latimes--2020-04-02--L.A. County death toll nears 80 as number of coronavirus cases skyrockets past 4,000

Los Angeles County health officials on Thursday confirmed 13 new coronavirus-related deaths , bringing the toll to 78 .
Twelve of the victims were over the age of 65 and of those , 11 had underlying health conditions , according to Barbara Ferrer , director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health .
The other person who died was between ages 41 and 65 and also had underlying health conditions , Ferrer said .
Health officials also announced 534 new COVID-19 cases , bringing the total number of cases in the county to 4,045 — including 139 in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The daily count has increased by more than 1,000 in the last 48 hours .
“ We are all in this together , so it makes sense that we work together to get through this , ” Ferrer said .
“ Please don ’ t lose hope , and please don ’ t stop following all of the directives that you are following right now to slow the spread of COVID-19.
” As the coronavirus pandemic continues its march across California , the number of cases in the state swelled to more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ topping 200 .
Of those cases , 40 % have occurred in L.A. County .
Amid the surge , officials are continuing to urge the public to carry on with unprecedented social distancing measures while also rushing to get more supplies to hospitals amid a rise in sick patients .
The rapid spread of the virus brought new concerns about whether the state ’ s healthcare system can handle the inflow of patients .
Many California hospitals and local medical centers are grappling with shortages of supplies amid a scramble to prepare for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of patients in the coming weeks .
The case count comes from a continuous Los Angeles Times survey of the dozens of local health agencies across California .
While the number of infections continues to swell statewide , Gov .
Gavin Newsom said he believes the state ’ s social distancing efforts have made a difference .
“ The ICU numbers and the hospital numbers , while they ’ re growing , are not growing as significantly as you ’ re seeing in other parts of the country , ” he said Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the woods by any stretch of the imagination.
” In recent weeks , a fierce debate has erupted between hospitals and nursing homes over the fate of elderly patients .
Hospitals are desperately trying to discharge patients to clear space for an expected wave of people infected with COVID-19 .
But nursing homes are reluctant to accept any new patients — or even returning residents — until it is proved that they are virus-free .
On Monday , the California Department of Public Health sided squarely with the hospitals , ordering skilled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they have tested positive for the novel coronavirus .
After an outcry from elder advocates , one of whom called the directive “ nothing less than a death sentence ” for nursing home residents , state officials issued new guidance late Wednesday .
“ The final determination lies with the local health department , ” the state ’ s Department of Public Health said in an email to The Times .
“ Local public health officers have this authority in an emergency.
” Elder advocates , who say most nursing homes lack the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the virus , are not satisfied .
Many want the state to set up entirely separate living spaces for nursing home residents with the virus , like empty hotels , dormitories or cruise ships .
“ The state ’ s constantly shifting positions are confusing and will lead to bad outcomes , ” said Michael Connors , a spokesman for California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform .
“ Which guidance are facilities expected to pay attention to ?
” The confusing signals come as the number of suspected coronavirus infections at communal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is skyrocketing .
On Thursday , Ferrer announced her department was investigating potential outbreaks at 54 institutions , dozens more than the day before .
Eleven of the 78 people who have died of COVID-19 in Los Angeles County have been nursing home residents , officials said .
Los Angeles County public health officials continue to reiterate pleas for Angelenos to stay at home in an effort to stem the virus ’ spread and give hospitals a chance to treat the ill without becoming overwhelmed .
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti went as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Power to shut off utilities to nonessential businesses violating the city ’ s order to close amid the pandemic .
“ Slowing the spread of this virus and flattening the curve on new infections demands that we all do our part , and that ’ s the bottom line , ” Garcetti said .
“ Yet still some nonessential businesses continue to operate , putting everybody at risk.
” in coronavirus infections Wednesday , as officials announced 107 new cases and three additional deaths .
On Thursday , officials added 56 new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , bringing the county ’ s death toll to 13 .
Of the more than 7,790 people who have been tested countywide , 656 COVID-19 cases have been confirmed .
More than 100 people are hospitalized , with 47 in intensive care units , according to county officials .
State officials announced Wednesday they will use the Fairview Developmental Center — a state-owned property in Costa Mesa — as an alternative care site to relieve stress on other regional hospitals .
Repurposing the center , which long housed adults with developmental and behavioral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effort to boost the number of hospital beds available statewide .
The facility will provide up to 1,100 new hospital beds that should be available this month , according to Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris ( D-Laguna Beach ) .
“ Around the world and in other states , we have seen the horrific images and heard the heartbreaking stories of COVID-19 patients dying in hospital corridors because there are not enough beds , ” she said in a statement .
“ We are aggressively preparing for California ’ s surge to try to avoid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its first death from the virus Wednesday .
The person was in their 60s and had underlying health conditions , according to public health officials .
Twelve additional COVID-19 cases were confirmed throughout the county , bringing the number of confirmed infections to 111 .
Meanwhile , Tehama County in Northern California announced its first case of the virus late Wednesday .
Riverside County sheriff ’ s Deputy Terrell Young died from complications of the coronavirus , the department said Thursday .
He had served in the department for 15 years and was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus .
The number of COVID-19 cases in Alameda County rose by 34 overnight , from 339 to 373 .
The number of deaths also rose from eight to nine , according to the Alameda County Public Health Department .
A person in neighboring San Joaquin County died from the virus Thursday , bringing the county ’ s death total to nine .
The county also saw an increase of 12 cases , rising to 173 , according to its Public Health Services department .
Health officials warned it could get much worse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the stay-at-home orders , which now could last well into May .
Some officials have begun recommending that people wear face coverings when going out in public .
However , Barbara Ferrer , director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health , cautioned against using N95 and surgical masks , which are already in short supply for healthcare providers .
She said people could use a bandanna or piece of fabric to cover their nose and mouth while out in public doing essential errands , but she warned : “ Wearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It does not replace frequent hand washing and social distancing efforts .
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said he had been awaiting advice on masks from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , but with the COVID-19 rate surging , he decided to wait no longer on weighing in on the mask debate .
He said everyone performing essential tasks outside the home such as food shopping should wear homemade , nonmedical face coverings , or even bandannas , as people in other countries have done .
“ To be clear , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This isn ’ t an excuse to suddenly all go out , ” Garcetti said .
Newsom also emphasized that wearing a mask or other face covering is “ not a substitute for physical distancing.
” “ If you are going into an environment where physical distancing is all but impossible — for example , into a grocery store with small aisles and a long queue — we do believe it would be additive and beneficial to have a face covering , ” he said .
Times staff writers Joseph Serna , Kailyn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cruz contributed to this report .

