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Why a California Lawmaker Is Pushing to Change Plasma Donation Rules Why a California Lawmaker Is Pushing to Change Plasma Donation Rules
(7 days later)
Good morning.Good morning.
On Monday, Gov. Gavin Newsom said California would loan 500 ventilators to the national stockpile in an effort to help states like New York where hospitals are overwhelmed.On Monday, Gov. Gavin Newsom said California would loan 500 ventilators to the national stockpile in an effort to help states like New York where hospitals are overwhelmed.
California, he said, was in the process of setting up 4,613 beds at shuttered hospitals and other sites, including arenas, where less sick patients will get care to free up space at existing hospitals.California, he said, was in the process of setting up 4,613 beds at shuttered hospitals and other sites, including arenas, where less sick patients will get care to free up space at existing hospitals.
He said 2,509 confirmed Covid-19 patients are hospitalized across the state, and of those, almost half, 1,085, are in intensive care.He said 2,509 confirmed Covid-19 patients are hospitalized across the state, and of those, almost half, 1,085, are in intensive care.
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As more people around the world are sickened by the coronavirus, there haven’t been many silver linings. For most people who have been infected, treatment is limited.As more people around the world are sickened by the coronavirus, there haven’t been many silver linings. For most people who have been infected, treatment is limited.
Recently, though, a sliver of hope has emerged in the form of plasma from the blood of coronavirus survivors, which, as my colleague Denise Grady reported, can be a “rich source of antibodies.”Recently, though, a sliver of hope has emerged in the form of plasma from the blood of coronavirus survivors, which, as my colleague Denise Grady reported, can be a “rich source of antibodies.”
So-called convalescent plasma has long been used to treat other infectious diseases, including Ebola, and while it’s still very much unproven for treating coronavirus, doctors say it’s worth trying now.So-called convalescent plasma has long been used to treat other infectious diseases, including Ebola, and while it’s still very much unproven for treating coronavirus, doctors say it’s worth trying now.
[Read more about how blood plasma treatment works and why experts are hopeful.][Read more about how blood plasma treatment works and why experts are hopeful.]
“There are multiple benefits to think about, and since this is not a drug that needs to be manufactured, it could be obtained easily,” said Dr. Timothy Byun, a hematologist and oncologist who directs cancer research at St. Joseph Hospital Orange. “This could really be an exciting treatment if it works.”“There are multiple benefits to think about, and since this is not a drug that needs to be manufactured, it could be obtained easily,” said Dr. Timothy Byun, a hematologist and oncologist who directs cancer research at St. Joseph Hospital Orange. “This could really be an exciting treatment if it works.”
The Food and Drug Administration said on Friday that the agency would lead an effort to speed up the development of blood-related treatments. The agency has partnered with the American Red Cross to set up a kind of clearinghouse to match eligible plasma donors who have recovered from the virus with patients who need care.The Food and Drug Administration said on Friday that the agency would lead an effort to speed up the development of blood-related treatments. The agency has partnered with the American Red Cross to set up a kind of clearinghouse to match eligible plasma donors who have recovered from the virus with patients who need care.
But for many members of a community that was devastated by the AIDS epidemic — one of the few rough analogues for the current pandemic — signing up to help is out of the question: Men who have had sex with men in the past three months can’t donate plasma or blood, which is in desperately short supply.But for many members of a community that was devastated by the AIDS epidemic — one of the few rough analogues for the current pandemic — signing up to help is out of the question: Men who have had sex with men in the past three months can’t donate plasma or blood, which is in desperately short supply.
“This is no longer a theoretical issue of discrimination against gay and bisexual men,” Scott Wiener, a state senator from San Francisco, told me. “This policy is now directly undermining our efforts to fight the Covid-19 pandemic.”“This is no longer a theoretical issue of discrimination against gay and bisexual men,” Scott Wiener, a state senator from San Francisco, told me. “This policy is now directly undermining our efforts to fight the Covid-19 pandemic.”
He said he was set to send a letter today calling on the F.D.A. to lift any restrictions on blood and plasma donation that are specific to men who have sex with men.He said he was set to send a letter today calling on the F.D.A. to lift any restrictions on blood and plasma donation that are specific to men who have sex with men.
“It is unacceptable that a gay or bisexual man cannot donate plasma to help develop Covid-19 treatments, even though no such restriction applies to straight people who are sexually active,” he wrote in the letter to Dr. Stephen M. Hahn, the F.D.A. commissioner.“It is unacceptable that a gay or bisexual man cannot donate plasma to help develop Covid-19 treatments, even though no such restriction applies to straight people who are sexually active,” he wrote in the letter to Dr. Stephen M. Hahn, the F.D.A. commissioner.
[Read more about the move to ease restrictions on gay and bisexual men donating blood.][Read more about the move to ease restrictions on gay and bisexual men donating blood.]
Beginning during the AIDS epidemic, gay and bisexual men were barred for life from donating blood as a precautionary measure intended to ensure that blood wasn’t tainted with H.I.V.Beginning during the AIDS epidemic, gay and bisexual men were barred for life from donating blood as a precautionary measure intended to ensure that blood wasn’t tainted with H.I.V.
Gay and bisexual men have been most affected by H.I.V. But advocates have said that many of the reasons behind the initial ban are moot in light of modern diagnostic technology.Gay and bisexual men have been most affected by H.I.V. But advocates have said that many of the reasons behind the initial ban are moot in light of modern diagnostic technology.
