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‘I Have to Look at It as a Blessing’: Mourning in a Pandemic ‘I Have to Look at It as a Blessing’: Mourning in a Pandemic
(8 days later)
Good morning.Good morning.
Late on Tuesday night, Santa Clara County’s medical examiner-coroner said that the autopsies of two people who died in their homes on Feb. 6 and Feb. 17 showed they had the coronavirus, significantly shifting the timeline of the virus’s spread in the United States.Late on Tuesday night, Santa Clara County’s medical examiner-coroner said that the autopsies of two people who died in their homes on Feb. 6 and Feb. 17 showed they had the coronavirus, significantly shifting the timeline of the virus’s spread in the United States.
The first publicly known coronavirus death in the United States was not reported until Feb. 29 in the Seattle area.The first publicly known coronavirus death in the United States was not reported until Feb. 29 in the Seattle area.
“It was probably around unrecognized for quite some time,” said Dr. Jeffrey V. Smith, the Santa Clara county executive, who is also a medical doctor.“It was probably around unrecognized for quite some time,” said Dr. Jeffrey V. Smith, the Santa Clara county executive, who is also a medical doctor.
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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.
Recently, two studies in California have surveyed people for antibodies. Here’s why their results have been controversial. [The New York Times]Recently, two studies in California have surveyed people for antibodies. Here’s why their results have been controversial. [The New York Times]
“We’re getting inundated.” An Orange County supervisor proposed completely shutting down beaches as warm weather approaches, citing an influx of visitors from Los Angeles and San Diego, where beaches have been cleared. Her proposal died for lack of support. [Voice of OC]“We’re getting inundated.” An Orange County supervisor proposed completely shutting down beaches as warm weather approaches, citing an influx of visitors from Los Angeles and San Diego, where beaches have been cleared. Her proposal died for lack of support. [Voice of OC]
See which beaches and parks throughout the Southland are closed. [The Los Angeles Times]See which beaches and parks throughout the Southland are closed. [The Los Angeles Times]
Riverside County allowed golf courses to reopen with some restrictions. The links in Palm Springs are among them, but they won’t open right away. [The Desert Sun]Riverside County allowed golf courses to reopen with some restrictions. The links in Palm Springs are among them, but they won’t open right away. [The Desert Sun]
Kern County petroleum producers will escape the worst of the U.S. oil price collapse. But they’ll still be hurting. [The Bakersfield Californian]Kern County petroleum producers will escape the worst of the U.S. oil price collapse. But they’ll still be hurting. [The Bakersfield Californian]
Cal State Fullerton said it would start its fall semester with online classes. It was one of the first universities in the country to take that step amid uncertainty about the coronavirus. [The Los Angeles Times]Cal State Fullerton said it would start its fall semester with online classes. It was one of the first universities in the country to take that step amid uncertainty about the coronavirus. [The Los Angeles Times]
Roommates in a pandemic? It’s not “Friends.” [The New York Times]Roommates in a pandemic? It’s not “Friends.” [The New York Times]
[Track coronavirus cases in every California county.][Track coronavirus cases in every California county.]
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.)
For today’s piece, I talked with the husband and son of Patricia Walter about her life and how they’ve adapted their mourning:For today’s piece, I talked with the husband and son of Patricia Walter about her life and how they’ve adapted their mourning:
She had hoped to donate her body to science. But when Patricia Walter died from Covid-19 on April 11 at U.C. Davis Medical Center, the family was told that wouldn’t be possible right now.She had hoped to donate her body to science. But when Patricia Walter died from Covid-19 on April 11 at U.C. Davis Medical Center, the family was told that wouldn’t be possible right now.
So, instead, Ms. Walter will be laid to rest on the 50th Earth Day. She was 86.So, instead, Ms. Walter will be laid to rest on the 50th Earth Day. She was 86.
She will be buried in a low-impact, biodegradable wicker coffin. Her grave will be marked with a field stone in a meadow overlooking the section of a cemetery in Placerville reserved for pets.She will be buried in a low-impact, biodegradable wicker coffin. Her grave will be marked with a field stone in a meadow overlooking the section of a cemetery in Placerville reserved for pets.
“She was into all things natural — animals, trees, birds,” Keith Walter, her husband of almost 65 years, said. “So it seems appropriate.”“She was into all things natural — animals, trees, birds,” Keith Walter, her husband of almost 65 years, said. “So it seems appropriate.”
He lives not far away in Fair Oaks, in a small condo with Ty, a dog, and Tig, a cat.He lives not far away in Fair Oaks, in a small condo with Ty, a dog, and Tig, a cat.
Ms. Walter grew up in New York State, where she and Mr. Walter met at a mixer not long after they graduated from high school. She wore a red dress, Mr. Walter recalled, and he saw her from across the room. He took her for pizza after the dance and, he said, pausing to laugh quietly, “the rest is history.”Ms. Walter grew up in New York State, where she and Mr. Walter met at a mixer not long after they graduated from high school. She wore a red dress, Mr. Walter recalled, and he saw her from across the room. He took her for pizza after the dance and, he said, pausing to laugh quietly, “the rest is history.”
Friends and family members remembered Ms. Walter — she answered to Pat, Patti or “Hey you” — as a vivacious “people person,” a woman who had a way of making you “feel like you were the most important person in the world whenever you were around her,” as one family member posted on an online memorial guest book.Friends and family members remembered Ms. Walter — she answered to Pat, Patti or “Hey you” — as a vivacious “people person,” a woman who had a way of making you “feel like you were the most important person in the world whenever you were around her,” as one family member posted on an online memorial guest book.
