Your Coronavirus Questions, Answered

In most counties, there isn’t a place to sign up for a vaccine appointment or walk in to get a vaccine. Counties are selecting people for vaccination as they have doses available. Most counties are still vaccinating health care workers and nursing home staff and residents, and just starting to move to residents 65 and older. Some health systems are vaccinating elderly patients. Those 65 or older will likely be contacted by either your health care provider or your county health department when vaccine doses are available.

Additionally, the state health department says it plans to launch a notification system the week of Jan. 18, “to let people know if they are eligible to receive a vaccine, and if not yet eligible, to register for a notification via email or text when they are.” Find updates about this notification system on the state’s “Vaccinate All 58” website. The system will also allow people to search for vaccination events in their area and schedule appointments, according to a press release issued Jan. 13. When vaccines are more widely available, people will also be able to go to doctors’ offices and pharmacies to get immunized.

Some counties such as Yolo County and El Dorado County are asking people to fill out a form if they want to be notified about vaccine availability.

Exposure to the sun or to temperatures higher than 77 F doesn’t prevent the COVID-19 virus or cure COVID-19. You can get the COVID-19 virus in sunny, hot and humid weather.

For the time being, social visits are still not advised. As things begin to reopen, people will have to weigh the risk versus benefit of getting out more, along with their own tolerance for uncertainty. The bottom line, health experts say, is people should continue to be vigilant: Maintain distance, wear masks, wash your hands — and take responsibility for your own health and that of those around you.

Local, state and federal governments are responding to help affected workers. The city of Sacramento passed a $1 million economic relief package for local businesses. Workers affected by the coronavirus have several options to apply for financial assistance through the California Employment Development Department. And President Trump has signed a historic $2 trillion economic recovery package that includes direct payment to Americans.

The answer isn’t an easy yes or no. California bats aren’t known to be carriers of COVID-19, but the possibility hasn’t been ruled out completely.

N95 masks aren’t intended to be reused. But because of shortages, some governments and experts are exploring disinfection techniques.

The California Department of Public Health announced Jan. 13 that all adults over age 65 are now eligible to get the vaccine. However, the state’s vaccination roll-out has been delayed, and county health departments say they don’t have enough vaccines right now to cover all of the priority groups laid out by the state.  Those 65 or older will likely be contacted by either your health care provider or your county health department when vaccine doses are available.

It’s important to consider the well-being of older adults when other household members are considering going out, says Lakely Hogan, gerontologist and caregiver advocate with Home Instead Senior Care. Follow the recommendations for hand washing, social distancing and disinfecting before and after contact with loved ones or trips outside.

California bats aren’t known to be carriers of COVID-19, but we don’t know enough to rule it out completely.

We don’t know the answer to this yet. The World Health Organization has said that the idea that one-time infection can lead to immunity remains unproven. What’s more, data reported from the world’s early COVID-19 hot spots, such as South Korea and China, have shown that a growing number of recovered patients appear to have suffered a relapse of the disease.

Kaiser and Marshall Medical Center in Placerville have provided patterns for making homemade masks that can be donated to help with shortages. They must meet certain specifications to be effective. Other Sacramento-area hospitals are also accepting donations if you have unused N-95 masks or other equipment available.

Scientists do not have enough research at this point to say for certain whether people become immune to COVID-19 after catching it once, but many researchers say it’s likely that humans who get the illness will have immunity for at least a short period of time.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is now recommending all Americans wear cloth or fabric face coverings in public to lessen the spread of the coronavirus, after new data showed that there was a high transmission rate of the virus from people showing no symptoms.

Gov. Gavin Newsom introduced a new, six-point plan for how California might gradually lift its stay-home order.  It includes criteria like ramped-up testing and protecting at-risk residents.  The White House has also issued guidelines to states about reopening.

No, only those individuals confirmed to have COVID-19 would be counted in case totals. However, close contacts of those infected should quarantine.

Those with mild cases of COVID-19 appear to recover within one to two weeks, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. For severe cases, recovery may take six weeks or more. Scientists do not have enough research at this point to say whether people become immune to COVID-19 after catching it once, but many researchers say it’s likely that humans who get the illness will have immunity for at least a short period of time.

While walking or biking, you should still maintain six feet of distance from others. The six-foot recommendation accounts for things like wind, according to Dr. Dean Blumberg, chief of pediatric infectious diseases at UC Davis Children’s Hospital. He said most droplets travel a maximum of three feet, but they could travel up to six feet if you account for a really forceful cough or sneeze, or windy conditions.

California’s shelter-in-place order only allowed essential businesses, like grocery stores and pharmacies, to stay open. But now, as of May 8, the order has been modified to allow non-essential retail business to offer curbside pick-up and delivery. And some counties have been certified to reopen even more.

Independent contractors and the self-employed can apply for unemployment benefits using the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program, or PUA. Apply online via the state’s Employment Development Department website.

Great question and we are still compiling information about local resources. In the meantime, Kathryn G. Kietzman, a research scientist at the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research with an emphasis in elder health, suggests calling the Area Agencies on Aging senior hotline at 1-800-510-2020 to be connected with community resources. You can also find regional information on the Area 4 website.

