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Like ‘Learning to Swim’: How It Feels to Go Out Like ‘Learning to Swim’: How It Feels to Go Out
(about 13 hours later)
Good morning.Good morning.
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Earlier this week, when counties around the state were just beginning to get the green light from the state to reopen businesses like dine-in restaurants (with modifications) and stores that had previously been deemed nonessential, we asked readers living in those counties how they felt about it all.Earlier this week, when counties around the state were just beginning to get the green light from the state to reopen businesses like dine-in restaurants (with modifications) and stores that had previously been deemed nonessential, we asked readers living in those counties how they felt about it all.
Now, as more and more counties — including populous ones like San Diego and Sacramento — are added to the list, their emails felt to me as if they were coming from a less and less distant future.Now, as more and more counties — including populous ones like San Diego and Sacramento — are added to the list, their emails felt to me as if they were coming from a less and less distant future.
So what can those of us living in counties that are still largely sheltered in place have to look forward to?So what can those of us living in counties that are still largely sheltered in place have to look forward to?
[Read more about California’s complex, phased reopening plan.][Read more about California’s complex, phased reopening plan.]
Definitely not a return to normal — at least not yet.Definitely not a return to normal — at least not yet.
Dana Kennedy, 49, wrote in an email that she visited a restaurant in Nevada City.Dana Kennedy, 49, wrote in an email that she visited a restaurant in Nevada City.
She said that there were plexiglass dividers between booths and that tables in an open area were spaced far apart.She said that there were plexiglass dividers between booths and that tables in an open area were spaced far apart.
The servers wore masks and, she said, everything was disinfected.The servers wore masks and, she said, everything was disinfected.
Ms. Kennedy said she felt safe, given that there hadn’t been many coronavirus cases in her town, but she still washed her hands before leaving the restaurant and used hand sanitizer again when she got in the car, and once more when she got home.Ms. Kennedy said she felt safe, given that there hadn’t been many coronavirus cases in her town, but she still washed her hands before leaving the restaurant and used hand sanitizer again when she got in the car, and once more when she got home.
As for how it felt to be out, she wrote:As for how it felt to be out, she wrote:
“I could equate it to the feeling of learning to swim; you so desperately want to learn. There is elation mixed with the fear of drowning. Then your feet and hands start to work their magic to keep you afloat, but you still want the safety of the edge of the pool. I think it’s important to test the waters so we can start swimming again, but do so with caution and common sense.”“I could equate it to the feeling of learning to swim; you so desperately want to learn. There is elation mixed with the fear of drowning. Then your feet and hands start to work their magic to keep you afloat, but you still want the safety of the edge of the pool. I think it’s important to test the waters so we can start swimming again, but do so with caution and common sense.”
The biggest change that Dr. Carlos Alvarez, a 58-year-old in Tuolumne County, noticed was that people seemed to have eased up on precautions.The biggest change that Dr. Carlos Alvarez, a 58-year-old in Tuolumne County, noticed was that people seemed to have eased up on precautions.
Dr. Alvarez wrote that although the Walmart in Sonora has been open throughout the state’s lockdown — “bless their supply chain,” he said — it was much more crowded this week than previously.Dr. Alvarez wrote that although the Walmart in Sonora has been open throughout the state’s lockdown — “bless their supply chain,” he said — it was much more crowded this week than previously.
“This is our version of any other place’s megachurch,” he said. “Folks come from miles to shop here.”“This is our version of any other place’s megachurch,” he said. “Folks come from miles to shop here.”
But this week, after his county eased restrictions, Dr. Alvarez said he was nervous, even while wearing a surgical mask and sanitizing his cart and hands.But this week, after his county eased restrictions, Dr. Alvarez said he was nervous, even while wearing a surgical mask and sanitizing his cart and hands.
Most other shoppers, he said, weren’t wearing masks or following floor markings guiding traffic through the store, though he said most did make efforts to keep their distance.Most other shoppers, he said, weren’t wearing masks or following floor markings guiding traffic through the store, though he said most did make efforts to keep their distance.
Terry Schneider, a 74-year-old in northern Humboldt County, wrote that she planned to “stay hunkered down until I feel things are more stable.”Terry Schneider, a 74-year-old in northern Humboldt County, wrote that she planned to “stay hunkered down until I feel things are more stable.”
Even though Humboldt is among those that have been allowed to reopen, and has relatively few cases, Ms. Schneider said that she had been at home on her own since the beginning of March, and that she hoped to see how case rates change after wider testing has been available for a couple more weeks.Even though Humboldt is among those that have been allowed to reopen, and has relatively few cases, Ms. Schneider said that she had been at home on her own since the beginning of March, and that she hoped to see how case rates change after wider testing has been available for a couple more weeks.
She wrote:She wrote:
“Do I really need new clothes, knickknacks, or household goods at this time? Nope! Anything I might want I can order online, although I have tried to be mindful of the environmental costs of shipping (and the health effects upon people who work in the warehouses and deliver the packages), so I haven’t done much of that either.”“Do I really need new clothes, knickknacks, or household goods at this time? Nope! Anything I might want I can order online, although I have tried to be mindful of the environmental costs of shipping (and the health effects upon people who work in the warehouses and deliver the packages), so I haven’t done much of that either.”
Ms. Schneider added that she’s fortunate to live in a beautiful place, “so I have nature to keep me company.”Ms. Schneider added that she’s fortunate to live in a beautiful place, “so I have nature to keep me company.”
