This article is from the source 'nytimes' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/10/us/california-mail-in-ballot-coronavirus.html

The article has changed 29 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 6 Version 7
What California Is Doing to Prepare for Elections During the Pandemic What California Is Doing to Prepare for Elections During the Pandemic
(3 days later)
Good morning.Good morning.
(Here’s the sign-up, if you don’t already get California Today by email.)(Here’s the sign-up, if you don’t already get California Today by email.)
It’s not enough to declare a trend, Gov. Gavin Newsom said in his daily news briefing on Thursday. Don’t make it your headline, he cautioned.It’s not enough to declare a trend, Gov. Gavin Newsom said in his daily news briefing on Thursday. Don’t make it your headline, he cautioned.
The number of Covid-19 patients in intensive care units across the state had decreased to 1,132 from 1,154 the day before, he said — a 1.9 percent decline. Slight, to be sure.The number of Covid-19 patients in intensive care units across the state had decreased to 1,132 from 1,154 the day before, he said — a 1.9 percent decline. Slight, to be sure.
“Nonetheless,” he said, “it is encouraging.”“Nonetheless,” he said, “it is encouraging.”
After sharing that news, the governor sought to allay concerns from officials in some counties, including Riverside, that the state’s move to loan ventilators to other states left California’s own hospitals in a precarious spot.After sharing that news, the governor sought to allay concerns from officials in some counties, including Riverside, that the state’s move to loan ventilators to other states left California’s own hospitals in a precarious spot.
“It was the right thing to do and it was the responsible thing to do as Americans,” he said. “We can’t just sit on assets when we could save lives.”“It was the right thing to do and it was the responsible thing to do as Americans,” he said. “We can’t just sit on assets when we could save lives.”
He said that over roughly the past month, California’s hospital system had increased the number of ventilators in its hospitals to 11,747 from 7,587.He said that over roughly the past month, California’s hospital system had increased the number of ventilators in its hospitals to 11,747 from 7,587.
[Read more about trends to watch in coronavirus statistics.][Read more about trends to watch in coronavirus statistics.]
At the moment, he said, the hospital system was using 31.89 percent of the available ventilators, which means that more than 8,000 ventilators were currently unused, not including the state-owned ventilators that have been sent across the nation.At the moment, he said, the hospital system was using 31.89 percent of the available ventilators, which means that more than 8,000 ventilators were currently unused, not including the state-owned ventilators that have been sent across the nation.
Mr. Newsom added that he’s “not naïve.” The state has a mutual aid system to ensure that each county has more than enough ventilators as they need at any given time. He emphasized that the state was working to continue to refurbish and find more ventilators in the meantime.Mr. Newsom added that he’s “not naïve.” The state has a mutual aid system to ensure that each county has more than enough ventilators as they need at any given time. He emphasized that the state was working to continue to refurbish and find more ventilators in the meantime.
“It’s all part and parcel of a broader strategy,” he said.“It’s all part and parcel of a broader strategy,” he said.
[See our map of coronavirus cases in California by county.][See our map of coronavirus cases in California by county.]
Earlier this week, voters across the country watched with a mixture of horror and admiration as Wisconsinites waited for hours in long, haphazardly spaced lines, many wearing masks — but some not — effectively risking lives, to vote.Earlier this week, voters across the country watched with a mixture of horror and admiration as Wisconsinites waited for hours in long, haphazardly spaced lines, many wearing masks — but some not — effectively risking lives, to vote.
For California’s secretary of state, Alex Padilla, the images were less surprising than they were flashing red signs that election administrators have their work cut out for them in the coming months.For California’s secretary of state, Alex Padilla, the images were less surprising than they were flashing red signs that election administrators have their work cut out for them in the coming months.
“Wisconsin should not be a preview, it should be an alarm,” Mr. Padilla told me. “What happened on Tuesday was absolutely avoidable.”“Wisconsin should not be a preview, it should be an alarm,” Mr. Padilla told me. “What happened on Tuesday was absolutely avoidable.”
