COVID in L.A.

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In our continuing series looking at the latest medical research and news on COVID-19, Larry Mantle speaks with Dr. Sam Torbati, co-chair of the department of emergency medicine at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.    Topics today include:  White House Covid response coordinator: Americans over 60 should get second booster.  With the rise in at-home testing, are we undercounting COVID-19 cases even more than before?   COVID hospitalizations fall to 213 in L.A. County.  California will not require COVID vaccines for children this fall.  BA.2 is spreading in the U.S. but people are over it.  FDA authorizes first breath test to detect coronavirus.  This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people. 

In our continuing series looking at the latest medical research and news on COVID-19, Larry Mantle speaks with Dr. Dean Blumberg, professor of medicine and chief of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at UC Davis Children's Hospital.  Topics today include:  Experts say the U.S. is likely “dramatically undercounting” current COVID cases as states scale back regular reporting.  Coronavirus cases on the rise in L.A. County, prompting concerns for spring break.  What we know about the Omicron XE subvariant in California.  California removes quarantine requirement for asymptomatic people exposed to COVID.  Pfizer says its booster raises antibodies against Omicron in kids 5-11.  C.D.C. extends mask mandate on planes, trains until May 3.  The city of Philadelphia will reinstate its indoor mask mandate.  This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people. 

In our continuing series looking at the latest medical research and news on COVID-19, Larry Mantle speaks with Dr. Kimberly Shriner, director of Infectious Disease and Prevention at Huntington Hospital in Pasadena.  Topics today include:  Fauci: Assess your personal risk amid uptick in COVID-19 cases; says recent increase is concerning but not surprising.  Georgetown, Johns Hopkins universities temporarily restore some COVID measures as cases among students rise.  The next COVID vaccine could be a nasal spray.  New research finds COVID vaccines, combined with infection, can lead to months of immunity.  NYT: Why a coronavirus-flu “twindemic” may never happen.  This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people. 

In our continuing series looking at the latest medical research and news on COVID-19, Larry Mantle speaks with Dr. Kristen R. Choi, professor of nursing and public health at UCLA.  Topics today include:  LAist: Without Masks, More LA Students Test Positive As School Outbreaks Triple.  How can someone be exposed to COVID-19 but not contract it?  UC San Diego selected as a new clinical trial site for variant-specific vaccines.  Could COVID-19 vaccines cause hearing issues?  Those who contract COVID-19 more likely to develop diabetes.  Could suspension of COVID-19 aid abroad extend the pandemic?  This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people. 

In our continuing series looking at the latest medical research and news on COVID-19, Larry Mantle speaks with Dr. Sam Torbati, co-chair of the department of emergency medicine at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.  Topics today include:  Is it COVID or allergies?  Colds and flu make a comeback after pandemic downturn.  WHO says global COVID cases are trending down, but they're watching new Omicron subvariant.  F.D.A. advisors debate how to update current COVID vaccines.  L.A. County expands test-to-treat services and adds a tele-health option.  What endemic disease looks like.  CDC lowers travel warning for Canada and many other destinations.  The debate over long COVID in kids.  This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people. 

In our continuing series looking at the latest medical research and news on COVID-19, Larry Mantle speaks with Dr. Arthur Reingold, professor of epidemiology and Head of the Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at UC Berkeley's School of Public Health.  Topics today include:  Israeli study finds second booster offered short-term protection against Omicron.  Cases rise in San Diego and San Francisco.  Why haven't cases risen throughout the United States?  CA lifts its proof of vaccination for indoor mega events.  United Kingdom detects omicron XE, a new variant.  Risk management for immunocompromised people.  COVID-19 concerns dropping in the United States.  Recent clinical studies could lead to vaccines that are easier to store.  NYT: FDA suspends Glaxo's antibody drug.  President Biden's global COVID-19 summit postponed.  This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people. 

In our continuing series looking at the latest medical research and news on COVID-19, Larry Mantle speaks with Dr. Shruti Gohil, professor of medicine and associate medical director for epidemiology and infection prevention at UC Irvine's School of Medicine.  Topics today include:  What's next for COVID-19 vaccines?  What we know about the BA.2 variant so far.  Those enrolled in Medicare to have free access to COVID-19 tests at drug stores.  Following criticism, CDC hires independent evaluator in hopes of improving the department.  This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people. 

