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The Reopening of California Has Begun The Reopening of California Has Begun
(about 16 hours later)
Good morning.Good morning.
(Here’s the sign-up, if you don’t already get California Today by email.)(Here’s the sign-up, if you don’t already get California Today by email.)
It’s Friday and the reopening of California has officially begun.It’s Friday and the reopening of California has officially begun.
But you may not notice much of a difference.But you may not notice much of a difference.
There won’t be masses of people pouring into bars and restaurants, which are still supposed to be closed except for takeout. In-person church services are still off.There won’t be masses of people pouring into bars and restaurants, which are still supposed to be closed except for takeout. In-person church services are still off.
And in Santa Clara County at least, there won’t be drive-by graduation parades or birthday parties, according to The Mercury News.And in Santa Clara County at least, there won’t be drive-by graduation parades or birthday parties, according to The Mercury News.
[Read more about the California’s phased reopening plan.][Read more about the California’s phased reopening plan.]
Nevertheless, the changes — which Gov. Gavin Newsom announced this week — are good news for ailing businesses.Nevertheless, the changes — which Gov. Gavin Newsom announced this week — are good news for ailing businesses.
“These are meaningful modifications,” he said on Thursday. “We’re moving away now from essential or nonessential to lower risk or higher risk.”“These are meaningful modifications,” he said on Thursday. “We’re moving away now from essential or nonessential to lower risk or higher risk.”
Some retail businesses, like florists — in time for Mother's Day — as well as clothing, toy, book, music and sporting goods stores, will be able to start operating today, as long as they serve customers with curbside pickup and take other precautionary measures.Some retail businesses, like florists — in time for Mother's Day — as well as clothing, toy, book, music and sporting goods stores, will be able to start operating today, as long as they serve customers with curbside pickup and take other precautionary measures.
Manufacturers and suppliers for those kinds of businesses also fell under the change.Manufacturers and suppliers for those kinds of businesses also fell under the change.
On Thursday, state officials released updated guidelines for various kinds of workplaces to prepare to reopen, including requiring facilities to implement disinfecting processes and to provide sanitation materials for delivery drivers.On Thursday, state officials released updated guidelines for various kinds of workplaces to prepare to reopen, including requiring facilities to implement disinfecting processes and to provide sanitation materials for delivery drivers.
[See which states have reopened or eased restrictions.][See which states have reopened or eased restrictions.]
Officials also laid out criteria for counties that hope to open sooner than the state more broadly, including opening restaurants for dine-in service.Officials also laid out criteria for counties that hope to open sooner than the state more broadly, including opening restaurants for dine-in service.
The county must certify, among other things, that:The county must certify, among other things, that:
There has been no more than one Covid-19 case per 10,000 residents in the past 14 days.There has been no more than one Covid-19 case per 10,000 residents in the past 14 days.
There has been no Covid-19 death in the past 14 days.There has been no Covid-19 death in the past 14 days.
Testing is available for at least 75 percent of residents within a 30 minute drive in urban areas and an hour in rural ones.Testing is available for at least 75 percent of residents within a 30 minute drive in urban areas and an hour in rural ones.
At least 15 people are trained and ready to work as contact tracers per 100,000 residents. In small counties, there should be at least one.At least 15 people are trained and ready to work as contact tracers per 100,000 residents. In small counties, there should be at least one.
Temporary housing is available for at least 15 percent of the county’s homeless population in case of an outbreak.Temporary housing is available for at least 15 percent of the county’s homeless population in case of an outbreak.
Hospital capacity can accommodate a surge of 35 percent as a result of new Covid-19 cases.Hospital capacity can accommodate a surge of 35 percent as a result of new Covid-19 cases.
[Track every coronavirus case in California by county.][Track every coronavirus case in California by county.]
Although the criteria are aimed at counties where leaders want to ease restrictions sooner than the state, the list gives more shape to the six indicators that officials said they’ll be tracking to determine when it’s safe to lift the stay-at-home order.Although the criteria are aimed at counties where leaders want to ease restrictions sooner than the state, the list gives more shape to the six indicators that officials said they’ll be tracking to determine when it’s safe to lift the stay-at-home order.
In the meantime, more outdoor spaces are set to reopen — at least partially. Los Angeles County trails are set to reopen on Saturday, as are golf courses. And beaches in Orange County have begun allowing “active” uses, like jogging.In the meantime, more outdoor spaces are set to reopen — at least partially. Los Angeles County trails are set to reopen on Saturday, as are golf courses. And beaches in Orange County have begun allowing “active” uses, like jogging.
[Read More: What Are California’s Phases for Reopening? The Latest Updates.][Read More: What Are California’s Phases for Reopening? The Latest Updates.]
Mr. Newsom was clear on Thursday about the fiscal disaster facing the state as large parts of the economy are shuttered.Mr. Newsom was clear on Thursday about the fiscal disaster facing the state as large parts of the economy are shuttered.
He announced that California is now facing a staggering $54.3 billion budget shortfall.He announced that California is now facing a staggering $54.3 billion budget shortfall.
In January, Mr. Newsom said, the state had projected continuing job growth, low unemployment, a budget surplus and billions in rainy day money.In January, Mr. Newsom said, the state had projected continuing job growth, low unemployment, a budget surplus and billions in rainy day money.
The pandemic has erased all that.The pandemic has erased all that.
“In so many ways, it’s not surprising,” he said. But the state would need the federal government’s help to ensure its economy, the fifth largest in the world, can keep running.“In so many ways, it’s not surprising,” he said. But the state would need the federal government’s help to ensure its economy, the fifth largest in the world, can keep running.