Some people have not been abiding by social distancing orders and recommendations. As a result, the California Department of Parks and Recreation is closing down parking lots at a number of its beaches and parks. Sacramento County parks officials recommend people stick close to home and avoid play structures, park benches, water fountains and other park features.

Yes, you can leave your house for essential items such as groceries, gas and medications. Many grocery stories are offering special hours for seniors. If you can, avoid going out and utilize a delivery service.

Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg changed his guidance on this as of March 15.

In Sacramento, and across the state, bars have been ordered to close and restaurants have been asked to find alternative ways to do business, like curbside pick-up and home delivery.

State guidelines recommend not traveling long distances for outdoor activity. Officials prefer you stay in your immediate area for recreation and maintain social distancing at all times.

You can go outside for walks and visit local parks as long as you practice social distancing — maintaining six feet of distance from others.

In Sacramento County, public parks aren’t closed, but officials aren’t encouraging use. "We’d prefer if they stayed home,” county parks public information officer Ken Casparis said. Public health experts recommend avoiding play structures, park benches, water fountains and other park features.

Self-employed workers can apply for unemployment benefits using the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program, or PUA.

The fatality rates for different groups are still uncertain. Most coronavirus deaths have occurred in older adults (60+) with underlying health conditions.

It’s unclear — though it may take something like 18 months to eradicate or suppress the virus.

The California National Guard is providing "humanitarian support." Specifically, Gov. Newsom deployed the Guard to fill vacancies at food banks, many of which lost volunteers due to coronavirus restrictions. Guard members also helped doctors screen passengers as they left the Grand Princess cruise ship.

That’s a difficult question to answer. A local economics professor said he feels some people are working themselves “into a frenzy” and hoarding food, actions that can make matters worse.

“I suppose that is probably true for some specific individuals who are not directly affected by the virus and suffer a large economic loss,” added Jeff Michael, executive director of the Center for Business and Policy Research at the University of the Pacific in Stockton. “But I do not think it is generally true about the economic and virus impacts.”

It’s unclear how long stay-at-home orders will be in effect. There are safe ways to see others, such as checking in via phone or video, or recreating outside with a friend. The latest order from Sacramento County permits people to attend private gatherings of no more than six nonrelatives in a home, if attendees remain six feet apart. People are also allowed to visit family members to care for them or deliver supplies.

Things are changing quickly, but for now, you can go outside for walks and visit parks close to home as long as you practice social distancing — maintaining six feet of distance from others.

In Sacramento County, public parks aren’t closed, but officials aren’t encouraging use. "We’d prefer if they stayed home,” county parks public information officer Ken Casparis said. Public health experts recommend avoiding play structures, park benches, water fountains and other park features.

CDC Director Robert Redfield told NPR that the centers have "pretty much" confirmed that a "significant number" — maybe up to 25% — of infected people remain asymptomatic. And of those that have symptoms, "it appears that we’re shedding significant virus in our oropharyngeal compartment, probably up to 48 hours before we show symptoms," he said. "This helps explain how rapidly this virus continues to spread across the country, because we have asymptomatic transmitters and we have individuals who are transmitting 48 hours before they become symptomatic."

Symptoms including fever, cough and shortness of breath may appear 2-14 days after exposure. The virus is spread through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

Yes. Experts say young, otherwise healthy people who regularly inhale THC, nicotine or tobacco are at higher risk for contracting COVID-19 than those who don’t, whether they’re using a cigarette or an electronic device.

You can look up testing sites near you using this new tool from the state. You can also find information on your county public health department’s website. New, stricter state guidelines for testing implemented in mid-July have made it harder for people without symptoms to get tested.

Independent contractors and the self-employed can apply for unemployment benefits using the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program, or PUA. Apply online via the state’s Employment Development Department website.

In general, people can return to normal activities after at least seven days have passed since symptoms began and 72 hours after fever is gone and other symptoms are improving, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. But the virus shedding period may extend beyond that window. One study in The Lancet looked at 137 COVID-19 survivors and found that the virus stayed in their bodies for a median duration of 20 days after symptoms began, with the longest duration being 37 days.

As the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 continues to increase across the state, you can keep track of your county’s individual case numbers by using our online tracker.

A state workgroup has come up with phases for vaccine distribution based on which Californians are most at risk for contracting COVID-19, who is dying at the highest rates and what jobs are most essential. Health care workers and long-term care staff and residents are first, followed by other frontline workers (education, agriculture, emergency services) and people over 65. The last planned phase includes people aged 50 to 65, and workers in fields such as defense, hazardous materials and government operations. Each phase has tiers that further indicate priority. You can find more details here.

You can find Sacramento County’s case positivity rate on the California Department of Public Health’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy page. Scroll down to the state map and hover over your county to see current data.

You can apply for unemployment on the state’s Employment Development Department website. Here’s a guide.

Data from China show that each coronavirus case seems to infect about 2 to 2.5 additional people. That’s higher than the flu. The average patient spreads the flu virus to about 1.3 others. The CDC has recommended that civilians who aren’t front-line workers like nurses and other first responders use cotton masks when going out in public.

You can apply for unemployment on the state’s Employment Development Department website. Here’s a guide.

