Coronavirus Weekly

Recent comments made by Los Angeles County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer sent Los Anegles into a panic after it seemed she suggested safer-at-home orders would be extended for the next three months. Later that day, L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti appeared on CNN to walk back and clear up some of the confusion regarding her statement. Christina Pascucci spoke with Dr. Marc Eckstein about his perspective on the economic shutdown and how leaders should move us forward through the pandemic. He also shares an update on the city's testing efforts and new telemedicine program.

Stress and anxiety surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic are changing sleep patterns and negatively affecting the quality of sleep for people around the country. Today we hear from Dr. Michael Breus, the Sleep Doctor, who shares useful tips to help get a better night's rest. Dr. Breus breaks down the bad habits many have fallen into during stay-at-home orders that could be impacting your sleep. He also explains why many people are experiencing strange or frightening dreams, now being called quarandreams, and how to help avoid them.

As the state moves closer towards phase 3 of reopening amid the COVID-19 pandemic, many workers are beginning to think about their inevitable return to the office. How can building owners and employers ensure employee safety in a time where there is still no vaccine? Experts say employees should be expect a myriad of changes in the workplace. Christina speaks with Jennifer Frisk & Ryan Harding of Newmark Knight Frank, a global commercial real estate firm that is now helping advise their clients on what a return to the workplace could look like post COVID-19.

Catholic Big Brothers Big Sisters is mentoring program that makes life changing matches between an adult volunteer and a young person. The one-to-one mentoring model has been affected drastically by the coronavirus and the restrictions that have been placed on our daily interactions. Christina speaks with Stefanie, a "Big Sister" in the program, about how she is continuing to make a meaningful impact in this time of physical distancing.

As the state slowly begins to reopen, many who have upcoming or rescheduled weddings may be wondering how to proceed with planning their big day. In a world where social distancing is now the norm, how will intimate gatherings and events like weddings be affected in the future? Christina, who is getting married in September, speaks with wedding and events planner Amy Grace Collins about how things may unfold in the months ahead. Amy offers valuable tips and advice including how to work with vendors amidst uncertainty, managing expectations, and when it's time to consider rescheduling.

As the graduating class of 2020 approaches the end of their high school career, the COVID-19 pandemic has put an end to any promise of a traditional graduation ceremony. Now, districts and schools are trying to devise ways to recognize students' academic achievements, while still obeying social distancing guidelines. Christina Pascucci speaks with Knight High School graduating senior Damian Jeffries about a fun idea he presented to his district to celebrate the class of 2020.

California Governor Gavin Newsom recently came under fire for closing beaches in Orange County due to overcrowding, inciting protests and lawsuits. Yet, just a few days later, San Clemente and Laguna Beach were allowed to reopen after reaching agreements with state officials on new protocols and procedures. Christina spoke with Laguna Beach Mayor Bob Whalen about the beach closure, and details about how the beach was eventually allowed to reopen. They also discuss the modifications and precautions currently being implemented to keep beachgoers safe.

Today, Christina talks to a man who is used to thriving in unusual environments. Dr. Scott Parazynski is a physician, author, tech CEO, and astronaut. He has also lived and adventured all over the world, and summited Mt. Everest. Recently, the COVID-19 outbreak hit very close to home for Scott, as both his parents were diagnosed with the disease. Scott shares some of the details of that experience. He also talks about the importance of finding solutions the problems caused by COVID-19. He is working on a new technology he believes could help keep patients off mechanical ventilation. Scott shares his unique insight and perspective into dealing with COVID-19 based off his incredible life experiences.

Travel blogger Alyssa Ramos recently ditched her apartment in Los Angeles to fulfill a dream of moving to Barcelona, Spain. Just ten days after arriving, the city was placed under strict home confinement orders due to COVID-19, and Alyssa was unable to leave her home for nearly 50 days. Alyssa shares her experience with the lock down in Spain, and her perspective on the situation in the United States.

As part of his 4-phase plan to begin reopening the state, Governer Gavin Newsom suggested the possibility that schools could begin allowing students and faculty back on campus to begin classes as early as July. Christina spoke with Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools Debra Duardo about the announcement, and what preparations and resources are needed to continue classroom education effectively and safely. She also addresses some of the concerns around the idea of starting an early school year. Debra also shares some of the options being considered to continue meaningful instruction.

