latimes--2020-03-15--Parts of San Quentin prison under quarantine as a precaution

Inmates in two cellblocks at San Quentin State Prison are quarantined from the rest of the Bay Area prison , but California prison officials say there is no indication that the prison is dealing with the coronavirus .
Dana Simas , a spokeswoman for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation , on Sunday confirmed the quarantine .
She also outlined in an email the testing protocol for inmates : “ If a test for flu comes back negative we will test for COVID-19.
” Internal memos at the Bay Area prison point out that it may take three to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are any coronavirus cases .
Late Saturday , an inmate advocate tweeted that two prison buildings were under lockdown .
“ Pray/send energy for everyone , ” wrote Adnan Khan , co-executive director of Re : Store Justice and a former San Quentin inmate .
He followed up with a post clarifying there are no confirmed COVID-19 cases , but there are “ flu-like symptoms.
” Simas said “ there ’ s no indication that there was a potential COVID-19 exposure or that this is COVID-19 related.
” “ If we determine a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it to be related , ” she said , “ it will be something about which we will immediately update the media.
“ Prison medical services in California are run by a federal receiver and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation .
The corrections department has not yet provided copies of protocols to deal with the coronavirus within the prisons , requested three weeks ago by The Times under the California Public Records Act .
But an internal policy memo obtained by The Times instructs prison medical staff to first test any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the flu .
Only if those tests come back negative are the sick inmates to be tested for the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 .
The memo notes that a private diagnostic lab may not be able to return the results of those tests for three to four days because of anticipated demand .
Amid increasing community spread of the virus in California and concerns raised by epidemiologists and inmate advocates of the heightened risk the virus poses to inmates with little ability to isolate or sanitize , state prison officials began publicizing measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last week .
Routine visitations at all prisons were halted Wednesday , and Sunday the agency announced it was also halting overnight family visits .
The prison system said inmates have adequate access to hospital-grade disinfectants to clean their cells .
Beginning Friday , the prison system began screening workers and volunteers at prison entrances , asking questions about possible exposure to the coronavirus .
The policy memo instructs prison administrators to gather the needed equipment to begin taking the temperatures of all those entering the state ’ s mostly time-worn , crowded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 117,000 inmates in state-owned prisons and camps , and some 4,200 in private lockups .
The massive granite-block San Quentin prison , built in 1852 on a Marin County bluff overlooking the bay , is the oldest prison in the state .
It houses more than 4,000 inmates , including all of the state ’ s male death row population .
It was designed to hold a little over 3,000 .
The corrections department Sunday also announced it is closing the doors of parole hearings , permitting no observers and requiring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weigh in on an inmate ’ s release do so by telephone or video conference .
The parole board “ appreciates that these are not ideal arrangements , ” the statement said , but “ the Department is obligated to limit the number of people at parole consideration hearings , minimize travel via common carriers and lodging , and adhere to social distancing recommendations as much as possible.
” For now , the prisons remain open to volunteers , but Rebecca Weiker , whose Southern California prison outreach work includes Re : Store @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she spoke to over the weekend have decided to stay away .
“ We ’ re being respectful … not bringing something in , ” Weiker said .
“ It ’ s the responsible thing to do.
” One of the quarantined San Quentin cellblocks houses inmates who have just transferred into the prison system .
The other quarantined prisoners are in West Block , said Khan , who spoke to inmates Sunday by phone .
Both buildings house about 900 inmates each , he said .
Khan said he spoke to an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and he was not concerned .
“ He ’ s being cautious … [ but ] he ’ s cleaned anyways.
” Khan noted that it is common practice for San Quentin inmates to not report to prison health services when they are sick , because a bout of flu typically would mean being transferred to the spartan solitary confinement wing , where few possessions are allowed and there is no access to a phone .
“ Comfort is very important ” to inmates , he said .
“ To isolate yourself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ”

San Quentin State Prison, opened in 1852 on the shore of San Francisco Bay, houses more than 4,000 inmates, including California’s entire male death row population.
Inmates in two cellblocks at San Quentin State Prison are quarantined from the rest of the Bay Area prison, but California prison officials say there is no indication that the prison is dealing with the coronavirus.
Dana Simas, a spokeswoman for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, on Sunday confirmed the quarantine. She also outlined in an email the testing protocol for inmates: “If a test for flu comes back negative we will test for COVID-19.”
Internal memos at the Bay Area prison point out that it may take three to four days to find out if there are any coronavirus cases.
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Late Saturday, an inmate advocate tweeted that two prison buildings were under lockdown. “Pray/send energy for everyone,” wrote Adnan Khan, co-executive director of Re:Store Justice and a former San Quentin inmate. He followed up with a post clarifying there are no confirmed COVID-19 cases, but there are “flu-like symptoms.”
Simas said “there’s no indication that there was a potential COVID-19 exposure or that this is COVID-19 related.”
“If we determine a potential exposure or the medical team believe it to be related,” she said, “it will be something about which we will immediately update the media.”
Prison medical services in California are run by a federal receiver and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. The corrections department has not yet provided copies of protocols to deal with the coronavirus within the prisons, requested three weeks ago by The Times under the California Public Records Act.
But an internal policy memo obtained by The Times instructs prison medical staff to first test any inmates who show signs of illness for the flu. Only if those tests come back negative are the sick inmates to be tested for the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
The memo notes that a private diagnostic lab may not be able to return the results of those tests for three to four days because of anticipated demand.
Amid increasing community spread of the virus in California and concerns raised by epidemiologists and inmate advocates of the heightened risk the virus poses to inmates with little ability to isolate or sanitize, state prison officials began publicizing measures to limit potential exposure to the virus last week.
Routine visitations at all prisons were halted Wednesday, and Sunday the agency announced it was also halting overnight family visits. The prison system said inmates have adequate access to hospital-grade disinfectants to clean their cells.
Beginning Friday, the prison system began screening workers and volunteers at prison entrances, asking questions about possible exposure to the coronavirus.
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The policy memo instructs prison administrators to gather the needed equipment to begin taking the temperatures of all those entering the state’s mostly time-worn, crowded prisons. As of Wednesday there were more than 117,000 inmates in state-owned prisons and camps, and some 4,200 in private lockups.
The massive granite-block San Quentin prison, built in 1852 on a Marin County bluff overlooking the bay, is the oldest prison in the state. It houses more than 4,000 inmates, including all of the state’s male death row population. It was designed to hold a little over 3,000.
The corrections department Sunday also announced it is closing the doors of parole hearings, permitting no observers and requiring that victims and prosecutors who wish to weigh in on an inmate’s release do so by telephone or video conference.
The parole board “appreciates that these are not ideal arrangements,” the statement said, but “the Department is obligated to limit the number of people at parole consideration hearings, minimize travel via common carriers and lodging, and adhere to social distancing recommendations as much as possible.”
For now, the prisons remain open to volunteers, but Rebecca Weiker, whose Southern California prison outreach work includes Re:Store Justice, said she and other volunteers she spoke to over the weekend have decided to stay away.
“We’re being respectful … not bringing something in,” Weiker said. “It’s the responsible thing to do.”
One of the quarantined San Quentin cellblocks houses inmates who have just transferred into the prison system. The other quarantined prisoners are in West Block, said Khan, who spoke to inmates Sunday by phone. Both buildings house about 900 inmates each, he said.
Khan said he spoke to an elderly inmate not in the quarantined section, and he was not concerned. “He’s being cautious … [but] he’s cleaned anyways.”
Khan noted that it is common practice for San Quentin inmates to not report to prison health services when they are sick, because a bout of flu typically would mean being transferred to the spartan solitary confinement wing, where few possessions are allowed and there is no access to a phone. “Comfort is very important” to inmates, he said. “To isolate yourself creates even more mental health concerns.”