Hannah Fry, Luke Money, Rong-Gong Lin II, Jack Dolan, Hailey Branson-Potts

A medical staff member carries a digital inverter generator into Cedar Mountain Post Acute nursing home after 51 residents and six staff members tested positive for the coronavirus on Wednesday in Yucaipa. Two of the residents have died.
Los Angeles County health officials Thursday confirmed 13 new coronavirus-related deaths, bringing the toll to 78.
Twelve of the victims were over the age of 65 and of those, 11 had underlying health conditions, according to Barbara Ferrer, director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
The other person who died was between ages 41 and 65 and also had underlying health conditions, Ferrer said.
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Los Angeles County officials also announced 534 new COVID-19 cases. Long Beach, which has its own health department, announced 14 new cases, bringing the city’s total to 153. There were 49 confirmed cases in Pasadena, which also has its own health department.
There were more than 4,000 confirmed cases overall in L.A. County as of Thursday afternoon. The daily count has increased by more than 1,000 in the last 48 hours.
“We are all in this together, so it makes sense that we work together to get through this,” Ferrer said. “Please don’t lose hope, and please don’t stop following all of the directives that you are following right now to slow the spread of COVID-19.”
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues its march across California, the number of cases in the state swelled to more than 11,000 Thursday — with the death toll topping 200. Of those cases, 40% have occurred in L.A. County.
Amid the surge, officials are continuing to urge the public to carry on with unprecedented social-distancing measures while also rushing to get more supplies to hospitals amid a rise in sick patients.
The rapid spread of the virus brought new concerns about whether the state’s healthcare system can handle the inflow of patients. Many California hospitals and local medical centers are grappling with shortages of supplies amid a scramble to prepare for what is expected to be a deluge of patients in the coming weeks.
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The case count comes from a continuous Los Angeles Times survey of the dozens of local health agencies across California.
While the number of infections continues to swell statewide, Gov. Gavin Newsom said he believes the state’s social-distancing efforts have made a difference.
“The ICU numbers and the hospital numbers, while they’re growing, are not growing as significantly as you’re seeing in other parts of the country,” he said Thursday. “We’re not out of the woods by any stretch of the imagination.”
In recent weeks, a fierce debate has erupted between hospitals and nursing homes over the fate of elderly patients.
Hospitals are desperately trying to discharge patients to clear space for an expected wave of people infected with COVID-19. But nursing homes are reluctant to accept any new patients — or even returning residents — until it is proved that they are virus-free.
On Monday, the California Department of Public Health sided squarely with the hospitals, ordering skilled nursing facilities to accept residents even if they have tested positive for the novel coronavirus. After an outcry from elder advocates, one of whom called the directive “nothing less than a death sentence” for nursing home residents, state officials issued new guidance late Wednesday.
“The final determination lies with the local health department,” the state’s Department of Public Health said in an email to The Times. “Local public health officers have this authority in an emergency.”
Elder advocates, who say most nursing homes lack the equipment and training to properly quarantine patients with the virus, are not satisfied. Many want the state to set up entirely separate living spaces for nursing home residents with the virus, like empty hotels, dormitories or cruise ships.
“The state’s constantly shifting positions are confusing and will lead to bad outcomes,” said Michael Connors, a spokesman for California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform. “Which guidance are facilities expected to pay attention to?”
The confusing signals come as the number of suspected coronavirus infections at communal living institutions, including nursing homes, is skyrocketing. On Thursday, Ferrer announced her department was investigating potential outbreaks at 54 institutions, dozens more than the day before.
Eleven of the 78 people who have died of COVID-19 in Los Angeles County have been nursing home residents, officials said.
Los Angeles County public health officials continue to reiterate pleas for Angelenos to stay at home in an effort to stem the virus’ spread and give hospitals a chance to treat the ill without becoming overwhelmed.
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti went as far as advising the Department of Water and Power to shut off utilities to nonessential businesses violating the city’s order to close amid the pandemic.
“Slowing the spread of this virus and flattening the curve on new infections demands that we all do our part, and that’s the bottom line,” Garcetti said. “Yet still some nonessential businesses continue to operate, putting everybody at risk.”
Garcetti said Thursday night that eight businesses had been referred for criminal prosecution, but that the process will take time because courts are closed.
“We had a smoke shop that just refused to close,” Garcetti said. “And even when police officers were there, they said, ‘Forget you’ — probably not in as nice words — ‘we’re not going to do it.’”
The city is moving to shut off the smoke shop’s power, he said.
“We want to let people know that we are serious about this, that businesses that flagrantly violate this will be shut down short term and prosecuted in the medium term as well,” Garcetti said.
California Scientists are unsure of coronavirus effects at the beach The virus could be carried to the ocean in runoff and then kicked into the air by the surf, a Scripps scientist says.
Orange County saw its biggest single-day increase in coronavirus infections Wednesday, as officials announced 107 new cases and three additional deaths. On Thursday, officials added 56 new cases to the list and three deaths, bringing the county’s death toll to 13.
Of the more than 7,790 people who have been tested countywide, 656 COVID-19 cases have been confirmed. More than 100 people are hospitalized, with 47 in intensive care units, according to county officials.
State officials announced Wednesday they will use the Fairview Developmental Center — a state-owned property in Costa Mesa — as an alternative care site to relieve stress on other regional hospitals. Repurposing the center, which long housed adults with developmental and behavioral disabilities, is part of an overall effort to boost the number of hospital beds available statewide.
The facility will provide up to 1,100 new hospital beds that should be available this month, according to Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Laguna Beach).
“Around the world and in other states, we have seen the horrific images and heard the heartbreaking stories of COVID-19 patients dying in hospital corridors because there are not enough beds,” she said in a statement. “We are aggressively preparing for California’s surge to try to avoid that nightmare.”
Santa Barbara County recorded its first death from the virus Wednesday. The person was in their 60s and had underlying health conditions, according to public health officials.
Twelve additional COVID-19 cases were confirmed throughout the county, bringing the number of confirmed infections to 111.
Meanwhile, Tehama County in Northern California announced its first case of the virus late Wednesday.
Riverside County Sheriff’s Deputy Terrell Young died from complications of the coronavirus, the department said Thursday. He had served in the department for 15 years and was its first member to succumb to the virus. He is survived by his wife of 31 years and four children.
In a news briefing Thursday, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco described Young as a compassionate deputy who worked with the public and inmates.
“He was a fantastic role model for his kids, especially for his daughter,” Bianco said. “Employees knew they could count on him for good advice. Terrell was always on time and very well liked by his peers and supervisors and always willing to lend a hand. According to many, he was known for his smile and he will be deeply missed.”
Bianco said he believes Young contracted the virus after escorting an inmate to a Riverside University Health System hospital during the week of March 16. On March 22, Young went home from work after coming down with a fever. The next day, 10 employees, including Young, called in sick. The inmate Young had escorted also began experiencing symptoms that day. The inmate has tested positive for the virus, although it’s unclear if he tested positive before or after contact with Young.
Bianco said all employees and inmates who have exhibited symptoms have been quarantined and tested. So far, 25 employees and 11 inmates have tested positive for the virus, some of whom did not show any symptoms. Several employees have been or are in the hospital. One is in critical condition.
“It should be an eye-opener for the general public,” he said. “We are seeing the drastic and the viral aspects of this and it’s not pretty.”
The number of COVID-19 cases in Alameda County rose by 34 overnight, from 339 to 373. The number of deaths also rose from eight to nine, according to the Alameda County Public Health Department.
A person in neighboring San Joaquin County died from the virus Thursday, bringing the county’s death total to nine. The county also saw an increase of 12 cases, rising to 173, according to its Public Health Services department.
Health officials warned it could get much worse if Californians don’t adhere to the stay-at-home orders, which now could last well into May.
California Do you know someone who has lost the battle with COVID-19? In our effort to cover this pandemic as thoroughly as possible, we’d like to hear from the loved ones of people who have died from the coronavirus.
Some officials have begun recommending that people wear face coverings when going out in public. However, Ferrer cautioned against using N95 and surgical masks, which are already in short supply for healthcare providers.
She said people could use a bandanna or piece of fabric to cover their nose and mouth while out in public doing essential errands, but she warned: “Wearing a mask is not a shield.” It does not replace frequent hand washing and social distancing efforts.
Ferrer said the face coverings were intended for interactions with other people.
If a person goes on a run alone, she said, a face covering is not necessary. If a person runs with other people, which should only be done if they are spread out, or stops to chat with someone while exercising, a covering is advised.
Garcetti said he had been awaiting advice on masks from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but with the COVID-19 rate surging, he decided to wait no longer on weighing in on the mask debate.
He said everyone performing essential tasks outside the home such as food shopping should wear homemade, nonmedical face coverings, or even bandannas, as people in other countries have done.
“Data shows many folks who are infected are aysmptomatic and can become super-spreaders, infecting people that they come into contact with,” Garcetti said Thursday evening.
“And together with physical distancing and staying at home, adding a protective face covering is another tool to slow the spread. We want you to keep your respiratory droplets to yourself.”
Times staff writers Joseph Serna, Kailyn Brown, Priscella Vega and Nicole Santa Cruz contributed to this report.


latimes--2020-04-02--En la lucha contra el coronavirus, los trabajadores con mascarillas mantienen unida la red de seguri

En la lucha contra el coronavirus, los trabajadores con mascarillas mantienen unida la red de seguridad social de L.A.