There is no statewide mandate that face masks be worn, however the state encourages customers and business employees to wear them, and asks counties to provide guidance to businesses for protecting employees and customers, including wearing protective gear. Also, individual counties and cities do have health orders requiring that face coverings be worn in public. Check with your local public health agency.

The CDC says you should practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces. The Centers also say to consider putting a wipeable cover on your electronics.

Those with mild cases of COVID-19 appear to recover within one to two weeks, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. For severe cases, recovery may take six weeks or more. Scientists do not have enough research at this point to say whether people become immune to COVID-19 after catching it once, but many researchers say it’s likely that humans who get the illness will have immunity for at least a short period of time.

Under the state’s Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program, or PUA, independent contractors — including gig economy workers, freelancers, business owners, the self-employed and part-time workers — can apply for unemployment benefits.

Californians age 75 and older are included in Tier 1 of Phase 1B of the state’s vaccine rollout, which could start in January or February 2021. Those aged 65-74 are included in Tier 2 of the same phase. If it is your turn to get the vaccine, your county health department, doctor or employer should be reaching out to you.

There is no evidence that COVID-19 can be spread to humans through the use of pools and hot tubs. Proper operation, maintenance, and disinfection (e.g., with chlorine and bromine) of pools and hot tubs should remove or inactivate the virus that causes COVID-19.

While most persons with COVID-19 recover and return to normal health, some patients can have symptoms that can last for weeks or even months after recovery from acute illness. Even people who are not hospitalized and who have mild illness can experience persistent or late symptoms. Multi-year studies are underway to further investigate. The CDC continues to work to identify how common these symptoms are, who is most likely to get them, and whether these symptoms eventually resolve.

Independent contractors and the self-employed can apply for unemployment benefits under the state’s Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program, or PUA. Apply online via the state’s Employment Development Department website.

Yes, many supermarkets and grocery stores are providing special times for seniors to shop. Contact your local grocer to find out specifics in your neighborhood.

CapRadio’s environment reporter Ezra David Romero wrote about how cleaner air across California is helping scientists and air quality officials understand how pollution levels are impacted by large-scale behavioral change.

There are multiple testing sites in Chico, including the state-run OptumServe site at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds. See a list here.

Some health systems started vaccinating patients over age 75 the week of Jan. 11. The California Department of Public Health announced Jan. 13 that all adults over age 65 are now eligible to get the vaccine.

However, the state’s vaccination roll-out has been delayed, and county health departments say they don’t have enough vaccines right now to cover all of the priority groups laid out by the state.

In most counties, there isn’t a place to sign up for a vaccine appointment or walk in to get a vaccine. Counties are selecting people for vaccination as they have doses available. Most counties are still vaccinating health care workers and nursing home staff and residents, and just starting to move to residents 65 and older. Some health systems are vaccinating elderly patients. If you are 65 or older, you will likely be contacted by either your health care provider or your county health department when vaccine doses are available.

You can find COVID-19 case data for every California county, updated daily, in our tracker.

You should wash your produce with warm water, says Ron Fong, president of the California Grocers Association.

A website maintained by the governor’s office to provide the public with information about the COVID-19 pandemic exempts “critical government services, schools, childcare, and construction, including housing construction.” The site offers a few more specific examples of essential services.

City and county orders also often include detailed information about what’s considered "essential."

Kathryn Kietzman, a research scientist at the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research, recommends calling the Senior Information Line from the Area Agencies on Aging. Seniors can call 1-800-510-2020 to get information about resources available to them in their communities.

The current lab test used in the United States identifies people who are currently spreading the virus that causes COVID-19. That’s crucial information, but that test doesn’t reveal who had previously been infected. The CDC is currently developing an antibody test like ones already in use in Singapore and China. Scientists do not have enough research at this point to say for certain whether people become immune to COVID-19 after catching it once, but many researchers say it’s likely they will have immunity for at least a short period of time.

Nevada County sent out an emergency alert March 24 reminding residents of the statewide stay at home order and directing residents to the county’s coronavirus information page.

From the evidence so far, COVID-19 can be transmitted in all areas. The World Health Organization says it’s a myth that cold weather or a hot bath can kill or prevent the virus. Regardless of climate, the most effective way to protect yourself against the new coronavirus is by frequently cleaning your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or washing them with soap and water.

Yes. The Food and Drug Administration has provided guidelines for food industry workers to maintain social distancing and effective hygiene practices.

Some have, such as Taylor’s Market in Land Park. Your best bet is calling your local grocer to find out.

A website maintained by the governor’s office to provide the public with information about the COVID-19 pandemic exempts “critical government services, schools, childcare, and construction, including housing construction.” The site offers a few more specific examples of “essential” services, “such as”: Gas stations, pharmacies, grocery stores, farmers markets, food banks, convenience stores, take-out and delivery restaurants, banks, and laundromats/laundry services.

City and county orders also often include detailed information about what’s considered "essential."

No, younger people have died from COVID-19. But it’s still true that the older you are, the more likely you are to be hospitalized or die from the disease.

You should wash your produce with warm water, says Ron Fong, president of the California Grocers Association.

Americans so far have seen orders that aren’t strongly enforced by law, while other countries that are not democracies, such as China, have taken stronger, legal steps to limit personal freedoms.