latimes--2020-03-15--If coronavirus doesn't keep you inside, this upcoming cold storm might

Even Angelenos who aren ’ t “ social distancing ” for the coronavirus might want to bundle up and stay inside for the next few days .
Southern California ’ s chilly , rainy conditions are expected to continue through the early part of next week as another winter weather system moves into the region .
The cold storm is expected to dump inches of snow on the Grapevine and high desert foothills , the National Weather Service said .
Sunday ’ s forecast calls for mostly cloudy skies , scattered showers and temperatures ranging from the high 40s to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ region .
The system is expected to drop half an inch to an inch of rain in L.A. ’ s coasts and valleys and up to 2 inches in the foothills and mountains between Sunday and Monday night before chillier conditions set in .
Temperatures , including the wind chill , could dip below freezing in the Antelope Valley on Tuesday , officials said .
The 5 Freeway through the Grapevine could see some snow .
Children , the elderly and individuals with special needs or disabilities are particularly vulnerable to the weather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health Officer Muntu Davis issued a cold weather alert for the Antelope Valley and the county ’ s mountain areas .
“ Extra precaution should be taken ” to ensure you don ’ t get too cold while outdoors , Davis said in a statement .
“ There are places where people can go to stay warm , such as shelters or other public facilities .
We also want to remind people not to use stoves , barbecues or ovens to heat their homes due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warm clothing if going outdoors and to check on family members with limited mobility or access to heat .
Pets should be brought indoors during peak cold spells .
Individuals without access to reliable heat can find relief in indoor facilities including malls and , if open , senior centers .
One of the usual options , the county ’ s libraries , will be closed from Saturday through the rest of the month , according to a Saturday announcement .
The Los Angeles County Homeless Services Authority has a winter shelter program @ @ @ @ @ @ @ information .
For those considering a trip into the mountains to carve through the fresh powder , it might be time to think again .
Mammoth Mountain Ski Area in the eastern Sierra and 14 other resorts in North America will close Sunday until further notice , the Denver-based operator of the resorts , Alterra Mountain Co. , announced Saturday .
The cold , rainy system brought some welcome relief after the region suffered one of its driest Februaries ever , with some areas recording little to no precipitation .
So far , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of rain through March , which is below its annual average of more than 12 inches .
Statewide , California ’ s rain season continues to underperform , with the Sierra snowpack below 40 % of its average for this time of year .

Snow covers the Grapevine near the Tejon Pass town of Gorman on Jan. 11, 2013. A system early next week could dust the pass with snow.
Even Angelenos who aren’t “social distancing” for the coronavirus might want to bundle up and stay inside for the next few days.
Southern California’s chilly, rainy conditions are expected to continue through the early part of next week as another winter weather system moves into the region. The cold storm is expected to dump inches of snow on the Grapevine and high desert foothills, the National Weather Service said. Sunday’s forecast calls for mostly cloudy skies, scattered showers and temperatures ranging from the high 40s to the low 60s for much of the region.
The system is expected to drop half an inch to an inch of rain in L.A.’s coasts and valleys and up to 2 inches in the foothills and mountains between Sunday and Monday night before chillier conditions set in.
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Temperatures, including the wind chill, could dip below freezing in the Antelope Valley on Tuesday, officials said. The 5 Freeway through the Grapevine could see some snow. Children, the elderly and individuals with special needs or disabilities are particularly vulnerable to the weather.
On Saturday, Los Angeles County Health Officer Muntu Davis issued a cold weather alert for the Antelope Valley and the county’s mountain areas.
“Extra precaution should be taken” to ensure you don’t get too cold while outdoors, Davis said in a statement. “There are places where people can go to stay warm, such as shelters or other public facilities. We also want to remind people not to use stoves, barbecues or ovens to heat their homes due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.”
Davis said to be sure to wear warm clothing if going outdoors and to check on family members with limited mobility or access to heat. Pets should be brought indoors during peak cold spells.
Individuals without access to reliable heat can find relief in indoor facilities including malls and, if open, senior centers. One of the usual options, the county’s libraries, will be closed from Saturday through the rest of the month, according to a Saturday announcement.
The Los Angeles County Homeless Services Authority has a winter shelter program for single individuals with transportation and location information.
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For those considering a trip into the mountains to carve through the fresh powder, it might be time to think again.
Mammoth Mountain Ski Area in the eastern Sierra and 14 other resorts in North America will close Sunday until further notice, the Denver-based operator of the resorts, Alterra Mountain Co., announced Saturday.
The cold, rainy system brought some welcome relief after the region suffered one of its driest Februaries ever, with some areas recording little to no precipitation.
So far, downtown Los Angeles has received 9.43 inches of rain through March, which is below its annual average of more than 12 inches. Statewide, California’s rain season continues to underperform, with the Sierra snowpack below 40% of its average for this time of year.


latimes--2020-03-15--Dockweiler Beach in L.A. County could be used as coronavirus quarantine zone

