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Reopening Will Start Friday, Newsom Says Reopening Will Start Friday, Newsom Says
(7 days later)
Good morning.Good morning.
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On Monday, Gov. Gavin Newsom said the state would loosen its restrictions and allow some businesses to reopen, with modifications — including book, clothing, music and sporting goods stores, as well as florists in time for Mother’s Day beginning this Friday.On Monday, Gov. Gavin Newsom said the state would loosen its restrictions and allow some businesses to reopen, with modifications — including book, clothing, music and sporting goods stores, as well as florists in time for Mother’s Day beginning this Friday.
[See which states have reopened or eased restrictions.][See which states have reopened or eased restrictions.]
“This is an optimistic day,” he said. “We see a little bit of sunshine on the horizon.”“This is an optimistic day,” he said. “We see a little bit of sunshine on the horizon.”
And amid growing resistance to the state directives, Mr. Newsom laid out a process in which counties could reopen more quickly than the state order allows, as long as their plans to do so meet certain criteria.And amid growing resistance to the state directives, Mr. Newsom laid out a process in which counties could reopen more quickly than the state order allows, as long as their plans to do so meet certain criteria.
Regions that have stricter directives, like the Bay Area, can still keep those in place, he said.Regions that have stricter directives, like the Bay Area, can still keep those in place, he said.
The announcement fit into Stage 2 of the state’s four-phase reopening plan, which itself fits into a broader framework for evaluating whether it’s safe to lift sheltering orders.The announcement fit into Stage 2 of the state’s four-phase reopening plan, which itself fits into a broader framework for evaluating whether it’s safe to lift sheltering orders.
[Read more about the four phases.][Read more about the four phases.]
It is, Mr. Newsom admitted, a bit complex.It is, Mr. Newsom admitted, a bit complex.
Here’s what to know:Here’s what to know:
Which businesses will be able to open?Which businesses will be able to open?
Mr. Newsom said the kinds of retailers listed above — basically, stores that were not deemed essential — can reopen, but with curbside pickup. Some manufacturers that supply those kinds of stores can also reopen, as long as workers can keep their distance. The governor said he and public health officials would lay out required modifications in more detail later this week.Mr. Newsom said the kinds of retailers listed above — basically, stores that were not deemed essential — can reopen, but with curbside pickup. Some manufacturers that supply those kinds of stores can also reopen, as long as workers can keep their distance. The governor said he and public health officials would lay out required modifications in more detail later this week.
Restaurants and bars will still be closed to diners. So will shopping malls and offices.Restaurants and bars will still be closed to diners. So will shopping malls and offices.
How would some counties be able to reopen more quickly than other counties in the state?How would some counties be able to reopen more quickly than other counties in the state?
Dr. Sonia Angell, the state’s head of public health, said that county elected and public health officials will be able to submit their own “readiness plans” for keeping residents safe and preventing the spread of the virus.Dr. Sonia Angell, the state’s head of public health, said that county elected and public health officials will be able to submit their own “readiness plans” for keeping residents safe and preventing the spread of the virus.
Dr. Angell highlighted stable or decreasing hospitalization and intensive care numbers as among the priorities, as well as access to testing and protective gear.Dr. Angell highlighted stable or decreasing hospitalization and intensive care numbers as among the priorities, as well as access to testing and protective gear.
On Monday afternoon, state officials released a “report card” to help determine whether counties are ready to reopen.On Monday afternoon, state officials released a “report card” to help determine whether counties are ready to reopen.
Mr. Newsom said that, in any case, “Dr. Angell will have the ultimate authority to make sure those provisions are met.”Mr. Newsom said that, in any case, “Dr. Angell will have the ultimate authority to make sure those provisions are met.”
What happened with the beaches?What happened with the beaches?
Many Orange County beaches are still closed. But on Monday, the governor said that city-run beaches in San Clemente and Laguna Beach would be able to reopen with some restrictions.Many Orange County beaches are still closed. But on Monday, the governor said that city-run beaches in San Clemente and Laguna Beach would be able to reopen with some restrictions.
