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Coronavirus

Cindy Datangel prepares to depart with the American Postal Workers Union car caravan in San Francisco. Laura Wenus / Public Press

Mail Workers Struggle on Without Federal Stimulus as Election Approaches

09.04.2020

By Laura Wenus, Reporter & Host for "Civic"

With an infusion of $25 billion to help the postal service weather the coronavirus pandemic still in limbo awaiting consideration by the Senate, local mail workers continue to work extended hours under difficult conditions to beat back delays in mail delivery. Carriers and other mail workers are also grappling with absences as coronavirus spreads to and among staff.

Coronavirus

Months Into Pandemic, Physician Reflects on Developing Coronavirus Knowledge

07.27.2020

By Laura Wenus, Reporter & Host for "Civic"

In March, Dr. Monica Bhargava, a pulmonary critical care physician at the county hospital in Oakland, predicted on “Civic” that the novel coronavirus would deeply affect the region’s health care system for many months to come. That, and some of her other observations, turned out to be correct. In recent months, scientists and doctors have learned much more about how the virus spreads and what makes patients vulnerable to serious complications. Bhargava returned to “Civic” to follow up on her earlier observations and discuss how the conversations doctors, patients and whole communities are having about managing the coronavirus pandemic have changed. “A lot of my patients live five or six patients to a one-bedroom.

“Civic” Podcast

Photo by Pixnio user Bicanski. Public domain image.

Labor Advocates Say Inspector Shortage Jeopardizes Workplace Coronavirus Safety

07.16.2020

By Laura Wenus, Reporter & Host for "Civic"

As workers head back to their jobs, they are navigating the new workplace safety reality of operating in a global pandemic. Labor organizers say the protections against catching the novel coronavirus on the job are insufficient at many workplaces, and lack enforcement. They allege that California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health, better known as Cal/OSHA, is critically short-staffed. Erika Monterroza, a spokesperson for Cal/OSHA, said in an email the staff shortage doesn’t keep the agency from meeting its mandate. “We believe that this agency is not doing what it should be doing.

Labor

Postal Workers Rally for Stimulus Support

06.26.2020

By Laura Wenus, Reporter & Host for "Civic"

The United States Postal Service is running out of money — the agency requested $75 billion in emergency funding in April, saying it would be out of money by September. Lower demand for its services and the health impacts of the pandemic have hit the agency hard, and legislators had planned to give the postal service $25 billion in the CARES Act. But the Trump administration blocked the funding. The postal service does have access to $10 billion in loans, but Donald Trump has suggested that the postal service should raise its prices. Louis DeJoy, a longtime Trump supporter and fundraiser, took over as the US Postmaster this month.

Public Safety

San Francisco Firefighters Adapt Routines to Coronavirus Pandemic

04.10.2020

By Laura Wenus, Reporter & Host for "Civic"

San Francisco firefighters are still on duty, working shifts at the firehouse, responding to calls and conducting fire safety inspections.

Transportation

Muni Operators Work in Fear of Coronavirus Infection

04.07.2020

By Laura Wenus, Reporter & Host for "Civic"

As the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency makes drastic cuts to service to prevent further spread of the coronavirus, drivers are fearful and feel exposed. Five cases have been confirmed among Muni workers.

Labor

Gig Workers Face Uncertainty During Coronavirus Pandemic

04.01.2020

By Laura Wenus, Reporter & Host for "Civic"

Carlos Ramos, who drives for Lyft and is also an organizer with Gig Workers Rising, says gig workers including drivers should get the full protections and rights of employees under California’s AB 5.

Food Systems

Grocery Union Reaches Deal for Workers on Front Lines of the Coronavirus Pandemic

03.26.2020

By Mel Baker

Grocery stores have been deemed essential during the pandemic, and their employees are stationed on the front lines. One San Jose grocery store worker has died of COVID-19.

Coronavirus

Pulmonary, Critical Care Doctor Prepares for Coronavirus Fallout in Health System

03.16.2020

By Lila LaHood, Publisher

Dr. Monica Bhargava, a pulmonary and critical care physician, emphasizes that social distancing and other protective measures are crucial, but that the health care system is likely to be seeing effects for months to come.

Coronavirus

Nurses Say COVID-19 Guidelines, Poor Communication Increase Risk

03.11.2020

By Laura Wenus, Reporter & Host for "Civic"

Nurses around the country gathered outside hospitals today to call for a more decisive response to the coronavirus outbreak that now has more than a thousand confirmed cases and 32 deaths nationwide.