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Newsom: ‘We’re Not Out of The Woods Yet’ Newsom: ‘We’re Not Out of The Woods Yet’
(1 day later)
Good morning.Good morning.
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On Tuesday, Gov. Gavin Newsom and state public health officials told Californians that they should expect things to look much different when they are able to re-enter public spaces.On Tuesday, Gov. Gavin Newsom and state public health officials told Californians that they should expect things to look much different when they are able to re-enter public spaces.
Restaurants, he said, will probably reopen with some of their tables gone. Servers may be wearing masks or gloves; menus may be disposable.Restaurants, he said, will probably reopen with some of their tables gone. Servers may be wearing masks or gloves; menus may be disposable.
Schools may reopen transformed, without assemblies or big, group lunch hours.Schools may reopen transformed, without assemblies or big, group lunch hours.
Facial coverings will be a more common sight.Facial coverings will be a more common sight.
And certain types of events — large concerts or sporting events — almost certainly won’t be back at all until there is, as Mr. Newsom said, “herd immunity and we get to a vaccine.”And certain types of events — large concerts or sporting events — almost certainly won’t be back at all until there is, as Mr. Newsom said, “herd immunity and we get to a vaccine.”
Here’s what else to know:Here’s what else to know:
Did anyone say when the sheltering orders will end?Did anyone say when the sheltering orders will end?
No, and officials repeated that the only reason they can even talk about what life might be like after the outbreak is because Californians followed early, urgent directives to stay home and stay away from one another.No, and officials repeated that the only reason they can even talk about what life might be like after the outbreak is because Californians followed early, urgent directives to stay home and stay away from one another.
“There’s no light switch here,” Mr. Newsom said. “It’s more like a dimmer.”“There’s no light switch here,” Mr. Newsom said. “It’s more like a dimmer.”
That said, officials will be watching closely for the next two weeks, to see whether Covid-19 hospitalizations decline and whether efforts to build a robust enough testing and public health work force have borne fruit to evaluate when it might be OK to dial back some restrictions.That said, officials will be watching closely for the next two weeks, to see whether Covid-19 hospitalizations decline and whether efforts to build a robust enough testing and public health work force have borne fruit to evaluate when it might be OK to dial back some restrictions.
However, Mr. Newsom has said the state is working closely with local officials, so depending on where you live, restrictions could extend beyond state orders.However, Mr. Newsom has said the state is working closely with local officials, so depending on where you live, restrictions could extend beyond state orders.
Officials laid out six things that Mr. Newsom and other public health officials will be watching to help decide when to ease restrictions:Officials laid out six things that Mr. Newsom and other public health officials will be watching to help decide when to ease restrictions:
Whether there is sufficient and fast enough testing to monitor any outbreaks, including by tracing, testing and isolating people who have been exposed to the virus.Whether there is sufficient and fast enough testing to monitor any outbreaks, including by tracing, testing and isolating people who have been exposed to the virus.
Whether officials can prevent infections in vulnerable communities, like among older Californians, and those experiencing homelessness.Whether officials can prevent infections in vulnerable communities, like among older Californians, and those experiencing homelessness.
Whether hospitals are equipped to handle surges of patients, with enough beds, ventilators and protective equipment for workers.Whether hospitals are equipped to handle surges of patients, with enough beds, ventilators and protective equipment for workers.
Whether there’s progress on developing therapies that could help patients recover more quickly. Mr. Newsom said he was optimistic as the state’s research institutions and biotech companies focus their efforts.Whether there’s progress on developing therapies that could help patients recover more quickly. Mr. Newsom said he was optimistic as the state’s research institutions and biotech companies focus their efforts.
Whether physical environments have been adapted to the new reality, with plenty of space for people to keep their distance. This will be especially critical for schools and restaurants.Whether physical environments have been adapted to the new reality, with plenty of space for people to keep their distance. This will be especially critical for schools and restaurants.
And whether state and county officials can quickly reinstate stay-at-home orders or other measures if necessary.And whether state and county officials can quickly reinstate stay-at-home orders or other measures if necessary.
Didn’t the governor announce a partnership with other states?Didn’t the governor announce a partnership with other states?
Yes. On Monday, Mr. Newsom announced a joint effort to figure out a framework for reopening Western states, including California, Oregon and Washington. He said on Tuesday that conversations were ongoing and that other states were expected to join.Yes. On Monday, Mr. Newsom announced a joint effort to figure out a framework for reopening Western states, including California, Oregon and Washington. He said on Tuesday that conversations were ongoing and that other states were expected to join.
[Read more about how governors have been handling the coronavirus crisis.][Read more about how governors have been handling the coronavirus crisis.]
Can they be overruled by the president?Can they be overruled by the president?
In short, no, not according to the Constitution or federal law, experts across the ideological spectrum said.In short, no, not according to the Constitution or federal law, experts across the ideological spectrum said.
The governor mentioned herd immunity as a kind of goal, along with a vaccine. What is herd immunity?The governor mentioned herd immunity as a kind of goal, along with a vaccine. What is herd immunity?
Herd immunity is when a high percentage of people in a given community are immune to a disease because they’ve either been vaccinated or they’ve already had it.Herd immunity is when a high percentage of people in a given community are immune to a disease because they’ve either been vaccinated or they’ve already had it.
But as the infectious disease specialist Marc Lipsitch wrote in an Opinion piece, it’s too early to know who will be immune to the coronavirus and why.But as the infectious disease specialist Marc Lipsitch wrote in an Opinion piece, it’s too early to know who will be immune to the coronavirus and why.
So, I shouldn’t start going out?So, I shouldn’t start going out?