Buscaban a un hombre llamado Wayne que era viejo y frágil y que probablemente no había comido en mucho tiempo , lo que lo ubicaba en la categoría más vulnerable para contraer el nuevo coronavirus .
Christian Riehl y John Cudol , trabajadores sociales para personas sin hogar , habían visto por última vez a Wayne en su destartalada casa rodante , que estaba estacionada en 135th Street y Broadway , en Willowbrook .
Riehl tenía un bono de motel para Wayne y esperaba poder persuadirlo de que entregara su RV y entrara .
Pero cuando llegaron a la esquina @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Al otro lado de la calle , había otra casa rodante y un hombre desaliñado llamado Louie abrió la puerta .
“ El condado de Los Ángeles nos ha enviado para asegurarnos de que todos los mayores de 65 años tengan un lugar para quedarse ” , le dijo Cudol .
Dado que se espera que aumente la cantidad de casos de coronavirus en las próximas semanas , Riehl y Cudol estaban haciendo algunas cosas de manera diferente .
Llevaban mascarillas : una máscara de esquí para Riehl y una polaina de cuello @ @ @ @ @ @ @ zapatos con alcohol después de cada conversación con un desamparado , y buscaron en específico a personas mayores y otros individuos que son médicamente frágiles .
Pero su misión no había cambiado realmente .
Como trabajadores sociales para el Centro St. Joseph , Cudol y Riehl laboran exclusivamente con personas sin hogar que viven en vehículos , por lo que continuaron presentándose a los cientos de habitantes de casas rodantes en South de Los Ángeles y los ayudaron a obtener servicios y vivienda .
Si bien las casas rodantes ocupadas se han convertido @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Condado , este tramo de Broadway , donde la calle es amplia y no se aplica la prohibición de estacionamiento nocturno , se ha convertido en una aldea de casas rodantes lineal .
Riehl y Cudol monitorean los más de 200 vehículos estacionados allí .
Algunos son móviles ; muchos están dañados .
Varios parecen decentes ; otros están remendados con cartón o lonas .
Algunos son propiedad de personas que eligen vivir a bajo precio .
La mayoría pertenece a individuos que han sido golpeados por la vida , incluidos los ocupantes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ negro de alquiler de vehículos recreativos .
El Programa de extensión para personas sin hogar se fundó en 2014 para tratar el problema .
El número actual de vehículos recreativos y automóviles ha bajado de los más de 300 cuando comenzó el programa , señaló Riehl .
Quienes obtienen vivienda pueden conservar sus vehículos si hay estacionamiento disponible y si estos aún están operativos .
El programa paga remolcar y desmantelar los automóviles y vehículos recreativos que ya no funcionan , para que no permanezcan en las calles .
El camino hacia el @ @ @ @ @ @ @ por cada paso adelante a menudo hay un paso atrás .
De las 129 personas que han calificado para vivienda , hasta ahora , 79 se han mudado , cuatro de ellas este año , según informes presentados ante la Junta de Supervisores del Condado de Los Ángeles .
Louie era nuevo en el vecindario , les dijo a Riehl y Cudol .
Expuso que había estado viviendo en su casa rodante en Lomita durante cinco años hasta que se le pidió que se mudara .
“ Al menos tenía un lugar para @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no me quieren ” .
“ Sólo quiero asegurarme de que te encuentras bien y puedes cuidarte a ti mismo ” , le dijo Cudol .
“ Si tienes eso , lo sabrías ” .
Riehl y Cudol se movieron en lados opuestos de la calle .
Cudol , abriéndose camino a través de un montón de aparatos electrónicos anticuados , partes de vehículos y electrodomésticos rotos , preguntó en cada puerta si alguien adentro tenía 65 años o más o estaba enfermo .
Son los trabajadores sociales los que sirven de ojos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ papel que se ha vuelto aún más importante a medida que los funcionarios locales y estatales han ordenado el distanciamiento social para frenar la pandemia .
Estos trabajadores desempeñan el papel crucial de conectar a las personas sin hogar con una lista de servicios y recursos en rápido crecimiento , incluidos refugios de emergencia , habitaciones de hotel y motel e instalaciones de cuarentena .
Si Cudol , por ejemplo , se encuentra con alguien que vive en un RV con síntomas similares a la gripe , una posible señal de COVID-19 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ equipo médico transporte a esa persona a una de las instalaciones de cuarentena que se están estableciendo rápidamente en todo el condado de Los Ángeles .
Las personas sin hogar que corren un alto riesgo de contraer el virus pero que no muestran ningún síntoma , van a moteles o refugios , y son los trabajadores sociales quienes deben llamar a un Uber o un taxi para llevarlos allí .
Riehl esperaba hacer eso por Wayne , ahora que lo había encontrado .
Hizo una llamada , tratando de obtener algo de comida @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dónde podía buscar algo de comida .
Dijo que regresaría más tarde e intentaría llevar a Wayne a un motel .
Pero una emergencia de repente necesitó la atención de los trabajadores sociales .
El ayudante de un alguacil les había informado sobre una abuela , tres hijas y dos nietas que vivían en una casa rodante a unas pocas millas de distancia en la calle Badera sin tuberías ni electricidad .
Al entrevistar a las mujeres , Riehl y Cudol determinaron que ni la abuela ni la madre tenían 65 años o @ @ @ @ @ @ @ de salud de alto riesgo .
Eso descartó la primera opción de Riehl de trasladar a la familia a uno de los remolques de cuarentena en Dockweiler State Beach .
En cambio , trató de conseguir un motel , no es cualquier cosa para una familia de seis .
Al final del día , Riehl y Cudol tuvieron un éxito mixto en sus esfuerzos por ayudar a quienes habían encontrado .
Wayne tomó la comida , pero rechazó el cupón para el motel .
Una pareja de ancianos que estaban haciendo fila para @ @ @ @ @ @ @ motel esperando para ayudarlos , pero aún no se habían registrado .
Y , después de obtener la ayuda de un especialista en vivienda , la familia de seis se mudó a un motel .
Para leer esta nota en inglés haga clic aquí

John Cudol, izquierda, rocía alcohol sobre Christian Riehl. Los trabajadores sociales del Centro St. Joseph pasaron horas en South Los Ángeles buscando ayudar a las personas sin hogar a dejar las calles.
Buscaban a un hombre llamado Wayne que era viejo y frágil y que probablemente no había comido en mucho tiempo, lo que lo ubicaba en la categoría más vulnerable para contraer el nuevo coronavirus.
Christian Riehl y John Cudol, trabajadores sociales para personas sin hogar, habían visto por última vez a Wayne en su destartalada casa rodante, que estaba estacionada en 135th Street y Broadway, en Willowbrook.
Riehl tenía un bono de motel para Wayne y esperaba poder persuadirlo de que entregara su RV y entrara. Pero cuando llegaron a la esquina, su RV no estaba allí.
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Al otro lado de la calle, había otra casa rodante y un hombre desaliñado llamado Louie abrió la puerta.
“El condado de Los Ángeles nos ha enviado para asegurarnos de que todos los mayores de 65 años tengan un lugar para quedarse”, le dijo Cudol.
Dado que se espera que aumente la cantidad de casos de coronavirus en las próximas semanas, Riehl y Cudol estaban haciendo algunas cosas de manera diferente. Llevaban mascarillas: una máscara de esquí para Riehl y una polaina de cuello para Cudol. Rociaron sus ropas y zapatos con alcohol después de cada conversación con un desamparado, y buscaron en específico a personas mayores y otros individuos que son médicamente frágiles.
Mario Juárez, a la izquierda, que vive en una casa rodante, habla con el administrador de casos del Centro St. Joseph, John Cudol, en South Los Ángeles. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)
Pero su misión no había cambiado realmente. Como trabajadores sociales para el Centro St. Joseph, Cudol y Riehl laboran exclusivamente con personas sin hogar que viven en vehículos, por lo que continuaron presentándose a los cientos de habitantes de casas rodantes en South de Los Ángeles y los ayudaron a obtener servicios y vivienda.
Si bien las casas rodantes ocupadas se han convertido en una vista común en todo el Condado, este tramo de Broadway, donde la calle es amplia y no se aplica la prohibición de estacionamiento nocturno, se ha convertido en una aldea de casas rodantes lineal.
Riehl y Cudol monitorean los más de 200 vehículos estacionados allí. Algunos son móviles; muchos están dañados. Varios parecen decentes; otros están remendados con cartón o lonas. Algunos son propiedad de personas que eligen vivir a bajo precio. La mayoría pertenece a individuos que han sido golpeados por la vida, incluidos los ocupantes ilegales y los inquilinos en un mercado negro de alquiler de vehículos recreativos.
El administrador de casos del St. Joseph Center, John Cudol, habla con un hombre sin hogar. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)
El Programa de extensión para personas sin hogar se fundó en 2014 para tratar el problema. El número actual de vehículos recreativos y automóviles ha bajado de los más de 300 cuando comenzó el programa, señaló Riehl. Quienes obtienen vivienda pueden conservar sus vehículos si hay estacionamiento disponible y si estos aún están operativos. El programa paga remolcar y desmantelar los automóviles y vehículos recreativos que ya no funcionan, para que no permanezcan en las calles.
El camino hacia el éxito rara vez es directo, y por cada paso adelante a menudo hay un paso atrás. De las 129 personas que han calificado para vivienda, hasta ahora, 79 se han mudado, cuatro de ellas este año, según informes presentados ante la Junta de Supervisores del Condado de Los Ángeles.
Louie era nuevo en el vecindario, les dijo a Riehl y Cudol. Expuso que había estado viviendo en su casa rodante en Lomita durante cinco años hasta que se le pidió que se mudara.
“Al menos tenía un lugar para estar”, manifestó. “Ahora no me quieren”.
John Cudol, izquierda, Christian Riehl, centro, y Joel Montes están tratando de informar a las personas sin hogar sobre los nuevos refugios en los centros de recreación de la ciudad. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)
Louie estaba indeciso acerca de obtener servicios.
“Sólo quiero asegurarme de que te encuentras bien y puedes cuidarte a ti mismo”, le dijo Cudol. “Si tienes eso, lo sabrías”.
Riehl y Cudol se movieron en lados opuestos de la calle. Cudol, abriéndose camino a través de un montón de aparatos electrónicos anticuados, partes de vehículos y electrodomésticos rotos, preguntó en cada puerta si alguien adentro tenía 65 años o más o estaba enfermo.
Son los trabajadores sociales los que sirven de ojos y oídos en las calles, un papel que se ha vuelto aún más importante a medida que los funcionarios locales y estatales han ordenado el distanciamiento social para frenar la pandemia. Estos trabajadores desempeñan el papel crucial de conectar a las personas sin hogar con una lista de servicios y recursos en rápido crecimiento, incluidos refugios de emergencia, habitaciones de hotel y motel e instalaciones de cuarentena.
Si Cudol, por ejemplo, se encuentra con alguien que vive en un RV con síntomas similares a la gripe, una posible señal de COVID-19, tendría que hacer arreglos para que un equipo médico transporte a esa persona a una de las instalaciones de cuarentena que se están estableciendo rápidamente en todo el condado de Los Ángeles.
Las personas sin hogar que corren un alto riesgo de contraer el virus pero que no muestran ningún síntoma, van a moteles o refugios, y son los trabajadores sociales quienes deben llamar a un Uber o un taxi para llevarlos allí.
Riehl esperaba hacer eso por Wayne, ahora que lo había encontrado. Hizo una llamada, tratando de obtener algo de comida, pero no había donaciones.
“¿Ni siquiera Top Ramen?”, preguntó Riehl con frustración.
Sabía dónde podía buscar algo de comida. Dijo que regresaría más tarde e intentaría llevar a Wayne a un motel.
Pero una emergencia de repente necesitó la atención de los trabajadores sociales. El ayudante de un alguacil les había informado sobre una abuela, tres hijas y dos nietas que vivían en una casa rodante a unas pocas millas de distancia en la calle Badera sin tuberías ni electricidad.
Al entrevistar a las mujeres, Riehl y Cudol determinaron que ni la abuela ni la madre tenían 65 años o más, ni se encontraban en condición de salud de alto riesgo.
El director de casos del Centro St. Joseph, John Cudol. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)
Eso descartó la primera opción de Riehl de trasladar a la familia a uno de los remolques de cuarentena en Dockweiler State Beach. En cambio, trató de conseguir un motel, no es cualquier cosa para una familia de seis.
Al final del día, Riehl y Cudol tuvieron un éxito mixto en sus esfuerzos por ayudar a quienes habían encontrado.
Wayne tomó la comida, pero rechazó el cupón para el motel. Una pareja de ancianos que estaban haciendo fila para conseguir un apartamento tenía una habitación de motel esperando para ayudarlos, pero aún no se habían registrado. Y, después de obtener la ayuda de un especialista en vivienda, la familia de seis se mudó a un motel.
Para leer esta nota en inglés haga clic aquí


