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Helping One Another During the Pandemic Helping One Another During the Pandemic
(8 days later)
Good morning.Good morning.
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A few weeks ago, we asked readers to send us stories of people helping one another during the pandemic. From the responses, it’s clear that across the state, acts of generosity and resilience are happening every day.A few weeks ago, we asked readers to send us stories of people helping one another during the pandemic. From the responses, it’s clear that across the state, acts of generosity and resilience are happening every day.
In Van Nuys, Nicole Gregory attended a dance party on her street organized by a neighbor, a dancer. She wrote: “My 22-year-old son set up his drums and played them, several adults banged on pans in the same beat, and danced in place (safely distanced from each other of course)!”In Van Nuys, Nicole Gregory attended a dance party on her street organized by a neighbor, a dancer. She wrote: “My 22-year-old son set up his drums and played them, several adults banged on pans in the same beat, and danced in place (safely distanced from each other of course)!”
Seeing acts of kindness inspired others to act, too. In Goleta, Susie Naughton watched as her neighbors handed a truck driver a large case of toilet paper. “I thought, what can I give them?” she wrote. “I picked a handful of oranges and gave them to the driver when he reached our house.”Seeing acts of kindness inspired others to act, too. In Goleta, Susie Naughton watched as her neighbors handed a truck driver a large case of toilet paper. “I thought, what can I give them?” she wrote. “I picked a handful of oranges and gave them to the driver when he reached our house.”
Here are a few tales of kindness or positivity shared with us. (They’ve been lightly edited for length and clarity.) We hope they help you start your week feeling a little better:Here are a few tales of kindness or positivity shared with us. (They’ve been lightly edited for length and clarity.) We hope they help you start your week feeling a little better:
We were scheduled to get married May 25, and had already acquired our license; since it was looking like our wedding might not happen as scheduled, we decided to get married last month.We were scheduled to get married May 25, and had already acquired our license; since it was looking like our wedding might not happen as scheduled, we decided to get married last month.
Five of our friends came and stood apart from one another to witness our ceremony, and a sixth officiated, as they’re ordained. We even found a photographer through our old work on short notice.Five of our friends came and stood apart from one another to witness our ceremony, and a sixth officiated, as they’re ordained. We even found a photographer through our old work on short notice.
We held our mini-wedding at the Lawrence Hall of Science [in Berkeley], in the lower parking lot. It wasn’t what we’d pictured or what we’d planned, but it was lovely, and we are so lucky to have friends close by who dropped everything to help us get married.We held our mini-wedding at the Lawrence Hall of Science [in Berkeley], in the lower parking lot. It wasn’t what we’d pictured or what we’d planned, but it was lovely, and we are so lucky to have friends close by who dropped everything to help us get married.
— Reese Lichtenstein, Oakland— Reese Lichtenstein, Oakland
I took the picture from the view of exiting the elevator to the fourth floor of my condo building. We are located in downtown San Diego in a neighborhood called Bankers Hill. One of our neighbors started this thoughtful gesture to assist those who may be uncomfortable to venture to the stores.I took the picture from the view of exiting the elevator to the fourth floor of my condo building. We are located in downtown San Diego in a neighborhood called Bankers Hill. One of our neighbors started this thoughtful gesture to assist those who may be uncomfortable to venture to the stores.
This display began March 23 and is still being used today. Some people take items and then others will replenish the shelving with other or different supplies. I am very proud to call Laurel Bay home.— Todd Hale, Laurel BayThis display began March 23 and is still being used today. Some people take items and then others will replenish the shelving with other or different supplies. I am very proud to call Laurel Bay home.— Todd Hale, Laurel Bay
I was chatting with my longtime friend Glenda on my birthday call when I happened to mention that I was running out of toilet paper at a bad time. The next morning she showed up and put this package on my front mat, waved and drove off. There will be many such moments in the future that will stand out in our minds when we look back at this strange event; this will be one of the anecdotes I’ll remember.I was chatting with my longtime friend Glenda on my birthday call when I happened to mention that I was running out of toilet paper at a bad time. The next morning she showed up and put this package on my front mat, waved and drove off. There will be many such moments in the future that will stand out in our minds when we look back at this strange event; this will be one of the anecdotes I’ll remember.
