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Will Smoke From Controlled Burns Hurt Covid-19 Patients? Will Smoke From Controlled Burns Hurt Covid-19 Patients?
(3 days later)
By Will McCarthyBy Will McCarthy
Good morning.Good morning.
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Today, we have another dispatch from the University of California, Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism, written by Will McCarthy:Today, we have another dispatch from the University of California, Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism, written by Will McCarthy:
In the mountains of California, snow is melting, the days are ticking closer to fire season and officials responsible for fighting wildfires face an agonizing choice: Exacerbate the current crisis, or pile risk on to the next one.In the mountains of California, snow is melting, the days are ticking closer to fire season and officials responsible for fighting wildfires face an agonizing choice: Exacerbate the current crisis, or pile risk on to the next one.
This is the season when California’s forests are thinned out with controlled burns to reduce the devastation that has become all too common during the fall wildfire season. But the smoke generated by setting fire to thousands of acres this spring could be lethal for Covid-19 victims fighting for every breath.This is the season when California’s forests are thinned out with controlled burns to reduce the devastation that has become all too common during the fall wildfire season. But the smoke generated by setting fire to thousands of acres this spring could be lethal for Covid-19 victims fighting for every breath.
While thousands have recovered, hospitals are caring for nearly 4,000 Covid-19 patients, with at least 1,100 in intensive care. Untold numbers more are suffering at home. Worse still, the effects of heavy smoke — pneumonia, asthma, bronchitis — are felt most acutely by older people with underlying health problems, the population most at risk from Covid-19.While thousands have recovered, hospitals are caring for nearly 4,000 Covid-19 patients, with at least 1,100 in intensive care. Untold numbers more are suffering at home. Worse still, the effects of heavy smoke — pneumonia, asthma, bronchitis — are felt most acutely by older people with underlying health problems, the population most at risk from Covid-19.
[Track every coronavirus case in California by county.][Track every coronavirus case in California by county.]
“It’s a hard call,” said Dr. Mary Prunicki, who researches air pollution at Stanford University. “It does put smoke into the air. But the downside is, ‘Are we going to have bigger wildfires in the fall?’”“It’s a hard call,” said Dr. Mary Prunicki, who researches air pollution at Stanford University. “It does put smoke into the air. But the downside is, ‘Are we going to have bigger wildfires in the fall?’”
Forestry officials have taken divergent approaches to this dilemma.Forestry officials have taken divergent approaches to this dilemma.
The U.S. Forest Service, which oversees about 57 percent of the forest lands in California, halted its prescribed burns throughout the state for six weeks. When the decision was announced in March, a spokesman said that postponing burns “will prevent any effects from smoke that might further worsen conditions for those who are at risk in our communities.”The U.S. Forest Service, which oversees about 57 percent of the forest lands in California, halted its prescribed burns throughout the state for six weeks. When the decision was announced in March, a spokesman said that postponing burns “will prevent any effects from smoke that might further worsen conditions for those who are at risk in our communities.”
Yet a different branch of the federal government, the Bureau of Land Management, which manages more than a million acres in California, did not halt its controlled burns, nor did Cal Fire, the state agency charged with combating wildfires on land not under federal control.Yet a different branch of the federal government, the Bureau of Land Management, which manages more than a million acres in California, did not halt its controlled burns, nor did Cal Fire, the state agency charged with combating wildfires on land not under federal control.
“What is Covid-19? A respiratory issue,” Scott McLean, a spokesman for Cal Fire, said. “We’re not naïve to that, but we have to provide for the well-being of the public.”“What is Covid-19? A respiratory issue,” Scott McLean, a spokesman for Cal Fire, said. “We’re not naïve to that, but we have to provide for the well-being of the public.”
The contradictory policies reflect an absence of coordination between the agencies most directly responsible for fighting wildfires in California. According to Mr. McLean, the Forest Service did not consult with Cal Fire on its decision to suspend controlled burns. “We found out when the news release came out,” he said.The contradictory policies reflect an absence of coordination between the agencies most directly responsible for fighting wildfires in California. According to Mr. McLean, the Forest Service did not consult with Cal Fire on its decision to suspend controlled burns. “We found out when the news release came out,” he said.
