latimes--2020-03-21--A third LAPD officer tests positive for the coronavirus

A third Los Angeles police officer has tested positive for the coronavirus and was exhibiting symptoms inside an LAPD station for several days this week , according to law enforcement officials who spoke to The Times on Saturday on condition of anonymity .
The officer , who had recently returned from a vacation out of the country , was “ coughing and sweating ” during roll call in Central Division , which patrols areas that include downtown L.A. , two of the officials said .
Despite protests from several officers in the station , the affected officer was allowed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week , according to the officials .
It was not immediately clear if the officer went out on calls or otherwise interacted with the public .
The LAPD released a statement late Saturday confirming the positive test result .
The officer was sent home once a supervisor became aware of the individual ’ s possible illness , according to the statement .
“ We have also identified anyone who may have come in contact with the employee and directed them to a contract healthcare provider for evaluation , ” the statement read .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ all employees who either exhibit symptoms of the virus or come in contact with someone who may be infected.
” Two other LAPD employees — a supervisor in the Pacific Division and a high-ranking employee described as a “ member of the senior staff ” — have also tested positive for the illness , the LAPD has confirmed .
Sources told The Times as many as 14 LAPD employees have been tested for the virus .
Cleaning crews have disinfected the officer ’ s work station , according to the LAPD statement , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first responders will grow ill as the spread of the virus worsens .
“ With our men and women on the front lines of this crisis , providing critical services to our city , we recognize more employees may contract Coronavirus , ” the department said .
“ We will continue to ensure all facilities are clean and safe while tending to the well-being of our team.
” In the coming week , the LAPD is expected to switch to 12-hour shifts for its officers and cancel all vacations as a way to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The department is also planning to assign officers to each of city ’ s new emergency shelters that are expected to grow in number , according to a source familiar with the plans .

A third Los Angeles police officer has tested positive for the coronavirus and was exhibiting symptoms inside an LAPD station for several days this week, according to law enforcement officials who spoke to The Times on Saturday on condition of anonymity.
The officer, who had recently returned from a vacation out of the country, was “coughing and sweating” during roll call in Central Division, which patrols areas that include downtown L.A., two of the officials said.
Despite protests from several officers in the station, the affected officer was allowed to work for at least two days this week, according to the officials. It was not immediately clear if the officer went out on calls or otherwise interacted with the public.
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The LAPD released a statement late Saturday confirming the positive test result. The officer was sent home once a supervisor became aware of the individual’s possible illness, according to the statement.
“We have also identified anyone who may have come in contact with the employee and directed them to a contract healthcare provider for evaluation,” the statement read. “The Department has established guidelines for all employees who either exhibit symptoms of the virus or come in contact with someone who may be infected.”
Two other LAPD employees — a supervisor in the Pacific Division and a high-ranking employee described as a “member of the senior staff” — have also tested positive for the illness, the LAPD has confirmed. Sources told The Times as many as 14 LAPD employees have been tested for the virus.
Cleaning crews have disinfected the officer’s work station, according to the LAPD statement, which noted it is likely that more first responders will grow ill as the spread of the virus worsens.
“With our men and women on the front lines of this crisis, providing critical services to our city, we recognize more employees may contract Coronavirus,” the department said. “We will continue to ensure all facilities are clean and safe while tending to the well-being of our team.”
In the coming week, the LAPD is expected to switch to 12-hour shifts for its officers and cancel all vacations as a way to staff up in response to the pandemic. The department is also planning to assign officers to each of city’s new emergency shelters that are expected to grow in number, according to a source familiar with the plans.


latimes--2020-03-21--Newsom moves California to 'targeted' testing, enlists Musk and Cook in coronavirus fight

California ’ s battle to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus has been joined by some of the state ’ s most prominent technology companies , Gov .
Gavin Newsom said on Saturday , while its health officials are looking to pay new attention to what he called “ targeted ” testing of the state ’ s residents .
In an afternoon update , Newsom said the ramp-up of testing should include gauging the effectiveness of state and local efforts to get a handle on community-acquired infections .
“ We need to have , I think , a different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Newsom said in a briefing streamed live on social media .
“ And that is smart testing , targeted testing .
And really delineate what is the purpose of testing.
” California , like other states hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic , has seen a shortage of complete testing kits .
Those challenges have hindered the ability of public health officials to get an accurate assessment of the virus ’ spread .
Newsom , who said he has had encouraging conversations with President Trump on additional federal help , said coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ document the numbers of ailing state residents .
“ My team is no longer providing me just the number of people that have tested positive .
They ’ re equally weighting the number of people that have tested negative , ” Newsom said .
“ The bottom line for us is we want to know what the spread is .
We want to know if we ’ re bending the curve .
We want to know if our stay-at-home orders are effective.
” The governor pointed to efforts in Los Angeles , Orange @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a form of what he called “ community surveillance ” to better understand local health conditions .
“ These were just broad random tests that were done with people that were otherwise young and healthy and thought they were perfectly healthy , ” Newsom said .
The results , he said , allowed health officials to improve their use of already scarce medical resources .
Newsom , who has made late afternoon or evening updates to Californians a semi-regular occurrence in recent days , also praised offers of help from tech industry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state .
He said Tim Cook , chief executive officer of Apple , has pledged one million medical masks to be donated specifically to California ’ s coronavirus efforts .
And he said manufacturers in Los Angeles ’ garment district and in Northern California had reached out to sew additional masks if needed .
A key need in California and across the country is ventilators , necessary for some of the most serious COVID-19 patients , and the governor cited new efforts by two entrepreneurs to assist in producing the medical equipment .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Tesla , Inc. and Space X , has promised to use the supply chains that support his companies for help in assembling ventilators .
The governor also said that K.R .
Sridhar , the CEO of Bloom Energy , agreed to help quickly modernize some 200 older ventilators that the state has on hand .
The original manufacturer , Newsom said , had estimated doing so would take about a month .
“ K.R .
sent me a photo today , I ’ m not making this up , of 24 specific @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a few hours , ” the governor said .
“ You ’ re already seeing this manifest certainly in the state of California and I ’ ve got to imagine that it ’ s replicated in other parts of the country .
”

California’s battle to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus has been joined by some of the state’s most prominent technology companies, Gov. Gavin Newsom said on Saturday, while its health officials are looking to pay new attention to what he called “targeted” testing of the state’s residents.
In an afternoon update, Newsom said the ramp-up of testing should include gauging the effectiveness of state and local efforts to get a handle on community-acquired infections.
“We need to have, I think, a different conversation in this country around testing,” Newsom said in a briefing streamed live on social media. “And that is smart testing, targeted testing. And really delineate what is the purpose of testing.”
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California, like other states hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, has seen a shortage of complete testing kits. Those challenges have hindered the ability of public health officials to get an accurate assessment of the virus’ spread. Newsom, who said he has had encouraging conversations with President Trump on additional federal help, said coronavirus testing needs to do more than just document the numbers of ailing state residents.
“My team is no longer providing me just the number of people that have tested positive. They’re equally weighting the number of people that have tested negative,” Newsom said. “The bottom line for us is we want to know what the spread is. We want to know if we’re bending the curve. We want to know if our stay-at-home orders are effective.”
The governor pointed to efforts in Los Angeles, Orange and Santa Clara counties to use testing as a form of what he called “community surveillance” to better understand local health conditions.
“These were just broad random tests that were done with people that were otherwise young and healthy and thought they were perfectly healthy,” Newsom said.
The results, he said, allowed health officials to improve their use of already scarce medical resources.
Newsom, who has made late afternoon or evening updates to Californians a semi-regular occurrence in recent days, also praised offers of help from tech industry leaders and other business executives across the state. He said Tim Cook, chief executive officer of Apple, has pledged one million medical masks to be donated specifically to California’s coronavirus efforts. And he said manufacturers in Los Angeles’ garment district and in Northern California had reached out to sew additional masks if needed.
A key need in California and across the country is ventilators, necessary for some of the most serious COVID-19 patients, and the governor cited new efforts by two entrepreneurs to assist in producing the medical equipment. Newsom said that Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, Inc. and Space X, has promised to use the supply chains that support his companies for help in assembling ventilators. The governor also said that K.R. Sridhar, the CEO of Bloom Energy, agreed to help quickly modernize some 200 older ventilators that the state has on hand. The original manufacturer, Newsom said, had estimated doing so would take about a month.
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“K.R. sent me a photo today, I’m not making this up, of 24 specific ventilators that he got done in just a few hours,” the governor said. “You’re already seeing this manifest certainly in the state of California and I’ve got to imagine that it’s replicated in other parts of the country.”


latimes--2020-03-21--These 23 powerful images show California's new reality

California ’ s number of confirmed coronavirus cases keeps gowing , and officials say it is understated due to the @ @ @ @ @ virus .
Testing has picked up , but health officials say they still don ’ @ @ @ @ @ a firm estimate of how many people are infected .
California entered the weekend with @ @ @ @ @ for most residents to stay at home to slow the spread and already desperate hospitals @ @ @ @ @ officials fear will overwhelm the state ’ s healthcare system .

