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Who Is Likely to Become Unemployed? Who Is Likely to Become Unemployed?
(about 2 months later)
Good morning.Good morning.
On Wednesday, Gov. Gavin Newsom thanked the state’s undocumented workers, many of whom pick fruits and vegetables, care for the sick and perform other critical jobs.On Wednesday, Gov. Gavin Newsom thanked the state’s undocumented workers, many of whom pick fruits and vegetables, care for the sick and perform other critical jobs.
Then he announced a plan to help them: The federal coronavirus relief package does not include aid for undocumented immigrants. So Mr. Newsom said the state would step in with $75 million, plus another $50 million from philanthropic organizations, to be paid to affected families who are undocumented.Then he announced a plan to help them: The federal coronavirus relief package does not include aid for undocumented immigrants. So Mr. Newsom said the state would step in with $75 million, plus another $50 million from philanthropic organizations, to be paid to affected families who are undocumented.
He said it was the first such move in the nation.He said it was the first such move in the nation.
Mr. Newsom also signed an order aimed at gig economy workers in a move that could set up a clash with Washington.Mr. Newsom also signed an order aimed at gig economy workers in a move that could set up a clash with Washington.
(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.)
In California, long dogged by a gaping chasm between rich and poor, a recent report shows that many workers are facing a kind of double-bind of risk: Their jobs are impossible to do safely from home, but they’re also more likely to become unemployed while huge swaths of the economy are shut down.In California, long dogged by a gaping chasm between rich and poor, a recent report shows that many workers are facing a kind of double-bind of risk: Their jobs are impossible to do safely from home, but they’re also more likely to become unemployed while huge swaths of the economy are shut down.
And certain communities, both geographic and demographic, are disproportionately affected.And certain communities, both geographic and demographic, are disproportionately affected.
[Here’s how to apply for unemployment benefits.][Here’s how to apply for unemployment benefits.]
The report, by the nonprofit Economic Roundtable, based in Los Angeles, found that 43 percent of Californians are at high risk of unemployment.The report, by the nonprofit Economic Roundtable, based in Los Angeles, found that 43 percent of Californians are at high risk of unemployment.
That’s according to criteria laid out by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, which categorized workers as high risk for unemployment if their jobs were not essential to public health or safety; if their jobs could not be done off-site; and if their jobs were unlikely to be salaried.That’s according to criteria laid out by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, which categorized workers as high risk for unemployment if their jobs were not essential to public health or safety; if their jobs could not be done off-site; and if their jobs were unlikely to be salaried.
Mr. Newsom said on Wednesday that 2.7 million Californians had already filed for unemployment and that the state was expanding its call center hours.Mr. Newsom said on Wednesday that 2.7 million Californians had already filed for unemployment and that the state was expanding its call center hours.
Daniel Flaming, the organization’s president and one of the report’s authors, told me that the coronavirus-induced recession is expected to play out unlike anything the state has experienced.Daniel Flaming, the organization’s president and one of the report’s authors, told me that the coronavirus-induced recession is expected to play out unlike anything the state has experienced.
“Usually, there’s a kind of industry chain of impacts in a recession,” Mr. Flaming said. “What we’re seeing here is impacts from something entirely new.”“Usually, there’s a kind of industry chain of impacts in a recession,” Mr. Flaming said. “What we’re seeing here is impacts from something entirely new.”
Service workers — like those who cook in restaurants, run stores, or clean hotel rooms and office buildings — in particular are facing a more abrupt shock than in past recessions.Service workers — like those who cook in restaurants, run stores, or clean hotel rooms and office buildings — in particular are facing a more abrupt shock than in past recessions.
Plus, as more services move online, it’s unclear how many of those industries will look after the pandemic.Plus, as more services move online, it’s unclear how many of those industries will look after the pandemic.
The workers in those hard-hit service industries are disproportionately young, Latino and lower income, Mr. Flaming said, which compounds the state’s existing crises.The workers in those hard-hit service industries are disproportionately young, Latino and lower income, Mr. Flaming said, which compounds the state’s existing crises.
