KPBS Midday Edition

The Senate on Tuesday unanimously passed the coronavirus relief package despite misgivings on both sides about whether it goes too far enough or not far enough in protecting working Americans. Also, the San Diego City Council voted to halt evictions until the end of May for those affected by the pandemic. Plus, as more school districts move to distance learning, rural schools face a greater challenge than most urban schools mainly because of internet connectivity. In addition, the novel coronavirus outbreak first broke out in China and rhetoric from politicians and pundits are fueling racist attacks against Asian Americans. And, with people spending more time at home, they’re turning to movies as a distraction. UC San Diego Neuroscientist Eric Leonardis suggests a few films that can be used to look at the pandemic from a social dimension.

As the coronavirus pandemic takes hold, local governments and school districts are facing a new challenge: budget shortfalls. Plus, the San Diego fishing industry is taking a hard hit from the virus outbreak. Also, up to 350 thousand San Diego County residents could be out of a job due to the economic fallout from the coronavirus outbreak. And, beaches around San Diego County are closed to stem the spread of the virus after throngs of people crowded beaches over the weekend. That also means no surfing.

The San Diego region could face a hospital bed shortage in the coming months with an influx of coronavirus patients. Also, some San Diego senior care facilities now have limited access to coronavirus testing kits, but experts say it could be too little too late to prevent outbreaks. Plus, a week into school closures, some parents of students with disabilities are in crisis mode. We speak to experts about what special education will look like in the age of the coronavirus. And, as people spend more time at home, we have some book recommendations to get you through quarantine.

The city of San Diego announced it will use Golden Hall and the Convention Center to shelter homeless people and help stem the spread of the coronavirus. Plus, the U.S.-Mexico border has been shut down to nonessential traffic. But most people with valid reasons can still cross. And, a UC San Diego epidemiologist is using the film “Contagion” to teach medical students about pandemics.

On Thursday, Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered 40 million Californians to “stay at home.” And President Donald Trump on Friday ordered the shutdown of the U.S.-Mexico border for all non-essential traffic. All around the state, we'll be hunkered down, no school, no workplace, no restaurants, movie theaters, concerts — we'll just find ourselves at home. From morning to evening, dusk to dawn. And all the while, we're dealing with reports on the increase in Covid-19 cases. So the question is ... how are YOU coping?

Local officials say immigrants, regardless of legal status, should continue to seek medical help during the pandemic without jeopardizing their immigration status. Plus, if you’re out of work due to the coronavirus shutdown, there are resources that can help you weather the crisis. Also, even though schools are closed, students still need to learn. San Diego Unified is moving to online instructions. And, a San Diego biotech company is moving its coronavirus vaccine to human trials after getting an expedited approval from the FDA. Finally, Spring is almost here and we have tips on how to get your garden blooming so you can practice social-distancing with a beautiful garden.

Homeless shelters in San Diego are being impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Some shelters are not admitting new residents, others are only admitting people on a case-by-case basis. Plus, nursing is an already tough profession, but it’s made more difficult during times of crisis. One San Diego nurse shares her experience. Also, what does it mean to “flatten the curve”? We’ll break it down. And, disgraced former Republican Congressman Duncan Hunter was sentenced to 11 months in prison for misusing campaign funds. Finally, as the region shuts down to stem the spread of the virus, artists go digital to share their art.

As the number of coronavirus cases continues to climb across the state and in San Diego County, new public health measures are now in effect. Bars are closed, dining at restaurants is prohibited and seniors are being urged to self-isolate at home to slow the spread of coronavirus. UCLA’s Anderson Economic Forecast says the US is now in a recession due to the pandemic. Plus, San Diego-area employment law attorney Dan Eaton joined Midday to discuss what employees should know amid the outbreak — from paid sick leave to working from home. Also, a mental health expert talks about how to stay centered during these unsettling times. And, the coronavirus isn’t stopping Meals on Wheels from delivering food to San Diego seniors. Finally, how coronavirus is affecting San Diego’s arts community.

San Diego economy is feeling the squeeze from the novel coronavirus outbreak as conventions and conferences cancel their events as a precaution. Plus, the V.A. has a program to help war vets pay for nursing homes and home health care, but the application process can be burdensome. Also, the Census Bureau is starting its headcount in earnest today. And, a new take on Peter Pan from Wendy’s perspective.

Roughly 40 people from the Grand Princess cruise ship are now at MCAS Miramar to begin their two-week quarantine period. Two more planes carrying Grand Princess passengers are expected to arrive at the base later today. Plus, San Diego colleges and universities are moving to online learning in response to the coronavirus concerns. Also, the VA is exploring using artificial intelligence to make medical diagnoses to better care for vets. And, reviews of a world-premiere play about gun violence in America at Roustable Theatre and a new Peter Pan musical at La Jolla Playhouse.