Mr. Padilla estimated that California will receive roughly $35 million from the federal coronavirus relief package from the $400 million for elections around the country, plus a 20 percent match required from the state. That won’t be enough, he said.Mr. Padilla estimated that California will receive roughly $35 million from the federal coronavirus relief package from the $400 million for elections around the country, plus a 20 percent match required from the state. That won’t be enough, he said.
The state is working with California’s counties to encourage as much voting by mail and early voting as possible without making it onerous to cast an in-person Election Day ballot. It’s also important, officials have said, to maintain same-day registration.The state is working with California’s counties to encourage as much voting by mail and early voting as possible without making it onerous to cast an in-person Election Day ballot. It’s also important, officials have said, to maintain same-day registration.
[Read more about how California’s top-two primary system works.][Read more about how California’s top-two primary system works.]
That means dealing with a range of challenges, like finding larger polling places where it’s possible to space out booths — senior homes are not a good idea, for instance, Mr. Padilla noted — and getting enough personal protective gear to protect poll workers. And then there’s the matter of the poll workers themselves.That means dealing with a range of challenges, like finding larger polling places where it’s possible to space out booths — senior homes are not a good idea, for instance, Mr. Padilla noted — and getting enough personal protective gear to protect poll workers. And then there’s the matter of the poll workers themselves.
“How do we replace the seniors and retirees that have made up the Election Day work force?” he asked. Even by November, the danger posed by Covid-19 will not have completely passed, particularly for vulnerable older workers.“How do we replace the seniors and retirees that have made up the Election Day work force?” he asked. Even by November, the danger posed by Covid-19 will not have completely passed, particularly for vulnerable older workers.
Mr. Padilla said his office was looking into ways to reach out to people who have recently become unemployed.Mr. Padilla said his office was looking into ways to reach out to people who have recently become unemployed.
Still, he said that California was better positioned than many states. Millions of Golden State voters already receive mail-in ballots without having to request them and can vote in person starting 10 days before Election Day, under the Voter’s Choice Act.Still, he said that California was better positioned than many states. Millions of Golden State voters already receive mail-in ballots without having to request them and can vote in person starting 10 days before Election Day, under the Voter’s Choice Act.
And while new voting centers in Los Angeles County were dogged by long lines on Super Tuesday, experts said that was probably because officials rolled out several major changes to the county’s voting systems at once.And while new voting centers in Los Angeles County were dogged by long lines on Super Tuesday, experts said that was probably because officials rolled out several major changes to the county’s voting systems at once.
A spokesman for the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder’s office said in an email that the county was “exploring the feasibility of sending every registered voter” a vote-by-mail ballot for the November election and that the office was working on a report analyzing what the county can do to prevent the long lines in the future.A spokesman for the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder’s office said in an email that the county was “exploring the feasibility of sending every registered voter” a vote-by-mail ballot for the November election and that the office was working on a report analyzing what the county can do to prevent the long lines in the future.
And late last month, the governor ordered that every voter in the 25th Congressional District will get a ballot in the mail ahead of a special election on May 12.And late last month, the governor ordered that every voter in the 25th Congressional District will get a ballot in the mail ahead of a special election on May 12.
That’s where residents are set to decide who will fill the vacancy left by Katie Hill until the results of the November election determine her full-term successor.That’s where residents are set to decide who will fill the vacancy left by Katie Hill until the results of the November election determine her full-term successor.
Similarly, Riverside County voters in the 28th State Senate District will all receive vote-by-mail ballots ahead of its May 12 special election.Similarly, Riverside County voters in the 28th State Senate District will all receive vote-by-mail ballots ahead of its May 12 special election.
On Thursday evening, Mr. Newsom’s office also announced an executive order switching three special local elections in May and June to exclusively mail-in ballots.On Thursday evening, Mr. Newsom’s office also announced an executive order switching three special local elections in May and June to exclusively mail-in ballots.
[For more information, see the secretary of state’s website.][For more information, see the secretary of state’s website.]
