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What to Know About California’s Testing Expansion What to Know About California’s Testing Expansion
(about 3 hours later)
Good morning.Good morning.
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It’s Friday. The weather has been beautiful. Beaches and parks beckon.It’s Friday. The weather has been beautiful. Beaches and parks beckon.
But on Thursday, in the wake of the state’s deadliest day yet, Gov. Gavin Newsom urged Californians not to give into the temptation to gather, even outdoors.But on Thursday, in the wake of the state’s deadliest day yet, Gov. Gavin Newsom urged Californians not to give into the temptation to gather, even outdoors.
“Let’s not dream of regretting,” he said. “Stay home to the extent possible.”“Let’s not dream of regretting,” he said. “Stay home to the extent possible.”
Over the previous 24 hours, he said, California saw 115 Covid-19 deaths. That brought the total number of those lost — each one representing, as Mr. Newsom has repeated in his daily news briefings, an individual and a family “torn asunder” — to 1,469.Over the previous 24 hours, he said, California saw 115 Covid-19 deaths. That brought the total number of those lost — each one representing, as Mr. Newsom has repeated in his daily news briefings, an individual and a family “torn asunder” — to 1,469.
[See every coronavirus case in California by county.][See every coronavirus case in California by county.]
While Mr. Newsom noted that the number of hospitalizations and patients in intensive care had decreased slightly from the day before, he said that the number of deaths should serve as a warning.While Mr. Newsom noted that the number of hospitalizations and patients in intensive care had decreased slightly from the day before, he said that the number of deaths should serve as a warning.
He also addressed local leaders who have been asking for specific dates that the state will ease orders to stay at home, asking them for patience.He also addressed local leaders who have been asking for specific dates that the state will ease orders to stay at home, asking them for patience.
“It’s not a date, it’s an indicator,” Mr. Newsom said, referring to the list of six broad measures his office laid out last week that will determine when it will be safe to ease some restrictions.“It’s not a date, it’s an indicator,” Mr. Newsom said, referring to the list of six broad measures his office laid out last week that will determine when it will be safe to ease some restrictions.
[Read more about what to watch for in coronavirus statistics.][Read more about what to watch for in coronavirus statistics.]
Earlier this week, he announced the first modest step in that direction: Hospitals would again be scheduling what are called elective procedures, but are often medically necessary procedures such as tumor removals.Earlier this week, he announced the first modest step in that direction: Hospitals would again be scheduling what are called elective procedures, but are often medically necessary procedures such as tumor removals.
But he said that before broader orders could be lifted, testing capacity must be significantly expanded.But he said that before broader orders could be lifted, testing capacity must be significantly expanded.
Here’s what you need to know:Here’s what you need to know:
How many tests are we doing per day right now? And how many do we need to be doing?How many tests are we doing per day right now? And how many do we need to be doing?
As of this week, Mr. Newsom said that, on average, 16,000 Covid-19 tests were conducted per day across the state. By the end of the month, he said officials are planning for that to increase to 25,000 per day.As of this week, Mr. Newsom said that, on average, 16,000 Covid-19 tests were conducted per day across the state. By the end of the month, he said officials are planning for that to increase to 25,000 per day.
But in order to consider reopening, the state will have to more than double that to between 60,000 and 80,000 tests per day.But in order to consider reopening, the state will have to more than double that to between 60,000 and 80,000 tests per day.
And Mr. Newsom said on Wednesday that he hoped to “blow past” that number, to hundreds of thousands of tests per day.And Mr. Newsom said on Wednesday that he hoped to “blow past” that number, to hundreds of thousands of tests per day.
All of this depends on being able to get enough swabs in particular. That has been, and continues to be, the biggest challenge. Mr. Newsom said President Trump had committed to sending 100,000 swabs this week, another 250,000 and then more after that.All of this depends on being able to get enough swabs in particular. That has been, and continues to be, the biggest challenge. Mr. Newsom said President Trump had committed to sending 100,000 swabs this week, another 250,000 and then more after that.
[Read about how two early coronavirus deaths in Santa Clara County are likely just the tip of the iceberg.][Read about how two early coronavirus deaths in Santa Clara County are likely just the tip of the iceberg.]
Can I get tested?Can I get tested?
It depends.It depends.
Mr. Newsom announced this week that California would become the first state to recommend that even some people without Covid-19 symptoms be tested for the illness if they work or live in higher risk environments, like hospitals or nursing homes.Mr. Newsom announced this week that California would become the first state to recommend that even some people without Covid-19 symptoms be tested for the illness if they work or live in higher risk environments, like hospitals or nursing homes.
So if you have only mild symptoms and don’t have other risk factors like a chronic medical condition and you’re not 65 or older, it may still be tough to get a test. (In that case, you should try to isolate yourself anyway.)So if you have only mild symptoms and don’t have other risk factors like a chronic medical condition and you’re not 65 or older, it may still be tough to get a test. (In that case, you should try to isolate yourself anyway.)
Where can I get tested?Where can I get tested?
There are about 600 testing sites around the state, including at hospitals, commercial labs, clinics and drive-throughs.There are about 600 testing sites around the state, including at hospitals, commercial labs, clinics and drive-throughs.
Mr. Newsom said there were plans to add 86 new sites, prioritizing underserved, vulnerable “black and brown communities,” where the nearest testing site may be too far away.Mr. Newsom said there were plans to add 86 new sites, prioritizing underserved, vulnerable “black and brown communities,” where the nearest testing site may be too far away.