According to The Orange County Register, San Clemente’s beaches will be open for “active” uses, like surfing or walking, but not sunbathing.According to The Orange County Register, San Clemente’s beaches will be open for “active” uses, like surfing or walking, but not sunbathing.
Similarly, Laguna Beach is set to reopen beaches on weekday mornings for exercise, not for lounging.Similarly, Laguna Beach is set to reopen beaches on weekday mornings for exercise, not for lounging.
“They put together an outstanding plan to begin to reopen,” Mr. Newsom said. “And that’s the spirit of the moment.”“They put together an outstanding plan to begin to reopen,” Mr. Newsom said. “And that’s the spirit of the moment.”
(Still confused? The Los Angeles Times made a tracker for beach closures.)(Still confused? The Los Angeles Times made a tracker for beach closures.)
So are things settled with local elected officials?So are things settled with local elected officials?
Not exactly.Not exactly.
There is outstanding legal action related to the Orange County beach closures, including a lawsuit filed on Monday by an individual Newport Beach city councilman that his lawyer said was built on a memo by the U.S. attorney general, William P. Barr, directing staff to watch for state directives that could be violating civil liberties, The Register reported.There is outstanding legal action related to the Orange County beach closures, including a lawsuit filed on Monday by an individual Newport Beach city councilman that his lawyer said was built on a memo by the U.S. attorney general, William P. Barr, directing staff to watch for state directives that could be violating civil liberties, The Register reported.
And according to The Press-Enterprise, there was tension between Riverside County leaders, who are set to vote on whether to rescind public health orders today, and City Council members who on Monday sent a letter urging the county’s board of supervisors to wait until the end of the week.And according to The Press-Enterprise, there was tension between Riverside County leaders, who are set to vote on whether to rescind public health orders today, and City Council members who on Monday sent a letter urging the county’s board of supervisors to wait until the end of the week.
Still, The Sacramento Bee reported that Yuba and Sutter Counties, which allowed businesses to reopen on Monday in defiance of the state’s order, could be models of ways forward.Still, The Sacramento Bee reported that Yuba and Sutter Counties, which allowed businesses to reopen on Monday in defiance of the state’s order, could be models of ways forward.
[Track every coronavirus case in California by county.][Track every coronavirus case in California by county.]
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.
Housing for the homeless. Criminal justice reform. Addressing the digital divide. They’re all priorities of progressive Californians that have been propelled by the coronavirus crisis. Now, there are questions about if it’ll last. [The New York Times]Housing for the homeless. Criminal justice reform. Addressing the digital divide. They’re all priorities of progressive Californians that have been propelled by the coronavirus crisis. Now, there are questions about if it’ll last. [The New York Times]
Los Angeles schools will start fall classes on Aug. 18 — whether or not campuses are open. [The Los Angeles Times]Los Angeles schools will start fall classes on Aug. 18 — whether or not campuses are open. [The Los Angeles Times]
Two energy trading firms were accused of deploying a complex scheme to illegally drive up gas prices over years after an explosion at a refinery in Torrance. [The Sacramento Bee]Two energy trading firms were accused of deploying a complex scheme to illegally drive up gas prices over years after an explosion at a refinery in Torrance. [The Sacramento Bee]
An anonymous donor gave employees at a hospital in Santa Cruz $1 million for bonuses. [The Associated Press]An anonymous donor gave employees at a hospital in Santa Cruz $1 million for bonuses. [The Associated Press]
In the city’s latest expansion of Covid-19 testing, San Francisco leaders said anyone who has to leave home for work can be tested at no cost, regardless of their symptoms. [The San Francisco Chronicle]In the city’s latest expansion of Covid-19 testing, San Francisco leaders said anyone who has to leave home for work can be tested at no cost, regardless of their symptoms. [The San Francisco Chronicle]
If you missed it, the city on Friday started free testing for all residents and staff in its 21 skilled nursing facilities. [KRON4]If you missed it, the city on Friday started free testing for all residents and staff in its 21 skilled nursing facilities. [KRON4]