latimes--2020-04-02--Here is the latest list of L.A. County communities with coronavirus cases

Coronavirus cases in Los Angeles County rose dramatically Thursday as officials reported more than 500 new cases , bringing the total number of people infected by the virus in the region to 4,045 .
County officials also reported 13 additional deaths , bringing the toll to 78 .
Twelve of the people who most recently died were over the age of 65 and of those , 11 had underlying health conditions , according to county health officials .
The other victim was between the age of 41 and 65 and also had underlying health conditions , said Barbara Ferrer , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Public Health .
The coronavirus has also spread to the most vulnerable populations in the county , with nine homeless people testing positive for COVID-19 , Ferrer said .
“ Our hearts go out to the families of every Angeleno who has lost someone to this frightening disease , ” Ferrer said in a statement .
“ The psychological impact of rising case counts and deaths is real , both individually and collectively , and I urge everyone to take care of their emotional health and to check in frequently with those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a long haul , and we have many weeks of work ahead before we begin to see the benefits of our efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19 .
But if we act as one community against this virus , by staying home as much as possible , self-isolating when we are sick and self-quarantining if we ’ ve been exposed , we will get through this , together.
” Here is the list of communities in Los Angeles County with coronavirus cases .
Check out the latest from The Times tracker @

Traffic is light April 1 on the interchange of the 101 and 10 freeways in downtown Los Angeles California remains in coronavirus lockdown.
Coronavirus cases in Los Angeles County rose dramatically Thursday as officials reported more than 500 new cases, bringing the total number of people infected by the virus in the region to 4,045.
County officials also reported 13 additional deaths, bringing the toll to 78. Twelve of the people who most recently died were over the age of 65 and of those, 11 had underlying health conditions, according to county health officials.
The other victim was between the age of 41 and 65 and also had underlying health conditions, said Barbara Ferrer, director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
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The coronavirus has also spread to the most vulnerable populations in the county, with nine homeless people testing positive for COVID-19, Ferrer said.
“Our hearts go out to the families of every Angeleno who has lost someone to this frightening disease,” Ferrer said in a statement. “The psychological impact of rising case counts and deaths is real, both individually and collectively, and I urge everyone to take care of their emotional health and to check in frequently with those in your extended communities. This will be a long haul, and we have many weeks of work ahead before we begin to see the benefits of our efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19. But if we act as one community against this virus, by staying home as much as possible, self-isolating when we are sick and self-quarantining if we’ve been exposed, we will get through this, together.”
Here is the list of communities in Los Angeles County with coronavirus cases. Check out the latest from The Times tracker:
Long Beach 139
Melrose 113
Glendale 93
Hollywood 71
Torrance 69
West Hollywood 68
Santa Clarita 65
North Hollywood 57
Santa Monica 56
Carson 55
Redondo Beach 54
Beverly Hills 45
Inglewood 44
Sherman Oaks 43
Downey 43
Manhattan Beach 43
Brentwood 42
Burbank 41
Pasadena 37
Sylmar 35
Hancock Park 34
Hollywood Hills 34
Encino 33
Lancaster 33
Woodland Hills 33
South Gate 30
Tarzana 29
Palms 28
Hawthorne 26
Norwalk 26
Westwood 25
Silver Lake 25
Bellflower 24
Pacific Palisades 24
West Los Angeles 24
Compton 24
Valley Village 23
Beverly Crest 23
Valley Village 23
East Los Angeles 23
Florence-Firestone 23
Hawthorne 22
Van Nuys 22
Reseda 21
Lynwood 21
Koreatown 21
Lakewood 21
Mar Vista 21
Palmdale 20
Venice 20
Chatsworth 20
Del Rey 20
Rancho Palos Verdes 20
Boyle Heights 20
Westlake 20
Florence-Firestone 19
Studio City 19
Culver City 19
San Pedro 19
Granada Hills 19
Glassell Park 18
Westchester 18
Palos Verdes Estates 18
Carthay 17
Century City 17
West Vernon 17
Crestview 17
Gardena 17
Whittier 16
Lake Balboa 16
Altadena 16
Los Feliz 16
Central 16
Panorama City 16
Canoga Park 16
Beverlywood 15
Downtown 15
Pico Rivera 15
West Adams 15
Huntington Park 15
Athens-Westmont 15
Alhambra 15
Pomona 15
Hermosa Beach 15
Wilshire Center 15
Winnetka 15
University Park 14
Mid-City 14
Northridge 14
Bell 14
Agoura Hills 14
South Carthay 14
Baldwin Hills 13
Calabasas 13
Wilmington 13
Eagle Rock 13
Paramount 13
Exposition Park 13
North Hills 13
East Hollywood 12
Arcadia 12
Temple-Beaudry 12
Wholesale District 12
Hacienda Heights 12
Porter Ranch 12
South Park 12
Bel-Air 12
Miracle Mile 12
West Carson 11
Century Palms/Cove 11
West Hills 11
Covina 11
Valley Glen 11
Watts 11
La Mirada 11
Monterey Park 11
Harbor Gateway 11
Highland Park 10
Sun Valley 10
Leimert Park 10
Cerritos 10
Maywood 10
Hyde Park 10
Pico-Union 9
Country Club Park 9
South Whittier 9
Cheviot Hills 9
Lennox 9
Little Bangladesh 9
El Sereno 9
Montebello 9
Cudahy 9
Sunland 9
Lakeview Terrace 8
Green Meadows 8
Adams-Normandie 8
La Cañada Flintridge 8
Harbor City 8
Pacoima 8
Azusa 8
Lawndale 8
West Covina 7
Vermont Vista 7
South Pasadena 7
Playa Vista 7
Glendora 7
Monrovia 7
View Park/Windsor Hills 7
Arleta 7
La Puente 7
San Gabriel 7
El Monte 7
Diamond Bar 7
Vermont Knolls 7
Vernon Central 7
Crenshaw District 7
Marina Peninsula 6
Echo Park 6
Mission Hills 6
Lake View Terrace 6
Ladera Heights 6
Lincoln Heights 6
Park La Brea 6
Willowbrook 6
Historic Filipinotown 6
Harvard Heights 6
Rowland Heights 6
San Dimas 6
Victoria Park 6
Covina (unincorporated) 6
South San Gabriel 5
Tujunga 5
Bell Gardens 5
Cloverdale/Cochran 5
Marina del Rey 5
Vermont Square 5
Stevenson Ranch 5
Gramercy Place 5
Malibu 5
Shadow Hills 5
San Fernando 5
Harvard Park 5
Baldwin Park 5
Rolling Hills Estates 5
Walnut 4
Castaic 4
Claremont 3
Rosemead 3
La Verne 2
West Whittier/Los Nietos 2
Temple City 1
Santa Monica Mountains 1-4
Santa Fe Springs 1-4
Northeast San Gabriel 1-4
North Whittier 1-4
Twin Lakes/Oat Mountain 1-4
Mt. Washington 1-4
Monrovia 1-4
Mandeville Canyon 1-4
Manchester Square 1-4
Longwood 1-4
Lomita 1-4
Little Tokyo 1-4
Little Armenia 1-4
Lafayette Square 1-4
Valencia 1-4
La Verne 1-4
San Marino 1-4
La Rambla 1-4
Rosewood 1-4
Hawaiian Gardens 1-4
Valinda 1-4
Faircrest Heights 1-4
Elysian Valley 1-4
Elysian Park 1-4
El Segundo 1-4
Signal Hill 1-4
El Camino Village 1-4
East Whittier 1-4
East Rancho Dominguez 1-4
East La Mirada 1-4
Sun Village 1-4
View Heights 1-4
West Antelope Valley 1-4
Duarte 1-4
Thai Town 1-4
West LA 1-4
West Puente Valley 1-4
Del Aire 1-4
Azusa (unincorporated) 1-4
Covina (Charter Oak) 1-4
Palisades Highlands 1-4
Hawthorne (unincorporated) 1-4
Reynier Village 1-4
Westlake Village 1-4
Wiseburn 1-4
Sierra Madre 1-4
Reseda Ranch 1-4
Chinatown 1-4
Regent Square 1-4
Rancho Park 1-4
Canyon Country 1-4
Cadillac-Corning 1-4
Rancho Dominguez 1-4
Quartz Hill 1-4
Toluca Lake 1-4
Atwater Village 1-4
Athens Village 1-4
Artesia 1-4
Playa del Rey 1-4
Alsace 1-4
Acton 1-4
La Crescenta-Montrose 1-4
Lake Los Angeles 1-4
Saugus 1-4
Walnut Park 1-4