Most of the losses are expected to come from a plunge in tax revenues. According to The Associated Press, lawmakers are considering new taxes, including one on vaping.Most of the losses are expected to come from a plunge in tax revenues. According to The Associated Press, lawmakers are considering new taxes, including one on vaping.
Next week, Mr. Newsom is set to release a new proposed budget that will show in more detail where cuts may be coming.Next week, Mr. Newsom is set to release a new proposed budget that will show in more detail where cuts may be coming.
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.
It’s grim but clarifying: See which companies in the Bay Area have laid people off, and in which cities, with this tracker. [The San Francisco Chronicle]It’s grim but clarifying: See which companies in the Bay Area have laid people off, and in which cities, with this tracker. [The San Francisco Chronicle]
If you missed it, here’s more about who’s likely to become unemployed. [The New York Times]If you missed it, here’s more about who’s likely to become unemployed. [The New York Times]
“If the City Council intends to move forward with another reading on a gas ban I can assure you there will be no social distancing.” A utility union president threatened to bus hundreds of protesters into San Luis Obispo to oppose the city’s proposal to encourage all-electric building construction. [The Los Angeles Times]“If the City Council intends to move forward with another reading on a gas ban I can assure you there will be no social distancing.” A utility union president threatened to bus hundreds of protesters into San Luis Obispo to oppose the city’s proposal to encourage all-electric building construction. [The Los Angeles Times]
Wineries have proposed guidelines for reopening tasting rooms. [Napa Valley Register]Wineries have proposed guidelines for reopening tasting rooms. [Napa Valley Register]
With the coronavirus pandemic shutting down most productions for now, TV makers are now primarily TV viewers. Here’s what they’re bingeing as they shelter in place. [The New York Times]With the coronavirus pandemic shutting down most productions for now, TV makers are now primarily TV viewers. Here’s what they’re bingeing as they shelter in place. [The New York Times]
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 Mark D. Neal, was written by Brian Perlman:Today’s piece, about Mark D. Neal, was written by Brian Perlman:
Mark D. Neal taught third grade for more than two decades in Shasta County. And yet when he bumped into former students, he recognized every single one. He received wedding invitations from students he had taught years before.Mark D. Neal taught third grade for more than two decades in Shasta County. And yet when he bumped into former students, he recognized every single one. He received wedding invitations from students he had taught years before.
“He saw the good in every single person,” one of his daughters, Alexandra Neal, said. “It didn’t matter if they were homeless or the richest person — he would treat them the same.”“He saw the good in every single person,” one of his daughters, Alexandra Neal, said. “It didn’t matter if they were homeless or the richest person — he would treat them the same.”
Mr. Neal seemed to be in excellent health until late February, when he showed up in an emergency room with pneumonia and was sent home with antibiotics. Weeks later, he learned he had acute myeloid leukemia, and soon after tested positive for Covid-19. He died on April 4. He was 62.Mr. Neal seemed to be in excellent health until late February, when he showed up in an emergency room with pneumonia and was sent home with antibiotics. Weeks later, he learned he had acute myeloid leukemia, and soon after tested positive for Covid-19. He died on April 4. He was 62.
A week before he was admitted to Mercy Medical Center in Redding, he sent a screenshot of his Apple Watch to one of his daughters to show her that he had topped 20 miles on his bike that day. Mr. Neal, a father of three, loved riding his bike on Shasta County’s river trails. He had a hunger for travel, taking trips to Croatia and Western Europe. He built his own computers. He got a thrill each time he spotted an eagle. And he worked hard to encourage students from low-income backgrounds.A week before he was admitted to Mercy Medical Center in Redding, he sent a screenshot of his Apple Watch to one of his daughters to show her that he had topped 20 miles on his bike that day. Mr. Neal, a father of three, loved riding his bike on Shasta County’s river trails. He had a hunger for travel, taking trips to Croatia and Western Europe. He built his own computers. He got a thrill each time he spotted an eagle. And he worked hard to encourage students from low-income backgrounds.
Updated June 16, 2020Updated June 16, 2020
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.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.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.
“He made everyone feel so loved and accepted,” Ms. Neal said.“He made everyone feel so loved and accepted,” Ms. Neal said.
I have friends who run marathons. They track their miles, and assiduously plan their routes. The pandemic jogging habit I’ve taken up is categorically not that.I have friends who run marathons. They track their miles, and assiduously plan their routes. The pandemic jogging habit I’ve taken up is categorically not that.
Sure, I exercised before all this started, but I’ve always hated running. It felt at once utilitarian and aimless.Sure, I exercised before all this started, but I’ve always hated running. It felt at once utilitarian and aimless.
Now, though, it’s a way to leave my apartment, my laptop and the news. I see parents playing on their postage-stamp lawns with their kids, I breathe in the scent of jasmine. When I get winded (pretty much immediately), I stop to look at interesting flowers, satisfied I may never know their names.Now, though, it’s a way to leave my apartment, my laptop and the news. I see parents playing on their postage-stamp lawns with their kids, I breathe in the scent of jasmine. When I get winded (pretty much immediately), I stop to look at interesting flowers, satisfied I may never know their names.
All this is to say, just putting “one foot in front of the other” — as my colleagues put it in this photo essay inspired by readers’ walks — can be a meditative act; I hope you get a chance to enjoy something like that this weekend.All this is to say, just putting “one foot in front of the other” — as my colleagues put it in this photo essay inspired by readers’ walks — can be a meditative act; I hope you get a chance to enjoy something like that this weekend.
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.