California’s number of confirmed coronavirus cases keeps growing, and officials say it is understated due to the lack of tests for the virus. Testing has picked up, but health officials say they still don’t have anything close to a firm estimate of how many people are infected.
Hikers walk past the Hollywood sign in Griffith Park (Wally Sklaij/Los Angeles Times)
A pair of visitors wearing masks walk along Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, where shops were closed and streets largely devoid of people. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
California entered the weekend with coronavirus deaths rising, orders for most residents to stay at home to slow the spread and already desperate hospitals bracing for more patients that officials fear will overwhelm the state’s healthcare system.
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The Walt Disney Concert Hall is dark. The popular entertainment venue has temporarily shut down as a safety precaution against the spread of the coronavirus. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
The lights are on but the Santa Monica Pier is closed to the public. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
A couple walks alone on Santa Monica Beach as rain falls from storm clouds in the distance. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
A couple wait for a bus outside the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
A woman uses a smartphone to record the scene along Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, where shops were closed and streets largely devoid of people on March 20. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
A handful of visitors walk on a largely deserted Santa Monica Beach. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
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Xiao Ping, holding a tray of eggs, looks back at the long line of egg buyers in Chino. People started lining up early at Maust’s California Poultry in Chino. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times)
Shuttered shops line Windward Avenue in Venice Beach. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
A postal carrier is reflected in the window of a shop in Chinatown, which was largely deserted. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
A young man drives a sports car down Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, where shops were closed and streets largely devoid of people and motor traffic. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
Commuter protect themselves with a face mask while riding a bus at El Monte Metro Station. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times)
A surfer walks past shuttered shops on Windward Avenue in Venice Beach. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
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A vendor sits along the empty boardwalk at Venice Beach. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
A man with a mask waits alone on the platform of the Metro Hollywood/Highland station in Hollywood. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
School buses sit since all schools have been closed in L.A. County. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)
The city of Santa Monica closed the pier, and few people were on the beach. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)
At the Cal Marketplace downtown only a few people eat outside, where normally it would be packed. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)
The basketball courts at Roybal Learning Center are empty with schools closed due to the coronavirus. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)
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The intersection of the 101 and 110 freeways in downtown Los Angeles. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)
An aerial view of an empty Westfield Topanga mall parking lot. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)
Riverside County medical personnel administer a coronavirus test to a driver at a drive-though testing facility at Diamond Stadium. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)


latimes--2020-03-22--Prison lockdowns and influenza symptoms spread, along with call for early releases

Early release from prison is on the table as a state task force begins discussions on how to navigate California ’ s incarcerated population through the coming storm of the novel coronavirus .
U.S. District Judge Kimberly Mueller on Friday ordered the task force during a telephone status hearing .
The hearing was for updates on prison mental health but instead dwelt almost entirely on COVID-19 .
The task force ’ s first meeting was Saturday , involving lawyers for the governor ’ s office , corrections department , Department of State Hospitals and those representing prisoners in long-running litigation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s direction , said plaintiff ’ s attorney Michael Bien , “ population is on the table.
” The corrections department has steadfastly declined to answer questions about how many inmates are under watch with influenza-like illness , how many have been tested for COVID-19 and how many are under quarantine .
After a decade of sustained effort to reduce health-threatening overcrowding , California ’ s prison system remains at 134 % capacity , with more than 114,000 inmates in state prisons built to hold 85,000 .
Another 8,700 prisoners are in camps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pressure from civil liberties groups such as the ACLU and advocates for inmates , prison systems across the United States have so far resisted calls to reduce their COVID-19 threats by releasing prisoners .
Jail systems , however , have adopted such programs , including those in Los Angeles , Alameda , Santa Clara and San Francisco counties .
The state repeatedly has staved off federal court threats to order inmate releases with major changes in sentencing laws , a shift of low-risk offenders to county jails and cancellation of contracts for out-of-state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state has crafted policies for early release and lists of prospective prisoners , looking at those who are elderly , frail or close to finishing their sentences .
As of Saturday , the California Department of Corrections said that no inmates have yet tested positive for COVID-19 , though it announced three employees were infected — two at the California Institution for Men and one at California State Prison-Sacramento , located outside Folsom .
A San Quentin State Prison employee who previously was reported to have tested positive ultimately was a negative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1,800 inmates were affected when two cellblocks at San Quentin were put on lockdown because of reports of influenza-like illness .
Internal documents obtained by The Times show multiple blocks at the California Health Care Facility , the state ’ s medical prison outside Stockton , locked down a week ago for “ influenza like illness.
” The Sacramento Bee has reported other inmates being monitored for possible COVID-19 at Mule Creek State Prison .
Corrections officials have progressively taken steps to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus in California prisons , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and screening employees for infection risk at the entrance .
A department memo filed in federal court showed transfers between prisons were also largely halted , though prisoners in need of mental health crisis care were still being moved around the state .
Documents obtained by The Times , for instance , show inmates arriving one day last week at the Stockton facility from four prisons , including San Quentin .
Prison medical workers have been instructed to use only regular surgical masks around prisoners quarantined with influenza-like illness , not the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state medical facility , speaking anonymously because she feared retribution for making a public comment , said she is worried about the safeguards in place while working among patients on “ COVID-19 surveillance rounds.
” “ We do not have any masks , not even the flimsy masks , ” she said .
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation issued a statement Saturday evening clarifying its position on protecting its inmate population and empolyees against the spread of the coronavirus .
“ We are continuously evaluating and implementing proactive measures to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep our CDCR population and the community-at-large safe , ” the department said .
“ Additional measures will continue to be developed based on the rapidly-evolving situation .
Our top priority is the safety and security of the incarcerated population and the public .
”

An aerial view of Mule Creek State Prison in Amador County, Calif., where reports say inmates are being monitored for the novel coronavirus.
Early release from prison is on the table as a state task force begins discussions on how to navigate California’s incarcerated population through the coming storm of the novel coronavirus.
U.S. District Judge Kimberly Mueller on Friday ordered the task force during a telephone status hearing. The hearing was for updates on prison mental health but instead dwelt almost entirely on COVID-19. The task force’s first meeting was Saturday, involving lawyers for the governor’s office, corrections department, Department of State Hospitals and those representing prisoners in long-running litigation over prison conditions.
At Mueller’s direction, said plaintiff’s attorney Michael Bien, “population is on the table.”
The corrections department has steadfastly declined to answer questions about how many inmates are under watch with influenza-like illness, how many have been tested for COVID-19 and how many are under quarantine.
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After a decade of sustained effort to reduce health-threatening overcrowding, California’s prison system remains at 134% capacity, with more than 114,000 inmates in state prisons built to hold 85,000. Another 8,700 prisoners are in camps and contracted private lockups.
Despite mounting pressure from civil liberties groups such as the ACLU and advocates for inmates, prison systems across the United States have so far resisted calls to reduce their COVID-19 threats by releasing prisoners. Jail systems, however, have adopted such programs, including those in Los Angeles, Alameda, Santa Clara and San Francisco counties.
The state repeatedly has staved off federal court threats to order inmate releases with major changes in sentencing laws, a shift of low-risk offenders to county jails and cancellation of contracts for out-of-state private prisons. During that litigation, the state has crafted policies for early release and lists of prospective prisoners, looking at those who are elderly, frail or close to finishing their sentences.
As of Saturday, the California Department of Corrections said that no inmates have yet tested positive for COVID-19, though it announced three employees were infected — two at the California Institution for Men and one at California State Prison-Sacramento, located outside Folsom. A San Quentin State Prison employee who previously was reported to have tested positive ultimately was a negative case, the department said.
Some 1,800 inmates were affected when two cellblocks at San Quentin were put on lockdown because of reports of influenza-like illness. Internal documents obtained by The Times show multiple blocks at the California Health Care Facility, the state’s medical prison outside Stockton, locked down a week ago for “influenza like illness.”
The Sacramento Bee has reported other inmates being monitored for possible COVID-19 at Mule Creek State Prison.
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Corrections officials have progressively taken steps to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus in California prisons, halting visitation, volunteers and education programs, and screening employees for infection risk at the entrance.
A department memo filed in federal court showed transfers between prisons were also largely halted, though prisoners in need of mental health crisis care were still being moved around the state. Documents obtained by The Times, for instance, show inmates arriving one day last week at the Stockton facility from four prisons, including San Quentin.
Prison medical workers have been instructed to use only regular surgical masks around prisoners quarantined with influenza-like illness, not the higher-quality N95 masks.
A nurse at the state medical facility, speaking anonymously because she feared retribution for making a public comment, said she is worried about the safeguards in place while working among patients on “COVID-19 surveillance rounds.”
“We do not have any masks, not even the flimsy masks,” she said.
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation issued a statement Saturday evening clarifying its position on protecting its inmate population and empolyees against the spread of the coronavirus.
“We are continuously evaluating and implementing proactive measures to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and keep our CDCR population and the community-at-large safe,” the department said. “Additional measures will continue to be developed based on the rapidly-evolving situation. Our top priority is the safety and security of the incarcerated population and the public.”