[Read more about how families have grieved in the pandemic.][Read more about how families have grieved in the pandemic.]
She was beloved by colleagues, as well, said Keith Walter Jr., her oldest son, who also lives in Fair Oaks. He told me his mother was one of the few mothers he could recall who worked full time.She was beloved by colleagues, as well, said Keith Walter Jr., her oldest son, who also lives in Fair Oaks. He told me his mother was one of the few mothers he could recall who worked full time.
The family lived with Ms. Walter’s parents while she worked as an administrative assistant to the dean of what is now Binghamton University’s engineering school.The family lived with Ms. Walter’s parents while she worked as an administrative assistant to the dean of what is now Binghamton University’s engineering school.
She enjoyed talking with anyone who passed through the office.She enjoyed talking with anyone who passed through the office.
“She was sort of a Mary Tyler Moore,” the younger Mr. Walter, 64, said. “She was in a lot of ways ahead of her time as a working mom.”“She was sort of a Mary Tyler Moore,” the younger Mr. Walter, 64, said. “She was in a lot of ways ahead of her time as a working mom.”
And he said he felt as if his mother was able to really focus on her three kids on the weekends, when they spent the most time together.And he said he felt as if his mother was able to really focus on her three kids on the weekends, when they spent the most time together.
Later, Ms. Walter and her husband moved around, to Santa Fe and San Jose, to be closer to their children and grandchildren. For about 15 years, the couple lived in a motor home and traveled the country.Later, Ms. Walter and her husband moved around, to Santa Fe and San Jose, to be closer to their children and grandchildren. For about 15 years, the couple lived in a motor home and traveled the country.
The older Mr. Walter said he and his wife loved to bike. They shared a tandem cycle during a more than 500-mile AIDS ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles in 1996, and he teasingly accused his wife of kicking her feet up on the handlebars and smoking while he pedaled.The older Mr. Walter said he and his wife loved to bike. They shared a tandem cycle during a more than 500-mile AIDS ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles in 1996, and he teasingly accused his wife of kicking her feet up on the handlebars and smoking while he pedaled.
Riding along the coast together, he said: “That was a very special experience.”Riding along the coast together, he said: “That was a very special experience.”
Almost a decade ago, Ms. Walter learned she had Alzheimer’s disease.Almost a decade ago, Ms. Walter learned she had Alzheimer’s disease.
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.
The younger Mr. Walter told me that although his parents lived in a senior community where they had some help, eventually her needs became too great, so the family moved Ms. Walter into a memory care home in Fair Oaks.The younger Mr. Walter told me that although his parents lived in a senior community where they had some help, eventually her needs became too great, so the family moved Ms. Walter into a memory care home in Fair Oaks.
The older Mr. Walter said that she seemed happy there, that she’d even made a friend — not easy among those suffering from memory loss.The older Mr. Walter said that she seemed happy there, that she’d even made a friend — not easy among those suffering from memory loss.
He recalled family meals in a private dining room to celebrate birthdays or anniversaries.He recalled family meals in a private dining room to celebrate birthdays or anniversaries.
Still, the coronavirus began ripping through nursing homes and other places where people live in close quarters. There wasn’t a viable alternative.Still, the coronavirus began ripping through nursing homes and other places where people live in close quarters. There wasn’t a viable alternative.
“The idea of bringing her out — we would have had to figure out how to get the additional care she needed,” the younger Mr. Walter said. “It was a set of impossible decisions.”“The idea of bringing her out — we would have had to figure out how to get the additional care she needed,” the younger Mr. Walter said. “It was a set of impossible decisions.”
Eventually, the virus found its way in.Eventually, the virus found its way in.
The older Mr. Walter said he and his son were able to visit Ms. Walter just before she died at the hospital in Sacramento where she was in a trial for a treatment.The older Mr. Walter said he and his son were able to visit Ms. Walter just before she died at the hospital in Sacramento where she was in a trial for a treatment.
Both father and son wore “full P.P.E.,” the son said.Both father and son wore “full P.P.E.,” the son said.
Mr. Walter leaned down close to his wife as she struggled to breathe. He heard her say, “I love you.” He told her he loved her, too.Mr. Walter leaned down close to his wife as she struggled to breathe. He heard her say, “I love you.” He told her he loved her, too.
He hasn’t been tested for the virus, but he feels fine, he said.He hasn’t been tested for the virus, but he feels fine, he said.
[Read how experts have suggested saying goodbye amid restrictions.][Read how experts have suggested saying goodbye amid restrictions.]
And since only close family will attend today’s burial — standing far apart from one another, wearing masks — the Walters will host a Zoom memorial in May.And since only close family will attend today’s burial — standing far apart from one another, wearing masks — the Walters will host a Zoom memorial in May.
Mr. Walter said that, in some ways, the online remembrances have felt more permanent; he and his wife traveled so much and lived so many places that it would have been tough for their friends to make it to town for a memorial even in more normal circumstances.Mr. Walter said that, in some ways, the online remembrances have felt more permanent; he and his wife traveled so much and lived so many places that it would have been tough for their friends to make it to town for a memorial even in more normal circumstances.
“I have to look at it as a blessing,” he said.“I have to look at it as a blessing,” he said.
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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.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.