latimes--2020-04-02--Coronavirus at beaches? Surfers, swimmers should stay away, scientist says

Kim Prather , a leading atmospheric chemist at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography , wants to yell out her window at every surfer , runner , and biker she spots along the San Diego coast .
“ I wouldn ’ t go in the water if you paid me $ 1 million right now , ” she said .
The beach , in her estimation , is one of the most dangerous places to be these days , as the novel coronavirus marches silently across California .
Many beachgoers know they can suffer skin rashes , stomach illness and serious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the water within three days of a heavy rain , due to bacteria and pathogens washing off roads and into the ocean .
Raw or poorly treated sewage entering the ocean also poses major health risks .
Prather fears that SARS-CoV-2 , the virus that causes COVID-19 , could enter coastal waters in similar ways and transfer back into the air along the coast .
In her research , Prather has found that the ocean churns up all kinds of particulate and microscopic pathogens , and every time the ocean sneezes with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sprays these particles into the air .
She believes that this new coronavirus is light enough to float through the air much farther than we think .
The six-feet rule , she said , doesn ’ t apply at the beach , where coastal winds can get quite strong and send viral particles soaring .
“ It ’ s not going to kill you if you miss a few surfing sessions , but it could if you go out there and get in the wrong air , ” she said .
“ You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you can ’ t smell it ...
It ’ s a real silent killer right now.
” Scientists across the globe are scrambling to learn the basic characteristics of the virus , and so far , neither the World Health Organization , the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention nor local health agencies have warned that the virus can be spread by ocean spray or coastal breezes .
However , they have warned that it can be spread by droplets from sneezes and coughs , and by coming into contact with it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been detected in sewage , scientists are still investigating whether it remains infectious in fecal matter — and whether it survives treatment in a wastewater facility .
In the eyes of California health officials , beaches pose a health threat by drawing large crowds of people who will congregate too closely and trigger a chain of infections .
It hasn ’ t been easy keeping Californians off the beach even with those concerns , despite stay-at-home orders and officials urging the public to avoid crowding popular areas .
By now most beaches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been roped off in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 , which has overwhelmed hospitals and escalated medical emergencies across the nation and world .
Even the Coastal Commission , usually the gatekeeper of California ’ s landmark law that declares access to the beach is a fundamental right , is allowing local officials to put up temporary signs and barricades — citing the emergency need to protect public health and safety .
Patrol cars and loudspeakers can be heard blasting social distancing rules along Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ slapped with a $ 1,000 fine after he ignored numerous warnings by police and lifeguards cautioning him not to go in the water .
Prather , who directs the Center for Aerosol Impacts on Chemistry of the Environment , a large research hub at Scripps backed by $ 40 million from the National Science Foundation , sent her researchers and students home long before California officials issued stay-at-home orders .
She suspected this virus was contagious by air , and knew from past studies that coronaviruses can be excreted in fecal matter .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ from sewage spills and outfalls , and then reenter the atmosphere .
Wastewater treatment plants don ’ t necessarily deactivate viruses before sending the sewage into the ocean — they tend to target bacteria like E. Coli , she said .
And in areas like Imperial Beach , sewage from the Tijuana River often spills into the ocean completely untreated .
Coronaviruses are encased by what she calls a “ hydrophobic ” lipid , or fatty , membrane .
Fat tends to float to the surface of water , similar to oil in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the surf zone and all the foam and bubbles pop , Prather said , “ all that stuff — the viruses , the bacteria , pollutants , all the gooey , oily stuff — just launches into the air.
” The ocean , in fact , is the largest natural source of aerosol particles after dust .
These marine aerosols affect the formation of clouds over the ocean and can spread over large distances .
Once in the air , studies have shown that aerosols can travel around the globe in as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found dust in microbes from Africa that changed the snowfall in California .
She ’ s been tracing the bacteria and sewage pollution dumped into the ocean from the Tijuana River , showing how much ends up transferring to the atmosphere .
“ Once things are in the air , they can go pretty darn far .
People are shocked whenever I talk about stuff becoming airborne , ” she said .
“ I see pictures of the beach shut down , and the signs tell you don ’ t walk on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t surf , but nobody tells you : Don ’ t breathe.
” Scientists are still debating the characteristics of this latest coronavirus .
Recent research in the New England Journal of Medicine found that when the virus was suspended in a mist under laboratory conditions , it remained “ viable and infectious ” for three hours — though researchers have said that time period would probably be no more than a half-hour in real-world conditions .
Charles Gerba , a professor of microbiology at the University of Arizona who has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreak , said these kinds of viruses have typically been found to survive two or three days in raw sewage .
With this new coronavirus , he ’ s done a few molecular tests : While he ’ s confirmed that the virus does wind up in sewage , he found that more than 90 % of this new coronavirus was removed following typical wastewater treatment — “ it ’ s very sensitive to disinfectants.
” Still up for debate , however , is whether the virus in the sewage is still infectious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another report says no , so we don ’ t really know yet for certain , ” said Gerba , whose research focuses on wastewater removal of viral pathogens .
As for how long the virus could survive in saltwater , there ’ s not much data , he said , but pathogens like hepatitis A or norovirus tend to survive much longer in wild environments .
For Prather , she hopes to fill in more data gaps and is preparing to test the air particles along the coast for signs of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inconsistent water quality .
“ People kept saying respiratory droplets and surfaces , surfaces , surfaces , but I just felt like no way , this is something special , ” she said .
“ This thing is so contagious … .
Look at that choir in Washington — those people weren ’ t coughing .
They were just singing !
But it got so many of them.
” In the meantime , California beaches are likely to remain close to empty .
Even beach advocacy groups have joined the Coastal Commission in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and ocean .
Fresh air and connecting with the outdoors are important , they said , but these are extraordinary times .
Some people worry the temporary closures could lead to permanent beaches behind lock and key — public beach access , after all , has been a contentious battle along the coast for decades .
Coastal officials say they ’ ve been keeping track of which beaches have closed , and city and county leaders have been told that access restrictions expire immediately whenever shelter-in-place orders are lifted .
“ We recognize @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and we strongly encourage local governments to consider approaches that balance public health order requirements and equitable public access — the coast belongs to all , ” Jack Ainsworth , the coastal commission ’ s executive director , wrote in a letter to local officials .
Surfrider Foundation , one of the most passionate public access groups in California , assured beachgoers that they will be out in full force once the restrictions are lifted to ensure that no oceanfront property owners took advantage of this unprecedented situation .
“ We in California @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” said Jennifer Savage , Surfrider ’ s policy manager in California .
“ But we also believe in being responsible citizens and protecting the health and safety of our community .
“ Right now , you can be the difference between life and death for somebody you don ’ t know .
”

