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Podcasts Take Two
Coronavirus Hospital Prep, Coronavirus Ask an Expert, Jim Gaffigan
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Mar 24, 2020
Listen • 51:24
Coronavirus Hospital Prep, Coronavirus Ask an Expert, Jim Gaffigan

LA County now has 662 cases of coronavirus, answers to your questions on the virus and comedian Jim Gaffigan on life in quarantine.
A laboratory operator wearing a protective gear handles patients' samples in a laboratory of the National Reference Center (CNR) for respiratory viruses at the Institut Pasteur in Paris on January 28, 2020. - The CNR analyses the tests for respiratory viruses among which coronavirus. The deadly new coronavirus that has broken out in China, 2019-nCoV, has so far killed 106 people and infected over 4,000 -- the bulk of them in and around Wuhan. (Photo by Thomas SAMSON / AFP) (Photo by THOMAS SAMSON/AFP via Getty Images)
A laboratory operator wearing a protective gear handles patients' samples in a laboratory of the National Reference Center (CNR) for respiratory viruses at the Institut Pasteur in Paris on January 28, 2020. - The CNR analyses the tests for respiratory viruses among which coronavirus. The deadly new coronavirus that has broken out in China, 2019-nCoV, has so far killed 106 people and infected over 4,000 -- the bulk of them in and around Wuhan. (Photo by Thomas SAMSON / AFP) (Photo by THOMAS SAMSON/AFP via Getty Images)
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THOMAS SAMSON/AFP via Getty Images
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Coronavirus Hospital Prep

There are now 662 cases of coronavirus in LA County, after an additional 128 were confirmed today by the Department of Public Health.The increase is of course expected - and that number will continue to climb. Which begs the question — how prepared are our hospitals. Elly Yu is an investigative reporter for KPCC and she is here to provide some answers.

Guest:

  • Elly Yu, KPCC's Investigative Reporter

Coronavirus Congress Check

Both the U.S. House and Senate are rushing to pass stimulus packages that could ease our turbulent economy. KQED political reporter Marisa Lagos breaks down what's at stake, and the chances that either could go into effect.

Guest:

  • Marisa Lagos, KQED Political Reporter 

Coronavirus Ask an Expert

As Angelenos continue to settle into life at home, questions about the coronavirus and the disease it causes have not slowed down. So, we’re here to help answer your listener questions. Annette Sy is the chief nursing officer at Keck Medical Center. She’s on the line to help us answer some of these queries.

Guest:

  • Annette Sy, Keck Medical Center Chief Nursing Officer 

Midshow Moment of Zen

Now for another midshow moment of zen. With so much going on these days, it can be hard to find a little peace of mind. So - as often as possible - we're going to bring you encouraging words from members of our community to help you slow down, take a breath and find peace. Today, we bring you a poem from Reverend Najuma Smith Pollard at USC's Cecil Murray Center for Community Engagement. It's a poem she penned titled "What is Hope?" inspired by her five-year-old daughter who kept asking her to explain what's happening in the world right now.  

Coronavirus Testing Disconnect

The biggest challenge right now to try and slow the spread of the coronavirus is to test more people. But that as we keep hearing has its challenges. KPCC's Robert Garrova is here now for an update.

Guest: 

  • Robert Garrova, KPCC's General Assignment Reporter

The OC Update

Now to Orange County, Nick Gerda is a reporter with the Voice of OC, the non-profit news site. He joins us to discuss how many cases of COVID-19 Orange County is dealing with and how tests are being administered.

Guest: 

  • Nick Gerda, The Voice of OC Reporter 

Jim Gaffigan

Sheltering in place has meant two things for many people, they've taken their work home them and every day is take your kid to work day. For Manhattan resident and comedian Jim Gaffigan that could be the exact situation he soon finds himself in as NYC mayor Bill Deblasio has warmed residents of that possibility. Gaffigan has been doing stand-up since the 90s, he's acted in dozens of movies and TV shows, he's got 5 specials streaming on Netflix right now and has five kids. But its on his YouTube channel now that you can see and hear what self-quarantine is like in the Gaffigan house.

Guest:

  • Jim Gaffigan, American Comedian

Quarantine Tip of the Day: Soda Bread

Now its time for our daily tip on how to help you get through the quarantine. Two words: Soda Bread. Even if you are not a cook, reports are that it's super easy to make and you do not need yeast! Only vinegar, milk, flour, baking soda and little salt and sugar. We have that recipe up on our website: TakeTwo-dot-org. 

For the recipe, click here.