In 2015, the F.D.A. eased the restriction, revising its guidelines to allow men who had not had sex with men for a year to donate blood.In 2015, the F.D.A. eased the restriction, revising its guidelines to allow men who had not had sex with men for a year to donate blood.
On Thursday, not long after a Mother Jones journalist reported on his experience recovering from the virus and being turned away from a plasma program because he is gay, the F.D.A. relaxed those guidelines even more, shortening the waiting period for men who have had sex with men to three months.On Thursday, not long after a Mother Jones journalist reported on his experience recovering from the virus and being turned away from a plasma program because he is gay, the F.D.A. relaxed those guidelines even more, shortening the waiting period for men who have had sex with men to three months.
In sending his letter, Mr. Wiener joined a chorus of L.G.B.T.Q. advocates who said that was a start, but not enough.In sending his letter, Mr. Wiener joined a chorus of L.G.B.T.Q. advocates who said that was a start, but not enough.
“While this change by the F.D.A. is a step in the right direction, it still bases itself in bias rather than science,” Alphonso David, president of the Human Rights Campaign, told my colleagues in a statement last week.“While this change by the F.D.A. is a step in the right direction, it still bases itself in bias rather than science,” Alphonso David, president of the Human Rights Campaign, told my colleagues in a statement last week.
On Monday, the F.D.A. did not comment on whether it would consider completely lifting the restriction.On Monday, the F.D.A. did not comment on whether it would consider completely lifting the restriction.
[Want to give blood? Here’s what to know.][Want to give blood? Here’s what to know.]
What’s clear, doctors say, is the need for donors.What’s clear, doctors say, is the need for donors.
Dr. Byun, of St. Joseph Hospital, told me that he and colleagues turned to social media to find their first convalescent plasma donor late last month, because the national site wasn’t yet up and running.Dr. Byun, of St. Joseph Hospital, told me that he and colleagues turned to social media to find their first convalescent plasma donor late last month, because the national site wasn’t yet up and running.
Jason Garcia, the 36-year-old Escondido man who answered the post, told me about how he started to feel sick while he was away from his wife and baby daughter on a work trip.Jason Garcia, the 36-year-old Escondido man who answered the post, told me about how he started to feel sick while he was away from his wife and baby daughter on a work trip.
When he got home, he was able to get tested while his family prepared space for him to self-isolate, although his symptoms had largely dissipated.When he got home, he was able to get tested while his family prepared space for him to self-isolate, although his symptoms had largely dissipated.
Two weeks later, San Diego County public health officials declared him recovered from the coronavirus in a letter, which meant that when a friend posted about the hospital seeking a plasma donor, he jumped at the opportunity.Two weeks later, San Diego County public health officials declared him recovered from the coronavirus in a letter, which meant that when a friend posted about the hospital seeking a plasma donor, he jumped at the opportunity.
“I kind of knew they were looking for a needle in a haystack,” Mr. Garcia said. “It felt great to turn this around and have it be kind of a positive thing.”“I kind of knew they were looking for a needle in a haystack,” Mr. Garcia said. “It felt great to turn this around and have it be kind of a positive thing.”
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.
[See coronavirus cases in every California county.][See coronavirus cases in every California 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.
Even as new and faster tests become available, health care providers around the country, including many across California, say they’re having trouble getting tests and waiting too long for results. [The New York Times]Even as new and faster tests become available, health care providers around the country, including many across California, say they’re having trouble getting tests and waiting too long for results. [The New York Times]
In the best of times, absenteeism is a major challenge in American schools — and particularly in districts with lower-income students. Getting students to log in is proving even more difficult. [The New York Times]In the best of times, absenteeism is a major challenge in American schools — and particularly in districts with lower-income students. Getting students to log in is proving even more difficult. [The New York Times]
Days after San Francisco’s Moscone West opened as a large-scale homeless shelter, officials said they were scaling back how many people will be able to stay there, after some said they were met with sleeping mats spaced six feet apart in an open space. [The San Francisco Chronicle]Days after San Francisco’s Moscone West opened as a large-scale homeless shelter, officials said they were scaling back how many people will be able to stay there, after some said they were met with sleeping mats spaced six feet apart in an open space. [The San Francisco Chronicle]
“This would be the week to skip shopping altogether.” Health officials in Los Angeles County said that a spike in coronavirus cases and deaths means residents should hunker down at home, if possible, this week. [The Los Angeles Times]“This would be the week to skip shopping altogether.” Health officials in Los Angeles County said that a spike in coronavirus cases and deaths means residents should hunker down at home, if possible, this week. [The Los Angeles Times]
In Los Angeles’s Chinatown, a community group is organizing to protect vulnerable seniors, many of whom live in dense housing and shop in nearby markets. [LAist]In Los Angeles’s Chinatown, a community group is organizing to protect vulnerable seniors, many of whom live in dense housing and shop in nearby markets. [LAist]
The last few weeks have been tough. And many of the outdoor spaces where Californians living in cities might seek refuge are closed off.The last few weeks have been tough. And many of the outdoor spaces where Californians living in cities might seek refuge are closed off.
This online ecotherapeutic meditation — complete with the sound of wind chimes — won’t replace the hypnotic pleasure of watching your feet get buried in the sand as waves roll in at the beach.This online ecotherapeutic meditation — complete with the sound of wind chimes — won’t replace the hypnotic pleasure of watching your feet get buried in the sand as waves roll in at the beach.
But it might help you feel a little more at peace, and the tips will work anywhere.But it might help you feel a little more at peace, and the tips will work anywhere.
Step one: Recognize that “it’s OK to not feel OK.”Step one: Recognize that “it’s OK to not feel OK.”
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.