Leslie Gielow Jacobs of the McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento said as things progress, citizens should be wary of the following infringements on civil liberties: Violations of freedom of speech due to restrictions on public gatherings, violations on privacy if the government takes measures to try to track peoples’ movements, and discriminatory practices to try to contain an outbreak within a certain demographic.

Independent contractors can apply for unemployment benefits using the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program, or PUA. Apply online via the state’s Employment Development Department website.

While Americans with the "highest priority" — such as health care workers and those most at risk of the virus — will likely receive a vaccine in December, the chief scientific adviser for Operation Warp Speed said it will be well into 2021 before the nation would be able to achieve herd immunity.

Warmer weather this winter caused plants to bloom and in turn many people had allergy-like symptoms early, according to physician Travis Miller with the Allergy Station in Roseville. Rainy weather tends to lessen allergy symptoms. Anyone with seasonal allergies — like red itchy eyes or a light cough — should take their temperature and remember how their allergies felt in years past.

The current lab test used in the United States identifies people who are currently spreading the virus that causes COVID-19. That’s crucial information, but that test doesn’t reveal who had previously been infected. The CDC is currently developing an antibody test like ones already in use in Singapore and China that could tell whether someone previously had the virus.

If you are 18 or older and live in Sacramento County, you can get tested for free at the Mobile Testing Site at Cal Expo after completing an online screener.

Research published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that the new coronavirus can survive on hard surfaces such as plastic and stainless steel for up to 72 hours and on cardboard for up to 24 hours. To prevent transmission, keep surfaces clean.

What we know from other coronaviruses is that most household cleansers — such as bleach wipes or alcohol — will kill them. Even wiping down surfaces with soap and water should do the trick.

This is still in question. The California Fish and Game Commission has given the state Department of Fish and Wildlife director the right to temporarily delay, suspend or restrict recreational fishing. And some individual counties have already placed limitations on fishing.

Experts agree that jails are not prepared to handle an outbreak among their inmates. There are shortages on soap and other sanitizing products, and jails suffer from overcrowding.  Social visits and public access at the Sacramento County Main Jail and the Rio Cosumnes Correctional Center have been eliminated except for legal/professional visits and those that have to attend court. Sacramento County has also released a portion of its inmates whose term sentences were almost over, but the sheriff’s office said these releases cover only a small portion of the inmate population.

Scientists do not have enough research at this point to say for certain whether people become immune to COVID-19 after catching it once, but many researchers say it’s likely that humans who get the illness will have immunity for at least a short period of time.

Amador County is in the Greater Sacramento region in the state’s new regional COVID-19 health order. As of Dec. 10, the region became subject to the state’s stay-at-home order after ICU capacity dropped below 15%. Once a county is no longer under those restrictions, they will return to the state’s tiered system, based on its case and test positivity rates.

Under the CARES Act, self-employed workers are eligible for help through the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program, or PUA. It provides a minimum “base benefit” of $167 per week. On top of their base benefit, affected workers will receive $600 per week in unemployment assistance through the end of July.

Different colored tiers represent different levels of risk — from “minimal” (yellow) to “widespread” (purple). Each county is assigned to a tier based on its test positivity and adjusted case rate. Under each tier, different businesses and activities are restricted. Learn more on the California Department of Public Health’s website.

For disinfection, diluted household bleach solutions, alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol, and most common EPA-registered household disinfectants should be effective. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser.

For the duration of the pandemic, it’s important to be thoughtful about going to visit family members of all ages, but especially older adults and those more vulnerable to the virus, said Kathryn G. Kietzman, a research scientist at the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research.

"But that said, I think if we practice social distancing within the home, if we stay six feet apart, if we wipe down surfaces with sanitary wipes or use gloves, there are ways to still engage with our loved ones and our family members,” she said.

Start with trying to get things delivered or having someone help you run essential errands. If your only recourse is to go yourself, do it with all the precautions. Make use of early-morning senior shopping hours some stores are offering, wash your hands before and after going, don’t touch something at the store and then touch your face, and disinfect your shopping cart or basket handle. Try to get enough food and medicine so you don’t have to make so many trips.

It is OK to go outside and exercise, but experts caution that you should maintain a physical distance of six feet from others, even outside. State officials are also asking people to remain in their neighborhoods and not travel for outdoor recreation.

Assisted living staff can help facilitate things like making sure people have music, movies, games or other activities to occupy their time, says Kathryn G. Kietzman, a research scientist at the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research with an emphasis in elder health. Other tips for coping with anxiety and loneliness apply to everyone who’s staying home: check in with loved ones via phone or video; practice mindfulness; engross yourself in activities; and seek help from mental health professionals when needed.

The CDC says to launder items according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use the warmest appropriate water setting and dry items completely.

You can find data on coronavirus hospitalizations, deaths and demographics in Contra Costa County on the county’s COVID-19 dashboard: https://www.coronavirus.cchealth.org/dashboard

The estimated recovery time is one to two weeks, for mild cases. Symptoms can appear anywhere between two and 14 days after infection, though some experts say they usually show up about five days in.

In general, people can return to normal activities after at least seven days have passed since symptoms began and 72 hours after fever is gone and other symptoms are improving, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. But the virus shedding period may extend beyond that window.

