Today on AirTalk, we discuss the latest local and national updates on the novel coronavirus. Also on the show, we review how COVID-19 might change the way Americans vote; how it could alter the 2020 Census; and more.
First Coronavirus Death In Los Angeles County Confirmed, Virus Continues To Spread Nationwide
The coronavirus, now classified as a pandemic, continues to spread throughout the Los Angeles area and the country. In a speech last night that sowed confusion, President Donald Trump announced that he was suspending the travel of all goods and people from Europe to the United States for the next 30 days. He walked back the claim last night, saying on
Hoping to get the payroll tax cut approved by both Republicans and Democrats, and please remember, very important for all countries & businesses to know that trade will in no way be affected by the 30-day restriction on travel from Europe. The restriction stops people not goods.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 12, 2020
that the ban applies to “people not goods.”
Local officials continue to respond to the crisis and diagnose new cases. Yesterday, Los Angeles County officials announced the first death from coronavirus within their jurisdiction. To date, there have been 29 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the county.
The Dow Jones industrial average has dropped 5.9 percentage points yesterday, which means it is now considered a bear market. This drop comes in the middle of a volatile time in the stock market, as the markets reached an all-time high last month.
In Sacramento County, local officials have announced that those showing symptoms of the coronavirus are no longer subject to quarantine, saying that the virus has already spread to the community.
Are you concerned for yourself or for family members? Are you unsure about what to do to keep the virus from spreading?
David Eisenman, professor of medicine and public health at UCLA, is back with the show to answer your questions about coronavirus in the Los Angeles area. Share your questions with us: 866-893-5722.
GUEST:
David Eisenman, M.D., professor of medicine and public health at UCLA; director of the university's Center for Public Health and Disasters; Associate Natural Scientist at RAND
How Organizations And Public Institutions Are Negotiating The Cancellation Of Large Events Across Los Angeles
Gov. Gavin Newsom has announced a ban on all gatherings of 250 people, as California officials continue their efforts to stop the coronavirus from spreading. In a
Changing our actions now will save lives in the days and weeks to come.
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) March 12, 2020
To protect the public health, CA has issued an updated policy --
Gatherings with 250+ people should be rescheduled or canceled at least through the end of March.
MORE: https://t.co/u5A2WbHBO3
this morning, he said that all affected events are to be “rescheduled or canceled at least through the end of March.”
Last night, Newsom also asked all residents of California to adopt social distancing measures in order to stop the spread of COVID-19, which has been rapidly spreading across the state. There are currently 119 confirmed cases in California.
This directive echoes guidelines from the Center for Disease Control issued earlier this week. In Washington, where there have been five deaths and 366 confirmed cases of COVID-19, the state government announced an outright ban on events larger than 250 people yesterday.
Even before Gov. Newsom’s ban, events had been canceled across the state, and workers in many industries are facing a moment of uncertainty that could last months. Some employees are able to work from home, but others in industries, including live events, travel, and hospitality, are already seeing canceled shifts and decreased revenue.
Today on AirTalk, we’re asking workers in industries that have been negatively affected by the coronavirus to share their stories. Have you lost work because of COVID-19? Or are you preparing for the possibility of losing work in the coming months? Call us at 866-893-5722 to share your perspective with us.