Kim Prather, a leading atmospheric chemist at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, wants to yell out her window at every surfer, runner, and biker she spots along the San Diego coast.
“I wouldn’t go in the water if you paid me $1 million right now,” she said.
The beach, in her estimation, is one of the most dangerous places to be these days, as the novel coronavirus marches silently across California.
Advertisement
Many beachgoers know they can suffer skin rashes, stomach illness and serious ear and respiratory infections if they go into the water within three days of a heavy rain, because of bacteria and pathogens washing off roads and into the ocean. Raw or poorly treated sewage entering the ocean also poses major health risks.
Prather fears that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, could enter coastal waters in similar ways and transfer back into the air along the coast.
In her research, Prather has found that the ocean churns up all kinds of particulate and microscopic pathogens, and every time the ocean sneezes with a big wave or two, it sprays these particles into the air. She believes that this new coronavirus is light enough to float through the air much farther than we think. The six-feet physical distancing rule, she said, doesn’t apply at the beach, where coastal winds can get quite strong and send viral particles soaring.
“It’s not going to kill you if you miss a few surfing sessions, but it could if you go out there and get in the wrong air,” she said.
“You can’t see the virus, you can’t smell it ... It’s a real silent killer right now.”
Advertisement
Scientists across the globe are scrambling to learn the basic characteristics of the virus, and so far, neither the World Health Organization, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention nor local health agencies have warned that the virus can be spread by ocean spray or coastal breezes. However, they have warned that it can be spread by droplets from sneezes and coughs, and by coming into contact with it on surfaces.
And though the virus has been detected in sewage, scientists are still investigating whether it remains infectious in fecal matter — and whether it survives treatment in a wastewater facility.
People walk along the beach in Coronado, which is among the few remaining beaches open in San Diego County on March 29, 2020. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
In the eyes of California health officials, beaches pose a health threat by drawing large crowds of people who will congregate too closely and trigger a chain of infections.
It hasn’t been easy keeping Californians off the beach even with those concerns, despite stay-at-home orders and officials urging the public to avoid crowding popular areas. By now most beaches, trails and parks in California have been roped off in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, which has overwhelmed hospitals and escalated medical emergencies across the nation and world.
Even the Coastal Commission, usually the gatekeeper of California’s landmark law that declares access to the beach is a fundamental right, is allowing local officials to put up temporary signs and barricades — citing the emergency need to protect public health and safety.
Patrol cars and loudspeakers can be heard blasting social distancing rules along Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica. In Manhattan Beach, a surfer was slapped with a $1,000 fine after he ignored numerous warnings by police and lifeguards cautioning him not to go in the water.
The Hermosa Beach Police Department closed off the strand. (Jay L. Clendenin/ Los Angeles Times)
Prather, who directs the Center for Aerosol Impacts on Chemistry of the Environment, a large research hub at Scripps backed by $40 million from the National Science Foundation, sent her researchers and students home long before California officials issued stay-at-home orders. She suspected this virus was contagious by air, and knew from past studies that coronaviruses can be excreted in fecal matter. She worries SARS-CoV-2 could enter the ocean from sewage spills and outfalls, and then reenter the atmosphere.
Wastewater treatment plants don’t necessarily deactivate viruses before sending the sewage into the ocean — they tend to target bacteria like E. Coli, she said. And in areas like Imperial Beach, sewage from the Tijuana River often spills into the ocean completely untreated.
Coronaviruses are encased by what she calls a “hydrophobic” lipid, or fatty, membrane. Fat tends to float to the surface of water, similar to oil in a vinaigrette dressing. When waves break in the surf zone and all the foam and bubbles pop, Prather said, “all that stuff — the viruses, the bacteria, pollutants, all the gooey, oily stuff — just launches into the air.”
The ocean, in fact, is the largest natural source of aerosol particles after dust. These marine aerosols affect the formation of clouds over the ocean and can spread over large distances.
Once in the air, studies have shown that aerosols can travel around the globe in as little as two weeks. Prather has found dust in microbes from Africa that changed the snowfall in California. She’s been tracing the bacteria and sewage pollution dumped into the ocean from the Tijuana River, showing how much ends up transferring to the atmosphere.
“Once things are in the air, they can go pretty darn far. People are shocked whenever I talk about stuff becoming airborne,” she said. “I see pictures of the beach shut down, and the signs tell you don’t walk on the beach, don’t swim, don’t surf, but nobody tells you: Don’t breathe.”
Scientists are still debating the characteristics of this latest coronavirus. Recent research in the New England Journal of Medicine found that when the virus was suspended in a mist under laboratory conditions, it remained “viable and infectious” for three hours — though researchers have said that time period would probably be no more than half an hour in real-world conditions.
Charles Gerba, a professor of microbiology at the University of Arizona who has studied coronaviruses in wastewater since the SARS outbreak, said these kinds of viruses have typically been found to survive two or three days in raw sewage.
With this new coronavirus, he’s done a few molecular tests: Though he’s confirmed that the virus does wind up in sewage, he found that more than 90% of this new coronavirus was removed by typical wastewater treatment —“it’s very sensitive to disinfectants.”
Still up for debate, however, is whether the virus in the sewage is still infectious.
“One report says yes, another report says no, so we don’t really know yet for certain,” said Gerba, whose research focuses on wastewater removal of viral pathogens. As for how long the virus could survive in saltwater, there’s not much data, he said, but pathogens like hepatitis A or norovirus tend to survive much longer in wild environments.
Here are the latest coronavirus numbers in California Here’s what we know so far about the statewide spread of the virus that causes COVID-19.
For Prather, she hopes to fill in more data gaps and is preparing to test the air particles along the coast for signs of the virus — especially in areas known for inconsistent water quality.
“People kept saying respiratory droplets and surfaces, surfaces, surfaces, but I just felt like no way, this is something special,” she said. “This thing is so contagious …. Look at that choir in Washington — those people weren’t coughing. They were just singing! But it got so many of them.”
In the meantime, California beaches are likely to remain close to empty. Even beach advocacy groups have joined the Coastal Commission in urging people to avoid crowding the beaches and ocean. Fresh air and connecting with the outdoors are important, they said, but these are extraordinary times.
Some people worry the temporary closures could lead to permanent beaches behind lock and key — public beach access, after all, has been a contentious battle along the coast for decades. Coastal officials say they’ve been keeping track of which beaches have closed, and city and county leaders have been told that access restrictions expire immediately whenever shelter-in-place orders are lifted.
“We recognize there is an inequity in coastal access and we strongly encourage local governments to consider approaches that balance public health order requirements and equitable public access — the coast belongs to all,” Jack Ainsworth, the coastal commission’s executive director, wrote in a letter to local officials.
California It just rained (again). Is it safe to swim in the ocean? After another back-to-back cold front that pelted rain, heavy snow and even a tornado warning down onto Southern California, here are some precautions and commonly asked questions about whether it’s safe to go to the beach.
Surfrider Foundation, one of the most passionate public access groups in California, assured beachgoers that they will be out in full force once the restrictions are lifted to ensure that no oceanfront property owners took advantage of this unprecedented situation.
“We in California have fought for open beaches for decades,” said Jennifer Savage, Surfrider’s policy manager in California. “But we also believe in being responsible citizens and protecting the health and safety of our community.
“Right now, you can be the difference between life and death for somebody you don’t know.”


latimes--2020-04-02--UC and Cal State relax admissions criteria due to coronavirus: What you need to know

The University of California and California State University systems announced Wednesday a temporary easing of admissions requirements for applicants for fall 2020 and beyond , citing the wide disruptions to education faced by K-12 and community college students .
“ Flexibility at this crucial time will ensure prospective students aiming for UC get a full and fair shot — no matter their current challenges , ” UC president Janet Napolitano said in a statement .
“ This is a very unique and challenging time for students and we want to make sure that if they had planned to be CSU-bound @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them reach that goal , ” said Catherine Nelson , chair of Cal State ’ s systemwide Academic Senate .
With California schools closed for the remainder of the academic year , the switch to online learning is uneven and many students are without computers and internet access .
Also , with college entrance and advanced placement exams canceled or altered , students , parents and academic counselors have wondered if and how work during the winter , spring and summer terms will be evaluated by admissions officers .
The admission requirement changes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ students who are planning to enter either of the four-year university systems in 2020 or 2021 .
How will my grades for this semester be counted ?
Both the UC and Cal State systems said they will accept marks of “ pass ” or “ credit ” instead of letter grades for any of the 15 “ A-G ” required high school courses completed during winter , spring or summer of 2020 .
Non-letter grades will not be included in GPA calculations .
Cal State said that it would consider admissions exceptions on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who are unable to complete all of the course requirements due to disruptions from the pandemic .
What if I can ’ t take the SAT or ACT ?
The UC is eliminating the testing requirement for students planning to enter as freshmen in fall 2021 .
Students can still take the exams and submit scores if they are able .
Cal State , which uses just two criteria to establish students ’ eligibility for admission — their SAT or ACT score and their GPA — is evaluating its options for modifying the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announce a final decision .
Will my AP classes be accepted ?
Yes .
Although the College Board is modifying this year ’ s Advanced Placement exams , both Cal State and UC will continue to award credit consistent with their existing policies for courses that students pass with a score of 3 or better .
What happens if I can ’ t get an official transcript from my school in time ?
You will not be penalized .
While the UC and CSU are still asking students to submit official transcripts by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , no student ’ s offer of admission will be rescinded if that deadline is not met .
UC students will have until the first day of classes to submit transcripts and Cal State will accept them through the fall term .
If I ’ m a transfer student and don ’ t receive grades or can ’ t complete all of my required courses , can I still be admitted to Cal State or UC ?
Yes , with some caveats depending on where you plan to enroll .
UC will temporarily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for classes taken in winter , spring or summer 2020 .
CSU will accept “ pass ” or “ credit ” grades for required courses taken in any of those academic terms and reduce the number of transferable units students must complete to enroll to 48 for the semester system and 72 for the quarter system .
Additionally , individual Cal State campuses have the discretion to allow students to defer their fall 2020 admission to winter or spring 2021 if they wish to continue at community college to finish their transfer requirements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to decide whether to accept an offer of admission ?
The UC deadline for submitting your statement of intent to register is still May 1 for freshmen and June 1 for transfers , but students and schools will not face consequences if they are not met .
Also , students will not be required to submit a nonrefundable deposit by May 1 if they are unable to do so .
Students should contact their individual campus admissions offices if they need additional time or a deferment of a deposit .
At Cal State @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to register deadline individually .
You will need to check with your university ’ s admissions office .
Will the relaxed requirements affect my financial aid ?
According to the guidance put out by Cal State , students will remain conditionally admitted until their campus receives and reviews an official final transcript .
This should not impede the awarding of federal financial aid for fall 2020 .
UC campuses will work with families over the summer to review their eligibility for financial aid .
If your family ’ s financial situation has changed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ financial aid office .

