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California Is Slowly Reopening. It’s Complicated. California Is Slowly Reopening. It’s Complicated.
(7 days later)
Good morning.Good morning.
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On Monday, at the start of another week under California’s stay-at-home order, Gov. Gavin Newsom rolled out slightly loosened criteria for counties that hope to allow businesses to reopen more quickly than the state overall.On Monday, at the start of another week under California’s stay-at-home order, Gov. Gavin Newsom rolled out slightly loosened criteria for counties that hope to allow businesses to reopen more quickly than the state overall.
“This is an important period of time,” he said. “In the next few weeks we are looking at a number of significant milestones.”“This is an important period of time,” he said. “In the next few weeks we are looking at a number of significant milestones.”
Going forward, state health officials said they were no longer requiring counties to have zero Covid-19 deaths for two weeks, for instance.Going forward, state health officials said they were no longer requiring counties to have zero Covid-19 deaths for two weeks, for instance.
[Read More: What Are California’s Phases for Reopening? The Latest Updates.][Read More: What Are California’s Phases for Reopening? The Latest Updates.]
Rather, Mr. Newsom said counties should continue to track hospitalization numbers, and also track positivity rates, meaning the percentage of tests that come back positive. (It should be less than 8 percent for a week.)Rather, Mr. Newsom said counties should continue to track hospitalization numbers, and also track positivity rates, meaning the percentage of tests that come back positive. (It should be less than 8 percent for a week.)
Already, though, 24 counties had been allowed to reopen more businesses under the prior criteria, he said. And the statistics the state has been tracking — including hospitalizations and Covid-19 cases requiring intensive care — have been promising.Already, though, 24 counties had been allowed to reopen more businesses under the prior criteria, he said. And the statistics the state has been tracking — including hospitalizations and Covid-19 cases requiring intensive care — have been promising.
Mr. Newsom estimated that all but a handful of California’s counties may be able to qualify soon.Mr. Newsom estimated that all but a handful of California’s counties may be able to qualify soon.
[See which states have reopened and when.][See which states have reopened and when.]
Still, as The San Francisco Chronicle reported, even within the once-united Bay Area, paths are starting to diverge county by county, and the patchwork of rules has become a little confusing.Still, as The San Francisco Chronicle reported, even within the once-united Bay Area, paths are starting to diverge county by county, and the patchwork of rules has become a little confusing.
Mr. Newsom emphasized that local considerations would continue to drive his conversations with county health leaders.Mr. Newsom emphasized that local considerations would continue to drive his conversations with county health leaders.
Here’s what to know:Here’s what to know:
The governor said 53 out of 58 counties meet the new criteria. So does that mean they can all reopen?The governor said 53 out of 58 counties meet the new criteria. So does that mean they can all reopen?
Not yet. Mr. Newsom said that number was a rough estimate that would become clearer in the coming days.Not yet. Mr. Newsom said that number was a rough estimate that would become clearer in the coming days.
And each county will have to file documentation showing that it meets the criteria and that officials have plans in place to help ensure restaurants keep customers apart and to reinstate restrictions if necessary.And each county will have to file documentation showing that it meets the criteria and that officials have plans in place to help ensure restaurants keep customers apart and to reinstate restrictions if necessary.
Which counties have already been allowed to loosen restrictions?Which counties have already been allowed to loosen restrictions?
So far, the bulk are smaller counties in far Northern California, but the list is expected to grow. You can find the list of counties, along with the documents officials filed with the state, here.So far, the bulk are smaller counties in far Northern California, but the list is expected to grow. You can find the list of counties, along with the documents officials filed with the state, here.
Did we get any more information on when other kinds of businesses can reopen?Did we get any more information on when other kinds of businesses can reopen?
Yes. Mr. Newsom said that in the next few weeks, stores may be open not just for curbside pickup. In the first week of June, sporting events may start taking place, although they’d still be without fans.Yes. Mr. Newsom said that in the next few weeks, stores may be open not just for curbside pickup. In the first week of June, sporting events may start taking place, although they’d still be without fans.
And for those of us feeling a bit shaggy, haircuts could be on the way somewhere in that same time frame.And for those of us feeling a bit shaggy, haircuts could be on the way somewhere in that same time frame.
I live in the Bay Area or Los Angeles. Does that change anything?I live in the Bay Area or Los Angeles. Does that change anything?
Yes. It’s important to remember that all the so-called regional variance also allows counties to keep stricter orders in place than the state’s, if local leaders say that’s appropriate.Yes. It’s important to remember that all the so-called regional variance also allows counties to keep stricter orders in place than the state’s, if local leaders say that’s appropriate.
[See coronavirus cases by county in California.][See coronavirus cases by county in California.]
Tell us how reopening is going in your community.Tell us how reopening is going in your community.