Dockweiler Beach may be used to temporarily house people ordered isolated or quarantined because of the coronavirus , an El Segundo official said .
The beach ’ s RV park on Vista del Mar is one of several locations the county could use for this purpose , according to a city press release .
Officials said the public should avoid the area .
“ Individuals that may be housed at this location will likely be those who can not self-isolate/quarantine in their residence and need County support , ” officials said .
“ LA County will work with private sector @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( NGOs ) , community-based organizations ( CBOs ) and government partners to support those in isolation or quarantine with comprehensive services to ensure their safety , health and well-being .
Supportive housing facilities will be distributed across all areas of the County to limit disruptions as much as possible.
” On Saturday , Los Angeles County reported 13 more cases and Long Beach reported one , bringing the county ’ s total to 54 .
Two of the people among the most recent cases reported are hospitalized , the L.A. County Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ release .
Two cases are suspected to be related to travel , and four had close contact with another confirmed case , officials said .
Two of the cases have an unidentified source of exposure , meaning they could be more evidence of community spread , officials said .
In Long Beach , a woman in her 60s who was diagnosed with the disease was hospitalized in stable condition , the city said in a statement .
She did not have contact with another known COVID-19 case and did not travel to an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meaning her diagnosis may be the first instance of community spread in Long Beach , officials said .
“ This case highlights the need for continued vigilance and preparation , especially for those at higher risk of severe illness and those with underlying health conditions , ” said Dr. Anissa Davis , the city health officer , in a statement .
California has recorded at least 288 cases .
And across the state , officials are urging people to avoid gathering and practice social distance to slow the coronavirus .
Calling the outbreak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health challenges of our time , ” Santa Clara County health officer Dr. Sara Cody issued an aggressive new ban , restricting public gatherings of 35 or more unless organizers warn attendees that it poses a heightened risk of infection , and banning all public and private gatherings of 100 or more .
On Saturday , Contra Costa County announced similar restrictions , with the county ’ s health officer issuing an order prohibiting gatherings of 100 people or more in a single room or enclosed space .
Those who violate the order @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday through March 31 , could be charged with a misdemeanor and face a fine or imprisonment in county jail , officials said .
canceled events and introduced new restrictions .

Alex Wigglesworth, James Rainey, Joseph Serna

Dockweiler Beach may be used to temporarily house people ordered isolated or quarantined because of the coronavirus, an El Segundo official said.
The beach’s RV park on Vista del Mar is one of several locations the county could use for this purpose, according to a city press release. Officials said the public should avoid the area.
Los Angeles County is planning to use Dockweiler Beach RV Park and multiple other locations throughout the region to temporarily house individuals who may have been ordered to isolate or quarantine by the Department of Public Health due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) . (Jason Armond/Los Angeles Times)
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“Individuals that may be housed at this location will likely be those who cannot self-isolate/quarantine in their residence and need County support,” officials said. “LA County will work with private sector providers, faith-based groups, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community-based organizations (CBOs) and government partners to support those in isolation or quarantine with comprehensive services to ensure their safety, health and well-being. Supportive housing facilities will be distributed across all areas of the County to limit disruptions as much as possible.”
On Saturday, Los Angeles County reported 13 more cases and Long Beach reported one, bringing the county’s total to 54.
Two of the people among the most recent cases reported are hospitalized, the L.A. County Department of Public Health said in a news release. Two cases are suspected to be related to travel, and four had close contact with another confirmed case, officials said. Two of the cases have an unidentified source of exposure, meaning they could be more evidence of community spread, officials said.
In Long Beach, a woman in her 60s who was diagnosed with the disease was hospitalized in stable condition, the city said in a statement. She did not have contact with another known COVID-19 case and did not travel to an area where the virus is widespread, meaning her diagnosis may be the first instance of community spread in Long Beach, officials said.
“This case highlights the need for continued vigilance and preparation, especially for those at higher risk of severe illness and those with underlying health conditions,” said Dr. Anissa Davis, the city health officer, in a statement.
California has recorded at least 288 cases. And across the state, officials are urging people to avoid gathering and practice social distance to slow the coronavirus.
Calling the outbreak “one of the most historic public health challenges of our time,” Santa Clara County health officer Dr. Sara Cody issued an aggressive new ban, restricting public gatherings of 35 or more unless organizers warn attendees that it poses a heightened risk of infection, and banning all public and private gatherings of 100 or more.
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latimes--2020-03-15--Coronavirus: L.A. County animal control says to free stray cats, delay surrendering pets

The Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control department announced major changes in operations because of the coronavirus .
Officials said its animal control officers would continue to respond to public safety and animal welfare calls , such as dangerous dogs , dead animal reports and animal cruelty investigations , but that the department is deferring less urgent calls until further notice .
Pet owners who want to surrender their pets are asked to delay doing so , and those who have found lost pets are asked to foster them temporarily instead of bringing them in .
Those who seek @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to release them where they were trapped and bring them in after there is no longer a public health recommendation for social distancing , the department said .
Animal care centers are suspending the sale of pet licenses , and pet owners will be given a 30-day grace period for late license submissions .
Other county public agencies ’ services are also affected by the outbreak .
All of the county ’ s through the end of the month .
“ After careful consideration , and discussions with local health authorities , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an abundance of caution and to help prevent and limit the spread of COVID-19 , ” said Library Director Skye Patrick in a statement Saturday .
“ We understand the impact this can potentially cause on customers and will continue to monitor the situation closely to provide updates.
” Meanwhile , the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks announced that it would close all recreation and senior centers and cancel all activities there through at least April 4 .
All events that involve 50 people or more scheduled at Recreation and Parks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for facilities or permits are suspended , the department said .

The Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control department announced major changes in operations because of the coronavirus.
Officials said its animal control officers would continue to respond to public safety and animal welfare calls, such as dangerous dogs, dead animal reports and animal cruelty investigations, but that the department is deferring less urgent calls until further notice.
Pet owners who want to surrender their pets are asked to delay doing so, and those who have found lost pets are asked to foster them temporarily instead of bringing them in.
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Those who seek to surrender healthy stray cats are asked to release them where they were trapped and bring them in after there is no longer a public health recommendation for social distancing, the department said.
Animal care centers are suspending the sale of pet licenses, and pet owners will be given a 30-day grace period for late license submissions.
Other county public agencies’ services are also affected by the outbreak. All of the county’s 86 library locations will be closed through the end of the month.
“After careful consideration, and discussions with local health authorities, we have decided to close our libraries in an abundance of caution and to help prevent and limit the spread of COVID-19,” said Library Director Skye Patrick in a statement Saturday. “We understand the impact this can potentially cause on customers and will continue to monitor the situation closely to provide updates.”
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks announced that it would close all recreation and senior centers and cancel all activities there through at least April 4. All events that involve 50 people or more scheduled at Recreation and Parks locations are canceled, and new reservations for facilities or permits are suspended, the department said.


latimes--2020-03-15--Eerily empty freeways: A symbol of how the coronavirus has hurt Los Angeles

