COVID-19: Seattle Podcast

KIRO Radio's Dave Ross and reporter Aaron Granillo have an update on several of the most promising vaccines for the coronavirus. But with anti-vaccination fears and safety concerns, will enough Americans trust the 'warp speed' process?

President Trump will resume a daily briefing today. We're not sure quite what to expect.

And could you use a reusable mask? There's a drive-through event this afternoon from Seattle and King County Public Health distributing free masks to residents. More information here.

KIRO Radio's Dave Ross and reporter Aaron Granillo recap President Trump's sit-down interview with Fox News over the weekend, in which he called coronavirus "the sniffles."

New York City takes a huge leap forward with reopening, after seeing some of the most devastating consequences of the virus in the nation.

And, we're giving you a sneak peek of Aaron Granillo's new report on COVID-19 "long-haulers," with Dave Ross and Colleen O'Brien, who discuss the episode with Aaron. These are the people who still suffer symptoms of the virus months later, and often without a positive coronavirus test result. You can listen to the full episode right here.

Coronavirus "long-hauler" Christy was medically diagnosed with COVID-19 back in March. Patients with a mild case like hers are expected to fully recover in about two weeks. But months later, Christy is still managing strange and lingering symptoms.

She's not alone. This emerging medical phenomenon hints at how much we still need to learn about the coronavirus. And quickly.

Ed Yong, a journalist for The Atlantic, wrote the definitive article on COVID-19 long-haulers. He joins the show to dig into some theories about why this is happening.

And Dr. Aaron Bunnell works directly with recovering COVID-19 patients at Harborview Medical Center - who have survived the most severe cases of the virus. He explains the recovery process from a COVID-19 hospitalization.

Online support groups are available on Slack and Facebook.

You can read Ed Yong's article about COVID "Long-Haulers" right here.

KIRO Radio's Dave Ross and reporter Aaron Granillo discuss Governor Inslee's new cap on the number of people allowed at social gatherings, and some other small activity restrictions, announced yesterday. Meanwhile, the threat of returning to a more serious lockdown looms.

Arguments over addressing the state's $9 billion deficit continue. 

And Dr. Anthony Fauci spells out why we're seeing this increase in coronavirus cases nationally ... and what we can do to stop it.

A concerning new report raises a very serious possibility - King County schools may not be able to reopen for in-person classes this fall.

Katie Hutchinson, health statistics manager for the Washington State Department of Health, joined Dave Ross this morning to discuss why you're seeing deaths removed from the COVID-19 toll. And Aaron Granillo clarifies why this statistic may not be the most important thing to focus on for evaluating your health and safety.

Does the White House trust Fauci, and can we trust the White House? Concerns are raised over a decision to reroute coronavirus data away from the CDC.

KIRO Radio's Dave Ross and reporter Aaron Granillo discuss Governor Inslee's continued freeze on Washington's phased reopening plan.

The Seattle-based vaccine trial is doing well, and garnering national attention. Dave discusses his interview with an early trial participant who had an adverse reaction.

And, President Trump finally wears a mask.

Reporter Aaron Granillo has an update on the current coronavirus case count in Washington, which is on the rise.

And how are other states dealing with similar rises in case numbers? KIRO Radio's Dave Ross takes a look at California, Texas, Oregon and Florida's responses to a resurgence of the virus.

Deciding whether or not to reopen schools for in-person instruction will be up to local school districts, says Chris Reykdal, Washington Superintendent of Public Instruction. KIRO Radio's Dave Ross and reporter Aaron Granillo discuss why that puts you in a position to get out there and advocate for what you want. 

The virus is mutating - what does that mean for a vaccine?

And, CBS Senior Business Analyst Jill Schlesinger joins us to explain the new letter being used to predict our economic recovery from the pandemic: a K?

KIRO Radio's Dave Ross and reporter Aaron Granillo discuss the emerging and strangely politicized battle over reopening schools in the fall.

We'll look at the school reopening decisions other states have made, including Arizona, Florida and New York.

And, more scientists agree that microscopic virus-laden particles might hang around in the air after a cough or a sneeze longer than we previously thought.

KIRO Radio's Dave Ross and reporter Aaron Granillo discuss the battles over opening university campuses in the fall, a concerning shortage of PPE, and the official cancellation of the Washington State Fair.

Plus, a new rule on rollercoasters in Japan: "please scream inside your heart."