If you live in a county that has been allowed to reopen more quickly, we want to hear about your experience. If you’d like to share for potential publication, please email us at CAtoday@nytimes.com with the answers to the following questions:If you live in a county that has been allowed to reopen more quickly, we want to hear about your experience. If you’d like to share for potential publication, please email us at CAtoday@nytimes.com with the answers to the following questions:
1. What is your name and age, and what county do you live in?1. What is your name and age, and what county do you live in?
2. What was the first newly reopened business you visited?2. What was the first newly reopened business you visited?
3. What precautions, if any, did you take?3. What precautions, if any, did you take?
4. How did it feel to be out? Did you feel like you had a clear idea of how to manage risks?4. How did it feel to be out? Did you feel like you had a clear idea of how to manage risks?
Thanks for reading, and for your help.Thanks for reading, and for your help.
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.
After about a month and a half at the Port of Los Angeles, the U.S. Navy hospital ship Mercy started its slow journey back down the coast to San Diego on Friday.After about a month and a half at the Port of Los Angeles, the U.S. Navy hospital ship Mercy started its slow journey back down the coast to San Diego on Friday.
The ship was called as a relief valve for hospitals in the region, if they became overwhelmed with Covid-19 patients. But its mission shifted over the weeks, and late last month, most of the staff were moved into hotels onshore.The ship was called as a relief valve for hospitals in the region, if they became overwhelmed with Covid-19 patients. But its mission shifted over the weeks, and late last month, most of the staff were moved into hotels onshore.
According to the governor’s office of emergency services, medical staff members from the Mercy will stay in the L.A. area to help at skilled nursing facilities and other sites.According to the governor’s office of emergency services, medical staff members from the Mercy will stay in the L.A. area to help at skilled nursing facilities and other sites.
Within minutes of opening up, phone lines crashed as calls flooded in for California’s landmark program to provide aid to undocumented workers — who pay taxes but have been left vulnerable. [The New York Times]Within minutes of opening up, phone lines crashed as calls flooded in for California’s landmark program to provide aid to undocumented workers — who pay taxes but have been left vulnerable. [The New York Times]
A federal judge ordered Los Angeles to move more than 6,000 unhoused people living near freeways into shelters. He said that the freeways and on- and off-ramps were particularly dangerous. [The New York Times]A federal judge ordered Los Angeles to move more than 6,000 unhoused people living near freeways into shelters. He said that the freeways and on- and off-ramps were particularly dangerous. [The New York Times]
A vaccine remains the most elusive and potentially effective weapon in the fight against Covid-19. Researchers in the Bay Area may have a leg up. [The San Francisco Chronicle]A vaccine remains the most elusive and potentially effective weapon in the fight against Covid-19. Researchers in the Bay Area may have a leg up. [The San Francisco Chronicle]
If you missed it, Atwater, a small community in Merced County, declared itself a coronavirus “sanctuary city,” meaning its leaders are refusing to enforce state orders to keep some businesses closed. [Merced Sun-Star]If you missed it, Atwater, a small community in Merced County, declared itself a coronavirus “sanctuary city,” meaning its leaders are refusing to enforce state orders to keep some businesses closed. [Merced Sun-Star]
Disney’s top streaming executive quit on Monday to become the chief executive of TikTok. [The New York Times]Disney’s top streaming executive quit on Monday to become the chief executive of TikTok. [The New York Times]
Can Airbnb survive the coronavirus pandemic? It’ll be difficult. [CityLab]Can Airbnb survive the coronavirus pandemic? It’ll be difficult. [CityLab]
Trying to figure out where to hike or ride your bike in the Bay Area? Here’s a guide. [The San Francisco Chronicle]Trying to figure out where to hike or ride your bike in the Bay Area? Here’s a guide. [The San Francisco Chronicle]
Updated June 24, 2020 Updated June 30, 2020
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.
Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles.Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles.
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.
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.
Not to be corny, but if there is one thing I genuinely hope I will take with me once this is over — once life returns to something like normal — it is the ability to find joy in small things.Not to be corny, but if there is one thing I genuinely hope I will take with me once this is over — once life returns to something like normal — it is the ability to find joy in small things.
Things like deleting mediocre photos off your phone. Like circling your Oakland block on foot, expanding the boundaries of what feels like home. Like lightly indulging a sort of “Little House on the Prairie” fantasy, even though the closest you have to a homestead is your driveway in L.A.Things like deleting mediocre photos off your phone. Like circling your Oakland block on foot, expanding the boundaries of what feels like home. Like lightly indulging a sort of “Little House on the Prairie” fantasy, even though the closest you have to a homestead is your driveway in L.A.
Those are just a few of the subjects of 14 essays my colleagues on the Styles desk put together. They asked writers to write about what’s bringing them joy these days. Maybe you can relate. (And no, this doesn’t have anything to do with the 2015 Jennifer Lawrence vehicle — but it could if it brings you joy!)Those are just a few of the subjects of 14 essays my colleagues on the Styles desk put together. They asked writers to write about what’s bringing them joy these days. Maybe you can relate. (And no, this doesn’t have anything to do with the 2015 Jennifer Lawrence vehicle — but it could if it brings you joy!)
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.