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Why Covid-19 Is Deadlier for Black and Latino Californians Why Covid-19 Is Deadlier for Black and Latino Californians
(7 days later)
Good morning.Good morning.
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On Monday, Gov. Gavin Newsom said the state was “a few weeks away, not months away, from making measurable and meaningful changes to our stay at home order.”On Monday, Gov. Gavin Newsom said the state was “a few weeks away, not months away, from making measurable and meaningful changes to our stay at home order.”
But in order to do that, he said, the state’s beaches can’t draw the kinds of crowds that amassed over the weekend.But in order to do that, he said, the state’s beaches can’t draw the kinds of crowds that amassed over the weekend.
“The only thing that will set us back is our behavior,” he said.“The only thing that will set us back is our behavior,” he said.
Mr. Newsom’s assessment came as public health officials in the Bay Area announced an extension of the nation’s first shelter-in-place orders until the end of May, but with provisions that would allow for the easing of some restrictions.Mr. Newsom’s assessment came as public health officials in the Bay Area announced an extension of the nation’s first shelter-in-place orders until the end of May, but with provisions that would allow for the easing of some restrictions.
Mr. Newsom said he’d lay out more details on how businesses may be allowed to reopen in phases today. And as of Monday, it won’t be just California, Oregon and Washington sharing best practices: Colorado and Nevada have joined the “Western States Pact."Mr. Newsom said he’d lay out more details on how businesses may be allowed to reopen in phases today. And as of Monday, it won’t be just California, Oregon and Washington sharing best practices: Colorado and Nevada have joined the “Western States Pact."
[Track every coronavirus case in California by county.][Track every coronavirus case in California by county.]
As the coronavirus spread across the country, public health experts have been closely watching who’s been infected and trying to understand why the virus is deadlier for some than others.As the coronavirus spread across the country, public health experts have been closely watching who’s been infected and trying to understand why the virus is deadlier for some than others.
The trends haven’t been surprising, but they’re deeply troubling nonetheless.The trends haven’t been surprising, but they’re deeply troubling nonetheless.
In California, when the state first started gathering racial and ethnic data about cases, that at first looked like it wasn’t the case. But leaders cautioned that the data was incomplete, and sure enough, as time went on, disparities have emerged.In California, when the state first started gathering racial and ethnic data about cases, that at first looked like it wasn’t the case. But leaders cautioned that the data was incomplete, and sure enough, as time went on, disparities have emerged.
As of Monday, according to the available data, Latinos made up 64.9 percent of the Covid-19 deaths among patients age 18 to 49, and 43.5 percent of that overall population. In the same age group, 15.3 percent of the people who died were black, while just 6.3 percent of the overall population is black.As of Monday, according to the available data, Latinos made up 64.9 percent of the Covid-19 deaths among patients age 18 to 49, and 43.5 percent of that overall population. In the same age group, 15.3 percent of the people who died were black, while just 6.3 percent of the overall population is black.
Recently, I talked with Dr. Sonia Angell, the state’s public health director, about what her office is watching, and how to narrow the gaps.Recently, I talked with Dr. Sonia Angell, the state’s public health director, about what her office is watching, and how to narrow the gaps.
Here’s our conversation, edited for length and clarity:Here’s our conversation, edited for length and clarity:
State leaders have emphasized that they’re working to address the inequities in how the pandemic is affecting black and Latino communities. Let’s start by digging into what you’re seeing in a bit more detail. What numbers are most concerning?State leaders have emphasized that they’re working to address the inequities in how the pandemic is affecting black and Latino communities. Let’s start by digging into what you’re seeing in a bit more detail. What numbers are most concerning?
Certainly, every number represents a person, so every number is something we worry about.Certainly, every number represents a person, so every number is something we worry about.
But we particularly worry when we see trends, which tell us something, at a systems level, is happening. So, by understanding those trends, we see an opportunity to address inequity.But we particularly worry when we see trends, which tell us something, at a systems level, is happening. So, by understanding those trends, we see an opportunity to address inequity.
It takes a while for the numbers to get big enough to get a good picture of what’s happening statistically.It takes a while for the numbers to get big enough to get a good picture of what’s happening statistically.
What we saw is that black people had almost two times the rate in deaths than the population at large. That was really concerning, but the rest of the cases seemed to mirror the population at large.What we saw is that black people had almost two times the rate in deaths than the population at large. That was really concerning, but the rest of the cases seemed to mirror the population at large.
The next thing we did to understand things better was to stratify the numbers by age. That helps us account for the fact that Latinos are a younger population than whites.The next thing we did to understand things better was to stratify the numbers by age. That helps us account for the fact that Latinos are a younger population than whites.
When we did that, what was emerging was an even more concerning pattern: a disproportionately high number of deaths among Latino people, as well as black people. This persisted among those 18 years or older.When we did that, what was emerging was an even more concerning pattern: a disproportionately high number of deaths among Latino people, as well as black people. This persisted among those 18 years or older.
What might explain the disparities?What might explain the disparities?
Unfortunately, this is not a surprise. It’s a product of historical disadvantage, and also current issues that create disadvantages.Unfortunately, this is not a surprise. It’s a product of historical disadvantage, and also current issues that create disadvantages.
We have to think about how Covid-19 plays into this. The people who stay at home are not the people in essential sectors. Black and brown people are disproportionately represented in essential sectors; increased infection rates are caused by increased exposure.We have to think about how Covid-19 plays into this. The people who stay at home are not the people in essential sectors. Black and brown people are disproportionately represented in essential sectors; increased infection rates are caused by increased exposure.