“So many of these workers are precariously housed,” Mr. Flaming said.“So many of these workers are precariously housed,” Mr. Flaming said.
Within the state, there are disparities in job stability, the report shows. And that, he said, could shape how different regions of California recover.Within the state, there are disparities in job stability, the report shows. And that, he said, could shape how different regions of California recover.
[Read the full report here.][Read the full report here.]
For instance, Mr. Flaming noted, 70 percent of workers in a part of Los Angeles south of downtown are at high risk of unemployment. That’s compared with 19 percent in a part of Santa Clara County that includes Cupertino, Saratoga and Los Gatos.For instance, Mr. Flaming noted, 70 percent of workers in a part of Los Angeles south of downtown are at high risk of unemployment. That’s compared with 19 percent in a part of Santa Clara County that includes Cupertino, Saratoga and Los Gatos.
They’re extreme examples, he said, but they illustrate how divergent Los Angeles’s and the Bay Area’s economies are.They’re extreme examples, he said, but they illustrate how divergent Los Angeles’s and the Bay Area’s economies are.
Mr. Flaming said that in the early 1990s, a collapse in the aerospace industry resulted in the loss of “good blue-collar jobs,” which were replaced with lower-wage clothing manufacturing jobs and a lot of services that rely on consumers.Mr. Flaming said that in the early 1990s, a collapse in the aerospace industry resulted in the loss of “good blue-collar jobs,” which were replaced with lower-wage clothing manufacturing jobs and a lot of services that rely on consumers.
By contrast, the Bay Area’s dominant industry, of course, is tech, where jobs tend to be more mobile and higher paid.By contrast, the Bay Area’s dominant industry, of course, is tech, where jobs tend to be more mobile and higher paid.
Workers in the Inland Empire, too, tend to be at higher risk, since the region has a lot of lower-wage manufacturing and logistics jobs.Workers in the Inland Empire, too, tend to be at higher risk, since the region has a lot of lower-wage manufacturing and logistics jobs.
The report also analyzed which workers are at highest risk of coronavirus infection based on factors like how much their jobs require them to be in physical contact with people.The report also analyzed which workers are at highest risk of coronavirus infection based on factors like how much their jobs require them to be in physical contact with people.
Mr. Flaming said he hoped that identifying vulnerable communities will help policymakers direct resources.Mr. Flaming said he hoped that identifying vulnerable communities will help policymakers direct resources.
“There are lots of cries for help in this emergency and limited tools for helping people,” he said. “It’s hard to navigate without a map.”“There are lots of cries for help in this emergency and limited tools for helping people,” he said. “It’s hard to navigate without a map.”
[Track coronavirus cases in California by county.][Track coronavirus cases in California by county.]
Here’s another update from the Mercy, the Navy hospital ship at the Port of Los Angeles, written by my colleague John Ismay:Here’s another update from the Mercy, the Navy hospital ship at the Port of Los Angeles, written by my colleague John Ismay:
On Wednesday, we reported that seven military crew members on the ship had tested positive for Covid-19, and more than 100 of the ship’s sailors who had come into contact with them were off the ship observing a precautionary 14-day quarantine after testing negative for the novel coronavirus.On Wednesday, we reported that seven military crew members on the ship had tested positive for Covid-19, and more than 100 of the ship’s sailors who had come into contact with them were off the ship observing a precautionary 14-day quarantine after testing negative for the novel coronavirus.
We have learned that one crew member is being quarantined onboard the ship: Capt. John Rotruck, the commanding officer of the military team on the ship.We have learned that one crew member is being quarantined onboard the ship: Capt. John Rotruck, the commanding officer of the military team on the ship.
Captain Rotruck tested negative for Covid-19 and has no symptoms.Captain Rotruck tested negative for Covid-19 and has no symptoms.
But since an investigation found that he had been in close contact with a crew member who had tested positive for the coronavirus, Captain Rotruck was placed into quarantine in accordance with guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and is sequestered in his stateroom on the ship.But since an investigation found that he had been in close contact with a crew member who had tested positive for the coronavirus, Captain Rotruck was placed into quarantine in accordance with guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and is sequestered in his stateroom on the ship.
