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Why Expanded Covid-19 Testing in California Won’t Fix Everything Why Expanded Covid-19 Testing in California Won’t Fix Everything
(2 days later)
Good morning.Good morning.
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Over the last few months the drumbeat has been steady: We need more testing capacity, leaders in California and across the nation have said. It will help public health officials better understand where Covid-19 outbreaks are happening. And that, in turn, will help determine when to reopen businesses and public spaces.Over the last few months the drumbeat has been steady: We need more testing capacity, leaders in California and across the nation have said. It will help public health officials better understand where Covid-19 outbreaks are happening. And that, in turn, will help determine when to reopen businesses and public spaces.
Recently, the mayors of Los Angeles and San Francisco both announced, with some fanfare, that the cities were offering testing to anyone, regardless of whether they have Covid-19 symptoms.Recently, the mayors of Los Angeles and San Francisco both announced, with some fanfare, that the cities were offering testing to anyone, regardless of whether they have Covid-19 symptoms.
[Track every coronavirus case in California by county.][Track every coronavirus case in California by county.]
Last week, my colleague Brian X. Chen reported that in San Francisco, at least, that wasn’t strictly true; the tests were still supposed to be for essential workers and people with symptoms.Last week, my colleague Brian X. Chen reported that in San Francisco, at least, that wasn’t strictly true; the tests were still supposed to be for essential workers and people with symptoms.
A few readers emailed us with similar questions about Los Angeles, where I live. It was something I’d been wondering about, too.A few readers emailed us with similar questions about Los Angeles, where I live. It was something I’d been wondering about, too.
So this week, I asked Los Angeles city and county officials about whether people who don’t have symptoms and aren’t essential workers should sign up to get tested.So this week, I asked Los Angeles city and county officials about whether people who don’t have symptoms and aren’t essential workers should sign up to get tested.
The answer here wasn’t quite straightforward either.The answer here wasn’t quite straightforward either.
It is true that anyone who lives in Los Angeles County can make an appointment to be tested, regardless of symptoms.It is true that anyone who lives in Los Angeles County can make an appointment to be tested, regardless of symptoms.
However, if you don’t have symptoms and you’re not an essential worker, you’ll be directed to one of 10 city-run testing sites. Next-day appointments will be prioritized for people with symptoms, essential workers and others who are at higher risk.However, if you don’t have symptoms and you’re not an essential worker, you’ll be directed to one of 10 city-run testing sites. Next-day appointments will be prioritized for people with symptoms, essential workers and others who are at higher risk.
“Testing is critical to fighting this virus and saving lives,” Andrea Garcia, spokeswoman for Mayor Eric Garcetti, said in an emailed statement. “The mayor took action to become the first big city in the country to offer free testing to anyone who wants it, so that more people in L.A. and surrounding communities could better protect their own well-being, and the health of the people around them.”“Testing is critical to fighting this virus and saving lives,” Andrea Garcia, spokeswoman for Mayor Eric Garcetti, said in an emailed statement. “The mayor took action to become the first big city in the country to offer free testing to anyone who wants it, so that more people in L.A. and surrounding communities could better protect their own well-being, and the health of the people around them.”
She said the city and county had the capacity to test up to 21,000 people per day.She said the city and county had the capacity to test up to 21,000 people per day.
Tests at 27 county-run sites are allotted based on state guidelines that lay out which groups should get priority, such as people who work at skilled nursing facilities or hospitals.Tests at 27 county-run sites are allotted based on state guidelines that lay out which groups should get priority, such as people who work at skilled nursing facilities or hospitals.
Still, Dr. Christina Ghaly, the county’s director of health services, told me that just because any Los Angeles County resident can sign up to be tested, it doesn’t mean they should.Still, Dr. Christina Ghaly, the county’s director of health services, told me that just because any Los Angeles County resident can sign up to be tested, it doesn’t mean they should.
“It doesn’t provide information that would be actionable,” she said. “It’s just providing interesting information and potentially false reassurance.”“It doesn’t provide information that would be actionable,” she said. “It’s just providing interesting information and potentially false reassurance.”
Dr. Ghaly emphasized that test results could take a few days to be returned — time during which someone could become infected. Tests could turn up false negative results, or the virus simply could fail to show up.Dr. Ghaly emphasized that test results could take a few days to be returned — time during which someone could become infected. Tests could turn up false negative results, or the virus simply could fail to show up.
[Read more about California’s testing expansion.][Read more about California’s testing expansion.]
That’s why, she said, it’s critical that people who are asymptomatic don’t simply seek out a test that, if negative, might lead them to be less vigilant about wearing a mask or maintaining their distance from others.That’s why, she said, it’s critical that people who are asymptomatic don’t simply seek out a test that, if negative, might lead them to be less vigilant about wearing a mask or maintaining their distance from others.
Nevertheless, she said, “I do believe more testing is needed broadly, but it needs to be a high value test.”Nevertheless, she said, “I do believe more testing is needed broadly, but it needs to be a high value test.”
That means they’re being used to identify outbreaks in higher risk environments, like nursing homes — not just to momentarily reassure people who aren’t at particularly high risk anyway.That means they’re being used to identify outbreaks in higher risk environments, like nursing homes — not just to momentarily reassure people who aren’t at particularly high risk anyway.
In any case, if you’re a Los Angeles resident and considering getting tested, first try talking to your regular health care provider, if you have one. Then go to the city and county’s website to make an appointment. There are also resources for front-line workers.In any case, if you’re a Los Angeles resident and considering getting tested, first try talking to your regular health care provider, if you have one. Then go to the city and county’s website to make an appointment. There are also resources for front-line workers.
