closed, followed by hotels, motels and bars. In the days since, Dr. Boo has issued increasingly severe directives, including the threat of a $1,000 fine and 90 days in jail for going to work sick, even for jobs deemed essential. The Mono County tourism commission started a social media campaign to actually discourage tourism — #MonoPause.On March 15, a day before San Francisco became the first major metro area in the nation to order residents to shelter in place, Dr. Boo declared a local health emergency in Mono County. Ski areas were closed, followed by hotels, motels and bars. In the days since, Dr. Boo has issued increasingly severe directives, including the threat of a $1,000 fine and 90 days in jail for going to work sick, even for jobs deemed essential. The Mono County tourism commission started a social media campaign to actually discourage tourism — #MonoPause.
When people kept coming, local leaders considered simply shutting down the state highway into town. They settled on a slightly less severe option: establishing the highway checkpoint. Once this step gets state approval, everyone headed into Mammoth Lakes will be stopped and questioned. Only locals and those with essential business will be allowed through.When people kept coming, local leaders considered simply shutting down the state highway into town. They settled on a slightly less severe option: establishing the highway checkpoint. Once this step gets state approval, everyone headed into Mammoth Lakes will be stopped and questioned. Only locals and those with essential business will be allowed through.
“We’re not xenophobes,” Sheriff Braun said. “We’re just really worried about being able to take care of the people who live here.”“We’re not xenophobes,” Sheriff Braun said. “We’re just really worried about being able to take care of the people who live here.”
Updated June 22, 2020 Updated June 24, 2020
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.
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.)
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.
[Read more about how vulnerable ski communities are responding to the coronavirus.][Read more about how vulnerable ski communities are responding to the coronavirus.]
Dr. Boo is spending restless nights brainstorming new ways to keep his friends and neighbors safe. The hospital has been split into Covid-19 positive and negative areas. An ethics plan about who will get access to lifesaving equipment is in place, a matter of urgency since the state said it could take weeks or months to supply a half-dozen more ventilators. And Dr. Boo is wondering when it will be necessary to close everything that’s still open — grocery stores included — to buy the town a little more time.Dr. Boo is spending restless nights brainstorming new ways to keep his friends and neighbors safe. The hospital has been split into Covid-19 positive and negative areas. An ethics plan about who will get access to lifesaving equipment is in place, a matter of urgency since the state said it could take weeks or months to supply a half-dozen more ventilators. And Dr. Boo is wondering when it will be necessary to close everything that’s still open — grocery stores included — to buy the town a little more time.
“Lying here at 5:20 a.m., the story isn’t really a road checkpoint,” Dr. Boo wrote in a recent email. “It’s about a little mountain town and its little hospital on the verge of getting crushed.”“Lying here at 5:20 a.m., the story isn’t really a road checkpoint,” Dr. Boo wrote in a recent email. “It’s about a little mountain town and its little hospital on the verge of getting crushed.”
Annie Berman is a second-year student at the U.C. Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism.Annie Berman is a second-year student at the U.C. Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism.
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.
Capt. Brett E. Crozier, a Santa Rosa native, led a top Navy ship. Now, his colleagues say, his move to challenge the Trump administration’s narrative that it has the coronavirus pandemic under control has left him in quarantine, infected and fired. [The New York Times]Capt. Brett E. Crozier, a Santa Rosa native, led a top Navy ship. Now, his colleagues say, his move to challenge the Trump administration’s narrative that it has the coronavirus pandemic under control has left him in quarantine, infected and fired. [The New York Times]
And, if you missed it, here’s the story about a leaked letter from Captain Crozier pleading for help from the Navy as the virus spread on the ship he led: “Sailors do not need to die.” [The San Francisco Chronicle]And, if you missed it, here’s the story about a leaked letter from Captain Crozier pleading for help from the Navy as the virus spread on the ship he led: “Sailors do not need to die.” [The San Francisco Chronicle]
A San Gabriel man came home from a business trip and started feeling unwell. He lost his sense of taste and smell. About a week later, he was dead. “I kept trying to get him tested from the beginning,” his wife said. The man, who tested positive after he died, is most likely one of what experts worry are many uncounted coronavirus deaths. [The New York Times]A San Gabriel man came home from a business trip and started feeling unwell. He lost his sense of taste and smell. About a week later, he was dead. “I kept trying to get him tested from the beginning,” his wife said. The man, who tested positive after he died, is most likely one of what experts worry are many uncounted coronavirus deaths. [The New York Times]
Even after Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered a statewide moratorium, sheriffs’ departments are still evicting renters. Tenants’ groups say the ban was insufficient and too limited to protect vulnerable residents. [CalMatters]Even after Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered a statewide moratorium, sheriffs’ departments are still evicting renters. Tenants’ groups say the ban was insufficient and too limited to protect vulnerable residents. [CalMatters]
A federal court rejected an emergency plea to release thousands of California prison inmates early amid the coronavirus crisis. But the move was procedural, and state officials said it doesn’t affect their plans. [The Sacramento Bee]A federal court rejected an emergency plea to release thousands of California prison inmates early amid the coronavirus crisis. But the move was procedural, and state officials said it doesn’t affect their plans. [The Sacramento Bee]
In San Diego, hospitals are weighing treating patients in college dormitories. In Los Angeles, a hospital will use 3-D printing to make ventilator parts. Across the state, hospitals are deploying proven fixes and new ideas to make way for a surge of coronavirus patients. [California Healthline]In San Diego, hospitals are weighing treating patients in college dormitories. In Los Angeles, a hospital will use 3-D printing to make ventilator parts. Across the state, hospitals are deploying proven fixes and new ideas to make way for a surge of coronavirus patients. [California Healthline]
“Everyone could have Covid-19.” As millions of Americans hunker down at home, many workers — from flight attendants to firefighters — don’t have the option. [The New York Times Magazine]“Everyone could have Covid-19.” As millions of Americans hunker down at home, many workers — from flight attendants to firefighters — don’t have the option. [The New York Times Magazine]
“There is no politician, there is no City Council member, there is no billionaire, who is more influential in Beverly Hills than Gloria.” Nate ’n Al’s, the beloved deli, suddenly closed, which means Gloria Leon, 69, a veteran waitress there, is the hottest free agent in town. [The Los Angeles Times]“There is no politician, there is no City Council member, there is no billionaire, who is more influential in Beverly Hills than Gloria.” Nate ’n Al’s, the beloved deli, suddenly closed, which means Gloria Leon, 69, a veteran waitress there, is the hottest free agent in town. [The Los Angeles Times]
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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.