Evening traffic on the 405 Freeway in West Los Angeles was so sparse last week that 24-year-old Jerrold Smith II took out his iPhone and recorded it for posterity .
“ Just so no one thinks I ’ m crazy , it ’ s 6 o ’ clock , ” Smith said , wonder in his voice , as he drove south toward the 10 Freeway .
Normally one of America ’ s worst bottlenecks , the interchange had barely a dozen cars nearby .
As coronavirus fears have swept Southern California , and reported cases of COVID-19 have surged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to work have encountered a strangely unsettling phenomenon : a lack of traffic jams .
Free-flowing traffic seems more a cause for mourning than celebration as the region grapples with the pandemic .
The dream of traffic getting better , Los Angeles commuters say , didn ’ t include a scenario like this .
“ At first I loved it , ” said Andrea Martín , 54 , as she filled up her Toyota at a Chevron in Historic Filipinotown before driving to the Westside .
“ Then I realized : ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t working.
’ ” A slightly faster drive to Westchester , she said , is now a painful reminder that many are facing financial uncertainty .
“ I feel lucky to still be working , ” she said .
“ My brother works on a TV set and production shut down .
My neighbors are terrified they ’ re going to lose their jobs .
Everyone is scared.
” Though maddening , L.A. 's habitually clogged freeways are indicators of low unemployment and a booming economy .
Vacant onramps and zippy drives on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signs that the pandemic is taking its toll .
Some workers without paid sick leave are forgoing paychecks .
Shift workers and gig workers are seeing their hours cut back .
Delivery drivers , film crews and truckers are losing their jobs .
Those changes are reflected in traffic data : Average driving speeds on Wednesday evening were about 27 % faster than the typical week , according to data analyzed for The Times by INRIX , a traffic data company based in Washington state .
Speeds were up 11 % on Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evening .
Other cities saw even more dramatic results : On Thursday night in Washington , D.C. , speeds were up 31 % ; in San Francisco , 30 % ; in Chicago , 25 % .
The company calculates the figures by collecting movement data from hundreds of millions of cell phones , in-car navigation systems and delivery fleets .
The information is anonymous , without start points or end points , the company said .
The number of hours that drivers were stuck in traffic on Los Angeles-area freeways fell by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the prior week , according to California Department of Transportation data collected by sensors embedded in the freeway pavement .
Delays fell slightly less on Thursday , the heaviest traffic day of the week , with a decline of about 50,000 hours .
Thousands of Los Angeles employees who would otherwise be heading to work are staying at home .
That includes workers at Twitter ’ s Santa Monica office , Google locations in Playa Vista and Venice , and some at WarnerMedia , NBCUniversal , Sony and Netflix .
The virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rooms , film and television production sets .
Major talent agencies , including ICM Partners and United Talent Agency , have asked their employees to work from home .
Commuting to major universities has plummeted after UCLA , USC , Cal States Long Beach and Northridge , and Pepperdine announced a move to online-only classes .
Each campus is a major employer and a traffic magnet .
During a typical week , UCLA alone sees more than 100,000 car trips per day .
With Chinese factories operating at about 40 % capacity , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach .
Drivers who usually shuttle imported goods to Inland Empire warehouses and downtown rail yards have lost their jobs or seen their hours scaled back .
That drop in truck traffic , a financial disaster for workers , has left the normally traffic-choked South 710 Freeway , 210 Freeway and other major cargo routes far quieter .
“ The 210 is just generally insane , ” said Josiah Solis , 28 , a graduate student and adjunct professor who drives between Thousand Oaks , Pasadena and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s almost bumper-to-bumper the entire commute any time after 3.
” On Tuesday , he said , he “ didn ’ t hit stop-and-go at all , ” even though it was raining .
The true mark of his short commute , he said , was that he pulled into his parking spot in Claremont before his podcast ended .
Smoothing out traffic jams and speeding up drive times requires removing far fewer cars than many drivers might expect .
Experts estimate that reducing the volume of vehicles on the road @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the difference between brake lights and free-flowing traffic , they say .
That ’ s because traffic moves relatively smoothly on freeways as long as the number of cars is below the capacity of the lane : usually , between 2,000 and 2,400 vehicles per lane per hour .
When the volume rises above that , and the lanes hit their capacity , traffic grinds to a halt .
So a smoother flow of traffic can be achieved as long as volumes stay below capacity — usually , a difference of less than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ road , experts say .
“ Pretty much every freeway lane in L.A. experiences some degree of this phenomenon : everything is going fine , then suddenly , it all slows down , ” said Juan Matute , the deputy director of UCLA ’ s Institute of Transportation Studies .
Local transportation officials put that into practice last year when they estimated that reducing the cars in the 110 ExpressLanes by 5 % could shave travel times in half during the peak of rush hour .

Evening traffic on the 405 Freeway in West Los Angeles was so sparse last week that 24-year-old Jerrold Smith II took out his iPhone and recorded it for posterity.
“Just so no one thinks I’m crazy, it’s 6 o’clock,” Smith said, wonder in his voice, as he drove south toward the 10 Freeway. Normally one of America’s worst bottlenecks, the interchange had barely a dozen cars nearby.
As coronavirus fears have swept Southern California, and reported cases of COVID-19 have surged in Los Angeles County, commuters still going to work have encountered a strangely unsettling phenomenon: a lack of traffic jams.
Advertisement
Free-flowing traffic seems more a cause for mourning than celebration as the region grapples with the pandemic. The dream of traffic getting better, Los Angeles commuters say, didn’t include a scenario like this.
“At first I loved it,” said Andrea Martín, 54, as she filled up her Toyota at a Chevron in Historic Filipinotown before driving to the Westside. “Then I realized: ‘Oh, this means people aren’t working.’”
A slightly faster drive to Westchester, she said, is now a painful reminder that many are facing financial uncertainty.
“I feel lucky to still be working,” she said. “My brother works on a TV set and production shut down. My neighbors are terrified they’re going to lose their jobs. Everyone is scared.”
Though maddening, L.A.’s habitually clogged freeways are indicators of low unemployment and a booming economy. Vacant onramps and zippy drives on the 405, by contrast, are signs that the pandemic is taking its toll.
Some workers without paid sick leave are forgoing paychecks. Shift workers and gig workers are seeing their hours cut back. Delivery drivers, film crews and truckers are losing their jobs.
Those changes are reflected in traffic data: Average driving speeds on Wednesday evening were about 27% faster than the typical week, according to data analyzed for The Times by INRIX, a traffic data company based in Washington state. Speeds were up 11% on Thursday morning, and 18% in the evening.
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Other cities saw even more dramatic results: On Thursday night in Washington, D.C., speeds were up 31%; in San Francisco, 30%; in Chicago, 25%.
The company calculates the figures by collecting movement data from hundreds of millions of cell phones, in-car navigation systems and delivery fleets. The information is anonymous, without start points or end points, the company said.
The number of hours that drivers were stuck in traffic on Los Angeles-area freeways fell by about 100,000 on Tuesday and Wednesday compared with the prior week, according to California Department of Transportation data collected by sensors embedded in the freeway pavement. Delays fell slightly less on Thursday, the heaviest traffic day of the week, with a decline of about 50,000 hours.
Thousands of Los Angeles employees who would otherwise be heading to work are staying at home. That includes workers at Twitter’s Santa Monica office, Google locations in Playa Vista and Venice, and some at WarnerMedia, NBCUniversal, Sony and Netflix.
The virus has forced the closure of Hollywood writers rooms, film and television production sets. Major talent agencies, including ICM Partners and United Talent Agency, have asked their employees to work from home.
Commuting to major universities has plummeted after UCLA, USC, Cal States Long Beach and Northridge, and Pepperdine announced a move to online-only classes. Each campus is a major employer and a traffic magnet. During a typical week, UCLA alone sees more than 100,000 car trips per day.
With Chinese factories operating at about 40% capacity, cargo volumes have plunged at the twin ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. Drivers who usually shuttle imported goods to Inland Empire warehouses and downtown rail yards have lost their jobs or seen their hours scaled back.
That drop in truck traffic, a financial disaster for workers, has left the normally traffic-choked South 710 Freeway, 210 Freeway and other major cargo routes far quieter.
“The 210 is just generally insane,” said Josiah Solis, 28, a graduate student and adjunct professor who drives between Thousand Oaks, Pasadena and Claremont multiple times per week. “It’s almost bumper-to-bumper the entire commute any time after 3.”
On Tuesday, he said, he “didn’t hit stop-and-go at all,” even though it was raining. The true mark of his short commute, he said, was that he pulled into his parking spot in Claremont before his podcast ended.
Smoothing out traffic jams and speeding up drive times requires removing far fewer cars than many drivers might expect. Experts estimate that reducing the volume of vehicles on the road by less than 10% can make the difference between brake lights and free-flowing traffic, they say.
That’s because traffic moves relatively smoothly on freeways as long as the number of cars is below the capacity of the lane: usually, between 2,000 and 2,400 vehicles per lane per hour.
When the volume rises above that, and the lanes hit their capacity, traffic grinds to a halt. So a smoother flow of traffic can be achieved as long as volumes stay below capacity — usually, a difference of less than 10% of the cars on the road, experts say.
“Pretty much every freeway lane in L.A. experiences some degree of this phenomenon: everything is going fine, then suddenly, it all slows down,” said Juan Matute, the deputy director of UCLA’s Institute of Transportation Studies.
Local transportation officials put that into practice last year when they estimated that reducing the cars in the 110 ExpressLanes by 5% could shave travel times in half during the peak of rush hour.