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.
There are 10,521 public schools in California. Today, our partners at the University of California, Berkeley, Graduate School of Journalism tell the story of the one school that hasn’t shut its doors: Outside Creek Elementary in Tulare County, where 21 students from kindergarten through eighth grade have been showing up to learn in person.There are 10,521 public schools in California. Today, our partners at the University of California, Berkeley, Graduate School of Journalism tell the story of the one school that hasn’t shut its doors: Outside Creek Elementary in Tulare County, where 21 students from kindergarten through eighth grade have been showing up to learn in person.
[Read more here.][Read more here.]
Here are some ideas for celebrating holidays this weekend. We hope you can enjoy them. [The New York Times]Here are some ideas for celebrating holidays this weekend. We hope you can enjoy them. [The New York Times]
We’re continuing with our remembrances of those lost in the coronavirus pandemic. (If you’d like to share memories of a Californian you knew who has died, please email us at CAtoday@nytimes.com.)We’re continuing with our remembrances of those lost in the coronavirus pandemic. (If you’d like to share memories of a Californian you knew who has died, please email us at CAtoday@nytimes.com.)
Today’s piece, about Marylou Armer, was written by Hannah Ricker, a reporter at U.C. Berkeley’s journalism school:Today’s piece, about Marylou Armer, was written by Hannah Ricker, a reporter at U.C. Berkeley’s journalism school:
At the Santa Rosa Police Department, Marylou Armer was a detective known for meticulous, leave-no-stone-unturned investigations of domestic violence and sexual assault. But what also set her apart was a bottomless reserve of compassion for victims.At the Santa Rosa Police Department, Marylou Armer was a detective known for meticulous, leave-no-stone-unturned investigations of domestic violence and sexual assault. But what also set her apart was a bottomless reserve of compassion for victims.
“She was very human in a profession that isn’t always that way,” Stephen Bussell, a fellow Santa Rosa police officer and close friend, said. “In law enforcement, there can be a tendency to be robotic, but she was extremely passionate and empathetic.”“She was very human in a profession that isn’t always that way,” Stephen Bussell, a fellow Santa Rosa police officer and close friend, said. “In law enforcement, there can be a tendency to be robotic, but she was extremely passionate and empathetic.”
Detective Armer died on March 31, the first police officer in California who died of complications from the coronavirus. One of eight Santa Rosa police employees to test positive for Covid-19, she was hospitalized after developing flulike symptoms. She was 43.Detective Armer died on March 31, the first police officer in California who died of complications from the coronavirus. One of eight Santa Rosa police employees to test positive for Covid-19, she was hospitalized after developing flulike symptoms. She was 43.
On April 2, the governor’s office said flags at the Capitol would be flown at half-staff in her honor.On April 2, the governor’s office said flags at the Capitol would be flown at half-staff in her honor.
She began her career 20 years ago as an evidence technician and worked her way up.She began her career 20 years ago as an evidence technician and worked her way up.
“She was always that person who made people feel connected,” said Kris Capeheart, a friend and field evidence technician at the department, which is in Northern California. “She took the time to make everybody feel special.”“She was always that person who made people feel connected,” said Kris Capeheart, a friend and field evidence technician at the department, which is in Northern California. “She took the time to make everybody feel special.”
Her friendships ran deep and she often vacationed with colleagues in far-flung corners of the world, including Thailand and Peru. “She knew how to have fun, she wanted to meet people, and she wanted to learn cultures,” Ms. Capeheart said. “She was my rock.”Her friendships ran deep and she often vacationed with colleagues in far-flung corners of the world, including Thailand and Peru. “She knew how to have fun, she wanted to meet people, and she wanted to learn cultures,” Ms. Capeheart said. “She was my rock.”
Detective Armer is survived by a husband and daughter.Detective Armer is survived by a husband and daughter.
[Read more about those we’ve lost here.][Read more about those we’ve lost 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.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.
Jill Cowan grew up in Orange County, went to school at 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, went to school at 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.