I’ve known Glenda since 1963 when we both lived in the Boston area. We both gravitated to California and joined a woman’s group in the turbulent 1970s and have seen each other through turbulent times. Good times or bad, having someone who knows you well helps you ground yourself and celebrate the joys of life and weather the downs. Longtime good friends are one of the great treasures in life.— Ros Creasy, Los AltosI’ve known Glenda since 1963 when we both lived in the Boston area. We both gravitated to California and joined a woman’s group in the turbulent 1970s and have seen each other through turbulent times. Good times or bad, having someone who knows you well helps you ground yourself and celebrate the joys of life and weather the downs. Longtime good friends are one of the great treasures in life.— Ros Creasy, Los Altos
Updated June 24, 2020 Updated June 30, 2020
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.
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.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.
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.
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.
Gov. Gavin Newsom criticized cities he said blocked the conversion of hotels and motels for emergency housing, saying over the weekend that they will be judged by “the annals of history.” [CalMatters]Gov. Gavin Newsom criticized cities he said blocked the conversion of hotels and motels for emergency housing, saying over the weekend that they will be judged by “the annals of history.” [CalMatters]
Mr. Newsom also announced that the former presidential candidate Tom Steyer will lead the Governor’s Task Force on Business and Jobs Recovery. The bipartisan committee includes the state’s four living governors as well as Tim Cook, Janet Yellen and Bob Iger. [The Sacramento Bee]Mr. Newsom also announced that the former presidential candidate Tom Steyer will lead the Governor’s Task Force on Business and Jobs Recovery. The bipartisan committee includes the state’s four living governors as well as Tim Cook, Janet Yellen and Bob Iger. [The Sacramento Bee]
Mayor Eric Garcetti of Los Angeles warned that the economic fallout from the outbreak will be bigger than the 2008 recession, requiring furloughs of thousands of city employees. [The Los Angeles Times]Mayor Eric Garcetti of Los Angeles warned that the economic fallout from the outbreak will be bigger than the 2008 recession, requiring furloughs of thousands of city employees. [The Los Angeles Times]
A small study tested more than 3,000 people in Santa Clara County for coronavirus antibodies and found that one in every 66 people had been infected with Covid-19. However, the accuracy of antibody tests used in the study has been called into question. [Nature]A small study tested more than 3,000 people in Santa Clara County for coronavirus antibodies and found that one in every 66 people had been infected with Covid-19. However, the accuracy of antibody tests used in the study has been called into question. [Nature]
State officials released a list of over 250 skilled nursing facilities that have reported one or more cases of Covid-19. Not included in the list were assisted living facilities. [The Mercury News]State officials released a list of over 250 skilled nursing facilities that have reported one or more cases of Covid-19. Not included in the list were assisted living facilities. [The Mercury News]
The global outbreak has not halted the sex trade on the streets of Los Angeles. [The Los Angeles Times]The global outbreak has not halted the sex trade on the streets of Los Angeles. [The Los Angeles Times]
The country’s three largest metropolitan areas, New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, all lost population in the past several years as more people opt to live in cheaper, less densely packed cities. The pandemic has left mayors of big cities wondering about their future. [The New York Times]The country’s three largest metropolitan areas, New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, all lost population in the past several years as more people opt to live in cheaper, less densely packed cities. The pandemic has left mayors of big cities wondering about their future. [The New York Times]
Here’s a running list of organizations that distribute emergency grants to artists, creative professionals and freelancers facing financial hardships in California. Most of these organizations also accept donations, if you are in a position to help. [KQED]Here’s a running list of organizations that distribute emergency grants to artists, creative professionals and freelancers facing financial hardships in California. Most of these organizations also accept donations, if you are in a position to help. [KQED]
Where do you go to escape? We want to hear how you are using time outdoors as a balm or a distraction from the pandemic. [The New York Times]Where do you go to escape? We want to hear how you are using time outdoors as a balm or a distraction from the pandemic. [The New York Times]
Thousands of people responded to the Getty Museum after it put out a playful challenge for people to recreate their favorite artworks from their online collection using three found objects. One of my favorites from the submissions was a re-creation of Grant Wood’s “American Gothic.”Thousands of people responded to the Getty Museum after it put out a playful challenge for people to recreate their favorite artworks from their online collection using three found objects. One of my favorites from the submissions was a re-creation of Grant Wood’s “American Gothic.”
The museum jumped on the worldwide movement of people recreating works of fine art using household items and posting their tableaus on social media.The museum jumped on the worldwide movement of people recreating works of fine art using household items and posting their tableaus on social media.
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.