Omicron and Other Coronavirus Variants: What You Need to Know
By Louis Jacobson, PolitiFact
This new variant has set off alarm bells in the public health community, but much remains to be learned about it.
Daily Edition for Tuesday, November 30, 2021
Public Health Experts Believe Omicron Could Arrive In Bay Area Within Weeks Or Even Days: The omicron coronavirus variant, which is raising global alarm bells due to its potential for increased transmissibility and vaccine evasion, is probably already in the U.S., and an announcement that it has arrived in the Bay Area could be just days or weeks away, some public health officials believe. The World Health Organization on Monday said early evidence indicates that the risk from omicron is “very high,” and surges with “severe consequences” are possible. Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle.
Con el fin de las licencias pagas por covid, empleados sienten la presión de ir a la oficina
By Rae Ellen Bichell
Economistas y expertos en salud pública dicen que la licencia por enfermedad paga es una herramienta esencial, tanto como las pruebas, las máscaras y las vacunas, para prevenir la infección por covid-19 y mantener seguros los lugares de trabajo.
With Federal Covid Sick Leave Gone, Workers Feel Pressure to Show Up at Work
By Rae Ellen Bichell
National paid sick leave provisions for covid expired, and an uncertain covid winter is around the corner. Los Angeles and Oakland are among the places trying to fill the gap, but many employees still face financial pressure to go to work while sick.
Daily Edition for Monday, November 29, 2021
Health Officials Worry, Wait For More Understanding Of Omicron Covid Variant: Facing a global spread of the covid-19 omicron variant, U.S. health officials said it will probably take two weeks to fully determine the level of threat but pushed coronavirus booster shots as a key first stage in the battle. President Joe Biden met with top health advisors Sunday to map out a strategy and stressed the need for vigilant adherence to existing safety practices, notably vaccinations and booster shots. Read more from the Los Angeles Times, Reuters, the San Francisco Chronicle and National Public Radio.
‘I Can Go Anywhere’: How Service Dogs Help Veterans With PTSD
By Stephanie O'Neill Patison
The PAWS for Veterans Therapy Act means more veterans with symptoms of traumatic stress can get specially trained service dogs.
Black Tech Founders Want to Change the Culture of Health Care, One Click at a Time
By Cara Anthony
Just as Uber Eats and Grubhub revolutionized food delivery, Black tech entrepreneurs want to change the way patients connect with doctors. They are using technology to match people of color with culturally competent professionals and the transportation they need to get to them.
‘An Arm and a Leg’: How to Avoid the Worst Health Insurance
By Dan Weissmann
Listen to a journalist’s first-person horror story on shopping for health insurance — and learn how to avoid the pitfalls.
Daily Edition for Wednesday, November 24, 2021
Today’s California health news summaries cover child vaccinations, Thanksgiving worries, vaccine mandates, food insecurity, fires and more.
It Takes a Team: A Doctor With Terminal Cancer Relies on a Close-Knit Group in Her Final Days
By Judith Graham
Dr. Susan Massad created a “health team” after learning she had metastatic breast cancer. These friends and family members help her make difficult decisions and lead the most fulfilling life possible.