We couldn’t find anything that gave a recommended, universal amount of time for washing surfaces. It will likely depend on the item and the cleaning product. Soap and water works by trapping virus molecules as you scrub, and since your hands have so many nooks and crannies, you really want to spend lots of time hitting all those spots before washing the suds away.  It’s always best to follow a cleaning product’s recommendations. Clorox, for example, recommends using enough wipes to leave a surface wet for 4 minutes, it also recommends you let the surface air dry.

Eating food prepared in restaurants appears to be a safe choice. Current guidance from the Food and Drug Administration states that "there is no evidence to suggest that food produced in the United States can transmit COVID-19."

The city of Sacramento says it will launch a free childcare program for first responders, health care workers and essential city employees. If you would like to enroll your child, parents may register online through the City of Sacramento website by searching "Essential Worker Child Care" and selecting their preferred location.

Sacramento County has issued guidelines asking people to not meet in groups any larger than six people, while still maintaining six feet of distance from each other.

The federal tax deadline has been extended to July 15.

Kathryn G. Kietzman, a research scientist at the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research with an emphasis in elder health told us: “It’s a little more of a fine line because you’re going to be in an enclosed space. I suppose to really protect both the driver and the person, maybe you should wear a mask and use gloves.”

To reduce the spread of the virus and "flatten the curve," we need to act collectively, says Kathryn G. Kietzman, a research scientist at the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research with an emphasis in elder health.

"I know that we are hearing projections that up to half of us could get this virus in California. But all of the measures that everybody is promoting — the public health departments, the CDC, the World Health Organization — these are things that are known to reduce the exponential growth of this," she said.

Experts say regularly laundering a mask with any type of detergent and then running it through the heat of the dryer should be enough to disinfect it. They also recommend washing masks every day or two, and letting masks dry in between wearings.

N95 face masks aren’t intended to be reused, but because of shortages, governments and experts are providing guidance on how to best decontaminate them.

The protection someone gains from having an infection (called natural immunity) varies depending on the disease, and it varies from person to person. Since this virus is new, we don’t know how long natural immunity might last. Some early evidence—based on some people— seems to suggest that natural immunity may not last very long.

We won’t know how long immunity lasts until we have a vaccine and more data on how well it works. Both natural immunity and vaccine-induced immunity are important aspects of COVID-19 that experts are trying to learn more about, and the CDC says it will keep the public informed as new evidence becomes available.

The Sacramento County shelter-in-place order asks residents to remain at home unless it’s essential that you leave. For outdoor recreation, state officials have asked people to remain in their neighborhoods and not travel, even if they don’t plan to stop at any businesses.

No. Anyone of any age can be infected with COVID-19 and not display symptoms, or not identify symptoms as such.

"The CDC has recommended plain old hot water and soap on hard surfaces like cans," says Ron Fong, president of the California Grocers Association. "For produce, don’t use bleach water. Use regular warm water to wash your produce.”

If you are 18 or older and live in Sacramento County, you can get tested for free at the Mobile Testing Site at Cal Expo after completing an online screener.

Some grocery stores are offering special hours for seniors. Check with the grocer in your neighborhood for specific times.

Starting May 6, anyone 18 years old or older ​living in Sacramento County can get tested for COVID-19 by completing an online screening survey. Survey participants who complete the screener will be eligible for an appointment at the Mobile Testing Site at Cal Expo.

You can apply for unemployment benefits on the state’s EDD website.

Kathryn G. Kietzman, a research scientist at the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research with an emphasis in elder health told us: “It’s a personal decision. I think that it’s not an essential thing. I know it’s a very important thing for a lot of us. There’s no six-foot distancing if someone’s doing your hair. I think it’s something that if it’s not essential, it should be avoided. I just keep reminding people let’s just mentally take it two weeks at a time so we don’t get overwhelmed and then we’ll find alternatives and figure out creative ways to do our own hair for example.”

You can apply now. The EDD created the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program, or PUA, for independent contractors and self-employed workers who have lost income due to COVID-19.

Some surfaces don’t require soap and water; disinfecting products do the trick. That’s especially true for electronics and other items that have areas where water can be trapped and potentially cause damage. You’d want to use a disinfectant wipe or spray with an alcohol content of at least 70% to do the job.  Disinfecting wipes can even be used on some porous surfaces — like leather, for example — but you’d want to condition it right after using the cleaner It’s always best to follow a cleaning product’s recommendations. Clorox, for example, recommends using enough wipes to leave a surface wet for 4 minutes, it also recommends you let the surface air dry.

Exercise is important, and you can go outside for walks and visit nearby parks as long as you practice social distancing — maintaining six feet of distance from others.

But as Kathryn G. Kietzman, a research scientist at the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research with an emphasis in elder health, told us, it’s important that we all collectively follow public health practices to reduce the exponential growth of the virus.

Under the CARES Act, self-employed workers are eligible for help through the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program, or PUA. It provides a minimum “base benefit” of $167 per week. On top of their base benefit, affected workers will receive $600 per week in unemployment assistance through the end of July.

In general, people can return to normal activities after at least seven days have passed since symptoms began and 72 hours after fever is gone and other symptoms are improving, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. But the virus shedding period may extend beyond that window.