“This quarantine has not impacted my ability to function as the commanding officer of the medical treatment facility,” Captain Rotruck said in a statement to The Times. “These circumstances are not uncommon for health care providers and certainly not uncommon during the pandemic we face as a nation.”“This quarantine has not impacted my ability to function as the commanding officer of the medical treatment facility,” Captain Rotruck said in a statement to The Times. “These circumstances are not uncommon for health care providers and certainly not uncommon during the pandemic we face as a nation.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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’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.
Captain Rotruck added that the crew’s service to the Los Angeles area will not be affected as a result, and expressed confidence in the measures the ship was taking to protect the crew and their patients.Captain Rotruck added that the crew’s service to the Los Angeles area will not be affected as a result, and expressed confidence in the measures the ship was taking to protect the crew and their patients.
[Read more about the U.S.N.S. Mercy’s mission.][Read more about the U.S.N.S. Mercy’s mission.]
We’re continuing with our remembrances of those lost in the pandemic. (If you’d like to share memories of a Californian who has died, please email us at CAtoday@nytimes.com.)We’re continuing with our remembrances of those lost in the pandemic. (If you’d like to share memories of a Californian who has died, please email us at CAtoday@nytimes.com.)
Today’s piece, about Scott Blanks, was written by Yinuo Shi:Today’s piece, about Scott Blanks, was written by Yinuo Shi:
Benjamin Lee met Scott Blanks when they worked as baristas at a Starbucks in La Quinta. They quickly became best friends.Benjamin Lee met Scott Blanks when they worked as baristas at a Starbucks in La Quinta. They quickly became best friends.
“He was one of the few people who was always kind to people, even when they weren’t kind to him,” Mr. Lee said. “He just showed me how to be good to people.”“He was one of the few people who was always kind to people, even when they weren’t kind to him,” Mr. Lee said. “He just showed me how to be good to people.”
One Christmas, Mr. Lee asked their co-workers at Starbucks to each donate a few dollars to buy Mr. Blanks an iPod touch. “As soon as I said, ‘It’s something for Scott for Christmas,’ everyone was immediately hand-over-fist,” he recalled.One Christmas, Mr. Lee asked their co-workers at Starbucks to each donate a few dollars to buy Mr. Blanks an iPod touch. “As soon as I said, ‘It’s something for Scott for Christmas,’ everyone was immediately hand-over-fist,” he recalled.
Mr. Blanks died of Covid-19 on March 27. He had been given a diagnosis of an upper respiratory virus two weeks earlier and was told to take over-the-counter medication. But his condition rapidly deteriorated — he had asthma as a child — and he was hospitalized with a diagnosis of viral pneumonia. He was 34.Mr. Blanks died of Covid-19 on March 27. He had been given a diagnosis of an upper respiratory virus two weeks earlier and was told to take over-the-counter medication. But his condition rapidly deteriorated — he had asthma as a child — and he was hospitalized with a diagnosis of viral pneumonia. He was 34.
Karen Blanks, his sister-in-law, recalled how he insisted on sending money every Thanksgiving to help cover the cost of hosting more than 20 family members. “He wanted everyone to be happy and would always say, ‘Life’s too short,’” she said.Karen Blanks, his sister-in-law, recalled how he insisted on sending money every Thanksgiving to help cover the cost of hosting more than 20 family members. “He wanted everyone to be happy and would always say, ‘Life’s too short,’” she said.
Mr. Blanks eventually left his Starbucks job and recently found work as a dental assistant. Mr. Lee had encouraged his friend to go to dental school, guessing he’d be able to put patients at ease. “He would love to be around people and chat them up,” he said.Mr. Blanks eventually left his Starbucks job and recently found work as a dental assistant. Mr. Lee had encouraged his friend to go to dental school, guessing he’d be able to put patients at ease. “He would love to be around people and chat them up,” he 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.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.
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.