But the dueling approaches also reflected starkly different calculations of risk.But the dueling approaches also reflected starkly different calculations of risk.
Forest Service officials said they were concerned that assembling a work force to conduct the burns would expose traveling employees to the virus and potentially contribute to its spread. They also raised doubts about how their fire crews could tend to burns while also abiding by social distancing directives.Forest Service officials said they were concerned that assembling a work force to conduct the burns would expose traveling employees to the virus and potentially contribute to its spread. They also raised doubts about how their fire crews could tend to burns while also abiding by social distancing directives.
They said they would continue to use other methods — such as removing brush by hand and with heavy machinery — that reduce combustible forest fuel without generating smoke.They said they would continue to use other methods — such as removing brush by hand and with heavy machinery — that reduce combustible forest fuel without generating smoke.
On Friday, however, the Forest Service changed course and announced it would resume controlled burns in California “as conditions and resources permit.”On Friday, however, the Forest Service changed course and announced it would resume controlled burns in California “as conditions and resources permit.”
“We will continue to prioritize the health and safety of communities and firefighters during this global and national emergency, and will also conduct prescribed fire where feasible as an important tool to protect communities,” Randy Moore, a Forest Service official, said in a statement.“We will continue to prioritize the health and safety of communities and firefighters during this global and national emergency, and will also conduct prescribed fire where feasible as an important tool to protect communities,” Randy Moore, a Forest Service official, said in a statement.
Cal Fire plans to burn roughly 3,200 acres over the next two months. Its risk calculations have been influenced by recent catastrophes such as the 2018 Camp Fire, which killed 86 people in Paradise and surrounding towns, and last fall’s wildfires, which left huge portions of the state without power for days at a time.Cal Fire plans to burn roughly 3,200 acres over the next two months. Its risk calculations have been influenced by recent catastrophes such as the 2018 Camp Fire, which killed 86 people in Paradise and surrounding towns, and last fall’s wildfires, which left huge portions of the state without power for days at a time.
At the same time, officials at Cal Fire said they were taking steps to limit the health effects from their controlled burns, such as analyzing wind conditions to make sure smoke will not blow toward hospitals. Each burn, which can range in size from a few acres to several hundred, also requires advance approval from local air quality management boards, which in turn typically consult with local public health agencies.At the same time, officials at Cal Fire said they were taking steps to limit the health effects from their controlled burns, such as analyzing wind conditions to make sure smoke will not blow toward hospitals. Each burn, which can range in size from a few acres to several hundred, also requires advance approval from local air quality management boards, which in turn typically consult with local public health agencies.
Officials from several air quality boards and public health agencies downplayed the harm that controlled burns could inflict on those infected with Covid-19. “If they’re fighting for every breath, they’re in the hospital and not exposed to the smoky air,” said Lisa Almaguer, a spokeswoman for the Butte County public health department. “If they have moderate to severe symptoms then they’re home and in bed.”Officials from several air quality boards and public health agencies downplayed the harm that controlled burns could inflict on those infected with Covid-19. “If they’re fighting for every breath, they’re in the hospital and not exposed to the smoky air,” said Lisa Almaguer, a spokeswoman for the Butte County public health department. “If they have moderate to severe symptoms then they’re home and in bed.”
State and local officials repeatedly argued that whatever the risks of controlled burns, failing to thin forests today could create conditions for a far greater calamity come fall. Dave Winnacker, chief of the Moraga-Orinda fire district east of Berkeley, worries what would happen if a failure to do adequate controlled burns means more intense wildfires in a few months. If Covid-19 is still a menace, what will that mean for the thousands of firefighters assembled to battle those wildfires, often in close quarters, often to the point of exhaustion? How will those firefighters evacuate thousands of residents while adhering to social distancing?State and local officials repeatedly argued that whatever the risks of controlled burns, failing to thin forests today could create conditions for a far greater calamity come fall. Dave Winnacker, chief of the Moraga-Orinda fire district east of Berkeley, worries what would happen if a failure to do adequate controlled burns means more intense wildfires in a few months. If Covid-19 is still a menace, what will that mean for the thousands of firefighters assembled to battle those wildfires, often in close quarters, often to the point of exhaustion? How will those firefighters evacuate thousands of residents while adhering to social distancing?