Scientists do not have enough research at this point to say for certain whether people become immune to COVID-19 after catching it once, but many researchers say it’s likely that humans who get the illness will have immunity for at least a short period of time.

If you are 18 or older and live in Sacramento County, you can get tested for free at the Mobile Testing Site at Cal Expo after completing an online screener.

It’s important to get exercise, but because of people not abiding by social distancing recommendations, the California Department of Parks and Recreation is closing down parking lots at all of its 280 beaches and parks. The state parks department is encouraging people to stay local and not go to state parks if they’re not in your local area — meaning in your immediate surroundings. Full closures will be considered if people don’t follow recommendations.

Workers in education and childcare are included in Tier 1 of Phase 1B of the state’s vaccination rollout plan. These vaccines are expected to be issued in January and February. If it is your turn to get the vaccine, your county health department, doctor or employer should be reaching out to you.

The World Health Organization has said that the idea that one-time infection can lead to immunity remains unproven and is thus unreliable as a foundation for the next phase of the world’s response to the pandemic.

The CDC guidance urges avoiding travel as much as possible, "especially if your trip is not essential …. Don’t travel if you are sick or travel with someone who is sick." Travel increases your chances of getting and spreading COVID-19, the CDC states. Personal protective measures like face coverings, hand hygiene and keeping social distance all help to reduce the transmission rate of the virus — but these measures don’t eliminate risk entirely.

Because of the pandemic, the Census Bureau has decided to delay starting its early round of door-knocking by census workers in college towns to April 23. The bureau is also waiting until early April, instead of late March, to begin its outreach effort to send out representatives with computer tablets to help people submit their census responses online. The bureau is encouraging every household to fill out a form themselves. You can do it on my2020census.gov, over the phone or mail back a paper form if you get one. The bureau told the House Oversight and Reform Committee this week it’s watching to see how many households respond on their own before deciding whether to continue counting past July. A spokesperson tells NPR the bureau is working on including social distancing techniques in trainings for door knockers.

You can apply for unemployment benefits if you’ve experienced reduced hours or wages due to COVID-19.

Government Code Section 8665 says it is a misdemeanor to fail to comply with the governor’s order. Non-essential businesses include dine-in restaurants, vape shops, gyms, and golf courses. But each county has been left to decide how they will deal with enforcement and they are all taking different approaches. In Sacramento County, you can call 3-1-1 to report noncompliance of the order.

This is a complicated topic. An NPR story says: Even a 5 micrometer droplet can linger in the air. "If the air were perfectly still, it would take a half hour to fall from a height of 6 feet down to the ground. And, of course, the air isn’t perfectly still," says Marr. "So it can easily be blown around during that time and stay in the air for longer or shorter."

The incubation period for COVID-19 is thought to extend to 14 days, with a median time of 4-5 days from exposure to symptoms onset.

The current lab test used in the United States identifies people who are currently spreading the virus that causes COVID-19. That’s crucial information, but that test doesn’t reveal who had previously been infected. The CDC is currently developing an antibody test like ones already in use in Singapore and China that could tell whether someone previously had the virus.

When depends on what phase of the state’s vaccine rollout plan you fall under. Health care workers and long-term care staff and residents are first, followed by other frontline workers (education, agriculture, emergency services) and people over 65. In many counties, there isn’t a place to sign up for a vaccine appointment or walk in to get a vaccine. Counties are selecting people for vaccination as they have doses available. Many counties are still vaccinating health care workers and nursing home staff and residents, and just starting to move to residents 65 and older. Some health systems are vaccinating elderly patients. If you are 65 or older, you will likely be contacted by either your health care provider or your county health department when vaccine doses are available. The state health department says it plans to launch a notification system the week of Jan. 18, “to let people know if they are eligible to receive a vaccine, and if not yet eligible, to register for a notification via email or text when they are.” Find updates about this notification system on the state’s “Vaccinate All 58” website.

Mosquitos don’t spread COVID-19, but they do carry West Nile Virus, which has sickened more than 6,000 Californians since 2003, according to state data. There’s no vaccine for it, and it can be fatal.

All over the Sacramento area, people are stepping up to do their part and help their neighbors in any way they can.  From where to find housing to how to support restaurant workers, here’s a one-stop shop for donating, volunteering, and finding help, during COVID-19.

Benefits are retroactive from January 27 through December 31 depending on the date of actual impact.

Research published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that the new coronavirus can survive on hard surfaces such as plastic and stainless steel for up to 72 hours and on cardboard for up to 24 hours. To prevent transmission, keep surfaces clean.

What we know from other coronaviruses is that most household cleansers — such as bleach wipes or alcohol — will kill them. Even wiping down surfaces with soap and water should do the trick.

There’s no evidence that pets can get sick from the virus right now, according to the World Health Organization. But it’s important to know that dogs and cats can spread viral and bacterial illnesses to humans. So recommendations are to wash your hands really well after you touch your animal or clean up after it, and make sure your pets are up to date on their vaccines and flea and tick treatments and so forth.

In general, people can return to normal activities after at least seven days have passed since symptoms began and 72 hours after fever is gone and other symptoms are improving, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. But the virus shedding period may extend beyond that window. One study in The Lancet looked at 137 COVID-19 survivors and found that the virus stayed in their bodies for a median duration of 20 days after symptoms began, with the longest duration being 37 days.