A heat map of testing sites across the state shows that pockets of the Central Valley, a broad stretch along the Nevada border and parts of Northern California near the Oregon border are “testing deserts.” Some dense urban neighborhoods also lack accessible testing.A heat map of testing sites across the state shows that pockets of the Central Valley, a broad stretch along the Nevada border and parts of Northern California near the Oregon border are “testing deserts.” Some dense urban neighborhoods also lack accessible testing.
In short, the situation is moving quickly, so check with your health care provider about whether and where to get tested, if you can.In short, the situation is moving quickly, so check with your health care provider about whether and where to get tested, if you can.
What about antibody testing? How does that fit in?What about antibody testing? How does that fit in?
There is a lot of excitement and speculation around antibody testing and, experts say, for good reason: The tests are fast and, if they work, can help identify people who have already had the virus, even if they never had symptoms.There is a lot of excitement and speculation around antibody testing and, experts say, for good reason: The tests are fast and, if they work, can help identify people who have already had the virus, even if they never had symptoms.
Mr. Newsom said the state had made a deal to get more than a million antibody tests from the company Abbott Laboratories.Mr. Newsom said the state had made a deal to get more than a million antibody tests from the company Abbott Laboratories.
Updated June 22, 2020 Updated June 24, 2020
Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles.
A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
But he cautioned against looking at them as a panacea.But he cautioned against looking at them as a panacea.
There are still worries about antibody tests’ accuracy, and they can’t replace diagnostic tests.There are still worries about antibody tests’ accuracy, and they can’t replace diagnostic tests.
Also, antibody tests have been used in two recent high-profile studies in California that have suggested many more people than previously known have been infected. Those studies have faced criticism from other experts for their methods.Also, antibody tests have been used in two recent high-profile studies in California that have suggested many more people than previously known have been infected. Those studies have faced criticism from other experts for their methods.
Still, Dr. Rekha Murthy, an executive and expert in testing at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, said the information researchers can get from antibody tests was valuable in putting together the puzzle of how the virus works, who is vulnerable, when and why.Still, Dr. Rekha Murthy, an executive and expert in testing at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, said the information researchers can get from antibody tests was valuable in putting together the puzzle of how the virus works, who is vulnerable, when and why.
“Each one of these provide little bits of information,” she said. “Even if we’re still not able to draw any major conclusions that would result in changes and actions.”“Each one of these provide little bits of information,” she said. “Even if we’re still not able to draw any major conclusions that would result in changes and actions.”
[Read more about how Cedars-Sinai Medical Center is grappling with the crisis.][Read more about how Cedars-Sinai Medical Center is grappling with the crisis.]
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.
Bill Johnson, the chief executive of Pacific Gas & Electric, said he will retire at the end of June, after seeing the troubled utility through its bankruptcy. When the company announced his hiring last May, it did not suggest his tenure would be short. [The New York Times]Bill Johnson, the chief executive of Pacific Gas & Electric, said he will retire at the end of June, after seeing the troubled utility through its bankruptcy. When the company announced his hiring last May, it did not suggest his tenure would be short. [The New York Times]
“Teachers are actually working harder right now than they ever have.” The pandemic is requiring more and more from teachers — many of whom are caring for their own kids. Unions are starting to push back. [The New York Times]“Teachers are actually working harder right now than they ever have.” The pandemic is requiring more and more from teachers — many of whom are caring for their own kids. Unions are starting to push back. [The New York Times]
The McFarland City Council agreed to allow a private prison company to convert two of its facilities in the small Central Valley city into immigrant detention centers. [The Bakersfield Californian]The McFarland City Council agreed to allow a private prison company to convert two of its facilities in the small Central Valley city into immigrant detention centers. [The Bakersfield Californian]
The move granted an appeal by the company after community members successfully opposed an initial proposal. Read more about the fight here. [The New York Times]The move granted an appeal by the company after community members successfully opposed an initial proposal. Read more about the fight here. [The New York Times]
How are people flying right now? [The New York Times]How are people flying right now? [The New York Times]
San Clemente filled up a skate park with sand as part of its stay-home order. So dirt bikers took over. [CNN]San Clemente filled up a skate park with sand as part of its stay-home order. So dirt bikers took over. [CNN]
The pandemic has turned Los Angeles into a walking city. It’s powerful to see, but an artist wishes the appeal of traversing L.A. on foot weren’t tied to a global calamity. [The New York Times]The pandemic has turned Los Angeles into a walking city. It’s powerful to see, but an artist wishes the appeal of traversing L.A. on foot weren’t tied to a global calamity. [The New York Times]
The Times is hosting a virtual event called “A Tale of Two States.” The Times’s San Francisco and Albany bureau chiefs, Thomas Fuller and Jesse McKinley, will talk about the reasons for California’s relative success and New York’s struggles. The conversation will be hosted by Kirsten Danis, deputy Metro editor.The Times is hosting a virtual event called “A Tale of Two States.” The Times’s San Francisco and Albany bureau chiefs, Thomas Fuller and Jesse McKinley, will talk about the reasons for California’s relative success and New York’s struggles. The conversation will be hosted by Kirsten Danis, deputy Metro editor.
Sign up for the call on Monday, April 27, at 1 p.m. Pacific Time here.Sign up for the call on Monday, April 27, at 1 p.m. Pacific Time 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.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, @jillcowan.Jill Cowan grew up in Orange County, graduated from U.C. Berkeley and has reported all over the state, including the Bay Area, Bakersfield and Los Angeles — but she always wants to see more. Follow along here or on Twitter, @jillcowan.
California Today is edited by Julie Bloom, who grew up in Los Angeles and graduated from U.C. Berkeley.California Today is edited by Julie Bloom, who grew up in Los Angeles and graduated from U.C. Berkeley.