CNET reports ^[1] that slowdowns in manufacturing and traffic are reducing pollution in some cities. China’s lockdown led to a 25 percent decrease in CO2 emissions compared with the same period in 2019. Satellite imagery shows startling reductions in air pollution ^[2] over countries where traffic has been limited. Something to think about…

What they do, why COVID-19 patients need them, and why it’s difficult to solve the shortage. Learn more about this complex but vital device here ^[3].

Here’s a straightforward explanation of the “Flattening the Curve” concept (made before we enacted the social distancing and stay-at-home actions so crucial to successfully flattening the curve). Watch the video ^[4].

Mayor Eric Garcetti has announced the formation of “L.A. Protects,” a new partnership to organize Los Angeles’ fashion and garment industry to make protective gear and other medical supplies for frontline workers. The initial target for the initiative is the manufacturing of 5 million non-medical masks for people who need protection – grocery store workers, non-medical staff in hospitals, and others providing essential services during the COVID-19 crisis.
Kaiser Permanente is a partner in L.A. Protects, having provided the specifications for a non-medical mask that is being open-sourced to the public.
“The number-one mission right now is saving lives,” said Mayor Garcetti. “Our manufacturing sector is unmatched anywhere, and the ingenuity of working people will help us get through this emergency. L.A. Protects will save people – and save jobs.”
L.A. Protects could help businesses that might otherwise have to close and furlough staff, by connecting them with opportunities to provide an essential service. L.A. Protects will match approved manufacturing companies with essential industries in need of masks – including the health care industry, grocers, take-out restaurants, delivery services, as well as food and beverage manufacturers.

• Clean your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick by staying home as much as possible and maintaining 6’ distance between yourself and other people.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover and time you must leave home.
• Always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
• Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily, including tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, remote controls, toilets, faucets, and sinks.

N95 Masks

• When present for or performing aerosol-generating procedures (e.g., sputum induction, bronchoscopy, open suctioning, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, intubation and extubation) in patients with known or suspected COVID-19
• During other high-risk procedures (e.g., upper endoscopy, head and neck surgery) for patients who may or may not be infected with COVID-19

Surgical Masks

• For use in the surgical core and in the operating room
• May also be used in interventional radiology/cath lab and procedure rooms and when providing direct care in the sterile field

Isolation/Procedure Masks

• For use by any health care worker involved in direct patient care (inpatient or outpatient) and for use in higher COVID-19 exposure risk settings
• One mask per day should be used unless soiled

Level 1 (cover your cough) Masks

• Will be available for use in other settings not described above

Cloth Face Coverings

• Employees who work in an administrative area or regional operations location where no patient care is provided should follow the CDC’s recommendations and bring a cloth face covering or non-KP issued mask to wear during work, until KP has inventory to distribute them.

You’ll find a wealth of resources and material at kp.org/mentalhealth ^[5], and terrific self-care articles, recordings, and exercises at kp.org/selfcare ^[6]. These are a few highlights:

• Find Your Words ^[7]: Mental health education and tools to help with depression and build resilience.
• myStrength ^[8]: KPSC members have free access to this personalized app with interactive activities, in-the-moment coping tools, inspirational resources, and community support. There are pathways for anxiety, sleep, stress and depression among others.
• Stress Management ^[9] articles, podcasts, and guided exercises.
• Parenting ^[10] tips and exercises to help parents stay calm, centered, and collected amidst the (joyful!) chaos of COVID-19 (or any time).
• Healthcare providers ^[11] will find short, practical COVID-19-related self-care advice from the American Psychological Association.

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers free, voluntary, and confidential services for all Kaiser Permanente physicians and employees. EAP Consultants are licensed, trained clinicians, experienced in working with a wide variety of work-related and personal issues.

• COVID-19 Drop-in Support Group Calls: Now offered several times each week, for employees and managers. Covering coping strategies to deal with uncertainty, stress, and burnout; strengthening social support networks during social distancing; using mindfulness, kindness, and gratitude. Participants can remain anonymous. Click here for support group information for employees ^[12], managers ^[13], and physicians ^[14]. (login required).
• Get more information on the main EAP site ^[15], or on the EAP FAQ page ^[16] (login required).

• World Health Organization (WHO) Global COVID-19 Cases Dashboard ^[17]
• World Health Organization (WHO) Dashboard U.S.A. Cases Dashboard ^[18]
• California Department of Public Health: COVID-19 in California ^[19]

Social media and other poorly vetted sources can transmit misinformation. To get your coronavirus facts straight, consult the WHO’s COVID-19 Myth Busters page ^[20] and the Rumor Control ^[21] web page from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Don’t believe rumors. Don’t pass on questionable information. Always go to trusted sources of information for COVID-19 facts. Bookmark this site (www.kpscalfyi.org ^[22]) and visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ^[23]; World Health Organization ^[24] (WHO); or Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center ^[25].

The California Department of Education has lots of resources for parents or caregivers who are supporting students with distance learning. Browse for general how-to guidance; information by school subject ^[26]; resources for students with disabilities ^[27]; multilingual resources ^[28]; pre-K learning and activities ^[29]; and much more.
Understood.org ^[30] offers a broad range of life and learning practical strategies for parents and caregivers, during COVID-19 and any time. Sample stories include getting kids in the hand-washing habit ^[31]; coping with two cooped-up teens ^[32]; and picture schedules ^[33] for adjusting to new routines.

Several companies are offering discounted services during the COVID-19 for those who do not have internet access at home (especially those with school-aged children at home). Contact the companies listed here to discuss the plans available to you. ^[34]

• Kaiser Permanente pediatrician David Bronstein, MD, shares advice for helping children cope ^[35] during the COVID-19 outbreak.
• Johns Hopkins Medicine’s excellent piece ^[36] on talking to your child about the pandemic and why they have to stay home.

All DMV field offices are temporarily closed to the public, and appointments have been canceled. You can access many DMV services online ^[37], including driver’s license renewals and replacements vehicle registrations, and more. For transfers, visit virtual.dmv.ca.gov ^[37]. Extensions are available for some (not all) expired licenses. Check the site.

Yes. We have been developing additional methods of providing care should the surge exceed our bed capacity. We are able to transfer patients to alternative hospitals like USNS Mercy, the new LA Surge Hospital, and numerous temporary field hospitals. Further, we have converted more than 90% of our primary care appointments to virtual care. This has readied supplementary resources to meet the expected growth in needed care. Kaiser Permanente has confronted highly infectious diseases over the years, and we are confident we can safely and expertly treat coronavirus patients while maintaining the safety of our employees and physicians.