Californians are still under orders to stay home unless working essential jobs or seeking essential services. Businesses are closed, a staggering number of people are out of work, and if you're not sure what day it is, we can relate.
The U.S. still has the highest number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the world, with local numbers continuing to rise. According to the L.A. Times, the state of California has confirmed nearly 49,000 cases of the virus at least 1,900 residents have died. L.A. County alone has reported just over 1,000 deaths. State officials have continued urging residents to follow social distancing guidelines, wear a mask when entering an essential business and stay home if possible. Gov. Gavin Newsom previously announced a road map with specific phases for reopening the state’s economy, but Newsom is expected to announce that all beaches and state parks will be closed effective May 1. Officials in Newport Beach had previously decided to keep beaches open. Meanwhile, researchers now say the antiviral medication known as remdesivir could help COVID-19 patients recover from the virus more quickly. As the L.A. Times reports, large clinical trials sponsored by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases show promising results. Today on AirTalk, we discuss the antiviral therapy and get the latest on the virus. A medical expert will also answer your questions. What questions do you have as we continue navigating through this pandemic? Join the conversation by calling 866-893-5722.
With files from LAist
Guest:
Dean Blumberg, M.D., professor of medicine and chief of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at UC Davis Children’s Hospital; he tweets