latimes--2020-03-22--Storm will bring rain and mountain snow to the Southland on Sunday

A low-pressure system that was about 700 miles west of California on Saturday afternoon will move east and bring widespread rain to the Southern California region , with gusty winds and mountain snow , the National Weather Service said .
Models differ slightly on the exact timing , but precipitation will begin in Santa Barbara County and quickly spread to Ventura and Los Angeles counties , with the bulk of the rain falling Sunday afternoon into Sunday evening , then tapering to showers on Monday , said Tom Fisher with the National Weather Service in Oxnard .
The system is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stream moving through southwest California and providing instability .
That , combined with moderate southerly flow at the lower levels of the atmosphere , will result in widespread rainfall of a half-inch to an inch in the coastal and valley areas , and 1 to 2 inches on coastal mountain slopes .
The jet stream-fueled instability will create a chance of thunderstorms , especially in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties , and will raise a risk of strong winds and brief heavy downpours , potentially accompanied by small hail .
Dangerous cloud-to-ground lightning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approaching advisory levels are widely expected , especially near the coast and in the mountains .
Mountain snow is not predicted to affect Interstate 5 over the Grapevine , but snow levels that will start at 6,500 feet will lower to 5,000 feet by the end of he storm .
Accumulations of 6 to 10 inches are possible in the higher elevations .
A winter weather advisory will be posted for the San Gabriel Mountains .
Hazardous driving conditions are possible with potential for roadway flooding .
Scattered showers will linger , especially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the low system moves away , and temperatures will hover below normal .
After that , low pressure dropping out of Alaska on Monday and stalling over Washington state through Tuesday will combine with high pressure over Mexico to set up a strong westerly jet stream over the the southern half of the U.S .
This will probably cause increasing clouds and widespread chances for light rain , especially in the mountains and the Central Coast .
Snow levels will remain around 5,000 feet .
The stalled low is expected to move to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but it ’ s too early to tell how far south and how much moisture will be associated with it .
It is expected to be cold , however , and snow levels could dip to near 3,000 feet by Thursday .
Gusty west to north winds would accompany the system Wednesday night through Friday .
An extended period of warmer , dry weather is expected to begin Friday and Saturday .

A low-pressure system is expected to bring rain across Southern California on Sunday, with gusty winds and mountain snow, the National Weather Service said.
Precipitation is expected to begin in Santa Barbara County and quickly spread to Ventura and Los Angeles counties, with much of the rain falling Sunday afternoon and into evening, then tapering off to scattered showers on Monday, said Tom Fisher with the National Weather Service in Oxnard.
The system is fueled by a strong, upper-level jet stream moving through southwest California and providing instability. That, combined with moderate southerly flow at the lower levels of the atmosphere, will result in widespread rainfall of a half-inch to an inch in the coastal and valley areas, and 1 to 2 inches on coastal mountain slopes.
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The jet stream-fueled instability will create a chance of thunderstorms, especially in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, and will raise a risk of strong winds and brief heavy downpours, potentially accompanied by small hail. Dangerous cloud-to-ground lightning is also possible. Gusty south winds approaching advisory levels are widely expected, especially near the coast and in the mountains.
Mountain snow is not predicted to affect Interstate 5 over the Grapevine, but snow levels that will start at 6,500 feet will lower to 5,000 feet by the end of he storm. Accumulations of 6 to 10 inches are possible in the higher elevations. A winter weather advisory will be posted for the San Gabriel Mountains.
A low off the California coast seen in a satellite photo taken at 3 p.m. Saturday. (Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere & Los Angeles Times)
Hazardous driving conditions are possible with potential for roadway flooding.
Scattered showers will linger, especially in the mountains, on Monday as the low system moves away, and temperatures will hover below normal.
After that, low pressure dropping out of Alaska on Monday and stalling over Washington state through Tuesday will combine with high pressure over Mexico to set up a strong westerly jet stream over the the southern half of the U.S. This will probably cause increasing clouds and widespread chances for light rain, especially in the mountains and the Central Coast. Snow levels will remain around 5,000 feet.
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The stalled low is expected to move to the south and east of Washington, but it’s too early to tell how far south and how much moisture will be associated with it. It is expected to be cold, however, and snow levels could dip to near 3,000 feet by Thursday. Gusty west to north winds would accompany the system Wednesday night through Friday.
An extended period of warmer, dry weather is expected to begin Friday and Saturday.


latimes--2020-03-21--Eerie calm before the storm gives ER doctors time to prepare, worry about what's to come

