Today on AirTalk, we discuss LAUSD's plans to resume in-person instruction. Also on the show, we talk about what measures are being eased as LA County moves forward with re-opening; talk with listeners about what gestures they'll no longer feel comfortable doing after the pandemic; and more.
COVID-19 AMA: Vaccine Attitudes, Racial Disparities, Pooled Testing And More
Only about half of Americans say they would get a COVID-19 vaccine if the scientists working furiously to create one succeed, according to a new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.
That’s surprisingly low considering the effort going into the global race for a vaccine against the coronavirus that has sparked a pandemic since first emerging from China late last year. But more people might eventually roll up their sleeves: The poll, released Wednesday, found 31% simply weren’t sure if they’d get vaccinated. Another 1 in 5 said they’d refuse.
We talk to a medical expert about why Americans’ attitudes towards a potential vaccine, as well as other developments. If you have a question, call us at 866-893-5722.
With files from the Associated Press.
Guest:
Peter Chin-Hong, M.D., infectious disease specialist and professor of medicine at the UCSF Medical Center; he tweets
Hand Shakes, Food Sharing And Hugs, Oh My! All The Gestures You Can’t Do Now And Should They Ever Return?
The coronavirus has cancelled hugs, cheek kisses, hand shakes, high fives and many other greetings and polite gestures people typically use without a second thought. As the BBC reported, these drastic changes though don’t mean people have lost the urge to say “hello” in some fashion. Experts say greetings can help us define the meaning of a relationship, so it’s natural that humans crave these gestures.
While some make the argument that the handshake should be gone for good, others say the gesture will eventually make a comeback because it’s such a big part of who we are as a culture. As a recent Washington Post article points out, is there really anything that could replace the hand shake? It’s simple and easy to recognize. Plus, it could have a greater impact on things like sports. As the L.A. Times reports, retiring the hand shake, so to speak, is a massive change for sports. And it could be the loss of something really important.
Today on AirTalk, we want to know what you think. Do you think these traditional gestures like hand shaking, high fiving or offering a bite of your food are too important to lose? Do you think they’ll make a comeback? Do you even want them to make a comeback given the risks associated with spreading infections? Which ones do you miss most, and how are you greeting and gesturing to others in the meantime? Join the conversation by calling 866-893-5722.
New Details On How Back To School Might Look For Students, Teachers And Staff In LA County
When schools across the Los Angeles Unified School District ultimately return for in-person classes, there won’t be hallways buzzing with students transitioning between classes. Recess will look much different, with kids likely playing by themselves or in small, physically distanced groups. And lunch periods as they’ve been known will likely be a thing of the past, with students eating at their desks instead.
It’s all part of a 43-page document that the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE), which oversees the 80 school systems across L.A. County, released on Wednesday morning with guidance for school administrators on what it will take to reopen facilities and resume instruction for the 2020-2021 school year. LACOE held a telebriefing for members of the media earlier today to outline the recommendations and answer questions.
In it are best practices for managing things like recess, lunchtime, class-sizes and generally ensuring that students are practicing social distancing and equipped with the proper personal protective equipment. But reopening won’t come without its challenges, like enforcing physical distancing as students are changing classes or coming and going from school each day and making sure that all students, especially younger ones, are wearing their masks all day long, and all this while faculty, staff and administrators are ensuring that students get the support they need to succeed academically and to feel safe in the school environment.
Today on AirTalk, we check in with KPCC & LAist K-12 education reporter Kyle Stokes, who was on the telebriefing from LACOE this morning, to find out what he learned about county guidance on reopening schools.
For more from the KPCC education team on the county school reopening guidelines, click here.
Guest:
Kyle Stokes, reporter for KPCC & LAist covering K-12 education; he tweets
In-Person Religious Gatherings And Retail Can Now Resume in LA County, With Restrictions
Los Angeles County amended its health officer order yesterday, allowing for additional re-openings amid the coronavirus crisis.
Now retailers in L.A. County can re-open (at 50% capacity), in-person religious services can resume (with 25% capacity, or a maximum of 100 congregants, whichever is lower), and drive-in theaters, flea markets, and some pools can open as well. Facial coverings, physical distancing, and other safety protocols are required.
Also yesterday, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that some counties will be able to reopen barbershops and hair salons, with face coverings and other sanitation requirements in place. But only the forty-seven counties with state-approved action plans for moving further into Phases Two and Three can reopen salons and barbershops. Los Angeles County isn’t one of them.
Guest:
Kathryn Barger, L.A. County supervisor representing the 5th district, which includes the Antelope, San Fernando and Santa Clarita Valleys
LA County Dept of Mental Health Director On How The Pandemic Is Affecting Mental Health
During a pandemic, public health isn’t the only type of health that needs to be addressed. And with mental distress on the rise, we sit down with the director of the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health Dr. Jonathan Sherin to discuss:
Mental health resources for Angelenos
Including free access through 2020 for the meditation app Headspace
The stressors put upon our collective psyche, as discussed in Dr. Sherin’s op-ed in the LA Times
How essential workers and first responders can take care of their mental health in this time
The psychological impact of prolonged quarantine, either with others or alone
Mental health effects on kids
How L.A. County is dealing with increased demand for mental health services
If you are experiencing mental health problems, the Department of Mental Health help line, (800) 854-7771 is open 24/7.
Guest:
Jonathan Sherin, M.D., director of the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health; he tweets
‘Up All Night:’ How 24-Hour News Got Its Start And What It Means Today
Once upon a time, folks would sit down together in the evening to watch the nightly news. That’s not the case today.
News runs 24-hours a day with constant breaking news banners radiating from your screens.
So how did we get to this point? That’s the question author Lisa Napoli answers in her latest book, “Up All Night: Ted Turner, CNN, and the Birth of 24-Hour News.” The book looks at how and when CNN was launched and how it’s impacted the way we consume media ever since. Today on AirTalk, Larry sits down with Napoli to discuss the new book. Do you have questions for the author? Call 866-893-5722.
EVENT: Lisa Napoli will talk about her new book, “Up All Night” with KTLA 5’s Frank Buckley in a virtual event tonight, May 27, at 6pm PT
Guest:
Lisa Napoli, author of many books including her latest, “Up All Night: Ted Turner, CNN, and the Birth of 24-Hour News” (Abrams Press, 2020); former reporter at Marketplace, The New York Times and other outlets; she tweets