Today on AirTalk, we hear from gig economy workers who are continuing to work through the outbreak and the challenges they're facing. Also on the show, we talk with listeners about how the virus is affecting their personal relationships; discuss the impact healthcare workers are feeling; and more.
As California Continues Coronavirus Response, How Can You Help Contain It?
In response to the growing coronavirus pandemic, Gov. Gavin Newsom has said schools will likely remain closed through the summer, and has urged seniors and the chronically ill to stay home.
This follows previous orders from state and local officials for citizens to ramp up their social isolation in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti announced earlier this week that bars and restaurants must close or shift to takeout only. Meanwhile, area hospitals have been preparing for a surge in patients, though some healthcare workers have said their own safety isn’t being ensured.
Nationally, the federal government has announced another travel ban in response to the coronavirus pandemic, this time with Canada. President Donald Trump announced on
We will be, by mutual consent, temporarily closing our Northern Border with Canada to non-essential traffic. Trade will not be affected. Details to follow!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 18, 2020
this morning that all non-essential, non-trade travel between the two nations was suspended “by mutual consent.” A similar ban has already been implemented between the United States and Europe.
As the coronavirus continues to spread, we want to hear from you. We have an UCLA epidemiologist on the show this morning to answer your questions. Are you feeling any symptoms that could qualify you for a test? Do you have questions about where it’s safe to go?
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 Has COVID-19 Affected Your Interpersonal Relationships?
Public schools are closing, universities are holding classes online, major events are getting canceled, and cultural institutions are shutting their doors. The disruption of daily life for many Americans is real and significant -- but so are the potential life-saving benefits.
It's all part of an effort to do what epidemiologists call flattening the curve of the COVID1-9 pandemic.
To read more on LAist about why officials are advising individuals to stay home, click here.
In the meantime, as people continue to self-isolate, social distance and work from home, there’s potential for new stressors and tensions to arise. Have you had disagreements within your family or friends about how and whether to quarantine? Has your marriage or roommate situation been tested by increased hours spent together? Or, on the flip side, have there been unexpected joys in spending more time with your loved ones? Tell us the upsides, the downsides and how you’re dealing by calling 866-893-5722.
With files from LAist.
Guest:
George Rutherford, M.D., head of Division of Infectious Disease and Global Epidemiology and professor of epidemiology at UC San Francisco’s School of Medicine
Drivers, Gig Economy Workers: We Hear The Stories Of Those Who Can’t Work From Home
Though many Angelenos are working from home thanks to COVID-19, there are many who have continued to work, either because they provide essential services or because they can’t afford not to.
Many gig economy workers especially, without sick leave or the option of work from home, are in the position of working because they don’t have another option.
Today, we want to hear your stories -- why you’re making the decisions you’re making and how you’re coping. Call us at 866-893-5722.
Healthcare Workers: What Are You Experiencing As Battle With Coronavirus Ramps Up?
Healthcare workers are on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic.
Experts are debating what best practices for workers should be, considering those in healthcare are more likely to come into contact with the contagious virus. There has also been a shortage of medical supplies, including protective masks, according to NPR. The Washington Post reports, dozens of healthcare workers have fallen ill to COVID-19. The CDC has offered some recommendations for best practices for healthcare workers, including hygiene and cleaning advice and protocols for dealing with patients who have tested positive for the virus. According to LAist, local hospitals are bracing for a surge in patients, while some healthcare workers say preparation efforts aren't enough. Some facilities have put up tents in parking garages and other hospitals are running emergency drills. Are you a healthcare worker impacted by the coronavirus pandemic? What are you experiencing and do you feel enough is being done to protect your safety? Have you had to isolate yourself from family members in order to protect them? We want to hear from you today on AirTalk. Please call 866-893-5722 to join the conversation and share your experience.
Read Elly Yu’s full story here on LAist
Guest:
Mark Welton, M.D., chief medical officer of M Health/Fairview, a joint clinical enterprise that comprises 12 hospitals and over 150 clinics in Minnesota, as well as University of Minnesota academic medical centers; former chief of staff for Stanford Hospital and Clinics in Northern California