As the number of confirmed coronavirus cases continues its steep climb in California , many local emergency rooms remain eerily quiet , doctors say , giving them time to prepare but also time to agonize about what could be coming their way .
The L.A. County-USC Medical Center , the flagship hospital of the second-largest municipal health system in the country , can often feel like a war zone , said a physician who works there and spoke on the condition of anonymity .
But in recent days , it has been strangely quiet .
Poor people who often use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care and doctor ’ s office have stayed away , he said .
“ They have stepped up and the nonemergency [ patients ] that used to overwhelm our waiting room really have stayed home .
The ER waiting room has never been this empty.
” Another physician , at Kaiser in Los Angeles , who spoke on the condition of anonymity , said the joke among the staff is that the only people showing up in their emergency room , “ have coronavirus or are having a heart attack.
” An emergency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bernardino County told The Times on Saturday morning , “ patients are actually listening and the ER is just being used for emergencies.
” ER doctors aren ’ t the only emergency workers noticing the strange calm .
In L.A. , fewer people are making 911 calls than at this same time last year , and fewer of the ambulances dispatched are taking patients to the hospital .
L.A. Fire Department Capt .
Erik Scott said that in the past week , emergency transportation to local hospitals has been down by about 20 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ People are staying in their residences .
They are being aggressive about hygiene and they are practicing social distancing , including [ while ] driving , ” Scott said .
“ We ’ ve seen a decrease in traffic collisions.
” No doubt some people are refraining from using emergency services out of a sense of social responsibility .
They don ’ t want to overburden the system in a time of crisis .
But there ’ s another obvious reason for the slowdown : People are terrified of getting in an ambulance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might contract COVID-19 .
At Sutter Medical Center in Sacramento , doctors treat about 300 patients on a normal day .
On Friday , they saw only 220 , said Dr. Arthur Jey , an emergency medicine doctor who supervises the residency development program .
Self-isolation might prevent some injuries and other reasons for seeking help , but Jey said he was also concerned that patients with serious medical problems , such as strokes or heart attacks , might be waiting until the last possible moment to seek medical attention “ because they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ People who should be coming in are coming in later than they should , ” he said .
Administrators at the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services confirmed that emergency room volume is down at County-USC Medical Center .
There are a few reasons , said Dr. Hal F. Yee , the system ’ s chief medical officer .
It ’ s the end of the usual flu season and there have been fewer traumatic injuries because people are following the advice to stay home .
“ It is possible that people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sake of social distancing , but we certainly hope that nobody is doing that if they have a medical emergency , ” Yee added .
Fear of contracting the new , untreatable disease is also weighing , heavily , on the minds of emergency workers .
Many say they are facing dangerous shortages of protective gear , especially the sturdy N95 face masks that are believed to be effective at blocking the virus .
Like her colleagues around the country , the San Bernardino ER doctor is deeply concerned about a critical shortage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chaotic rationing of the equipment that is available and the lengths some of her co-workers are going to in an effort to conserve .
“ They ’ re just wearing it the entire day and sterilizing it and guarding it with their life .
I don ’ t use that term lightly , it ’ s real.
” At one of the hospitals where she works , administrators have discouraged staffers from walking around in the masks when they ’ re not dealing directly with a coronavirus case for fear of worrying other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have access to protective gear .
As an independent contractor , the doctor said administrators don ’ t have as much power over her .
So she wears her mask — obtained on her own outside the hospital — whenever she thinks it ’ s appropriate .
But nurses are direct hospital employees so they ’ re not as free to buck the system .
“ I ’ ve never been told by administrators not to wear a mask .
If they told me that I would laugh in their face , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worried about the nurses .
“ It does me no good to survive this if they all die , I can ’ t do their jobs !
” The anxiety of waiting and wondering how bad things are going to become is taking a serious toll and creeping up when she least expects it , especially at home with her kids .
“ Today , my baby was begging me to pick him up and I had to stop myself and think twice , ” she said .
“ It makes me very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t want to scare my kids ... and it ’ s only going to get worse.
” At County-USC Medical Center , face shields are in high demand because they protect healthcare workers during the most high-risk procedures , such as intubation when the virus can be diffused into the air .
Staff members have been told the hospital has only a few hundred of them , said the doctor interviewed by The Times .
If they wear one to treat a high-risk patient , they can dispose of the shield , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ low risk , they have to wash the shield and reuse it .
There ’ s a sense of fear among the staffers , not just for their own health but for the well-being of family members and significant others .
“ Everybody knows it ’ s going to get bad , ” the doctor said , “ but nobody knows exactly when.
” Emergency room nurse Angelica Jaime said that at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center , patients with legitimate medical needs are still coming , but those seeking treatment for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the past .
“ We used to have patients who come to the ER for refills of their prescription because their doctors couldn ’ t fit them in , ” Jaime said .
Now , she said , the public seems to grasp what she and her colleagues have always known : “ No one should be in the ER if they are not dying .
Honestly .
”

As the number of confirmed coronavirus cases continues its steep climb in California, many local emergency rooms remain eerily quiet, doctors say, giving them time to prepare but also time to agonize about what could be coming their way.
The L.A. County-USC Medical Center, the flagship hospital of the second-largest municipal health system in the country, can often feel like a war zone, said a physician who works there and spoke on the condition of anonymity. But in recent days, it has been strangely quiet.
Poor people who often use the emergency room as a combination urgent care and doctor’s office have stayed away, he said. “They have stepped up and the nonemergency [patients] that used to overwhelm our waiting room really have stayed home. The ER waiting room has never been this empty.”
Another physician, at Kaiser in Los Angeles, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the joke among the staff is that the only people showing up in their emergency room, “have coronavirus or are having a heart attack.”
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An emergency room physician working at hospitals in San Bernardino County told The Times on Saturday morning, “patients are actually listening and the ER is just being used for emergencies.”
ER doctors aren’t the only emergency workers noticing the strange calm.
In L.A., fewer people are making 911 calls than at this same time last year, and fewer of the ambulances dispatched are taking patients to the hospital.
L.A. Fire Department Capt. Erik Scott said that in the past week, emergency transportation to local hospitals has been down by about 20% over the previous year.
“People are staying in their residences. They are being aggressive about hygiene and they are practicing social distancing, including [while] driving,” Scott said. “We’ve seen a decrease in traffic collisions.”
No doubt some people are refraining from using emergency services out of a sense of social responsibility. They don’t want to overburden the system in a time of crisis. But there’s another obvious reason for the slowdown: People are terrified of getting in an ambulance or entering an emergency room where they might contract COVID-19.
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At Sutter Medical Center in Sacramento, doctors treat about 300 patients on a normal day. On Friday, they saw only 220, said Dr. Arthur Jey, an emergency medicine doctor who supervises the residency development program.
Self-isolation might prevent some injuries and other reasons for seeking help, but Jey said he was also concerned that patients with serious medical problems, such as strokes or heart attacks, might be waiting until the last possible moment to seek medical attention “because they are scared of the virus.”
“People who should be coming in are coming in later than they should,” he said.
Administrators at the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services confirmed that emergency room volume is down at County-USC Medical Center. There are a few reasons, said Dr. Hal F. Yee, the system’s chief medical officer. It’s the end of the usual flu season and there have been fewer traumatic injuries because people are following the advice to stay home.
“It is possible that people are avoiding the emergency room for the sake of social distancing, but we certainly hope that nobody is doing that if they have a medical emergency,” Yee added.
Fear of contracting the new, untreatable disease is also weighing, heavily, on the minds of emergency workers. Many say they are facing dangerous shortages of protective gear, especially the sturdy N95 face masks that are believed to be effective at blocking the virus.
Like her colleagues around the country, the San Bernardino ER doctor is deeply concerned about a critical shortage of the masks.
She described somewhat chaotic rationing of the equipment that is available and the lengths some of her co-workers are going to in an effort to conserve.
“They’re just wearing it the entire day and sterilizing it and guarding it with their life. I don’t use that term lightly, it’s real.”
At one of the hospitals where she works, administrators have discouraged staffers from walking around in the masks when they’re not dealing directly with a coronavirus case for fear of worrying other patients and employees who don’t have access to protective gear.
As an independent contractor, the doctor said administrators don’t have as much power over her. So she wears her mask — obtained on her own outside the hospital — whenever she thinks it’s appropriate.
But nurses are direct hospital employees so they’re not as free to buck the system.
“I’ve never been told by administrators not to wear a mask. If they told me that I would laugh in their face,” she said. But she’s worried about the nurses. “It does me no good to survive this if they all die, I can’t do their jobs!”
The anxiety of waiting and wondering how bad things are going to become is taking a serious toll and creeping up when she least expects it, especially at home with her kids.
“Today, my baby was begging me to pick him up and I had to stop myself and think twice,” she said.
“It makes me very sad and scared, and I don’t want to scare my kids...and it’s only going to get worse.”
At County-USC Medical Center, face shields are in high demand because they protect healthcare workers during the most high-risk procedures, such as intubation when the virus can be diffused into the air.
Staff members have been told the hospital has only a few hundred of them, said the doctor interviewed by The Times. If they wear one to treat a high-risk patient, they can dispose of the shield, but if the patient appears to be low risk, they have to wash the shield and reuse it.
There’s a sense of fear among the staffers, not just for their own health but for the well-being of family members and significant others.
Tents have been erected at the Saperstein Emergency Center entrance to the Ronald Regan UCLA Medical Center on the Westwood campus as hospitals are straining under coronavirus but the big wave hasn’t hit yet. (Al Seib/Los Angeles Times)
“Everybody knows it’s going to get bad,” the doctor said, “but nobody knows exactly when.”
Emergency room nurse Angelica Jaime said that at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, patients with legitimate medical needs are still coming, but those seeking treatment for “paper cuts” are a thing of the past.
“We used to have patients who come to the ER for refills of their prescription because their doctors couldn’t fit them in,” Jaime said.
Now, she said, the public seems to grasp what she and her colleagues have always known: “No one should be in the ER if they are not dying. Honestly.”


latimes--2020-03-21--A sunny California weekend of social distancing, neighborly love — and some overcrowding

