KPBS Midday Edition

In this KPBS News Special on the coronavirus, we'll showcase some of this week's reporting done by KPBS journalists. We've seen a steady increase in confirmed cases of COVID-19, with a 68-percent rise over the past week. As of Friday, 40 deaths were reported in San Diego County. The San Diego Unified School District conducted a soft-launch of its virtual learning program. And, some good news for 800 city of san diego workers. The city of San Diego rescinded their furloughs, and will assign them other roles.

The coronavirus pandemic is a worldwide pandemic and the San Diego border region reflects this.The virus has changed life along the U.S.-Mexico border. Also, the Convention Center has been turned into a homeless shelter to stem the spread of the virus. Father Joe’s Villages president Deacon Jim Vargas on what that means. Plus, the courts remain closed to the public because of the virus but there is still a backlog of cases. The courts are now using video hearings for defendants in custody. And, the Museum of Man is offering its space to help fight the pandemic.The museum was used as a hospital during World War II. Finally, five songs to discover this month while you’re stuck at home.

Information about the new coronavirus changes almost daily and it can be confusing to keep up. We answer some of your questions here. Plus, Chula Vista City Councilman Steve Padilla spent nearly a month battling the virus including being hospitalized and put on a ventilator. He details his experience with the disease. Also, Inovio, a local company that discovered a possible vaccine for the disease in three hours began the first phase of human trials this week. In addition, settings such as prisons can be a hotbed for COVID-19 virus outbreaks. The San Diego-based California Innocence Project raises its concerns for inmates. And, the virus pandemic is upending the Jewish holiday of Passover which begins Wednesday night. Many are planning virtual celebrations this year.

UC San Diego will double its coronavirus testing capacity by mid-April. The university is part of a statewide task force to increase testing five-fold. As of this week, most San Diego Unified students are able to attend classes from home. How will distance learning work for parents, teachers and students? Also, because of the pandemic, animal shelters are closed but many people are stepping up to foster furry friends for the time being. And, the financial pressure, job loss and social distancing from COVID-19 is affecting some people’s mental health. Some resources on how to take care of your mental well-being.

After plenty of warnings, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department is stepping up enforcement of the county’s shelter-in-place public health order. Plus, one military wife’s experience fighting the COVID-19 virus. And many small businesses are hurting because of shutdowns but there are state, federal, and local programs that could help. Also, the VA is sending mixed signals to nurses on how to combat the novel coronavirus. How the VA is trying to get the message out to its own staff. Finally, the San Diego Rep is taking its new production of “House of Joy,” online.

San Diego County health officials are now ordering essential workers who interact with the public to wear face masks and recommending residents to cover their faces when leaving home. Plus, San Diego County Democratic Party Chairman Will Rodriguez-Kennedy shares his battle with COVID-19. Also, the coronavirus doesn’t seem to be affecting young children as much. Rady Children’s Hospital infectious disease specialist Dr. Mark Sawyer explains why. And, our film critic Beth Accomando has some suggestions for movies to take your mind off the pandemic.

While the Navy is removing 1,000 sailors off the USS Theordore Roosevelt after a desperate letter from the captain became public, top Navy brass are being criticized for their response to the outbreak. Also, where do San Diego’s most vulnerable residents to COVID-19 complications live? We break it down. Plus, while people are hunkering down at home during the stay-at-home order, there’s a hidden danger for victims of domestic violence. They’re trapped at home with their abuser with no idea when it will end and few ways of asking for help. And, learn about ways you can help your neighbors during the coronavirus pandemic.

April 1 is the official Census Day, but with the pandemic, there are some challenges to getting everyone counted. We take a look at the process in San Diego. Plus, globally the pandemic has a side effect of improving air quality. What can we learn from this in the fight against climate change. And, just because you’re self-quarantining, it does not mean that your meals have to be bland. Two San Diego experts have tips on how to step up your cooking game.

Some experts expect a surge in the upcoming two weeks of coronavirus patients in hospitals nationwide. What does that mean for San Diego? We check in with a local infectious disease doctor. Also, the VA is starting to screen for the coronavirus, but some are questioning the agency’s preparedness to do so. Tourism is the third largest industry in San Diego. We examine how it’s coping amid the coronavirus pandemic. Plus, the coronavirus has led more than a dozen states to postpone their presidential primaries. We’ll hear how the pandemic could reshape the 2020 elections, including the race for San Diego mayor.

San Diego is playing a major role in the fight against coronavirus. UC San Diego Health is now recruiting patients to participate in a clinical trial for an antiviral drug to treat COVID-19. The drug has shown some success against other viruses. Plus, immigration detention centers could become a hot spot for coronavirus. We hear from an immigration attorney about what conditions have been like inside the Otay Mesa Detention Center during the outbreak. Also, the military is scrambling to contain the spread of the coronavirus while maintaining force readiness, medical students are volunteering amid the outbreak, and if you’re you’re looking for things to do while practicing social-distancing — we’ve got you covered.