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.
The U.S. Department of Justice warned Gov. Gavin Newsom that the state’s stay-at-home orders have discriminated against houses of worship. [Reuters]The U.S. Department of Justice warned Gov. Gavin Newsom that the state’s stay-at-home orders have discriminated against houses of worship. [Reuters]
Los Angeles County leaders aim to have stores, restaurants and malls open by July 4. But, the county’s public health director said, “We have to do a lot of things right.” [The Los Angeles Times]Los Angeles County leaders aim to have stores, restaurants and malls open by July 4. But, the county’s public health director said, “We have to do a lot of things right.” [The Los Angeles Times]
An analysis found that more than 40 percent of California’s counties don’t meet the state’s contact-tracing standards to reopen. [The Desert Sun]An analysis found that more than 40 percent of California’s counties don’t meet the state’s contact-tracing standards to reopen. [The Desert Sun]
Long Beach is moving forward with a plan to close streets and open parking lots for outdoor restaurant dining while practicing distancing. [ABC 7]Long Beach is moving forward with a plan to close streets and open parking lots for outdoor restaurant dining while practicing distancing. [ABC 7]
And here’s everything you need to know about California’s gradual, complex reopening process. [The New York Times]And here’s everything you need to know about California’s gradual, complex reopening process. [The New York Times]
If you have some time, this long read digs into how the Bay Area’s unprecedented shelter-in-place order came about — and why shutting down New York came later. [ProPublica]If you have some time, this long read digs into how the Bay Area’s unprecedented shelter-in-place order came about — and why shutting down New York came later. [ProPublica]
And, if you missed it, experts gave California leaders early praise for saving lives. [The New York Times]And, if you missed it, experts gave California leaders early praise for saving lives. [The New York Times]
The Oakland A’s have not paid their $1.2 million April rent for the Coliseum. [The Mercury News]The Oakland A’s have not paid their $1.2 million April rent for the Coliseum. [The Mercury News]
The Academy is weighing postponing next year's Oscars. The coronavirus pandemic has already prompted Oscar eligibility changes. [Variety]The Academy is weighing postponing next year's Oscars. The coronavirus pandemic has already prompted Oscar eligibility changes. [Variety]
Usually dolphins stay in a core family group of 20 to 50. But sometimes they come together to form a mega pod. One of those, with more than 1,000 dolphins, was spotted off Laguna Beach — and they didn’t get the social-distancing memo. [The Orange County Register]Usually dolphins stay in a core family group of 20 to 50. But sometimes they come together to form a mega pod. One of those, with more than 1,000 dolphins, was spotted off Laguna Beach — and they didn’t get the social-distancing memo. [The Orange County Register]
It’s a boom time for recommendations.It’s a boom time for recommendations.
Right now, sharing things you’re enjoying — books, movies, music, music videos, TV shows, recipes, gardening tips, takeout spots, walking routes, etc. — feels like a way to connect with friends and loved ones when you can’t share experiences in person.Right now, sharing things you’re enjoying — books, movies, music, music videos, TV shows, recipes, gardening tips, takeout spots, walking routes, etc. — feels like a way to connect with friends and loved ones when you can’t share experiences in person.
Updated June 1, 2020 Updated June 2, 2020
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.
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.
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.)
More than 40 million people — the equivalent of 1 in 4 U.S. workers — have filed for unemployment benefits since the pandemic took hold. One in five who were working in February reported losing a job or being furloughed in March or the beginning of April, data from a Federal Reserve survey released on May 14 showed, and that pain was highly concentrated among low earners. Fully 39 percent of former workers living in a household earning $40,000 or less lost work, compared with 13 percent in those making more than $100,000, a Fed official said.More than 40 million people — the equivalent of 1 in 4 U.S. workers — have filed for unemployment benefits since the pandemic took hold. One in five who were working in February reported losing a job or being furloughed in March or the beginning of April, data from a Federal Reserve survey released on May 14 showed, and that pain was highly concentrated among low earners. Fully 39 percent of former workers living in a household earning $40,000 or less lost work, compared with 13 percent in those making more than $100,000, a Fed official said.
Yes, but make sure you keep six feet of distance between you and people who don’t live in your home. Even if you just hang out in a park, rather than go for a jog or a walk, getting some fresh air, and hopefully sunshine, is a good idea.
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.
Charity Navigator, which evaluates charities using a numbers-based system, has a running list of nonprofits working in communities affected by the outbreak. You can give blood through the American Red Cross, and World Central Kitchen has stepped in to distribute meals in major cities.
My colleagues have you covered on many of those fronts.My colleagues have you covered on many of those fronts.
I will also now suggest that you read (and then take) this advice from Phoebe Bridgers, the Los Angeles singer and songwriter who, as part of NPR’s Daily Breather series, recommended sending that text or making that call you’ve been putting off for no real reason.I will also now suggest that you read (and then take) this advice from Phoebe Bridgers, the Los Angeles singer and songwriter who, as part of NPR’s Daily Breather series, recommended sending that text or making that call you’ve been putting off for no real reason.
She made a playlist for the occasion. And she threw in a new song, from her second album, “Punisher,” coming out in June.She made a playlist for the occasion. And she threw in a new song, from her second album, “Punisher,” coming out in June.
I’m going to text the link to a friend of mine who I know will appreciate it — as soon as I’m done writing this email to you.I’m going to text the link to a friend of mine who I know will appreciate it — as soon as I’m done writing this email to you.
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.