The landmark Griffith Observatory may have been closed , but people came by the carloads anyway , smiling and chattering Saturday in the fresh air and sunny skies outside the Hollywood Hills landmark .
Walkers packed the sidewalks and trails , wishing one another good health .
From Los Angeles ’ Griffith Park to Westside beaches — and from a Granada Hills Starbucks drive-through line , where customers “ paid it backward , ” to a Laurel Canyon neighborhood , where residents opened their windows for a “ You ’ ve Got a Friend ” singalong — Southern California greeted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stay-at-home order with pluck , humor and notable kindness .
Overflowing lines at markets and food giveaways continued to ratchet up anxiety and some harsh encounters .
The first reported coronavirus infections among Los Angeles police officers , with three testing positive this week , gave reason for added worry .
And Los Angeles city officials scrambled to open five more emergency shelters for homeless people .
But most Southern Californians who went looking for solace on the first weekend of a statewide order to stay at home — spurred by the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ themselves , in their neighbors and in their friends .
Janet Williamson , a lifelong Griffith Park neighbor , watched people filling the public space and said it was good .
“ It gives one hope .
And hope is something that you can ’ t buy , ” said Williamson , 73 .
“ It has a great value , especially in these times.
” Los Angeles County reported a total of 353 confirmed cases and four deaths as of Saturday night from the novel coronavirus , while California had more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Public health experts stressed that many more people certainly had been infected but not detected because of limited testing .
The biggest public health emergency in a century appeared to be in its nascent stages , with projections that the illness would spread exponentially .
Public health officials warned that , even when seeking exercise and stress relief outdoors , people needed to maintain the six feet of social distancing that they have been recommending for more than a week .
The admonition created an odd dichotomy Saturday : Southern Californians shrank from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ open spaces that then became not so open , given the crowds that sought relief from what had come to feel like house arrest .
The Hollywood Walk of Fame , the Venice Beach Boardwalk , the Grove shopping center and Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills all went mostly bereft of visitors .
Crowded streets were mostly open , and parking spaces were free for the taking .
But along the coast in Santa Monica and Pacific Palisades , cars lined up for parking lots at Will Rogers State Beach and nearby Temescal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and cyclists wore masks and gloves , though none could be seen on the surfers enjoying a stunning blue-sky day , with views all the way to Santa Catalina Island .
Crowds also gathered in Griffith Park and in Runyon Canyon — and , in Northern California , along the Marin County coastline , where the Sheriff ’ s Office said it recognized “ the LARGE amount of people traveling to the coast today and NOT practicing social distancing.
” Deputies were working with public health officers to address the issue .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Please stay at home !
” In the Hollywood Hills , the hiking trails of Runyon Canyon Park had become so crowded Saturday afternoon that the park was trending on Twitter , and some people were asking Gov .
Gavin Newsom or L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti to shut down the trails to preserve social distancing .
Around the region , people found other ways to relieve their stress and lighten their neighbors ’ loads .
At a drive-through Starbucks in Granada Hills , customers began paying for whoever ordered behind them .
For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meant he got a $ 2.75 coffee and paid the $ 23 total for the car behind him .
“ It feels right , ” Shaw said , “ during these troubled times.
” In a South Pasadena neighborhood , Ellen Main posted a note alongside her frontyard garden elf .
“ Would you like to hear a joke ?
” it read .
Saturday ’ s offering : “ What do you call a pig that does karate ?
A pork chop.
” Torie Osborn , a 69-year-old aide to county Supervisor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bombarded by people checking to make sure she was OK. “ It ’ s a riot of love , ” she said , “ an outpouring of caring.
” Social media helped many others come together , while staying apart .
The Laurel Canyon Residents Facebook group called for members to join a 7 p.m. singalong of Carole King ’ s “ You ’ ve Got a Friend.
” They asked neighbors to open a door or window so the whole community — and onetime home to many rock music greats — would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ classic .
And scores of Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12-step recovery programs moved their meetings to videoconferencing services such as Zoom .
“ I ’ m sober almost 25 years , and this has been truly incredible to witness and be part of , ” said one Los Angeles communications executive , who declined to give her name .
The size of the meetings has ranged from 10 to more than 100 .
One included members from New York , London and Los Angeles .
The meetings “ give those with experience exposure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” said the exec , providing “ experiences , strength , and hope.
” “ I created this page to share what I ’ m making , what I ’ m thinking about , and what ’ s challenging and joyful about this time , ” said Juliana Nocker-Ferry , inviting others to do the same .
“ Along with social distancing , we can create social expansion and connection .
I send love and strength out to everyone.
” For all the goodwill , a fear of scarcity still provoked anxiety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where customers lined up before opening , as they had for more than a week .
Outside Honda Center in Anaheim , more than 4,000 needy families received three bags — potatoes , apples and canned goods .
The line of cars for the drive-through giveaway got so long that it jammed nearby intersections and triggered a traffic alert by Anaheim police .
“ The demand that we are receiving for food is very sad , in a word , ” said Harald Herrmann , chief executive of the Second Harvest Food Bank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are also seeing the best of humanity at the same time.
” In Chino , a pair of farm-fresh egg suppliers had long lines and expected to sell out by the afternoon .
Despite having 64,000 chickens spread across three farms and additional supplies from neighboring farmers , Philip Maust said he could not keep up with the demand .
“ It ’ s been going just berserk , ” said Maust of Maust ’ s California Poultry .
“ People want their eggs.
” In downtown Los Angeles , the Original Pantry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the only times in its nearly 100-year history .
Still , the 24-hour restaurant was serving to-go orders Saturday morning to a slow but steady stream of customers .
“ We are here for the community , ” said operations manager Charlotte Chacon .
“ We are all in this together.
” Chacon said she spoke daily with the restaurant ’ s owner , former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan .
In a note to customers , Riordan said : “ We hope that we can provide in-dining soon .
Until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as we navigate these changes together.
” While public acceptance of the social limits appeared widespread , a lively debate continued online , with some insisting that restrictions overreached .
Many of the critics pointed to a posting by a Stanford researcher that was skeptical about the reported parameters of the coronavirus contagion .
The article by John P.A .
Ioannidis , a professor of disease prevention at Stanford University ’ s School of Medicine , drew 2 million hits this week .
But Ioannidis rejected suggestions , including by some conservative media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too far .
“ I did not say not to take measures , ” Ioannidis said in an email Saturday .
“ I was clear we need to take measures and act swiftly.
” In fact , he said , “ I am in shelter-in-place myself and I would never advise anyone to defy the law and break the shelter-in-place.
” The sense of fear seemed distant as the shadows lengthened over Santa Monica State Beach on Saturday afternoon .
Alan Cohn , 90 , and his partner , Elaine Cohen , 80 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tanning and working out .
One man did yoga .
A group of four played volleyball .
“ Would you believe we ’ re in the middle of a pandemic right now ?
” Cohen asked .
The couple bemoaned the loss of their routine .
No more improv comedy Tuesdays .
Or feeding homeless residents Wednesdays .
And no dancing at the Marina City Club on Fridays .
But they were cheered by the people offering to run errands for each other and the vegan restaurant owner who was waiving his delivery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ themselves getting sick , either .
“ Naw , ” Cohn said .
“ I was in the Marines , fighting in North Korea.
” Minutes later , a man sat down next to the couple , asking , “ You mind if I sit here and take off my shoes ?
” Times staff writers Emily Alpert Reyes , Stuart Leavenworth and Richard Winton contributed to this report .

