Morning Briefing: School’s Out 'Til Summer (...Probably)

Governor Gavin Newsom now says that it’s “unlikely” schools will reopen before the summer. The primal scream rattling the throats of primary caregivers could be heard from San Ysidro to Crescent City. And yet, the precautions are necessary, by all accounts; 50 new cases of coronavirus were announced in L.A. today, more businesses are closing and hospitals are scrambling to prepare.

Here’s what else we’re…

Covering Today:

• Los Angeles International Airport officials have announced a program designed to encourage commercial airlines to operate as quietly as possible, reports Caroline Champlin.
• Christine N. Ziemba continues her nonevents list, with suggestions of what to do while social distancing.

Coronavirus Special Section:

What We Know:

• Governor Gavin Newsom said it is “unlikely” that schools will reopen before summer break.
• L.A. adds 50 new coronavirus cases to its list, and the county joined the city’s eviction moratorium. Palm Springs residents have been told to shelter in place.
• California lawmakers allocated up to $1.1 billion for a ramp-up of hospital capacity, and effectively shut down business at the Capitol until April 13. Nationally, President Trump is pushing a plan to send $1,000 each to Americans in response to the coronavirus.
• The L.A. City Council voted late last night to allow homeless residents to self-isolate in their tents — but stopped short of halting encampment cleanups, known as sweeps.
• L.A.’s trial courts are closed for at least three days, and the city might also temporarily suspend homeless encampment sweeps and open unprecedented access to city-owned bathrooms.
• A third death from the virus was announced in Riverside County, and Long Beach has three new cases.
• If you’re an asymptomatic carrier, how long are you contagious? And yes, staying home matters.
• This map shows cumulative confirmed cases, deaths and recoveries and is updated in near real-time throughout the day.
• The supply chain is fine -- so when will everything be back in stock?
• Many businesses – including Macy’s and Lime – are closing or suffering, but these shops selling cigarettes, fancy water and weed have plenty of customers.
• Some older workers are facing a tough decision: Follow public health protocol, or collect a paycheck?
• These nine scenarios show what could happen in L.A. hospitals, depending on how widespread COVID-19 becomes. Here’s how they’re preparing.

What We’re Following:

• Libby Denkmann explores what happens when volunteer food pantries and other programs that can help during coronavirus are staffed by senior volunteers.
• The State Department of Social Services is providing general recommendations for the prevention, containment and mitigation of COVID-19 for child care providers, reports Mariana Dale.
• Robert Garrova looks into the status of the feds' effort to set up more testing centers.
• Elina Shatkin looks at whether the hours being reserved by some grocery chains to allow senior citizens to shop is relative isolation are a good idea, or not.
• Orange County officials issued orders against gatherings that left a lot of people, by their own admission, very confused. We'll look into what went sideways.

In Case You Missed It:

• It’s looking more and more like the DA race will end up in a run-off, with incumbent Jackie Lacey squaring off against one of her challengers.
• And here’s an oldie but goodie, from back in the days of innocence: What did people eat on L.A.’s beaches 100 years ago?

Your Moment Of Zen:

Investigative and data reporter Aaron Mendelson shared this photo and thought on Twitter:

The L.A. skyline. (Aaron Mendelson)

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The news cycle moves fast. Some stories don't pan out. Others get added. Consider this today's first draft.

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