That is correct. And make sure to follow your local orders, which might have other instructions, like in Los Angeles, where residents are also required to wear face masks when they go to grocery stores or other businesses.That is correct. And make sure to follow your local orders, which might have other instructions, like in Los Angeles, where residents are also required to wear face masks when they go to grocery stores or other businesses.
[See our map of California coronavirus cases in each county.][See our map of California coronavirus cases in each county.]
Today, we have another dispatch from the Navy hospital ship Mercy, which is moored in the Port of Los Angeles. It was written by my colleague John Ismay:Today, we have another dispatch from the Navy hospital ship Mercy, which is moored in the Port of Los Angeles. It was written by my colleague John Ismay:
In our last update from the ship, we reported that the team of nearly 900 Navy doctors, nurses and other health care providers had just found their first case of Covid-19 among the uniformed crew. In an interview, Lt. Andrew Bertucci, a Navy spokesman on the ship, said that the number of crew members aboard who have tested positive for Covid-19 is now seven.In our last update from the ship, we reported that the team of nearly 900 Navy doctors, nurses and other health care providers had just found their first case of Covid-19 among the uniformed crew. In an interview, Lt. Andrew Bertucci, a Navy spokesman on the ship, said that the number of crew members aboard who have tested positive for Covid-19 is now seven.
Those seven have moved ashore and receive regular medical checkups from their shipmates while in isolation. According to the Navy, more than 100 crew members who worked with them have tested negative for the coronavirus, but as a precaution they have been moved from the ship to rooms back on land for a 14-day quarantine. People in this group will be tested again if they begin to show symptoms of the disease.Those seven have moved ashore and receive regular medical checkups from their shipmates while in isolation. According to the Navy, more than 100 crew members who worked with them have tested negative for the coronavirus, but as a precaution they have been moved from the ship to rooms back on land for a 14-day quarantine. People in this group will be tested again if they begin to show symptoms of the disease.
The absence of just over 10 percent of the crew has evidently not caused too much of a disruption for those still on the ship.
Updated June 22, 2020Updated 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.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.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.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.
The absence of just over 10 percent of the crew has evidently not caused too much of a disruption for those still on the ship.
“This has not changed our ability to perform our mission or to help the people of Los Angeles,” Lieutenant Bertucci said. “We are still able to serve as the relief valve for state and local health care providers.”“This has not changed our ability to perform our mission or to help the people of Los Angeles,” Lieutenant Bertucci said. “We are still able to serve as the relief valve for state and local health care providers.”
Thus far, the Mercy has taken a number of patients from civilian hospitals to treat on the ship, free of charge, in order to establish procedures that will be relied upon should the Los Angeles area experience a jump in Covid-19 cases.Thus far, the Mercy has taken a number of patients from civilian hospitals to treat on the ship, free of charge, in order to establish procedures that will be relied upon should the Los Angeles area experience a jump in Covid-19 cases.
As of noon Tuesday, the ship has admitted 48 patients, discharged 30 of them back into the community, and performed a dozen surgeries.As of noon Tuesday, the ship has admitted 48 patients, discharged 30 of them back into the community, and performed a dozen surgeries.
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.
How has California been able to keep infections, deaths and hospitalizations relatively low? Here’s a look from the beginning. [The New York Times]How has California been able to keep infections, deaths and hospitalizations relatively low? Here’s a look from the beginning. [The New York Times]
Why should you keep at least six feet away from others? And why does a mask help? This three-dimensional interactive shows how one cough can spread droplets through a room. [The New York Times]Why should you keep at least six feet away from others? And why does a mask help? This three-dimensional interactive shows how one cough can spread droplets through a room. [The New York Times]
A hunger strike over the lack of protections against the coronavirus at an immigrant detention center came to a partial halt as detainees waited for officials to fulfill some of the demands, including for soap and paper towels. [The Bakersfield Californian]A hunger strike over the lack of protections against the coronavirus at an immigrant detention center came to a partial halt as detainees waited for officials to fulfill some of the demands, including for soap and paper towels. [The Bakersfield Californian]
The U.S. census is delaying its 2020 count amid coronavirus-related challenges. [The New York Times]The U.S. census is delaying its 2020 count amid coronavirus-related challenges. [The New York Times]
Read more about how the coronavirus is making critical hard-to-count communities even more difficult to reach. [The New York Times]Read more about how the coronavirus is making critical hard-to-count communities even more difficult to reach. [The New York Times]
Wildlife are taking over what were heavily populated areas of Yosemite National Park. [The Los Angeles Times]Wildlife are taking over what were heavily populated areas of Yosemite National Park. [The Los Angeles Times]
A silver lining? The fact that there was no Super Bowl parade in the Bay Area may have saved lives. [The Wall Street Journal]A silver lining? The fact that there was no Super Bowl parade in the Bay Area may have saved lives. [The Wall Street Journal]
California Today goes live at 6:30 a.m. Pacific time weekdays. Tell us what you want to see: CAtoday@nytimes.com. Were you forwarded this email? Sign up for California Today here and read every edition online here.California Today goes live at 6:30 a.m. Pacific time weekdays. Tell us what you want to see: CAtoday@nytimes.com. Were you forwarded this email? Sign up for California Today here and read every edition online here.
Jill Cowan grew up in Orange County, graduated from U.C. Berkeley and has reported all over the state, including the Bay Area, Bakersfield and Los Angeles — but she always wants to see more. Follow along here or on Twitter.Jill Cowan grew up in Orange County, graduated from U.C. Berkeley and has reported all over the state, including the Bay Area, Bakersfield and Los Angeles — but she always wants to see more. Follow along here or on Twitter.
California Today is edited by Julie Bloom, who grew up in Los Angeles and graduated from U.C. Berkeley.California Today is edited by Julie Bloom, who grew up in Los Angeles and graduated from U.C. Berkeley.