Coronavirus Risk Assessments

Quarantine fatigue is real. By now, a lot of us can attest to the psychological toll physical distancing has caused: depression, anxiety, irritability. Which is why this chapter in our global pandemic is especially hard. As a whole, the state is nowhere near ready to return to business as usual. One epidemiologist argues that the choice between staying home indefinitely and returning to business as usual now is a false one and that an all or nothing approach by public health officials could have some unintended consequences. 

Guest:

• Julia Marcus, epidemiologist and assistant professor at Harvard Medical School

Coronavirus: Pro Sports Could Return to California

Governor Newsom surprised us all this week by saying pro sporting event could start up again that first week or so of June-without spectators and with modifications and very prescriptive conditions. Though it seems unlikely that balls will be bouncing on June 1st, which is two weeks from yesterday...the door is opening...And this got us thinking about the sports legalities of a return to the hardwood, diamond or gridiron.

Guest:

• Kenneth Shropshire, Distinguished Professor of Global Sport at Arizona State University

Coronavirus: Restaurants Reopening

Last week, the state released industry guidance for how restaurants could return to some sort of dine-in service. Key prevention practices include: physical distancing to the maximum extent possible - meaning fewer seats. The mandatory use of face coverings by employees and customers/clients... frequent hand washing and regular cleaning and disinfection, among many others. But as California eases its stay at home order...what does the future of restaurants in Los Angeles look like? To discuss, we've gathered together voices from three of LA's beloved eateries.

Guest:

• Chef Suzanne Goin, AOC, Tavern and The Larder

LA Stylists Arrange Secret Meetups for Haircuts

After two months, some LA-area stylists who haven't been able to sign up for unemployment, or access federal small business loans, are getting desperate for work. Plus, many of their clients are desperate for a haircut. The result? Stealthy home visits and sneaky trips into the back door of shuttered salons -- visits which violate LA County's social distancing rules. KPCC's Emily Guerin has the story. 

Coronavirus: Disaster Relief Fund for Immigrants

Undocumented families in California can now apply for financial support to help them through the coronavirus pandemic. Governor Newsom announced the $125 million state - funded program last month. It’s meant to help undocumented immigrants who don’t qualify for unemployment benefits or a stimulus check from the IRS. The funds will be distributed through 12 non-profit organizations that serve the immigrant community including the Central American Resource Center, the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles and Asian Americans Advancing Justice LA, among others.

Guests: 

• Yazmin Franco, DACA Recipient
• Pablo Alvarado, the Co-Director of the National Day Laborer Organizing Network

Coronavirus LA Diary: Julie Bien

Now to your stories, KPCC and LAist are documenting life in the new normal with diary entries from everyday Angelenos. Julie Bien, who teaches journalism at Cal State Northridge, has been thinking what many of us have been thinking: Is it okay to feel bad if you haven't been too badly affected by the pandemic?

Coronavirus: Steps to Reopen Amusement Parks in Southern California

Disney announced the first steps its taking to reopen its theme parks worldwide, but will people want to go? We discuss how and when theme parks can welcome guests again.

Guest:

• Robert Niles, Theme Park Insider