California coronavirus updates: The latest on the pandemic

The USNS Mercy, a Navy hospital ship is seen docked at Naval Base San Diego Wednesday, March 18, 2020, in San Diego. Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Tuesday he has asked the Navy to prepare its two hospital ships — the USNS Mercy and the USNS Comfort in New York — for deployment to aid against the coronavirus outbreak. Photo by Gregory Bull, AP Photo

Coronavirus

Gov. Gavin Newsom orders all of California to shelter in place

Gov. Gavin Newsom warned President Donald Trump that more than half of Californians could be infected with coronavirus in the next two months. California is also seeking at least $1 billion in federal aid.

By

Judy Lin

• March 19, 2020

Elizabeth Hopkins, left, fills Sal Vega’s shopping bag with canned goods at a food distribution site in Martinez, CA. Vega, 76, wears a mask, gloves and sunglasses to protect himself while out of the house. Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters

California Divide

More Californians are hungry, seeking help amid coronavirus job losses

A line of 500 to 600 people standing six feet apart snaked around a parking lot and multiple city blocks in downtown Los Angeles. Many were hotel and restaurant workers, Dodger Stadium employees and airline chefs. All had lost their jobs or were working reduced hours amid the coronavirus pandemic. One by one, they walked […]

By

Jackie Botts

• March 19, 2020

The home that was illegally occupied by a group calling themselves "Moms 4 Housing" is photographed after they were evicted in Oakland, Calif., on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020. Photo by Doug Duran, Bay Area News Group

Coronavirus

Eviction lawsuits proceed in California despite relief for some tenants

The wheels of the eviction process are still turning in many parts of the state, and renters can remain subject to ejection for many reasons.

By

Matt Levin

and

Nigel Duara

• March 19, 2020

Education

Confusion reigns as California families ponder coronavirus homeschool

With the coronavirus pandemic raging and 99% of schools likely closed through summer, state education authorities are urging families to do their best with online classes, PBS and homeschooling. How it all will work out is unclear.

By

Ricardo Cano

• March 19, 2020

UCSF workers erect Accelerated Care Units (ACU) outside the Parnassus emergency room to provide a negative pressure environment to house patients with respiratory symptoms

Coronavirus

How overwhelmed is California’s health care system about to be?

Gov. Gavin Newsom has said that if as many coronavirus patients as feared need hospitalization, surge capacity could be outstripped by up to 10,000 beds.

By

Rachel Becker

,

Ana B. Ibarra

and

Judy Lin

• March 18, 2020

COVID-19 testing at the San Francisco Department of Public Health laboratory. Photo by Tyrone Jue courtesy of San Francisco Department of Public health

Coronavirus

Where California stands with coronavirus testing right now

Gov. Gavin Newsom says help is on the way to ramp up testing for the coronavirus, which has lagged nationally. So where are we now? Who can get tested for COVID-19, who should — and where exactly should you go? If you do get a test, will it be expensive? Here’s what you need to know.

By

Rachel Becker

and

Ana B. Ibarra

• March 18, 2020

Dolores Helman, 93, and her son Elliot Helman, 64, go for a walk in Berkeley on March 15, 2020. Dolores says she is more concerned about her grandchildren than herself, “I’m not afraid of dying, I’ve had a good life,” she said. Earlier today Gov. Gavin Newsom called for isolation of all elderly people and those with chronic health conditions in response to growing concern over the coronavirus. Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters

Coronavirus

Watch: A chat with California’s Department of Aging director on coronavirus and seniors

The director of California’s Department of Aging said Wednesday that the coronavirus pandemic is not only helping inform the state’s evolving Master Plan on Aging but also putting the state’s response to its senior population to its “ultimate stress test.” Kim McCoy Wade made the remarks in a wide-ranging web conversation with CalMatters health care […]

By

CalMatters Staff

• March 18, 2020