latimes--2020-03-15--As coronavirus spreads, housekeepers in L.A. declare staying home 'a luxury'

For years , the housekeepers have met every morning at a Westwood cafe for coffee and conversation before starting their workday .
They talk about their children and grandchildren , family back in Central America and problems with husbands or work .
The chats have served as a kind of therapy .
But in the past month , their numbers at the cafe have begun to dwindle — courtesy of an unwanted visitor : fear over the coronavirus .
As the pandemic continues to spread , with growing numbers in the U.S. , more and more employers are telling their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday , President Trump declared a national emergency over the coronavirus outbreak .
Many of those fortunate to be able to keep making their living were nevertheless dealt a blow on Friday as the Los Angeles Unified district closed all its schools , complicating their ability to make sure their children were looked after while they work .
On a recent weekday morning , Doralicia Bermudez sat with a handful of women topping yuca with curtido that someone brought in for breakfast .
A family she works for canceled on her over fear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t pay , ” she said .
“ And the bills keep coming.
” Companies across the U.S. have been urging employees to work from home in response to the growing viral outbreak in the country .
But for many caregivers and domestic workers , that ’ s not an option .
“ Staying home is a luxury , ” said 44-year-old Sonia Rodriguez , who works six days a week cleaning houses and serving as a caregiver for a senior with Alzheimer ’ s disease .
Rodriguez , who recently lost her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her four children .
Many of the housekeepers take buses to get to work .
They worry this leaves them exposed to the virus , which thrives on close contact .
Experts have suggested that people practice social distancing to stay safe .
But , like staying home , this too feels like a luxury they can ’ t afford .
“ If they quarantine us , ” Rodriguez said , “ where are we going to get money ?
” There are an estimated 2.5 million domestic workers across the country .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ healthcare and 83 % do not get paid sick days , according to Ai-jen Poo , founder and director of the National Domestic Workers Alliance .
On a call with domestic workers last week , Poo heard from workers worried about losing jobs and not being able to put food on the table .
A nanny , for example , said she was fired by employers who said they were doing social distancing and didn ’ t want anyone coming into their house .
“ From a wages and income perspective , most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take a single day off , ” Poo said .
“ When you look at the world through the eyes of domestic workers ... you start to see the ways in which the crisis is compounded for low-wage workers.
” The National Domestic Workers Alliance has focused on passing bills of rights for domestic workers , and created a benefits platform that allows employers to contribute to an account that would help workers to get paid time off and insurance .
“ This is such a precarious workforce , ” Poo said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ domestic work industry as the Wild West because there ’ s such a long history of exclusion from basic rights and protections.
” As the coronavirus continues to spread , with more than 2,500 cases in the U.S. as of Saturday afternoon , some organizations are offering advice on how to support caregivers and domestic workers .
Hand in Hand , a national network of employers of nannies , house cleaners and home attendants , has released a guide on “ How to be a fair employer during the coronavirus pandemic.
” It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan for what to do in the case of illness and to provide paid sick leave for domestic workers so they can visit the doctor or stay home to care for themselves or family members who might be sick .
For Carmen Solano , a Brentwood housekeeper , the subject of coronavirus hasn ’ t come up with her employers .
In the fall , Solano was one of a number of housekeepers who showed up to work in a neighborhood that was under mandatory evacuation because of the Getty fire .
Solano @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the coronavirus , which is especially dangerous not only to older people but those who have underlying health issues .
Some counties have warned the elderly and people with asthma , chronic obstructive pulmonary disease , diabetes , chronic liver disease , blood disorders and other conditions to remain at home as much as possible .
But Solano needs the money to pay her $ 900 rent .
“ I already make so little for rent , ” she said .
“ I don ’ t want to end up on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hand sanitizer was a fixture in workers ’ bags , tucked beside extra pairs of shoes and lunches .
The women slid into booths next to one another or crowded around tables , stashing rain jackets in their bags .
“ Ahora , las voy a saludar asi , ” joked Rodriguez , holding a hand close to her mouth and blowing air kisses at the four women seated at a corner table .
( “ Now , I will greet you like this.
” ) Each time the door opened , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ friend .
They ’ ve known each other for years .
Some met as they shared a bus to work on the Westside ; others in this cafe near UCLA .
Many of them fled El Salvador decades ago , trying to escape a civil war that tore the country apart .
“ We ’ re here for each other in the good times and the bad , ” said 59-year-old Sonia Esperanza Valencia , who has worked as a housekeeper in a Westwood home for over 20 years .
She watched her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the girls told her that when she got married , she wanted Valencia there .
Valencia ’ s phone is filled with pictures of the now 23-year-old woman , who lives in New York .
Valencia counts herself lucky .
Her hours have not been cut .
But those of her husband , a truck driver , have .
While some employers have canceled on workers without paying , others have offered to help as much as they can .
Rodriguez has friends who have continued working in homes where people are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she could help her find work after one family let her go over a cough .
If Rodriguez has to stay home , either because she or her employers become ill , two of the five families she works for said they will keep paying her for about a month .
“ Obviously I won ’ t be earning the same , but I ’ ll still have their support , ” she said .
“ Fortunately , I work with good families .
”