The University of California said Wednesday it would temporarily suspend some admissions requirements in response to educational disruptions from the coronavirus pandemic. Above, a student at UCLA after the university went to online classes earlier this month.
The University of California and California State University systems announced Wednesday a temporary easing of admissions requirements for applicants for fall 2020 and beyond, citing the wide disruptions to education faced by K-12 and community college students.
“Flexibility at this crucial time will ensure prospective students aiming for UC get a full and fair shot — no matter their current challenges,” UC president Janet Napolitano said in a statement.
“This is a very unique and challenging time for students and we want to make sure that if they had planned to be CSU-bound we do everything we can to help them reach that goal,” said Catherine Nelson, chair of Cal State’s systemwide Academic Senate.
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With California schools closed for the remainder of the academic year, the switch to online learning is uneven and many students are without computers and internet access. Also, with college entrance and advanced placement exams canceled or altered, students, parents and academic counselors have wondered if and how work during the winter, spring and summer terms will be evaluated by admissions officers.
The admission requirement changes will affect high school and community college students who are planning to enter either of the four-year university systems in 2020 or 2021.
How will my grades for this semester be counted?
Both the UC and Cal State systems said they will accept marks of “pass” or “credit” instead of letter grades for any of the 15 “A-G” required high school courses completed during winter, spring or summer of 2020. Non-letter grades will not be included in GPA calculations.
Cal State said that it would consider admissions exceptions on a case-by-case basis for fall 2020 students who are unable to complete all of the course requirements due to disruptions from the pandemic.
What if I can’t take the SAT or ACT?
The UC is eliminating the testing requirement for students planning to enter as freshmen in fall 2021. Students can still take the exams and submit scores if they are able.
Cal State, which uses just two criteria to establish students’ eligibility for admission — their SAT or ACT score and their GPA — is evaluating its options for modifying the admissions process for 2021 and will soon announce a final decision.
Will my AP classes be accepted?
Yes. Although the College Board is modifying this year’s Advanced Placement exams, both Cal State and UC will continue to award credit consistent with their existing policies for courses that students pass with a score of 3 or better.
What happens if I can’t get an official transcript from my school in time?
You will not be penalized. While the UC and CSU are still asking students to submit official transcripts by July 1 and July 15, respectively, no student’s offer of admission will be rescinded if that deadline is not met.
UC students will have until the first day of classes to submit transcripts and Cal State will accept them through the fall term.
If I’m a transfer student and don’t receive grades or can’t complete all of my required courses, can I still be admitted to Cal State or UC?
Yes, with some caveats depending on where you plan to enroll. UC will temporarily suspend its cap on pass/no pass units for classes taken in winter, spring or summer 2020. CSU will accept “pass” or “credit” grades for required courses taken in any of those academic terms and reduce the number of transferable units students must complete to enroll to 48 for the semester system and 72 for the quarter system.
Additionally, individual Cal State campuses have the discretion to allow students to defer their fall 2020 admission to winter or spring 2021 if they wish to continue at community college to finish their transfer requirements.
What if I need more time to decide whether to accept an offer of admission?
The UC deadline for submitting your statement of intent to register is still May 1 for freshmen and June 1 for transfers, but students and schools will not face consequences if they are not met. Also, students will not be required to submit a nonrefundable deposit by May 1 if they are unable to do so. Students should contact their individual campus admissions offices if they need additional time or a deferment of a deposit.
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At Cal State, each campus is handling its intent to register deadline individually. You will need to check with your university’s admissions office.
Will the relaxed requirements affect my financial aid?
According to the guidance put out by Cal State, students will remain conditionally admitted until their campus receives and reviews an official final transcript. This should not impede the awarding of federal financial aid for fall 2020.
UC campuses will work with families over the summer to review their eligibility for financial aid. If your family’s financial situation has changed or may change, contact your campus financial aid office.


latimes--2020-04-02--Face masks could provide coronavirus protection. But there's a 'but'

California officials said covering your face could prevent you from becoming infected with the new coronavirus or from spreading it to others , but they stressed it should not be a substitute for social distancing , hand washing and other measures .
The guidance comes amid a new push in some quarters for people to wear face protection when shopping , going to medical appointments and doing other essential business .
“ Face coverings could provide some additional protection against COVID-19 , but Californians should not have a false sense of security if they choose to wear them .
Make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feet away from other people if you have to leave your home to get groceries or prescriptions , ” said California Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly , in a statement .
State officials have said people should not use medical and surgical masks , which are desperately needed by medical personnel .
“ Face coverings are not a substitute for physical distancing or frequent hand washing , which we know are amongst the most effective ways to reduce the spread of COVID-19 , ” added Dr. Sonia Angell , director @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Wearing a cloth face covering could provide some additional benefit by acting as a reminder for other people to keep their distance , and it could help reduce the spread of infectious particles from those who could be infected but don ’ t have symptoms.
” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has argued that healthy people do not need a mask if they are not working in healthcare or caring for an infected person .
But in recent days , the CDC has been weighing whether to and endorse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I can tell you that the data and this issue of whether it ’ s going to contribute [ to prevention ] is being aggressively reviewed as we speak , ” CDC director Dr. Robert Redfield Riverside County health officials released the Tuesday , covering such essential and medical visits .
“ The face coverings do not have to be hospital grade but need to cover the nose and mouth .
For example , bandannas , fabric masks and neck gaiters are acceptable .
Fabric covers and bandannas can be washed and used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement said .
Officials said the recommendation is based on new knowledge about the coronavirus .
“ When the situation changes , the rulebook changes , ” Dr. Cameron Kaiser , Riverside County ’ s public health officer , said in a statement .
“ We ’ re seeing our numbers increasing even sooner than we predicted , and that means our strategy must change too.
” At a Wednesday afternoon news briefing , Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said he had been awaiting advice on masks from the CDC but , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to wait no longer .
The mayor said everyone performing essential tasks such as food shopping should wear homemade , nonmedical face coverings , or even bandannas , as people in other countries have done .
“ To be clear , you should still stay at home .
This isn ’ t an excuse to suddenly all go out , ” Garcetti said .
He added that people shouldn ’ t use medical-grade masks , which are in short supply and are needed by healthcare workers and first responders .
Some experts say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ covering or bandanna might be a good idea .
, director of the Center for Global Health at Oregon State University , noted that in Taiwan , people are required to wear surgical masks in places such as schools and restaurants and while riding public transportation .
Although surgical and homemade masks don ’ t filter out particles as effectively as N95 masks , they can still be useful , Chi said .
He recommends wearing a mask only if you have to be in close contact with people , such as riding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contributed to this report .