James Rainey, Maura Dolan, Leila Miller, Nicole Santa Cruz

Xiao Ping was among dozens of people who lined up to buy eggs early Saturday at Maust’s California Poultry in Chino.
The landmark Griffith Observatory may have been closed, but people came by the carloads anyway, smiling and chattering Saturday in the fresh air and sunny skies outside the Hollywood Hills landmark. Walkers packed the sidewalks and trails, wishing one another good health.
From Los Angeles’ Griffith Park to Westside beaches — and from a Granada Hills Starbucks drive-through line, where customers “paid it backward,” to a Laurel Canyon neighborhood, where residents opened their windows for a “You’ve Got a Friend” singalong — Southern California greeted its first weekend of a public health stay-at-home order with pluck, humor and notable kindness.
Overflowing lines at markets and food giveaways continued to ratchet up anxiety and some harsh encounters. The first reported coronavirus infections among Los Angeles police officers, with three testing positive this week, gave reason for added worry. And Los Angeles city officials scrambled to open five more emergency shelters for homeless people.
But most Southern Californians who went looking for solace on the first weekend of a statewide order to stay at home — spurred by the virus that causes COVID-19 — found it in themselves, in their neighbors and in their friends.
Janet Williamson, a lifelong Griffith Park neighbor, watched people filling the public space and said it was good.
“It gives one hope. And hope is something that you can’t buy,” said Williamson, 73. “It has a great value, especially in these times.”
Some people tried to maintain social distancing around the Griffith Observatory on Saturday. It wasn’t always successful. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)
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Los Angeles County reported a total of 353 confirmed cases and four deaths as of Saturday night from the novel coronavirus, while California had more than 1,480 known cases and 27 deaths. Public health experts stressed that many more people certainly had been infected but not detected because of limited testing.
The biggest public health emergency in a century appeared to be in its nascent stages, with projections that the illness would spread exponentially. Public health officials warned that, even when seeking exercise and stress relief outdoors, people needed to maintain the six feet of social distancing that they have been recommending for more than a week.
The admonition created an odd dichotomy Saturday: Southern Californians shrank from usually overcrowded tourist locales in favor of open spaces that then became not so open, given the crowds that sought relief from what had come to feel like house arrest.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Venice Beach Boardwalk, the Grove shopping center and Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills all went mostly bereft of visitors. Crowded streets were mostly open, and parking spaces were free for the taking.
But along the coast in Santa Monica and Pacific Palisades, cars lined up for parking lots at Will Rogers State Beach and nearby Temescal Gateway Park. A few roller skaters and cyclists wore masks and gloves, though none could be seen on the surfers enjoying a stunning blue-sky day, with views all the way to Santa Catalina Island.
Crowds also gathered in Griffith Park and in Runyon Canyon — and, in Northern California, along the Marin County coastline, where the Sheriff’s Office said it recognized “the LARGE amount of people traveling to the coast today and NOT practicing social distancing.” Deputies were working with public health officers to address the issue. The Sheriff’s Office added: “Please stay at home!”
Hollywood Boulevard was quiet Friday night as Angelenos stayed home. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)
In the Hollywood Hills, the hiking trails of Runyon Canyon Park had become so crowded Saturday afternoon that the park was trending on Twitter, and some people were asking Gov. Gavin Newsom or L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti to shut down the trails to preserve social distancing.
Around the region, people found other ways to relieve their stress and lighten their neighbors’ loads.
At a drive-through Starbucks in Granada Hills, customers began paying for whoever ordered behind them. For public relations executive Brandon Shaw, that meant he got a $2.75 coffee and paid the $23 total for the car behind him. “It feels right,” Shaw said, “during these troubled times.”
In a South Pasadena neighborhood, Ellen Main posted a note alongside her frontyard garden elf. “Would you like to hear a joke?” it read. Saturday’s offering: “What do you call a pig that does karate? A pork chop.”
Advertisement
Torie Osborn, a 69-year-old aide to county Supervisor Sheila Kuehl, said she had been bombarded by people checking to make sure she was OK. “It’s a riot of love,” she said, “an outpouring of caring.”
Social media helped many others come together, while staying apart.
The Laurel Canyon Residents Facebook group called for members to join a 7 p.m. singalong of Carole King’s “You’ve Got a Friend.” They asked neighbors to open a door or window so the whole community — and onetime home to many rock music greats — would echo with the words of the folk classic.
And scores of Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12-step recovery programs moved their meetings to videoconferencing services such as Zoom.
“I’m sober almost 25 years, and this has been truly incredible to witness and be part of,” said one Los Angeles communications executive, who declined to give her name. The size of the meetings has ranged from 10 to more than 100. One included members from New York, London and Los Angeles. The meetings “give those with experience exposure to those who are new or struggling,” said the exec, providing “experiences, strength, and hope.”
A Highland Park woman created a COVID-19 cooking group on Facebook.
“I created this page to share what I’m making, what I’m thinking about, and what’s challenging and joyful about this time,” said Juliana Nocker-Ferry, inviting others to do the same. “Along with social distancing, we can create social expansion and connection. I send love and strength out to everyone.”
For all the goodwill, a fear of scarcity still provoked anxiety and crowds, especially at supermarkets, where customers lined up before opening, as they had for more than a week.
Outside Honda Center in Anaheim, more than 4,000 needy families received three bags — potatoes, apples and canned goods. The line of cars for the drive-through giveaway got so long that it jammed nearby intersections and triggered a traffic alert by Anaheim police.
“The demand that we are receiving for food is very sad, in a word,” said Harald Herrmann, chief executive of the Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County. “But we are also seeing the best of humanity at the same time.”
In Chino, a pair of farm-fresh egg suppliers had long lines and expected to sell out by the afternoon. Despite having 64,000 chickens spread across three farms and additional supplies from neighboring farmers, Philip Maust said he could not keep up with the demand.
“It’s been going just berserk,” said Maust of Maust’s California Poultry. “People want their eggs.”
People stand in line to buy eggs at Maust’s California Poultry in Chino. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)
In downtown Los Angeles, the Original Pantry Cafe was closed to dine-in patrons for one of the only times in its nearly 100-year history. Still, the 24-hour restaurant was serving to-go orders Saturday morning to a slow but steady stream of customers.
“We are here for the community,” said operations manager Charlotte Chacon. “We are all in this together.”
Chacon said she spoke daily with the restaurant’s owner, former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan. In a note to customers, Riordan said: “We hope that we can provide in-dining soon. Until then, please be kind and patient as we navigate these changes together.”
While public acceptance of the social limits appeared widespread, a lively debate continued online, with some insisting that restrictions overreached. Many of the critics pointed to a posting by a Stanford researcher that was skeptical about the reported parameters of the coronavirus contagion.
The article by John P.A. Ioannidis, a professor of disease prevention at Stanford University’s School of Medicine, drew 2 million hits this week. But Ioannidis rejected suggestions, including by some conservative media, that the public health restrictions went too far.
“I did not say not to take measures,” Ioannidis said in an email Saturday. “I was clear we need to take measures and act swiftly.” In fact, he said, “I am in shelter-in-place myself and I would never advise anyone to defy the law and break the shelter-in-place.”
The sense of fear seemed distant as the shadows lengthened over Santa Monica State Beach on Saturday afternoon. Alan Cohn, 90, and his partner, Elaine Cohen, 80, looked over a scene of people tanning and working out. One man did yoga. A group of four played volleyball.
“Would you believe we’re in the middle of a pandemic right now?” Cohen asked.
The couple bemoaned the loss of their routine. No more improv comedy Tuesdays. Or feeding homeless residents Wednesdays. And no dancing at the Marina City Club on Fridays.
But they were cheered by the people offering to run errands for each other and the vegan restaurant owner who was waiving his delivery fees. They didn’t see themselves getting sick, either.
“Naw,” Cohn said. “I was in the Marines, fighting in North Korea.”
Minutes later, a man sat down next to the couple, asking, “You mind if I sit here and take off my shoes?”
Cohen scooted over. “Just don’t breathe on me.”
Times staff writers Emily Alpert Reyes, Stuart Leavenworth and Richard Winton contributed to this report.


latimes--2020-03-21--'Time to wake up,' Newsom says, again urging Californians to stay home in coronavirus fight