Mary Lou Giles, a 73-year-old in El Dorado County, wrote that she and her husband planned to shelter in place for at least another month.Mary Lou Giles, a 73-year-old in El Dorado County, wrote that she and her husband planned to shelter in place for at least another month.
She said she worried that county officials moved under pressure from people who oppose the stay-at-home orders for political reasons, although the county has seen no deaths from the virus yet.She said she worried that county officials moved under pressure from people who oppose the stay-at-home orders for political reasons, although the county has seen no deaths from the virus yet.
Ms. Giles wrote:Ms. Giles wrote:
“Would I like to patronize one of my favorite local restaurants or coffee shops? Would I like to browse through the fabrics at the quilt shop or the yarns at the yarn shop? Would I like to get back to my chiropractor and acupuncturist? Would I love to go wine tasting? Absolutely. Am I willing to be a guinea pig, testing just how much social distancing and sanitizing will keep the virus at bay? No.”“Would I like to patronize one of my favorite local restaurants or coffee shops? Would I like to browse through the fabrics at the quilt shop or the yarns at the yarn shop? Would I like to get back to my chiropractor and acupuncturist? Would I love to go wine tasting? Absolutely. Am I willing to be a guinea pig, testing just how much social distancing and sanitizing will keep the virus at bay? No.”
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.
[See how many coronavirus cases have been confirmed in each county.][See how many coronavirus cases have been confirmed in each county.]
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 coronavirus has devastated nursing homes across the country. But it’s hitting nursing homes with predominantly black and Latino residents even harder. [The New York Times|LAist]The coronavirus has devastated nursing homes across the country. But it’s hitting nursing homes with predominantly black and Latino residents even harder. [The New York Times|LAist]
If you missed it, read more about why Covid-19 is deadlier for black and Latino Californians. [The New York Times]If you missed it, read more about why Covid-19 is deadlier for black and Latino Californians. [The New York Times]
And the governor’s proposed budget cuts two day programs aimed at keeping poor and medically fragile seniors out of nursing homes. [CalMatters]And the governor’s proposed budget cuts two day programs aimed at keeping poor and medically fragile seniors out of nursing homes. [CalMatters]
The University of California voted to phase out the SAT and ACT as requirements to apply. The decision is likely to accelerate momentum of American colleges away from using the standardized tests. [The New York Times]The University of California voted to phase out the SAT and ACT as requirements to apply. The decision is likely to accelerate momentum of American colleges away from using the standardized tests. [The New York Times]
Mark Zuckerberg said Facebook would allow many employees to work from home permanently. The company is the first among tech’s giants to make such a decision, and it could profoundly reshape Silicon Valley as workers move to less expensive places. [The New York Times]Mark Zuckerberg said Facebook would allow many employees to work from home permanently. The company is the first among tech’s giants to make such a decision, and it could profoundly reshape Silicon Valley as workers move to less expensive places. [The New York Times]
After she maintained her innocence for months, Lori Loughlin, along with her husband, Mossimo Giannulli, agreed to plead guilty to conspiring to get their daughters into the University of Southern California. She agreed to serve two months in prison. [The New York Times]After she maintained her innocence for months, Lori Loughlin, along with her husband, Mossimo Giannulli, agreed to plead guilty to conspiring to get their daughters into the University of Southern California. She agreed to serve two months in prison. [The New York Times]
Take a look back at her first appearance in court in Los Angeles. [The New York Times]Take a look back at her first appearance in court in Los Angeles. [The New York Times]
Darrell Issa, the former Republican congressman who’s running for Congress again, is suing to block California’s move to mail every voter a ballot in November. [Politico]Darrell Issa, the former Republican congressman who’s running for Congress again, is suing to block California’s move to mail every voter a ballot in November. [Politico]
Oakland Unified School District students could vote in school board elections if a measure on the city’s fall ballot is approved. [Berkeleyside]Oakland Unified School District students could vote in school board elections if a measure on the city’s fall ballot is approved. [Berkeleyside]
Read more about past efforts to let 17-year-olds vote in California. [The New York Times]Read more about past efforts to let 17-year-olds vote in California. [The New York Times]
Almost a century before President Trump referred to the coronavirus as the “Chinese virus,” a Methodist radio preacher called the plague sweeping through Los Angeles a “Mexican Disease.” [L.A. Taco]Almost a century before President Trump referred to the coronavirus as the “Chinese virus,” a Methodist radio preacher called the plague sweeping through Los Angeles a “Mexican Disease.” [L.A. Taco]
Celebrities are (almost) just like us: Stuck at home. Which makes things difficult for the paparazzi. [The New York Times]Celebrities are (almost) just like us: Stuck at home. Which makes things difficult for the paparazzi. [The New York Times]
San Luis Obispo’s “Bubble Gum Alley” is open, for now — if checking out walls covered in chewed gum sounds good to you. [The San Luis Obispo Tribune]San Luis Obispo’s “Bubble Gum Alley” is open, for now — if checking out walls covered in chewed gum sounds good to you. [The San Luis Obispo Tribune]
It’s Memorial Day weekend. For many, it’s the traditional start of summer. Of course, this year, big celebrations and parades have been canceled.It’s Memorial Day weekend. For many, it’s the traditional start of summer. Of course, this year, big celebrations and parades have been canceled.
But some of the salutes to veterans have moved online, and here in California, beaches have been reopened — with modifications — as have many parks.But some of the salutes to veterans have moved online, and here in California, beaches have been reopened — with modifications — as have many parks.
We’ll be back on Tuesday. We wish you and your loved ones peace and health.We’ll be back on Tuesday. We wish you and your loved ones peace and health.
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.