[Read about who’s at greatest risk of losing work.][Read about who’s at greatest risk of losing work.]
But that alone doesn’t explain it. We also know there are populations that have baseline risk — like higher rates of things like obesity and asthma — that may be contributing to deaths.But that alone doesn’t explain it. We also know there are populations that have baseline risk — like higher rates of things like obesity and asthma — that may be contributing to deaths.
It’s a perfect storm to create a disadvantage in these communities, that we need to respond to. And we are.It’s a perfect storm to create a disadvantage in these communities, that we need to respond to. And we are.
The governor, very early on, went out with a whole host of policies designed to level the playing field to a degree. But this data tells us we need to keep going. This data now holds us accountable.The governor, very early on, went out with a whole host of policies designed to level the playing field to a degree. But this data tells us we need to keep going. This data now holds us accountable.
Do you anticipate that once testing ramps up, particularly in communities with many Latino agricultural or industrial workers, the number of cases will rise and widen those disparities even more?Do you anticipate that once testing ramps up, particularly in communities with many Latino agricultural or industrial workers, the number of cases will rise and widen those disparities even more?
This is data coming from an outbreak. Because we know this originated in China and was brought in through travel, we would guess that it first probably moved through business travelers or those with resources for vacation.This is data coming from an outbreak. Because we know this originated in China and was brought in through travel, we would guess that it first probably moved through business travelers or those with resources for vacation.
In the past few months it has probably been moving into other communities as part of the community spread.In the past few months it has probably been moving into other communities as part of the community spread.
Once it’s in these communities, we imagine there will be more cases. Where it goes really depends on how we are as a state at being able to control Covid-19.Once it’s in these communities, we imagine there will be more cases. Where it goes really depends on how we are as a state at being able to control Covid-19.
Not every community has it at the same level. If we are successful at limiting this spread, it might mitigate some of the social disadvantage, at least directly because of Covid-19. There will still be socioeconomic impacts from the stay-at-home orders, of course.Not every community has it at the same level. If we are successful at limiting this spread, it might mitigate some of the social disadvantage, at least directly because of Covid-19. There will still be socioeconomic impacts from the stay-at-home orders, of course.
But Governor Newsom has lifted this up again and again: We must really amp up our testing.But Governor Newsom has lifted this up again and again: We must really amp up our testing.
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.
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 do you sign, “Don’t drink Clorox?” Sign language interpreters are newly high-profile members of the nation’s essential work force. [The New York Times]How do you sign, “Don’t drink Clorox?” Sign language interpreters are newly high-profile members of the nation’s essential work force. [The New York Times]
A Stanford University professor’s wife recruited participants for her husband’s coronavirus antibody study by emailing a Los Altos junior high school listserv. [Buzzfeed News]A Stanford University professor’s wife recruited participants for her husband’s coronavirus antibody study by emailing a Los Altos junior high school listserv. [Buzzfeed News]
The Orange County Fair has officially been canceled. [The Orange County Register]The Orange County Fair has officially been canceled. [The Orange County Register]
We’re continuing with our remembrances of those lost in the pandemic. (If you’d like to share memories of a Californian who has died, please email us at CAtoday@nytimes.com.)We’re continuing with our remembrances of those lost in the pandemic. (If you’d like to share memories of a Californian who has died, please email us at CAtoday@nytimes.com.)
Today’s piece, about David Werksman, was written by Nick Roberts, a student at the U.C. Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism:Today’s piece, about David Werksman, was written by Nick Roberts, a student at the U.C. Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism:
For 11 years, David Werksman worked on the bomb squad at the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. His brother once asked him how he went to work each day, knowing the danger.For 11 years, David Werksman worked on the bomb squad at the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. His brother once asked him how he went to work each day, knowing the danger.
“‘I get up every day, put on the uniform, strap on the gun, kiss my kids, and realize I may never see them again,’’’ Harry Werksman remembered his brother saying. “He was undoubtedly the bravest, most selfless person I’ve ever known.”“‘I get up every day, put on the uniform, strap on the gun, kiss my kids, and realize I may never see them again,’’’ Harry Werksman remembered his brother saying. “He was undoubtedly the bravest, most selfless person I’ve ever known.”
Mr. Werksman died on April 2, one of two Riverside sheriff’s deputies to die of complications from the coronavirus in one day. He was initially told he had the flu and was sent home with medication. But when his symptoms worsened, he was hospitalized and quickly intubated. He was 51.Mr. Werksman died on April 2, one of two Riverside sheriff’s deputies to die of complications from the coronavirus in one day. He was initially told he had the flu and was sent home with medication. But when his symptoms worsened, he was hospitalized and quickly intubated. He was 51.
The ocean is where Mr. Werksman found solace from the stress of his job. He began scuba diving as a youngster, and it became a lifelong passion. His dream was to retire in the Bahamas on a catamaran. “Anytime he could get to the water,” his brother said, “he was all over it.”The ocean is where Mr. Werksman found solace from the stress of his job. He began scuba diving as a youngster, and it became a lifelong passion. His dream was to retire in the Bahamas on a catamaran. “Anytime he could get to the water,” his brother said, “he was all over it.”
Mr. Werksman is survived by his wife, Kristin, and three children, Oliver, 26; Abby, 23; and Shelby, 19.Mr. Werksman is survived by his wife, Kristin, and three children, Oliver, 26; Abby, 23; and Shelby, 19.
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.