May 2, 2020
Covid-19 has infected 3.3 million people around the world and killed more than 241,000. In the US, 1.1 million cases have been recorded, with at least 65,000 deaths. More countries are announcing plans to loosen restrictions, including India and Malaysia, while Australia will consider easing its lockdown early
A new study of a Covid-19 outbreak tied to a restaurant in China is re-igniting questions about how far the virus could spread in the air, suggesting that coronavirus not only passes through person-to-person spread at close range, but can travel farther with help from air currents blowing from ventilation systems. A second study of the same restaurant, concluded that crowded gatherings and poor ventilation with little outside air brought into the room created an isolated loop, allowing virus particles to be transferred from table to table
The coronavirus pandemic has been blamed for amplifying ageism — a discrimination against older adults with the behaviors and rhetoric of others suggesting that their lives are not as valuable as reviving the economy. Because the Covid-19 mortality rate has been much higher for those 65 and older, those who work with seniors fear that this type of discrimination has become more magnified
Dermatologists have noticed an uptick in a type of skin sores known as chilblains — painful red or purple lesions that typically emerge on fingers or toes, in patients with Covid-19. The lesions are showing up mostly in children, teenagers and young adults with mild or even asymptomatic cases and some experts believe it to be a healthy immune response and a sign the body is fighting the infection. Health officials are asking people to consult with their doctor if they develop this symptom
Covid-19 has caused an abrupt stoppage for a vast array of work being done by scientists and medical researchers at universities and other research institutions on projects other than for the coronavirus outbreak. Congress this week called for $26 billion in relief funding to be set aside for these researchers who “are essential to protecting our nation’s public health, national security, economic growth, and international competitiveness”
All major US airlines will require passengers to wear face coverings and most are also mandating that flight attendants and other employees wear masks. The nation’s largest flight attendants’ union has been pushing carriers to make masks mandatory which is taking place this month
The pandemic is unleashing a wave of labor unrest across California and the nation. Unions are organizing many of the protests, rallying media coverage, and successfully pressuring public officials, including Governor Newsom, regarding issues including worker safety, pay, and benefits
In California, thousands of nurses, doctors, and other medical staff have been laid off or furloughed or have taken pay cuts since mid-March. Across the nation, job losses in the healthcare sector have been second only to those in the restaurant industry. Hospitals and doctors’ offices lost billions in revenue when they cancelled elective surgeries and non-emergency visits to prepare for a surge in Covid-19 patients and to reduce the virus spread
Modoc County in the far northeast of California began to reopen, with some restrictions including allowing restaurant diners but only at half capacity, people 65 or older with underlying health conditions still required to stay home except for essential business, and large gatherings allowed only if people can stay 6 feet away from each other. Schools will remain closed. The county has reported no coronavirus cases.
ICE arrests are down 65% in the LA area after it shifted its focus to “public safety risks” during the pandemic
The coronavirus outbreak at the Terminal Island prison worsens with 600, 60% of the penitentiary population infected and 5 deaths reported. Mass testing is being conducted by the LA County Health Department and the prison now accounts for more than a third of documented federal prison inmates with Covid-19. 10 staff members have also tested positive
LA County totals: 24,894 positive cases and 1,209 deaths. City breakouts: City of LA 11,908; Long Beach 709; Carson 245; El Segundo 27; Gardena 160; Hawthorne 201; Hermosa Beach 23; Inglewood 341; Lawndale 59; Lomita 34; Manhattan Beach 66; PV Estates 37; Rancho PV 60; Redondo Beach 108; Rolling Hills 2; Rolling Hills Estates 13; Torrance 277
Compiled by Charlene Nishimura
Media Sources: Los Angeles Times; New York Times; Washington Post; Forbes Magazine; Business Insider; CBS Morning News; CNN; KTLA; ABC World News Tonight; Spectrum News 1; The Hill.com; WebMD; AP, Politico, Newsweek, daily televised briefings from the White House, Governor Newsom, LA County Health Department, Mayor Garcetti; City of Torrance press releases; Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce press releases
