Coronavirus

Panelists discuss Putin’s threats to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis sending migrants to Martha’s Vineyard, and if COVID is really over.

from Left, Right & Center

Brain fog is one of the most misunderstood long-haul COVID symptoms, according to science writer Ed Yong. It makes planning and concentrating nearly impossible.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

China is still enforcing strict COVID-19 restrictions, including lockdowns that force millions of people to stay in their homes for days on end.

China’s ‘zero-COVID’ policy has prevented natural immunity from building

China is still enforcing strict COVID-19 restrictions, including lockdowns that force millions of people to stay in their homes for days on end.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

New Omicron-specific booster shots are now available at some LA locations and should provide increased protection against infection and hospitalization.

Want new Omicron booster? Must wait 2 months after last shot

New Omicron-specific booster shots are now available at some LA locations and should provide increased protection against infection and hospitalization.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

The need for physical touch climbed amid coronavirus quarantine and isolation. Trevor James, a professional touch therapist and cuddler, aims to help people reconnect.

Trauma, loneliness, death of a loved one: Why people seek professional cuddles

The need for physical touch climbed amid coronavirus quarantine and isolation. Trevor James, a professional touch therapist and cuddler, aims to help people reconnect.

from Greater LA

U.S. school kids lost two decades of reading and math progress, largely because of COVID-induced remote classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

COVID-induced learning loss means problem for racial justice

U.S. school kids lost two decades of reading and math progress, largely because of COVID-induced remote classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

At the Animal Assistance League of OC, staff members care for lost or abandoned pets, and educate people about better pet care.

OC animal shelter won’t turn anyone away, even as they have less to give

At the Animal Assistance League of OC, staff members care for lost or abandoned pets, and educate people about better pet care.

from Greater LA

A state bill would punish doctors for spreading false information about COVID vaccines and treatments. It awaits Governor Newsom’s signature.

Should doctors face legal consequences for COVID misinformation?

A state bill would punish doctors for spreading false information about COVID vaccines and treatments. It awaits Governor Newsom’s signature.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

If the CDC greenlights a new COVID booster, people could start getting shots after Labor Day. But “demand is really weak and tepid,” says one science journalist.

Fall COVID boosters could be here next week. How many actually want it?

If the CDC greenlights a new COVID booster, people could start getting shots after Labor Day. But “demand is really weak and tepid,” says one science journalist.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Panelists discuss Liz Cheney’s primary loss in Wyoming, the Republican Party’s shift over the last 30 years, and the complexities behind vaccine mandates.

Liz Cheney loses WY primary: Win for Trump’s GOP?

Panelists discuss Liz Cheney’s primary loss in Wyoming, the Republican Party’s shift over the last 30 years, and the complexities behind vaccine mandates.

from Left, Right & Center

How will the CDC change to prevent future public health crises? And how is the U.S. addressing monkeypox outbreaks and vaccine availability?

CDC’s reputation is on the line after its handling of COVID and monkeypox

How will the CDC change to prevent future public health crises? And how is the U.S. addressing monkeypox outbreaks and vaccine availability?

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

On this first day of LAUSD’s new academic term, Heidi Kalin is excited about her eighth grade son having more structure back in his life, and more campus events to choose from.

LAUSD’s eased COVID rules: ‘I’m going to trust them on this,’ says parent

On this first day of LAUSD’s new academic term, Heidi Kalin is excited about her eighth grade son having more structure back in his life, and more campus events to choose from.

from Greater LA

LAUSD begins its new term on August 15.

A/C upgrades, more tutors, more sleep: What’s new for LAUSD students

LAUSD begins its new term on August 15.

from Greater LA

A new form of physical therapy for long COVID patients involves singing lullabies, pop songs, and spirituals, while using opera techniques to rebuild their breath capacity and vocal…

Opera to treat long COVID: Mindfulness, breath exercises help heal trauma

A new form of physical therapy for long COVID patients involves singing lullabies, pop songs, and spirituals, while using opera techniques to rebuild their breath capacity and vocal…

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

President Biden on Saturday announced that he tested positive for COVID again. He had been negative. Like many people, he apparently now has the Paxlovid rebound.

‘Rebound is a nuisance.’ Paxlovid prevents hospitalization, death

President Biden on Saturday announced that he tested positive for COVID again. He had been negative. Like many people, he apparently now has the Paxlovid rebound.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Scientists are checking LA sewage for coronavirus. As fewer people report test results, health officials say the data helps them see what’s next with the pandemic.

Not reporting test results? Scientists still track COVID via your toilet waste

Scientists are checking LA sewage for coronavirus. As fewer people report test results, health officials say the data helps them see what’s next with the pandemic.

from Greater LA

In some low-income African countries, 5% or less of the population is fully vaccinated, according to local government data. Why the slow progress against COVID?

Most of Africa isn’t protected against COVID. Blame western countries

In some low-income African countries, 5% or less of the population is fully vaccinated, according to local government data. Why the slow progress against COVID?

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Another mask mandate might be imposed on LA County as early as July 29. The risk of COVID infection is now high, but the risk of a bad outcome is low, says UCSF’s Dr. Robert Wachter.

New LA mask mandate is in sight, but not stronger subvariant

Another mask mandate might be imposed on LA County as early as July 29. The risk of COVID infection is now high, but the risk of a bad outcome is low, says UCSF’s Dr. Robert Wachter.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

As the ultra-contagious BA.5 Omicron subvariant sweeps through LA, the county is poised to issue a new universal mask mandate for indoor spaces by the end of July.

Vaccinated and already had COVID? You can still get BA.5 subvariant

As the ultra-contagious BA.5 Omicron subvariant sweeps through LA, the county is poised to issue a new universal mask mandate for indoor spaces by the end of July.

from Greater LA

Omicron BA.5 is spreading quickly, and California’s positivity rate was nearly 17% from May 12 to July 6, but that’s likely an undercount since home testing data is mostly unreported.

Home antigen tests v. PCR tests: What negative COVID results truly mean

Omicron BA.5 is spreading quickly, and California’s positivity rate was nearly 17% from May 12 to July 6, but that’s likely an undercount since home testing data is mostly unreported.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand