KQED's Forum

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases continues to grow -- surpassing 100 patients in the Bay Area alone -- as the virus officially reached pandemic level, according to the World Health Organization. Meanwhile, San Francisco and Santa Clara counties banned large gatherings to prevent infection. Health officials say that while the number of new cases will keep climbing, it's still feasible to curb the growth. We discuss the latest coronavirus news and how it is playing out in the Bay Area.

Hospitals are struggling to cope with new infections in Italy's Lombardy region, where coronavirus cases occupy more than 80% of the intensive care beds. On Tuesday, San Francisco confirmed its 14th case of COVID-19, bringing the Bay Area total to 99. So, how prepared are Bay Area hospitals for an influx of patients? As healthcare workers brace for further spread, what lessons can our regional healthcare system take from other countries?

All 90 Catholic schools in San Francisco, Marin and San Mateo Counties are closing after a student tested positive for the new coronavirus. Several Bay Area public schools have also closed, but most K-12 schools remain open. Forum discusses how schools are coping with the spread of COVID-19, how they make the decision to shut down and what closures may mean for students and their families.

Voters in Michigan and five other states head to the polls Tuesday in the next big set of presidential primaries. The two frontrunners, former Vice President Joe Biden and Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, both called off rallies Tuesday due to coronavirus concerns. We'll review the results of the contests, which will award 365 delegates.

As cases of the novel coronavirus increase, a lot of businesses are advising workers to stay home. But for many, that means forgoing a much needed paycheck. According to Labor Department data, only 60 percent of workers in the service industry have access to paid time off when they're sick. Forum talks about the impact of the coronavirus epidemic on low income people. How are those who lack health insurance, stable housing or regular work going to weather the crisis?

The stock market hit its lowest point in over a decade on Monday. That has many worried that the spread of the novel coronavirus will drag the economy into a recession. As consumers cut spending and global business deals recede, economies all over the world are taking a blow. We'll look at the likelihood and potential severity of a global recession and discuss how the coronavirus has impacted the economy so far.

The Grand Princess cruise ship docked at the Port of Oakland Monday, after floating offshore since Wednesday. Nineteen crew members and two passengers have tested positive for COVID-19. The ship's 2400 passengers are expected to complete disembarking Tuesday and will be sent to one of several federal military facilities for medical screening and a 14-day quarantine. We'll get the latest developments.

From counting errors and delays at the Iowa caucuses to long voting lines on Super Tuesday, administrative missteps during the primaries have already aggravated public doubt in the electoral system. In his new book “Election Meltdown,” UC Irvine professor Richard Hasen argues that mistrust of American elections can be attributed to four key factors: voter suppression, administrative incompetence, misinformation campaigns and claims of "stolen" elections. Hasen joins Forum to discuss how these issues pertain to the 2020 election and to lay out some long-term solutions.

The worldwide count of confirmed coronavirus cases keeps climbing. How are Bay Area residents responding? Are efforts to disinfect, wash hands and stay home having an impact?

On Thursday, Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren ended her bid for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination. Warren's campaign was characterized by her call for broad economic reform, including breaking up big tech, canceling student loan debt and imposing a wealth tax. In farewell remarks to her staff, Warren said the campaign showed that "a woman can stand up, hold her ground, and stay true to herself -- no matter what." But campaign watchers wonder whether and to what extent her gender played a role in her downfall. We'll take up the issues.