“Covid-19 has crowded out every other thing that people have the capacity to worry about,” he said. “But that doesn’t mean the fire season is going to take a year off.”“Covid-19 has crowded out every other thing that people have the capacity to worry about,” he said. “But that doesn’t mean the fire season is going to take a year off.”
Many residents of California know all too well what it is to suffer ongoing respiratory problems from fire seasons past. Laura Whitaker, a former resident of Paradise, said her lungs have never been the same since she survived the Camp Fire. “I remember feeling that my lungs were full and that I couldn’t breathe,” she said. “It felt like drowning.”Many residents of California know all too well what it is to suffer ongoing respiratory problems from fire seasons past. Laura Whitaker, a former resident of Paradise, said her lungs have never been the same since she survived the Camp Fire. “I remember feeling that my lungs were full and that I couldn’t breathe,” she said. “It felt like drowning.”
In the years since, Ms. Whitaker said she could tell from her lungs when controlled burns begin anew. “The smoke, definitely, it gets to me pretty badly,” she said. And having just gotten over a bout of pneumonia, she said she was afraid this year’s burns will make her more vulnerable to the novel coronavirus. “When I heard that it affects the lungs, it puts the fear into you,” she said.In the years since, Ms. Whitaker said she could tell from her lungs when controlled burns begin anew. “The smoke, definitely, it gets to me pretty badly,” she said. And having just gotten over a bout of pneumonia, she said she was afraid this year’s burns will make her more vulnerable to the novel coronavirus. “When I heard that it affects the lungs, it puts the fear into you,” she said.
Her fears are well grounded, experts said. “As you batter the lungs, which is what’s happening when you breathe wildfire smoke, the defense mechanisms get overwhelmed,” said Katharine Hammond, a professor of environmental health sciences at the University of California, Berkeley.Her fears are well grounded, experts said. “As you batter the lungs, which is what’s happening when you breathe wildfire smoke, the defense mechanisms get overwhelmed,” said Katharine Hammond, a professor of environmental health sciences at the University of California, Berkeley.
“There’s a big difference if there’s a little bit of smoke or a lot of smoke,” she added. “Those are trade-offs that need to be carefully thought through.”“There’s a big difference if there’s a little bit of smoke or a lot of smoke,” she added. “Those are trade-offs that need to be carefully thought through.”
Updated June 12, 2020Updated June 12, 2020
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.
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.
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.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.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
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.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.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.
After Gov. Gavin Newsom moved to close beaches in Orange County, The Los Angeles Times reported that protesters showed up in droves to defy the order.After Gov. Gavin Newsom moved to close beaches in Orange County, The Los Angeles Times reported that protesters showed up in droves to defy the order.
They were part of wider demonstrations against stay-at-home orders, including in Sacramento, that have been increasingly driven by antivaccination activists, The New York Times reported.They were part of wider demonstrations against stay-at-home orders, including in Sacramento, that have been increasingly driven by antivaccination activists, The New York Times reported.
On Friday, Mr. Newsom sought to reassure restless Californians, saying that statewide restrictions would be eased in coming days.On Friday, Mr. Newsom sought to reassure restless Californians, saying that statewide restrictions would be eased in coming days.
In the meantime, neighbors have come together in new ways, as The Times shows in this visual piece. In Los Angeles, for instance, once-anonymous neighbors are picking and donating citrus.In the meantime, neighbors have come together in new ways, as The Times shows in this visual piece. In Los Angeles, for instance, once-anonymous neighbors are picking and donating citrus.
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.