Sonia Esperanza Valencia, left, and Dora Mayen, who work as housekeepers, meet for morning coffee together at a cafe near UCLA before heading out to work in homes in the Westwood neighborhood of Los Angeles.
For years, the housekeepers have met every morning at a Westwood cafe for coffee and conversation before starting their workday.
They talk about their children and grandchildren, family back in Central America and problems with husbands or work. The chats have served as a kind of therapy.
But in the past month, their numbers at the cafe have begun to dwindle — courtesy of an unwanted visitor: fear over the coronavirus.
As the pandemic continues to spread, with growing numbers in the U.S., more and more employers are telling their domestic workers to stay home. On Friday, President Trump declared a national emergency over the coronavirus outbreak.
Many of those fortunate to be able to keep making their living were nevertheless dealt a blow on Friday as the Los Angeles Unified district closed all its schools, complicating their ability to make sure their children were looked after while they work.
Advertisement
On a recent weekday morning, Doralicia Bermudez sat with a handful of women topping yuca with curtido that someone brought in for breakfast. A family she works for canceled on her over fear of coronavirus.
“They don’t pay,” she said. “And the bills keep coming.”
Companies across the U.S. have been urging employees to work from home in response to the growing viral outbreak in the country. But for many caregivers and domestic workers, that’s not an option.
Dora Mayen, and Marta Espinoza, right, who work as housekeepers, meet for morning coffee together at a cafe near UCLA. (Patrick T. Fallon / For The Times)
“Staying home is a luxury,” said 44-year-old Sonia Rodriguez, who works six days a week cleaning houses and serving as a caregiver for a senior with Alzheimer’s disease. Rodriguez, who recently lost her husband, lives in San Fernando with her four children.
Many of the housekeepers take buses to get to work. They worry this leaves them exposed to the virus, which thrives on close contact. Experts have suggested that people practice social distancing to stay safe. But, like staying home, this too feels like a luxury they can’t afford.
“If they quarantine us,” Rodriguez said, “where are we going to get money?”
There are an estimated 2.5 million domestic workers across the country. Most don’t have access to healthcare and 83% do not get paid sick days, according to Ai-jen Poo, founder and director of the National Domestic Workers Alliance.
On a call with domestic workers last week, Poo heard from workers worried about losing jobs and not being able to put food on the table. A nanny, for example, said she was fired by employers who said they were doing social distancing and didn’t want anyone coming into their house.
Advertisement
Housekeeper Dora Mayen boards a bus after meeting for morning coffee with other housekeepers at a cafe near UCLA before heading out to work in homes in the Westwood neighborhood of Los Angeles. (Patrick T. Fallon / For The Times)
“From a wages and income perspective, most domestic workers can’t afford to take a single day off,” Poo said. “When you look at the world through the eyes of domestic workers ... you start to see the ways in which the crisis is compounded for low-wage workers.”
The National Domestic Workers Alliance has focused on passing bills of rights for domestic workers, and created a benefits platform that allows employers to contribute to an account that would help workers to get paid time off and insurance.
“This is such a precarious workforce,” Poo said. “I’ve often described the domestic work industry as the Wild West because there’s such a long history of exclusion from basic rights and protections.”
As the coronavirus continues to spread, with more than 2,500 cases in the U.S. as of Saturday afternoon, some organizations are offering advice on how to support caregivers and domestic workers. Hand in Hand, a national network of employers of nannies, house cleaners and home attendants, has released a guide on “How to be a fair employer during the coronavirus pandemic.”
It urges employers to come up with a plan for what to do in the case of illness and to provide paid sick leave for domestic workers so they can visit the doctor or stay home to care for themselves or family members who might be sick.
For Carmen Solano, a Brentwood housekeeper, the subject of coronavirus hasn’t come up with her employers. In the fall, Solano was one of a number of housekeepers who showed up to work in a neighborhood that was under mandatory evacuation because of the Getty fire.
Tracking the coronavirus in California The latest maps and charts on the spread of COVID-19 in California.
Solano, 64, has diabetes and worries about the coronavirus, which is especially dangerous not only to older people but those who have underlying health issues.
Some counties have warned the elderly and people with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, chronic liver disease, blood disorders and other conditions to remain at home as much as possible.
But Solano needs the money to pay her $900 rent.
“I already make so little for rent,” she said. “I don’t want to end up on the street.”
At the Westwood cafe, hand sanitizer was a fixture in workers’ bags, tucked beside extra pairs of shoes and lunches. The women slid into booths next to one another or crowded around tables, stashing rain jackets in their bags.
“Ahora, las voy a saludar asi,” joked Rodriguez, holding a hand close to her mouth and blowing air kisses at the four women seated at a corner table. (“Now, I will greet you like this.”)
Each time the door opened, the women turned, prepared to greet another friend.
They’ve known each other for years. Some met as they shared a bus to work on the Westside; others in this cafe near UCLA. Many of them fled El Salvador decades ago, trying to escape a civil war that tore the country apart.
“We’re here for each other in the good times and the bad,” said 59-year-old Sonia Esperanza Valencia, who has worked as a housekeeper in a Westwood home for over 20 years.
She watched her employers’ daughters grow up. One of the girls told her that when she got married, she wanted Valencia there. Valencia’s phone is filled with pictures of the now 23-year-old woman, who lives in New York.
Valencia counts herself lucky. Her hours have not been cut. But those of her husband, a truck driver, have.
While some employers have canceled on workers without paying, others have offered to help as much as they can.
Rodriguez has friends who have continued working in homes where people are sick. Another called asking Rodriguez if she could help her find work after one family let her go over a cough.
If Rodriguez has to stay home, either because she or her employers become ill, two of the five families she works for said they will keep paying her for about a month.
“Obviously I won’t be earning the same, but I’ll still have their support,” she said. “Fortunately, I work with good families.”


latimes--2020-03-15--Healthcare workers fear greater coronavirus risk due to safety gear shortage