Almost half of growers in Monterey County reported financial losses related to the pandemic. Demand has shifted from restaurants, direct to homes, where it turns out we eat more fruit, but fewer vegetables. [The Californian]Almost half of growers in Monterey County reported financial losses related to the pandemic. Demand has shifted from restaurants, direct to homes, where it turns out we eat more fruit, but fewer vegetables. [The Californian]
Juul, the e-cigarette maker, is moving its headquarters from San Francisco to Washington, D.C. The company hopes to repair its relationship with regulators and is restructuring more broadly, including by cutting roughly a third of its work force. [The Wall Street Journal]Juul, the e-cigarette maker, is moving its headquarters from San Francisco to Washington, D.C. The company hopes to repair its relationship with regulators and is restructuring more broadly, including by cutting roughly a third of its work force. [The Wall Street Journal]
The Long Beach Opera, which has been livestreaming performances, premiered “The Central Park Five” last year. It won the Pulitzer Prize for music on Monday. [Long Beach Post]The Long Beach Opera, which has been livestreaming performances, premiered “The Central Park Five” last year. It won the Pulitzer Prize for music on Monday. [Long Beach Post]
Here are all the winning pieces, including two from The Los Angeles Times. [The New York Times]Here are all the winning pieces, including two from The Los Angeles Times. [The New York Times]
To mark the start of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, nonprofits have started a campaign to raise money for groups serving Asian-American and Pacific Islander communities. [The Sacramento Bee]To mark the start of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, nonprofits have started a campaign to raise money for groups serving Asian-American and Pacific Islander communities. [The Sacramento Bee]
An 11-year-old in Berkeley told a state official the math was wrong on a social-distancing sign. [Berkeleyside]An 11-year-old in Berkeley told a state official the math was wrong on a social-distancing sign. [Berkeleyside]
A 5-year-old boy was pulled over in Utah. He told a trooper that he had left home for California with $3 in his wallet. His goal? Buy a Lamborghini. [BuzzFeed News]A 5-year-old boy was pulled over in Utah. He told a trooper that he had left home for California with $3 in his wallet. His goal? Buy a Lamborghini. [BuzzFeed News]
Perhaps you’ve tried your hand at cooking a new cuisine. Maybe you’ve run out of juicy updates for your friends at Zoom happy hours. (It happens!)Perhaps you’ve tried your hand at cooking a new cuisine. Maybe you’ve run out of juicy updates for your friends at Zoom happy hours. (It happens!)
It may be the time, according to The Times’s Travel desk, to try out an Airbnb online experience. They also take place on Zoom, but with local guides who can probably show you a bit more of the world than your college roommate’s little balcony, again — no matter how picturesque the view.It may be the time, according to The Times’s Travel desk, to try out an Airbnb online experience. They also take place on Zoom, but with local guides who can probably show you a bit more of the world than your college roommate’s little balcony, again — no matter how picturesque the view.
Updated June 16, 2020 Updated June 22, 2020
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.
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.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
Instead, for around $10 per person, you can peek into the life of a shark scientist in South Africa, get a private astrology reading or even take a “walking” tour of Prague, led by a “plague doctor,” complete with one of those unsettling beaked masks, if you feel like getting a jump on Halloween.Instead, for around $10 per person, you can peek into the life of a shark scientist in South Africa, get a private astrology reading or even take a “walking” tour of Prague, led by a “plague doctor,” complete with one of those unsettling beaked masks, if you feel like getting a jump on Halloween.
And if you really miss sports, the Korean Baseball Organization is back in action and you can watch six games a week on ESPN.And if you really miss sports, the Korean Baseball Organization is back in action and you can watch six games a week on ESPN.
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, went to school at U.C. Berkeley and has reported all over the state, including the Bay Area, Bakersfield and Los Angeles — but she always wants to see more. Follow along here or on Twitter.Jill Cowan grew up in Orange County, went to school at U.C. Berkeley and has reported all over the state, including the Bay Area, Bakersfield and Los Angeles — but she always wants to see more. Follow along here or on Twitter.
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.