This week, it was announced that the drug remdesivir, an antiviral medication developed by Gilead Sciences, had proven effective against COVID-19 in a major study. The drug was found to cut the time of patient recovery by an average of 4 days. Dr. Anthony Fauci has said that remdesivir will set a new "standard of care" for treatment of COVID-19. To learn more about the drug and the results of the study, Christina speaks with Dr. Terese Hammond, pulmonary critical care specialist and one of the principal investigators for the remdesivir trials.

The COVID-19 pandemic is often drawing comparison to the 1918 influenza pandemic (The Spanish Flu). While the 1918 flu pandemic had a far more devastating global impact than it appears COVID-19 will have, looking back at history reveals just how similarly the world of the past and the world of the the present have responded to our respective outbreaks. Ventura resident and historian Cynthia Thompson has been digging into the past to learn about how the community responded to the 1918 pandemic, and what history can tell us about the present and future.

While more COVID-19 testing sites continue to emerge around Los Angeles County and neighboring areas, most are only offering tests to those who are exhibiting symptoms, frontline health care workers, or those who are considered high risk. In Carson, California, however, a new drive-up testing site will administer free testing for all residents, city employees, and anyone else who books an appointment regardless of whether they are symptomatic or not. Christina speaks with Carson Mayor Albert Robles to learn more.

During the COVID-19 crisis, 911 health emergency calls have dropped dramatically. Doctors are growing concerned that people with serious medical issues, like heart attacks and strokes, are avoiding hospitals due to fear of catching COVID-19. Dr. Richard Shemin of the American Heart Association explains why people should not ignore medical emergencies, plus a young woman shares why she wishes she paid attention to the warning signs when her own health was in jeopardy.

Dr. Steven O’Day is the Executive Director of the John Wayne Cancer Institute and Cancer Clinic, and Director of Providence Los Angeles Regional Research. Today, Christina talks with Dr. O'Day to learn about some of the clinical trials that are taking place to combat COVID-19. He also reveals some of the more promising drugs researchers are looking at that could get us closer to solving this crisis, and he also addresses recent headlines regarding drugs like hydroxychloriquine and Gilead’s remdesivir.

In the episode, Mark Takano, Congressman for the 41st District of California, answers your questions regarding the CARES Act and Paycheck Protection Program. Congressman Takano clarifies rumors that stimulus check payments are taxed or will need to be paid back. He also explains why larger companies like Shake Shack and Ruth's Chris were able to borrow millions of dollars from a loan program meant for smaller businesses, and what's being to done to replenish that fund and close loopholes. He also explains the resources available to assist the self-employed, unemployed, and homeless.

On this 50th anniversary of Earth Day, we're hearing from Anousheh Ansari, who observed the Earth from space as the first female private space explorer. Anousheh's experience in space, as well as the disciplined and rigourous training it took to get there, have given her a unique perspective on the COVID-19 pandemic. Anousheh is also helping lead a collaborative effort to solve the crisis as the CEO of XPRIZE,  a powerful platform for combining data, AI tools, and ideas to help solve the world's most pressing issues.

Results from serology blood tests in L.A. County have revealed that up to 5.6% of adults have antibodies to COVID-19, indicating that up to 442,000 adults have contracted and recovered from the disease. Researchers now believe the novel coronavirus has been more widely spread than previously thought. Christina Pascucci speaks with Dr. Marc Eckstein about the latest developments, plus what's next in regards to testing.

Donny O'Malley is a Marine Corps. veteran who has dedicated his post-service life to building a community amongst veterans using comedy and the power of laughter. He is the founder of Vet Tv and Irreverent Warriors. Donny shares with Christina how a positive outlook and community support is critical, especially for veterans, during self-isolation.

Heather Crookston Neal is a resident of Reno,Nevada. Heather has Crohn's Disease and must take medication that leaves her with a weakened immune system. Because of this, if Heather were to contract COVID-19, the consequences could be dire. Heather has begun speaking out and advocating for the immunocompromised in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, and striving to put a face to invisible diseases.