Federal officials have begun urging healthcare workers to switch from respirator face masks to looser surgical ones , a move that is raising alarms among doctors and nurses who say they will now be less protected when treating highly infectious coronavirus patients .
The abrupt guideline change announced on Tuesday by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is meant to alleviate a looming shortage of safety gear .
But some healthcare workers fear they will be put at greater risk of contracting the virus , which in turn increases their chances of spreading the disease among patients and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the quality and quantity of protective gear is the latest challenge facing the country as the number of infected people is expected to grow rapidly in coming weeks .
“ Our most exposed workers in the world right now to this virus are frontline healthcare workers , ” said Dr. Mike Ryan chief of the health emergencies program at the World Health Organization .
Globally , ongoing shortages could bring the “ moral hazard ” of health workers who have to treat COVID-19 patients without the proper protective gear , he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ health worker ?
Would you like to be a doctor or a nurse having to treat a patient , knowing full well that you are not protected ?
That ’ s an awful dilemma that no health worker , no health worker , in the world should have to face , ” he said .
Before this week , U.S. health officials had recommended that doctors and nurses treating suspected or confirmed coronavirus patients wear N95 masks , called respirators , which are designed to filter out about 95 % of small airborne @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their use to stretch a national stockpile that contains only about 1 % of the masks that experts predict could be needed .
The CDC ’ s new guidance recommends protective gear made of looser-fitting surgical masks and calls the change “ an acceptable alternative when the supply chain of respirators can not meet the demand.
” Respiratory masks are considered superior because they provide a custom fit and and block the virus when it is aerosolized , such as during an intubation .
Surgical masks don ’ t form a seal around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effective at blocking tiny droplets .
Early reports show the novel coronavirus is most commonly transmitted from person to person via coughing and sneezing , according to the CDC , which suggests a surgical mask should be sufficient to protect staff .
Federal officials are still recommending that staff wear the tighter masks during procedures that may induce coughing and make the virus airborne .
Yet demands for more protective gear have increased as U.S. medical providers have watched in horror as Italian doctors and nurses struggle to treat the huge numbers of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20 % of Italian healthcare professionals working on the front lines of the outbreak have become infected with COVID-19 .
In the U.S. , where hospitals are bracing for a similar surge , hundreds of health workers have already been sent home because of possible coronavirus exposure .
“ I ’ ve come to the realization that I ’ m going to catch this thing , ” said an employee at one Los Angeles walk-in clinic , where N95 respirators are completely gone .
He said the clinic ’ s administrators are adamant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stock , will be enough to protect the staff from COVID-19 .
“ The denial is really frustrating , ” he said .
Federal officials said health facilities should return to using the N95 respirators for suspected COVID-19 patients once the supply chains are restored , but the timeline remains unclear .
The shortage traces back to the Strategic National Stockpile , an $ 8-billion inventory of medical supplies saved up for a severe crisis and stored in confidential warehouses across the country .
In L.A. County , doctors in hospitals have said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them .
Some supervisors began taking mask inventories off their floors three weeks ago and have hidden them behind lock and key .
In emergency rooms , “ patients were grabbing them by the boxful , ” one said .
“ I ’ m searching the whole hospital for my size , but they ’ re all locked up now .
They ’ re like gold.
” As schools close and businesses tell their employees to stay home , healthcare staff still show up to work , and will perhaps even take on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rise .
Many say they worry they will be in danger without adequate protections ; some already may be if , as is likely , there are already hundreds of undiagnosed COVID-19 patients in the U.S.. John Richardson , a pathology assistant at Parkview Community Hospital Medical Center in Riverside , was one of at least 10 employees furloughed after interacting with a suspected patient .
“ Workers were allowed to come in contact for too many hours without wearing proper safety equipment , and as a result a large number of workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us and our families at risk , ” Richardson said in a statement .
It is unclear what the impact of the new mask policy will be .
A 2019 clinical trial found that health workers who wore surgical masks on the job were no more likely to catch the flu than those who wore N95s .
Still , an L.A. county doctor said the use of surgical masks is a first .
“ They ’ re telling us , ‘ You ’ re fine , you ’ re safe , just use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would have done that in the past , ” said the doctor who was not authorized to speak to the media .
“ We all know it ’ s because we don ’ t have enough N95 masks , but we can ’ t come out and say that , because the nursing unions might strike and refuse to come to work.
” That ’ s a reasonable concern , officials said .
U.S. nurses threatened to strike in 2009 during the swine flu pandemic and walked off the job in 2014 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Ebola .
This week , National Nurses United organized rallies at hospitals across the country protesting the CDC ’ s weakened guidance around protective gear for COVID-19 .
In addition to changing the face mask guidelines , the CDC said that negative-pressure rooms , which don ’ t allow air to escape to the rest of the hospital , are no longer necessary for all COVID-19 patients and should be prioritized for high-risk procedures .
UC Davis nurse Jenny Managhebi said she and colleagues want to be as safe as possible , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ little is known about the novel coronavirus .
She pointed to research showing the virus can last for days on surfaces , such as her shoes , which would remain exposed if she were to treat patients while wearing the protective gear dictated by current guidelines .
“ We want to take care of our patients .
We want to keep everyone safe .
And the best way to do that is to offer the premier protection ” in order to keep the nursing workforce healthy , Managhebi said .
“ To the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t seem unreasonable.
” During an outbreak , medical professionals can be in more danger than others .
Being exposed to multiple people who are very sick — the way someone working in a hospital would be — typically makes someone sicker than if they were exposed to only one person who was mildly ill. Plus , hospital procedures , such as intubating a patient , may release large amounts of the virus that can easily infect workers in the room .
When SARS , another coronavirus , was spreading around the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a hospital in Hong Kong is believed to have infected 138 people with the disease .
In a Kaiser emergency room in L.A. County , physicians worry that , even while contracting the virus could be mild for themselves , it could be lethal for the more vulnerable immunodeficient patients they treat next .
“ We may be unwittingly transmitting the virus , ” one doctor said .
When World Health Organization officials looked into the Chinese healthcare workers who were infected with COVID-19 , many did not have experience with infectious disease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they said .
Proper protection and improved training in how to use it brought the rates down , said WHO epidemiologist Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove .
“ That decline in healthcare workers [ falling ill ] over time has really shown that health care workers can be protected , ” Van Kerkhove said .
Over the next 18 months , the Department of Health and Human Services plans to add N95 respirators to the stockpile .
And California officials announced plans earlier this month to draw additional N95 respirators from the 21 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emergency reserves , though some of those masks are beyond their official shelf life .
In the meantime , the public health system has been thrown into a frenzy .
Steven Z. Zeldes , chief executive of AvaCare Medical , which sells medical supplies online , has been fielding calls around the clock from hospitals and health care systems desperate for gloves , masks , hand sanitizers and rubbing alcohol .
People are ordering quantities of these supplies numbering in the millions , as healthcare facilities ’ stockpiles run lower and lower , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just a complete panic , ” he said .
“ The second we put it up on our website , it ’ ll literally be a few minutes before we sell out , thousands , thousands of items .
”