Luke Money, Deborah Netburn, Rong-Gong Lin II

A Ralphs employee stands at the door of the grocery store in Westchester, letting in only a few shoppers at a time.
California officials said covering your face could prevent you from becoming infected with the new coronavirus or from spreading it to others, but they stressed it should not be a substitute for social distancing, hand washing and other measures.
The guidance comes amid a new push in some quarters for people to wear face protection when shopping, going to medical appointments and doing other essential business.
“Face coverings could provide some additional protection against COVID-19, but Californians should not have a false sense of security if they choose to wear them. Make sure you’re also staying 6 feet away from other people if you have to leave your home to get groceries or prescriptions,” said California Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly, in a statement.
State officials have said people should not use medical and surgical masks, which are desperately needed by medical personnel.
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“Face coverings are not a substitute for physical distancing or frequent hand washing, which we know are amongst the most effective ways to reduce the spread of COVID-19,” added Dr. Sonia Angell, director of the California Department of Public Health. “Wearing a cloth face covering could provide some additional benefit by acting as a reminder for other people to keep their distance, and it could help reduce the spread of infectious particles from those who could be infected but don’t have symptoms.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has argued that healthy people do not need a mask if they are not working in healthcare or caring for an infected person. But in recent days, the CDC has been weighing whether to modify its recommendations and endorse the use of homemade masks.
“I can tell you that the data and this issue of whether it’s going to contribute [to prevention] is being aggressively reviewed as we speak,” CDC director Dr. Robert Redfield told NPR.
Riverside County health officials released the new mask guidance Tuesday, covering such essential tasks as grocery shopping and medical visits.
“The face coverings do not have to be hospital grade but need to cover the nose and mouth. For example, bandannas, fabric masks and neck gaiters are acceptable. Fabric covers and bandannas can be washed and used again,” the county’s statement said.
Officials said the recommendation is based on new knowledge about the coronavirus.
“When the situation changes, the rulebook changes,” Dr. Cameron Kaiser, Riverside County’s public health officer, said in a statement. “We’re seeing our numbers increasing even sooner than we predicted, and that means our strategy must change too.”
At a Wednesday afternoon news briefing, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said he had been awaiting advice on masks from the CDC but, with the COVID-19 rate surging, had decided to wait no longer.
The mayor said everyone performing essential tasks such as food shopping should wear homemade, nonmedical face coverings, or even bandannas, as people in other countries have done.
Advertisement
“To be clear, you should still stay at home. This isn’t an excuse to suddenly all go out,” Garcetti said.
He added that people shouldn’t use medical-grade masks, which are in short supply and are needed by healthcare workers and first responders.
Some experts say there are times when wearing a surgical mask , homemade face covering or bandanna might be a good idea.
Chunhuei Chi , director of the Center for Global Health at Oregon State University, noted that in Taiwan, people are required to wear surgical masks in places such as schools and restaurants and while riding public transportation.
Although surgical and homemade masks don’t filter out particles as effectively as N95 masks, they can still be useful, Chi said.
He recommends wearing a mask only if you have to be in close contact with people, such as riding a crowded bus.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.


latimes--2020-04-02--A letter to readers

A letter to readers

I woke up New Year ’ s Day convinced that 2020 would be the most consequential year in recent memory .
It would be all about politics .
How could it be otherwise ?
The incumbent in the White House , having been impeached by the House of Representatives , was certain to be acquitted in the Senate .
Our team of reporters and editors would cover months of rancorous debate , certain only that the election would leave the country divided , no matter which Democrat was nominated or which party won in November .
If only we had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Eve and had paid more attention to a report from Wuhan , China , where officials were investigating a suspicious cluster of respiratory cases apparently tied to a seafood market .
The story remained mostly offshore until Jan. 30 — less than a week after Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter crash — when the World Health Organization declared a global health emergency .
Even then , few experts were predicting the ways in which public life across our city , state and country would grind to a halt , changing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It ’ s also been a time of remarkable change and challenges for the Los Angeles Times and its journalists as we strive to keep you informed about a story unlike any we have ever imagined or witnessed .
It was Friday , March 6 , when a small group of editors met with our executive chairman , Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong , to discuss the science behind the highly contagious coronavirus .
Soon-Shiong , a scientist and surgeon who has spent his career studying the human immune system while developing therapies to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us to take the virus seriously .
He told us to adhere to self-quarantine protocols following travel , to wash our hands with soap and to avoid touching our faces .
Soon afterward , the largest newsroom west of the Potomac went virtual , with most reporters and editors working from home .
A few of our journalists continue to report on the street , taking great care to protect their health and that of the community .
As we receive daily and often contradictory updates from federal , state and local officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and explaining what every facet of this novel global pandemic means for you .
We know your health and safety , your jobs , even your children ’ s schooling , are at risk .
Our oft-proclaimed commitment to public service journalism has been put to a test .
We must be the destination that best provides you with the facts and analysis you need to protect yourselves .
We increasingly see the world as a global village where news from abroad and from down the street can be of vital importance .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alice Su , about China ’ s latest recovery efforts , a story from Richard Read , our bureau chief in Seattle , questioning several deaths among members of a church choir , and a look at how students are adjusting to online learning from staff writers Howard Blume and Sonali Kohli are all critical to understanding this crisis .
If you subscribe to our print edition , please be sure to sign up for our digital services at latimes.com/activate so you can receive alerts and reports at any time , on any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the important information available to you : · Coronavirus : What to know now .
Twice each weekday , a group of our reporters provides the latest on the news that we believe matters to you .
It ’ s information to help you stay safe , healthy and sane .
This is also where we answer many of the questions we receive from readers .
· Tracking the coronavirus in California .
This project from our data and graphics team allows you to monitor how testing , diagnoses and deaths are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how and where the virus has spread and gives you current information about what ’ s open and closed in counties across the state .
· Coronavirus Today .
Keeping up with the constant breaking news can be overwhelming .
This daily newsletter , delivered by email in the evenings , rounds up the top headlines and links to our best stories each day .
· The Science Behind the Coronavirus .
In a series of short videos , Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong tells you what you need to know to understand COVID-19 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we recognize that we must also continue to publish stories that matter to Californians and to people everywhere who count on us for news from and about the West .
We hope that projects including our virtual Book Club events , cooking demonstrations that show you how to make nutritious meals and great comfort food , and expert advice on what to watch , listen to and read help keep you connected at home .
We appreciate the trust you place in us , and your choice to become a subscriber .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and around the world dealing with this crisis , most of our advertisers are unable to continue advertising , which makes your subscription and support of our journalism more important than ever .
Your comments and criticisms are always welcome .

Dear Reader,
I woke up New Year’s Day convinced that 2020 would be the most consequential year in recent memory. It would be all about politics. How could it be otherwise? The incumbent in the White House, having been impeached by the House of Representatives, was certain to be acquitted in the Senate. Our team of reporters and editors would cover months of rancorous debate, certain only that the election would leave the country divided, no matter which Democrat was nominated or which party won in November.
If only we had celebrated a little less on New Year’s Eve and had paid more attention to a report from Wuhan, China, where officials were investigating a suspicious cluster of respiratory cases apparently tied to a seafood market.
The story remained mostly offshore until Jan. 30 — less than a week after Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter crash — when the World Health Organization declared a global health emergency. Even then, few experts were predicting the ways in which public life across our city, state and country would grind to a halt, changing our lives and our way of life.
Advertisement
It’s also been a time of remarkable change and challenges for the Los Angeles Times and its journalists as we strive to keep you informed about a story unlike any we have ever imagined or witnessed.
It was Friday, March 6, when a small group of editors met with our executive chairman, Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, to discuss the science behind the highly contagious coronavirus. Soon-Shiong, a scientist and surgeon who has spent his career studying the human immune system while developing therapies to fight cancer and infectious diseases, urged us to take the virus seriously. He told us to adhere to self-quarantine protocols following travel, to wash our hands with soap and to avoid touching our faces.
Soon afterward, the largest newsroom west of the Potomac went virtual, with most reporters and editors working from home. A few of our journalists continue to report on the street, taking great care to protect their health and that of the community.
As we receive daily and often contradictory updates from federal, state and local officials, we have dedicated ourselves to reporting and explaining what every facet of this novel global pandemic means for you. We know your health and safety, your jobs, even your children’s schooling, are at risk. Our oft-proclaimed commitment to public service journalism has been put to a test. We must be the destination that best provides you with the facts and analysis you need to protect yourselves.
We increasingly see the world as a global village where news from abroad and from down the street can be of vital importance. A report from our Beijing correspondent, Alice Su, about China’s latest recovery efforts, a story from Richard Read, our bureau chief in Seattle, questioning deaths among members of a choir, and a look at how students are adjusting to online learning from staff writers Howard Blume and Sonali Kohli are all critical to understanding this crisis.
If you subscribe to our print edition, please be sure to sign up for our digital services at latimes.com/activate so you can receive alerts and reports at any time, on any device. Here are a few examples of the important information available to you:
Advertisement
· Coronavirus: What to know now. Twice each weekday, a group of our reporters provides the latest on the news that we believe matters to you. It’s information to help you stay safe, healthy and sane. This is also where we answer many of the questions we receive from readers.
· Tracking the coronavirus in California. This project from our data and graphics team allows you to monitor how testing, diagnoses and deaths are tracking over time. It also shows how and where the virus has spread and gives you current information about what’s open and closed in counties across the state.
· Coronavirus Today. Keeping up with the constant breaking news can be overwhelming. This daily newsletter, delivered by email in the evenings, rounds up the top headlines and links to our best stories each day.
· The Science Behind the Coronavirus. In a series of short videos, Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong tells you what you need to know to understand COVID-19.
While we prioritize coverage of the coronavirus, we recognize that we must also continue to publish stories that matter to Californians and to people everywhere who count on us for news from and about the West. We hope that projects including our virtual Book Club events, cooking demonstrations that show you how to make nutritious meals and great comfort food, and expert advice on what to watch, listen to and read help keep you connected at home.
We appreciate the trust you place in us, and your choice to become a subscriber. With so many businesses in the region and around the world dealing with this crisis, most of our advertisers are unable to continue advertising, which makes your subscription and support of our journalism more important than ever.
Your comments and criticisms are always welcome.
Thank you.
Norman Pearlstine
Executive Editor
Los Angeles Times