Coronavirus Weekly

This week, it was announced that the drug remdesivir, an antiviral medication developed by Gilead Sciences, had proven effective against COVID-19 in a major study. The drug was found to cut the time of patient recovery by an average of 4 days. Dr. Anthony Fauci has said that remdesivir will set a new "standard of care" for treatment of COVID-19. To learn more about the drug and the results of the study, Christina speaks with Dr. Terese Hammond, pulmonary critical care specialist and one of the principal investigators for the remdesivir trials.

The COVID-19 pandemic is often drawing comparison to the 1918 influenza pandemic (The Spanish Flu). While the 1918 flu pandemic had a far more devastating global impact than it appears COVID-19 will have, looking back at history reveals just how similarly the world of the past and the world of the the present have responded to our respective outbreaks. Ventura resident and historian Cynthia Thompson has been digging into the past to learn about how the community responded to the 1918 pandemic, and what history can tell us about the present and future.

While more COVID-19 testing sites continue to emerge around Los Angeles County and neighboring areas, most are only offering tests to those who are exhibiting symptoms, frontline health care workers, or those who are considered high risk. In Carson, California, however, a new drive-up testing site will administer free testing for all residents, city employees, and anyone else who books an appointment regardless of whether they are symptomatic or not. Christina speaks with Carson Mayor Albert Robles to learn more.

During the COVID-19 crisis, 911 health emergency calls have dropped dramatically. Doctors are growing concerned that people with serious medical issues, like heart attacks and strokes, are avoiding hospitals due to fear of catching COVID-19. Dr. Richard Shemin of the American Heart Association explains why people should not ignore medical emergencies, plus a young woman shares why she wishes she paid attention to the warning signs when her own health was in jeopardy.

Dr. Steven O’Day is the Executive Director of the John Wayne Cancer Institute and Cancer Clinic, and Director of Providence Los Angeles Regional Research. Today, Christina talks with Dr. O'Day to learn about some of the clinical trials that are taking place to combat COVID-19. He also reveals some of the more promising drugs researchers are looking at that could get us closer to solving this crisis, and he also addresses recent headlines regarding drugs like hydroxychloriquine and Gilead’s remdesivir.

In the episode, Mark Takano, Congressman for the 41st District of California, answers your questions regarding the CARES Act and Paycheck Protection Program. Congressman Takano clarifies rumors that stimulus check payments are taxed or will need to be paid back. He also explains why larger companies like Shake Shack and Ruth's Chris were able to borrow millions of dollars from a loan program meant for smaller businesses, and what's being to done to replenish that fund and close loopholes. He also explains the resources available to assist the self-employed, unemployed, and homeless.

On this 50th anniversary of Earth Day, we're hearing from Anousheh Ansari, who observed the Earth from space as the first female private space explorer. Anousheh's experience in space, as well as the disciplined and rigourous training it took to get there, have given her a unique perspective on the COVID-19 pandemic. Anousheh is also helping lead a collaborative effort to solve the crisis as the CEO of XPRIZE,  a powerful platform for combining data, AI tools, and ideas to help solve the world's most pressing issues.

Results from serology blood tests in L.A. County have revealed that up to 5.6% of adults have antibodies to COVID-19, indicating that up to 442,000 adults have contracted and recovered from the disease. Researchers now believe the novel coronavirus has been more widely spread than previously thought. Christina Pascucci speaks with Dr. Marc Eckstein about the latest developments, plus what's next in regards to testing.

Donny O'Malley is a Marine Corps. veteran who has dedicated his post-service life to building a community amongst veterans using comedy and the power of laughter. He is the founder of Vet Tv and Irreverent Warriors. Donny shares with Christina how a positive outlook and community support is critical, especially for veterans, during self-isolation.

Heather Crookston Neal is a resident of Reno,Nevada. Heather has Crohn's Disease and must take medication that leaves her with a weakened immune system. Because of this, if Heather were to contract COVID-19, the consequences could be dire. Heather has begun speaking out and advocating for the immunocompromised in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, and striving to put a face to invisible diseases.