Gov .
Gavin Newsom on Saturday urged Californians to abide by his statewide order to stay at home and , if they choose to venture outside for necessities or recreation , to keep a safe distance from others to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus .
Newsom also said his administration is working to clear up confusion over whether his historic executive order issued Thursday conflicted with more stringent mandatory restrictions by some California counties and cities .
Negotiations with local governments are underway to sort through the “ deeply complex ” issues involved , he said .
Newsom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unnecessary social contact comes after scattered reports across the state that some people have been flocking to the coast , gathering with friends or failing to keep proper social distance from others .
The governor stressed that even those who don ’ t show any symptoms of COVID-19 , including young adults who appear to be less likely to become gravely ill if they do contract it , need to cooperate for the good of others in their communities .
“ Be a good neighbor .
Be a good citizen .
Those young @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the beaches thinking this is a party time — grow up , ” Newsom said during a news conference on Facebook and Twitter on Saturday afternoon .
“ It ’ s time to wake up , time to recognize it ’ s not just about the old folks .
It ’ s about your impact on their lives .
Don ’ t be selfish , recognize you have a responsibility to meet this moment.
” Complaints of noncompliance have popped up on social media and apps such as the neighborhood forum Nextdoor.com .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Saturday tweeted out a photo of people congregating on the coast , imploring residents to stay home .
“ We understand the communities frustrations with the LARGE amount of people traveling to the Coast today and NOT practicing social distancing .
We are working with the Public Health Officers to address the issue .
Please stay at home !
” the Sheriff ’ s Office said .
The governor ’ s stay-at-home order will remain in effect until “ further notice ” and could be changed as conditions warrant , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s office .
Issued under broad powers granted to the governor under the state ’ s Emergency Services Act , Newsom ’ s executive order is enforceable by law .
Anyone who violates the order could be charged with a misdemeanor , but Newsom said he did not believe that would be necessary because social pressures to adhere to the directive have been largely successful .
The Newsom administration Friday night released a 14-page report explaining which businesses and workers are considered essential and exempt from the stay-at-home order , as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allowed or prohibited .
Businesses deemed essential and remaining open include gas stations , pharmacies , grocery stores , farmers markets , food banks , convenience stores , takeout and delivery restaurants , banks and laundromats .
Those that must close include dine-in-only restaurants , movie theaters and entertainment venues , gyms and fitness studios , and hair and nail salons .
Walking the dog and going on hikes are allowed , but camping at state parks is not .
Going to the doctor and pharmacy is allowed , but visiting relatives in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — with some exceptions , such as when a relative is near death .
Day-care centers and the small number of schools still operating in the state , including those that serve the children of healthcare workers and students with special needs , also are considered essential services and can remain open , said Brian Ferguson , spokesman for the governor ’ s Office of Emergency Services .
Californians “ should at all times practice social distancing , ” keeping at least six feet away from others when performing necessary activities , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to go outside to get some exercise , do that , but don ’ t do that in a group setting , ” Newsom said Saturday .
“ If you see a busy street , don ’ t run down that street .
Again , use common sense .
You want to take a walk with your dog , take a walk with your dog — just don ’ t do it with five or six neighbors.
” Before the governor ’ s order was put in place late Thursday , Newsom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week asking all residents to practice social distancing , those 65 and older to remain at home , and bars , restaurant dining rooms and other types of businesses to shutter — demonstrating a deliberately light touch that some described as the governor easing Californians into a new way of life in preparation for more severe restrictions .
At the same time , dozens of counties inundated with COVID-19 cases went a step further and adopted mandatory requirements to slow the spread of the coronavirus within their jurisdictions .
The Newsom administration attempted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statewide order superseded those of local governments .
“ This is a statewide order .
Depending on the conditions in their area , local officials may enforce stricter public health orders .
But they may not loosen the state ’ s order , ” state health officials said in an online statement released late Friday night .
But that statement was changed Saturday , saying only , “ This is a statewide order.
” That change promises to only add to the confusion about which restrictions take precedence — those issued by Newsom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local governments .
Counties have been eagerly awaiting new guidance from the governor ’ s office to help them understand how to implement his new restrictions and whether their own orders would remain in place .
“ There ’ s certainly questions , ” said Paul A. Smith , vice president of governmental affairs for the Rural County Representatives of California .
“ What ’ s the role of front-line law enforcement ?
What ’ s the role of Alcoholic Beverage Control if we ’ re dealing with bars and taverns ?
How @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government work ?
” Smith said the lack of clarity wasn ’ t surprising in the middle of a crisis that neither the governor nor county leaders have contended with before .
“ We have to understand that this is incredibly unprecedented , ” Smith said .
“ We ’ re making massive public policy decisions and you can ’ t just cross every T and dot every I as we ’ re responding to a pandemic .
We ’ re flying the plane as we build it , but at the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to get there.
” James Williams , the Santa Clara County counsel , said the county ’ s restrictions will remain in place , no matter what Newsom ’ s state mandate says .
Santa Clara County has been one of the hardest hit with coronavirus cases in the state .
The state ’ s order considers some entertainment industry projects and general construction projects to be essential and therefore exempt from its restrictions .
Santa Clara County does not exempt entertainment projects in its own stay-at-home order — only construction projects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and public works are exempt , Williams said .
“ We ’ re very clear about our position , ” Williams said Friday night .
“ We just had a 34 % increase in cases between yesterday and today.
” In Orange County , confusion over the regulations has been so widespread — with some residents questioning whether they ’ re permitted to even go outside — that the county has staffed a hotline to respond to residents ’ queries .
On Tuesday , the county ’ s healthcare agency first issued an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any size , including at places of business , outside a single household .
Some residents interpreted it to mean that Orange County was implementing a lockdown similar to strict stay-at-home orders issued by several San Francisco Bay Area counties .
County officials clarified the order that night , noting that it was not a lockdown and that some businesses should remain open .
They followed up by issuing an amended order a day later that walked back the ban on gatherings .
On Thursday , the situation changed again when Newsom ordered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ marking the first mandatory restrictions placed on the lives of all 40 million residents in the state .
In enforcing the governor ’ s order , Orange County Sheriff ’ s Department officials have encouraged deputies to take an educational approach — reminding people of the restrictions — before issuing citations , said Carrie Braun , a spokeswoman for the Sheriff ’ s Department .
“ We ’ re seeing all of this unfold in real time , but that ’ s not necessarily the case for the rest of the community , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Modoc County in the northeast corner of California , one of the most sparsely populated areas of the state , Sheriff Tex Dowdy said he was shocked by Newsom ’ s stay-at-home order and appeared defiant , saying it was unnecessary in a county without a single confirmed coronavirus case .
“ We are standing behind our current recommendations of social distancing and simple measures like washing your hands to prevent the spread of COVID-19 , ” Dowdy said in a statement posted on the sheriff ’ s website .
Barbara Ferrer , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Public Health , said the county ’ s directive and Newsom ’ s order are “ generally in agreement ” on which businesses and activities are considered essential .
“ Where there are nuances , we ’ re working with the governor ’ s office for clarification and we hope to be able to rapidly reconcile any elements that are unclear , ” Ferrer said Friday .
“ This may include minor revisions in the county health officer ’ s order in the days ahead.
” The additional details on jobs deemed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ owners across the state , some of whom were unsure whether they were exempt from closure under the governor ’ s order .
The California Chamber of Commerce on Saturday praised Newsom for clarifying what the state considers essential businesses , while also asking for a uniform , statewide policy on restrictions to replace the patchwork of stricter measures in some counties .
“ We urge all local officials to follow the lead of the Newsom Administration by conforming their directives to these guidelines .
A large number of California businesses operate in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state so the need for consistency in supply chain operations is critical , ” the chamber said in a statement .
Newsom also announced Saturday that the state was leasing two hospitals , one in Southern California and one in Northern California , to help with the state ’ s response to the coronavirus outbreak .
“ California is mobilizing every part of government to support our healthcare delivery system , its workers , and those among us who are most vulnerable to COVID-19 , ” Newsom said in a statement .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lease St. Vincent Medical Center in Los Angeles and Seton Medical Center in Daly City for three months .
St. Vincent , a 366-bed hospital in the Westlake neighborhood , closed this year because of financial woes .
Both facilities will treat patients infected with the coronavirus , according to the governor ’ s announcement .
Verity Health System of California owns the hospitals and will run both on behalf of the state .
Seton will be able to care for 120 COVID-19 patients beginning as soon as Wednesday , and St. Vincent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Newsom also announced that the state would spend $ 8.6 million to purchase new ventilators , needed to help seriously ill patients breathe , and intravenous pumps , and to refurbish additional ventilators .
California is spending $ 1.4 million to expand the capacity of the state ’ s public health lab in the Bay Area , which has been processing coronavirus tests .
Times staff writers John Myers and Matt Stiles contributed to this report .