Registered nurses join healthcare workers at Keck Hospital of USC near downtown Los Angeles to listen to representatives of the California Nurses Assn., which is angry about the lack of preparation for COVID-19 outbreaks.
Federal officials have begun urging healthcare workers to switch from respirator face masks to looser surgical ones, a move that is raising alarms among doctors and nurses who say they will now be less protected when treating highly infectious coronavirus patients.
The abrupt guideline change announced on Tuesday by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is meant to alleviate a looming shortage of safety gear. But some healthcare workers fear they will be put at greater risk of contracting the virus, which in turn increases their chances of spreading the disease among patients and other workers.
The emerging problems over the quality and quantity of protective gear is the latest challenge facing the country as the number of infected people is expected to grow rapidly in coming weeks.
Advertisement
“Our most exposed workers in the world right now to this virus are frontline healthcare workers,” said Dr. Mike Ryan chief of the health emergencies program at the World Health Organization. Globally, ongoing shortages could bring the “moral hazard” of health workers who have to treat COVID-19 patients without the proper protective gear, he said.
“Would you like to be that health worker? Would you like to be a doctor or a nurse having to treat a patient, knowing full well that you are not protected? That’s an awful dilemma that no health worker, no health worker, in the world should have to face,” he said.
Before this week, U.S. health officials had recommended that doctors and nurses treating suspected or confirmed coronavirus patients wear N95 masks, called respirators, which are designed to filter out about 95% of small airborne particles. But officials are now limiting their use to stretch a national stockpile that contains only about 1% of the masks that experts predict could be needed.
The CDC’s new guidance recommends protective gear made of looser-fitting surgical masks and calls the change “an acceptable alternative when the supply chain of respirators cannot meet the demand.”
Surgical masks do not offer the same kind of protection as these N95 respirators, which are more fitted. (Ana B. Ibarra / California Healthline)
Respiratory masks are considered superior because they provide a custom fit and and block the virus when it is aerosolized, such as during an intubation. Surgical masks don’t form a seal around the face and aren’t as effective at blocking tiny droplets.
Early reports show the novel coronavirus is most commonly transmitted from person to person via coughing and sneezing, according to the CDC, which suggests a surgical mask should be sufficient to protect staff. Federal officials are still recommending that staff wear the tighter masks during procedures that may induce coughing and make the virus airborne.
Advertisement
Yet demands for more protective gear have increased as U.S. medical providers have watched in horror as Italian doctors and nurses struggle to treat the huge numbers of sick patients there. According to one study , 20% of Italian healthcare professionals working on the front lines of the outbreak have become infected with COVID-19.
In the U.S., where hospitals are bracing for a similar surge, hundreds of health workers have already been sent home because of possible coronavirus exposure.
“I’ve come to the realization that I’m going to catch this thing,” said an employee at one Los Angeles walk-in clinic, where N95 respirators are completely gone. He said the clinic’s administrators are adamant that paper surgical masks, still in stock, will be enough to protect the staff from COVID-19.
“The denial is really frustrating,” he said.
Federal officials said health facilities should return to using the N95 respirators for suspected COVID-19 patients once the supply chains are restored, but the timeline remains unclear. The shortage traces back to the Strategic National Stockpile, an $8-billion inventory of medical supplies saved up for a severe crisis and stored in confidential warehouses across the country.
In L.A. County, doctors in hospitals have said their departments are over-ordering masks and hoarding them. Some supervisors began taking mask inventories off their floors three weeks ago and have hidden them behind lock and key.
In emergency rooms, “patients were grabbing them by the boxful,” one said. “I’m searching the whole hospital for my size, but they’re all locked up now. They’re like gold.”
As schools close and businesses tell their employees to stay home, healthcare staff still show up to work, and will perhaps even take on extra shifts as case numbers begin to rise. Many say they worry they will be in danger without adequate protections; some already may be if, as is likely, there are already hundreds of undiagnosed COVID-19 patients in the U.S..
John Richardson, a pathology assistant at Parkview Community Hospital Medical Center in Riverside, was one of at least 10 employees furloughed after interacting with a suspected patient.
“Workers were allowed to come in contact for too many hours without wearing proper safety equipment, and as a result a large number of workers had to be sent home, putting us and our families at risk,” Richardson said in a statement.
It is unclear what the impact of the new mask policy will be. A 2019 clinical trial found that health workers who wore surgical masks on the job were no more likely to catch the flu than those who wore N95s.
Still, an L.A. county doctor said the use of surgical masks is a first. “They’re telling us, ‘You’re fine, you’re safe, just use the surgical mask.’ But we never would have done that in the past,” said the doctor who was not authorized to speak to the media. “We all know it’s because we don’t have enough N95 masks, but we can’t come out and say that, because the nursing unions might strike and refuse to come to work.”
That’s a reasonable concern, officials said. U.S. nurses threatened to strike in 2009 during the swine flu pandemic and walked off the job in 2014 to protest a lack of preparedness in dealing with Ebola.
This week, National Nurses United organized rallies at hospitals across the country protesting the CDC’s weakened guidance around protective gear for COVID-19. In addition to changing the face mask guidelines, the CDC said that negative-pressure rooms, which don’t allow air to escape to the rest of the hospital, are no longer necessary for all COVID-19 patients and should be prioritized for high-risk procedures.
UC Davis nurse Jenny Managhebi said she and colleagues want to be as safe as possible, even “overprotected,” given how little is known about the novel coronavirus. She pointed to research showing the virus can last for days on surfaces, such as her shoes, which would remain exposed if she were to treat patients while wearing the protective gear dictated by current guidelines.
“We want to take care of our patients. We want to keep everyone safe. And the best way to do that is to offer the premier protection” in order to keep the nursing workforce healthy, Managhebi said. “To the nurses, I think it doesn’t seem unreasonable.”
During an outbreak, medical professionals can be in more danger than others. Being exposed to multiple people who are very sick — the way someone working in a hospital would be — typically makes someone sicker than if they were exposed to only one person who was mildly ill.
Plus, hospital procedures, such as intubating a patient, may release large amounts of the virus that can easily infect workers in the room. When SARS, another coronavirus, was spreading around the world in 2003, a single patient at a hospital in Hong Kong is believed to have infected 138 people with the disease.
In a Kaiser emergency room in L.A. County, physicians worry that, even while contracting the virus could be mild for themselves, it could be lethal for the more vulnerable immunodeficient patients they treat next. “We may be unwittingly transmitting the virus,” one doctor said.
When World Health Organization officials looked into the Chinese healthcare workers who were infected with COVID-19, many did not have experience with infectious disease and were not following the proper protocol, they said. Proper protection and improved training in how to use it brought the rates down, said WHO epidemiologist Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove.
“That decline in healthcare workers [falling ill] over time has really shown that health care workers can be protected,” Van Kerkhove said.
Over the next 18 months, the Department of Health and Human Services plans to add 500 million N95 respirators to the stockpile. And California officials announced plans earlier this month to draw additional N95 respirators from the 21 million stored in the state’s emergency reserves, though some of those masks are beyond their official shelf life.
In the meantime, the public health system has been thrown into a frenzy. Steven Z. Zeldes, chief executive of AvaCare Medical, which sells medical supplies online, has been fielding calls around the clock from hospitals and health care systems desperate for gloves, masks, hand sanitizers and rubbing alcohol. People are ordering quantities of these supplies numbering in the millions, as healthcare facilities’ stockpiles run lower and lower, he said.
“It’s just a complete panic,” he said. “The second we put it up on our website, it’ll literally be a few minutes before we sell out, thousands, thousands of items.”