Because it’s unclear if your wife has the flu or COVID-19 and you likely spent time together before she began self-quarantining, it’s a good idea to self-quarantine yourself if possible, or at least self-monitor. Self-monitoring might include regularly checking your temperature and watching for signs of a respiratory illness, such as fever, cough or shortness of breath, according to the CDC. It also involves limiting interaction with others.

The main thing is to keep at least six feet from others. Try timing your rides for when trails will be less crowded. If you’re going to be around others at stopping points, wear a mask and keep your distance.

Data reported from the world’s early COVID-19 hot spots, such as South Korea and China, have shown that a growing number of recovered patients appear to have suffered a relapse of the disease. It remains unclear why this is occurring — whether it is a sign of a second infection, a reactivation of the remaining virus in the body or the result of an inaccurate antibody test.

Gov. Newsom has said schools could reopen for an earlier school year, perhaps as soon as late July, to make up for lost learning time.

Sacramento County has loosened some restrictions from its initial stay-at-home order. Residents are now allowed to leave the house for medical or dental care for chronic conditions or preventative services.

Shelter-in-place orders ask people to remain home apart from essential activities. No one will stop your kids from traveling to see you, but it’s important to weigh the risks versus benefits. Public health experts say visiting with family is a complex choice, and people should continue to be vigilant and take responsibility for your own health and that of those around you.

Most infectious disease experts say there’s no good scientific evidence at this point to support the claim that taking ibuprofen worsens COVID-19. Talk to your health provider for recommendations, but you may want to start with Tylenol.

Kathryn G. Kietzman, a research scientist at the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research with an emphasis in elder health told us: “It’s very tricky. Our whole health system is being tested and we’re really under supply in terms of the workforce for older adults and people with disabilities in general. I’m afraid that this is going to be a very difficult time if people are looking to get homecare that they didn’t already have. It might even be challenging for some who already have homecare because people who are medical professionals are getting pulled in all different directions. They also have their own social isolation orders to follow and children perhaps that they now have at home. People can reach out to home care agencies and providers in their community.”

U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams says "pandemic fatigue" is largely to blame. People are tired and aren’t taking mitigation measures as seriously as before, he says. Other state officials have pointed to private gatherings as being the source of many transmissions, but now that the virus is so widespread it can be hard to pinpoint the source of outbreaks.

There are safe ways to see others, such as checking in via phone or video, or recreating outside with a friend. Just make sure to maintain six feet of distance.

Other tips include staying present by trying a mindfulness practice, engrossing yourself in a project like making art or gardening, and seeking help from mental health professionals if you need it.

Jenneane Rocha, owner of Jenneane’s Skin Care in Sacramento, recommends Jojoba oil. Jojoba comes from a shrub seed** **native to the American southwest and Mexico. You can rub it on your hands throughout the day and put it on at night before bed.  Some people recommend using skin care products before bed and then putting gloves or socks over your hands to keep the moisturizer in. Rocha says that is an option, but she doesn’t think it’s necessary.

The World Health Organization has a COVID-19 myth busters page.

Stay home. Call your doctor to discuss your symptoms and whether testing or formal treatment is needed. Try to stay in one room of the house to avoid exposing others. If you must touch other surfaces and household items, sanitize them after use. Drink fluids, rest and take cough medicine or pain relievers as needed. Restrict contact with your pets.

There’s no evidence that pets can get sick from the virus right now, according to the World Health Organization. But it’s important to know that dogs and cats can spread viral and bacterial illnesses to humans. So recommendations are to wash your hands really well after you touch your animal or clean up after it, and make sure your pets are up to date on their vaccines and flea and tick treatments and so forth.

Kathryn G. Kietzman, a research scientist at the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research with an emphasis in elder health told us: “Well, we have a restriction now on restaurants only doing takeout. I know that the restaurants are instructed to handle things properly using the same precautions. But again, I think on the conservative side, if at all possible, better to eat food that you can prepare at home. Some older adults cannot do that preparation. So again, that might be where family or neighbors come into play if available using all of the protections.”

Masks or face coverings are now required when riding SacRT. They are also blocking off certain seats in buses and light rail trains to provide physical distancing, installing protective plexi-glass barriers on each bus by the driver’s seat to reduce risk when paying fare, disinfecting trains and buses, sanitizing touch points and more.

The World Health Organization estimates about 80% of COVID-19 cases are mild and will not require hospitalization. If you come down with the illness, you can treat it much like you would a cold or the flu: rest, hydration and non-prescription medication. Go to the hospital if you experience symptoms like trouble breathing, pain in the chest, or new confusion.

There is no specific medicine to treat COVID-19. People who go to the hospital with severe cases may receive supportive care such as a ventilator to help them breathe and IV bags or feeding tubes to deliver nutrition.

The city of Sacramento says it will launch a free childcare program for first responders, health care workers and essential city employees. If you would like to enroll your child, parents may register online through the City of Sacramento website by searching "Essential Worker Child Care" and selecting their preferred location.

Independent contractors can apply for unemployment benefits using the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program, or PUA. Apply online via the state’s Employment Development Department website.