Los Angeles freeways have seen far less traffic than normal as people stay at home.
Gov. Gavin Newsom on Saturday urged Californians to abide by his statewide order to stay at home and, if they choose to venture outside for necessities or recreation, to keep a safe distance from others to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Newsom also said his administration is working to clear up confusion over whether his historic executive order issued Thursday conflicted with more stringent mandatory restrictions by some California counties and cities. Negotiations with local governments are underway to sort through the “deeply complex” issues involved, he said.
Newsom’s plea for residents to avoid unnecessary social contact comes after scattered reports across the state that some people have been flocking to the coast, gathering with friends or failing to keep proper social distance from others.
The governor stressed that even those who don’t show any symptoms of COVID-19, including young adults who appear to be less likely to become gravely ill if they do contract it, need to cooperate for the good of others in their communities.
“Be a good neighbor. Be a good citizen. Those young people that are still out there on the beaches thinking this is a party time — grow up,” Newsom said during a news conference on Facebook and Twitter on Saturday afternoon. “It’s time to wake up, time to recognize it’s not just about the old folks. It’s about your impact on their lives. Don’t be selfish, recognize you have a responsibility to meet this moment.”
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During the coronavirus epidemic people continue to leave their homes and spend time at beaches. (Francine Orr/Los Angeles Times)
Complaints of noncompliance have popped up on social media and apps such as the neighborhood forum Nextdoor.com. The Marin County Sheriff’s Office on Saturday tweeted out a photo of people congregating on the coast, imploring residents to stay home.
“We understand the communities frustrations with the LARGE amount of people traveling to the Coast today and NOT practicing social distancing. We are working with the Public Health Officers to address the issue. Please stay at home!” the Sheriff’s Office said.
The governor’s stay-at-home order will remain in effect until “further notice” and could be changed as conditions warrant, according to a statement released by the governor’s office. Issued under broad powers granted to the governor under the state’s Emergency Services Act, Newsom’s executive order is enforceable by law.
Anyone who violates the order could be charged with a misdemeanor, but Newsom said he did not believe that would be necessary because social pressures to adhere to the directive have been largely successful.
The Newsom administration Friday night released a 14-page report explaining which businesses and workers are considered essential and exempt from the stay-at-home order, as well as more detail about personal activities that are allowed or prohibited.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom provides guidelines for essential workers The administration of California Gov. Gavin Newsom has released additional details on the executive order to have Californians to stay at home.
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Businesses deemed essential and remaining open include gas stations, pharmacies, grocery stores, farmers markets, food banks, convenience stores, takeout and delivery restaurants, banks and laundromats. Those that must close include dine-in-only restaurants, movie theaters and entertainment venues, gyms and fitness studios, and hair and nail salons.
Walking the dog and going on hikes are allowed, but camping at state parks is not. Going to the doctor and pharmacy is allowed, but visiting relatives in the hospital or nursing home is not — with some exceptions, such as when a relative is near death.
Day-care centers and the small number of schools still operating in the state, including those that serve the children of healthcare workers and students with special needs, also are considered essential services and can remain open, said Brian Ferguson, spokesman for the governor’s Office of Emergency Services.
Californians “should at all times practice social distancing,” keeping at least six feet away from others when performing necessary activities, the administration directive states.
“If you need to go outside to get some exercise, do that, but don’t do that in a group setting,” Newsom said Saturday. “If you see a busy street, don’t run down that street. Again, use common sense. You want to take a walk with your dog, take a walk with your dog — just don’t do it with five or six neighbors.”
Before the governor’s order was put in place late Thursday, Newsom had issued only recommendations over the last week asking all residents to practice social distancing, those 65 and older to remain at home, and bars, restaurant dining rooms and other types of businesses to shutter — demonstrating a deliberately light touch that some described as the governor easing Californians into a new way of life in preparation for more severe restrictions.
At the same time, dozens of counties inundated with COVID-19 cases went a step further and adopted mandatory requirements to slow the spread of the coronavirus within their jurisdictions.
The Newsom administration attempted to clarify whether the governor’s statewide order superseded those of local governments.
“This is a statewide order. Depending on the conditions in their area, local officials may enforce stricter public health orders. But they may not loosen the state’s order,” state health officials said in an online statement released late Friday night.
But that statement was changed Saturday, saying only, “This is a statewide order.”
That change promises to only add to the confusion about which restrictions take precedence — those issued by Newsom on Thursday or those previously issued by local governments.
Counties have been eagerly awaiting new guidance from the governor’s office to help them understand how to implement his new restrictions and whether their own orders would remain in place.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s stay at home order to fight coronavirus pandemic California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order on March 19 requiring Californians to stay at home but for “necessary activities.”
“There’s certainly questions,” said Paul A. Smith, vice president of governmental affairs for the Rural County Representatives of California. “What’s the role of front-line law enforcement? What’s the role of Alcoholic Beverage Control if we’re dealing with bars and taverns? How does the partnership between state and local government work?”
Smith said the lack of clarity wasn’t surprising in the middle of a crisis that neither the governor nor county leaders have contended with before.
“We have to understand that this is incredibly unprecedented,” Smith said. “We’re making massive public policy decisions and you can’t just cross every T and dot every I as we’re responding to a pandemic. We’re flying the plane as we build it, but at the same time, I think we’re going to get there.”
James Williams, the Santa Clara County counsel, said the county’s restrictions will remain in place, no matter what Newsom’s state mandate says. Santa Clara County has been one of the hardest hit with coronavirus cases in the state.
The state’s order considers some entertainment industry projects and general construction projects to be essential and therefore exempt from its restrictions. Santa Clara County does not exempt entertainment projects in its own stay-at-home order — only construction projects related to housing, infrastructure, healthcare and public works are exempt, Williams said.
“We’re very clear about our position,” Williams said Friday night. “We just had a 34% increase in cases between yesterday and today.”
In Orange County, confusion over the regulations has been so widespread — with some residents questioning whether they’re permitted to even go outside — that the county has staffed a hotline to respond to residents’ queries.
On Tuesday, the county’s healthcare agency first issued an order prohibiting public and private gatherings of any size, including at places of business, outside a single household. Some residents interpreted it to mean that Orange County was implementing a lockdown similar to strict stay-at-home orders issued by several San Francisco Bay Area counties.
County officials clarified the order that night, noting that it was not a lockdown and that some businesses should remain open. They followed up by issuing an amended order a day later that walked back the ban on gatherings.
On Thursday, the situation changed again when Newsom ordered all Californians to stay at home, marking the first mandatory restrictions placed on the lives of all 40 million residents in the state.
In enforcing the governor’s order, Orange County Sheriff’s Department officials have encouraged deputies to take an educational approach — reminding people of the restrictions — before issuing citations, said Carrie Braun, a spokeswoman for the Sheriff’s Department.
“We’re seeing all of this unfold in real time, but that’s not necessarily the case for the rest of the community,” she said.
Meanwhile, in Modoc County in the northeast corner of California, one of the most sparsely populated areas of the state, Sheriff Tex Dowdy said he was shocked by Newsom’s stay-at-home order and appeared defiant, saying it was unnecessary in a county without a single confirmed coronavirus case.
“We are standing behind our current recommendations of social distancing and simple measures like washing your hands to prevent the spread of COVID-19,” Dowdy said in a statement posted on the sheriff’s website.
Barbara Ferrer, director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, said the county’s directive and Newsom’s order are “generally in agreement” on which businesses and activities are considered essential.
“Where there are nuances, we’re working with the governor’s office for clarification and we hope to be able to rapidly reconcile any elements that are unclear,” Ferrer said Friday. “This may include minor revisions in the county health officer’s order in the days ahead.”
The additional details on jobs deemed essential should bring some relief to business owners across the state, some of whom were unsure whether they were exempt from closure under the governor’s order.
The California Chamber of Commerce on Saturday praised Newsom for clarifying what the state considers essential businesses, while also asking for a uniform, statewide policy on restrictions to replace the patchwork of stricter measures in some counties.
“We urge all local officials to follow the lead of the Newsom Administration by conforming their directives to these guidelines. A large number of California businesses operate in many different counties or span the entire state so the need for consistency in supply chain operations is critical,” the chamber said in a statement.
Newsom also announced Saturday that the state was leasing two hospitals, one in Southern California and one in Northern California, to help with the state’s response to the coronavirus outbreak.
“California is mobilizing every part of government to support our healthcare delivery system, its workers, and those among us who are most vulnerable to COVID-19,” Newsom said in a statement.
The state is paying $30 million to lease St. Vincent Medical Center in Los Angeles and Seton Medical Center in Daly City for three months. St. Vincent, a 366-bed hospital in the Westlake neighborhood, closed this year because of financial woes. Both facilities will treat patients infected with the coronavirus, according to the governor’s announcement.
Verity Health System of California owns the hospitals and will run both on behalf of the state. Seton will be able to care for 120 COVID-19 patients beginning as soon as Wednesday, and St. Vincent will be operational as soon as possible.
Newsom also announced that the state would spend $8.6 million to purchase new ventilators, needed to help seriously ill patients breathe, and intravenous pumps, and to refurbish additional ventilators. California is spending $1.4 million to expand the capacity of the state’s public health lab in the Bay Area, which has been processing coronavirus tests.
Times staff writers John Myers and Matt Stiles contributed to this report.