California could reopen for an earlier school year, perhaps as soon as late July, to make up for lost learning time, Gov. Gavin Newsom has said. School administrators shared Newsom’s concern about lost learning but suggested a lot more work still has to happen before reopening schools. Jeff Freitas, president of the California Federation of Teachers, said reopening schools would be a district-by-district decision.

Sacramento County has released a map breaking down the county’s COVID-19 areas by ZIP code. Note that a lack of testing (and a backlog of untested samples) may be contributing to some areas having more confirmed cases than others.

No. After they reach vaccination centers, the shots must be thawed from -70 degrees celsius and injected within five days, if not they go bad.

When in doubt, call your doctor. They can tell you the best course for your individual case.

There can be an overlap of symptoms between allergies, flu and coronavirus, including nasal drip, congestion and sore throat. But having a fever is an indicator your symptoms are not allergies, according to Travis Miller, a physician with the Allergy Station in Roseville. Itchy eyes are also common for people with seasonal allergies, but not often found with viral infections.

While most persons with COVID-19 recover and return to normal health, some patients can have symptoms that can last for weeks or even months after recovery from acute illness. Even people who are not hospitalized and who have mild illness can experience persistent or late symptoms. Multi-year studies are underway to further investigate. The CDC continues to work to identify how common these symptoms are, who is most likely to get them, and whether these symptoms eventually resolve.

The Sacramento Public Library has closed all of its branches through May 1 to stop the spread of COVID-19, the illness caused by Coronavirus.

Some companies have reinvented themselves to help manufacture needed protective equipment. For example, Silicon Valley clean energy business Bloom Energy is now fixing up forgotten ventilators, and The Gap clothing company is working on personal protective equipment for health-care workers, such as gowns and masks.

Bad. Sacramento County has issued guidelines asking people to not meet in groups any larger than six people, while still maintaining six feet of distance from each other.

Yes. Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness.

The COVID-19 test available at Cal Expo tests whether you are currently positive for the virus. It doesn’t detect if you’ve already had it and recovered.

Avi Schiffman built a website that tracks coronavirus cases globally. The site, ncov2019.live, has been visited by more than 12 million people since it launched in late December and uses web-scraping technology to provide minute-to-minute updates.

NPR is tracking the coronavirus by state in a series of maps and charts, here.

There’s no evidence that pets can get sick from the virus right now, according to the World Health Organization. But it’s important to know that dogs and cats can spread viral and bacterial illnesses to humans. So recommendations are to wash your hands really well after you touch your animal or clean up after it, and make sure your pets are up to date on their vaccines and flea and tick treatments and so forth.

There’s no evidence that pregnant women are any more susceptible to COVID than the average healthy adult is, Christina Han, a high-risk pregnancy specialist at UCLA told ProPublica. Unfortunately there’s not a lot of data on this, but a registry to track U.S. cases has just launched.

The advice for protecting yourself is the same as for everyone else — just be extra vigilant. If possible, pregnant women should avoid going to work in medical and other settings where they are at higher risk of becoming infected.

To report a violation of the Public Health Officer Order in Sacramento County, call 311. Find contact information for other county public health departments at www.cdph.ca.gov.

Cotton masks have been proven to be less effective than medical masks. According to studies, cotton masks let 97% of air particles through, while medical masks let only 44% through. However, experts have said a face covering of any sort can be helpful to remind yourself not to touch your face, to signal that you need distance, and to prevent particles you expel from getting into the air.

Much of the latest surge in cases has been attributed to travel and gatherings over the winter holidays, including Christmas and New Year’s.

Scientists do not have enough research at this point to say for certain whether people become immune to COVID-19 after catching it once, but many researchers say it’s likely that humans who get the illness will have immunity for at least a short period of time.

Hair and nail salons are not considered essential businesses by the state government, so they should be closed.

You can track confirmed cases by county using our California COVID-19 tracker. We also have a map where you can see Sacramento County cases by zip code.

The time it takes to get test results varies. In California as of late July test results averaged between five and seven days. State health officials said they have told all labs to first process from high-risk groups, such as people with COVID symptoms, those in hospitals and those in long-term care facilities.

This holiday season you should avoid gatherings with people outside of your household, especially indoors. You should also practice social distancing and wear a mask whenever you are around others. Avoid out-of-state travel. Get your flu shot. Wash your hands often.

Churches in some counties were ordered by the state to close again after increased community spread or hospitalizations. Counties currently being monitored by the state can be found here.

Record numbers of Americans are applying for unemployment benefits. Local, state and federal governments are responding in various ways to help affected workers. California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced March 25 that nearly 200 banks and credit unions, including four of the five largest in the country, will provide 90-day waivers on mortgage payments to those who have been impacted by COVID-19.

Estimated recovery time is one to two weeks, for mild cases. If it’s going to progress to a severe case, the symptoms usually get worse after about a week of being sick. For severe cases, recovery may take six weeks or more.

Scientists do not have enough research at this point to say for certain whether people become immune to COVID-19 after catching it once, but many researchers say it’s likely that humans who get the illness will have immunity for at least a short period of time.

Los Angeles stands out in that its mayor and the county’s top public health official have both acknowledged a link between the region’s protests and spike in infections.  Officials and health experts elsewhere have said they do not see a significant connection between protests in their communities and the spread of the virus.