In our continuing series looking at the latest medical research and news on COVID-19, Larry Mantle speaks with Dr. Dean Blumberg, professor of medicine and chief of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at UC Davis Children's Hospital.  Topics today include:  What are the concerns BA.2 poses here in California?  Coronavirus cases are spiking in some cities. Is LA County the next to be hit?  Continuing research on long COVID.  How do we begin vaccine development to stop the next pandemic?  Nursing home deaths are now at their lowest point since the pandemic began.  This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people. 

In our continuing series looking at the latest medical research and news on COVID-19, Larry Mantle speaks with Dr. Sam Torbati, co-chair of the department of emergency medicine at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.  Topics today include:  Many people eligible for the second booster shot may not need to race to get it, experts say.  L.A. City Council lifts COVID vaccine mandate for indoor businesses, outdoor events.  A new government website aims to help Americans find COVID antiviral pills.  Large study finds Ivermectin does not reduce risk of COVID hospitalization.  Opinion: Where the coronavirus could be going.  This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people. 

In our continuing series looking at the latest medical research and news on COVID-19, Larry Mantle speaks with Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, infectious disease specialist and professor of medicine at the UCSF Medical Center.  Topics today include:  L.A. County residents over 50 can start receiving second boosters Wednesday.  How to get the new booster if you're 50 or older.  C.D.C. report: Pfizer and Moderna boosters help protect Americans who received the J&J shot.  WHO: COVID deaths jump by 40%, but cases are falling globally.  AP and NORC poll: Americans taking fewer precautions two years into the pandemic.  California lawmakers don't advance proposal to require all workers to be vaccinated against COVID-19.    This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people. 

In our continuing series looking at the latest medical research and news on COVID-19, Larry Mantle speaks with Dr. Kimberly Shriner, director of Infectious Disease and Prevention at Huntington Hospital in Pasadena.  Topics today include:  F.D.A. authorizes second booster shots for adults age 50 and older.  Omicron “stealth” COVID variant BA.2 now dominant globally.  Coronavirus deaths in the U.S. fall to their lowest number since summer.  Funding runs out for free COVID tests and treatment for the uninsured.  F.D.A.'s budget proposal includes money to prepare for another pandemic.  How COVID brain fog may overlap with “chemo brain” and Alzheimer's.    This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people. 

In our continuing series looking at the latest medical research and news on COVID-19, Larry Mantle speaks with Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, infectious disease specialist and professor of medicine at the UCSF Medical Center.  Topics today include:  Only 30% of L.A. County kids are vaccinated, months after COVID shots became available.  Why it's so difficult to assess pandemic risks right now.  California sends millions of COVID-19 tests to schools for the return from spring break.   Studies link COVID-19 infection with increased risk of new diabetes diagnosis.  Pfizer, Moderna, and J&J face shareholder pressure to broaden vaccine access.  Shanghai to put 25 million in a staggered COVID lockdown.    This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.   

In our continuing series looking at the latest medical research and news on COVID-19, Larry Mantle speaks with Dr. Dean Blumberg, professor of medicine and chief of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at UC Davis Children's Hospital.  Topics today include:  Experts worry how U.S. will see the next COVID surge coming.  Airlines for an end to the mask mandate for travel.  We know about long COVID. Should there be a medium COVID?  Evidence grows that vaccines lower the risk of getting long COVID.    This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people. 

In our continuing series looking at the latest medical research and news on COVID-19, Larry Mantle speaks with Dr. Robert Kim-Farley, professor of epidemiology and community health sciences at UCLA.  Topics today include:  Moderna will seek emergency use authorization for children ages 6 months to 6 years old.  One in three U.S. COVID-19 cases now caused by BA.2 Omicron subvariant.  Dr. Anthony Fauci doubtful BA.2 will cause new surge.  LAUSD dropped mask mandates for students on Wednesday.  Should airlines continue with mask mandates? WHO warns European countries lifted restrictions too soon. Scientists look for method to test for efficacy of COVID-19 antibodies.  How effective should a pediatric vaccine be?   This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people. 

In our continuing series looking at the latest medical research and news on COVID-19, Larry Mantle speaks with Dr. Dean Blumberg, professor of medicine and chief of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at UC Davis Children's Hospital.  Topics today include:  Dr. Anthony Fauci: uptick in cases likely due to BA.2 subvariant of Omicron.  New study sheds light on BA.2's recent success.  L.A. Times: Omicron surge hit SoCal harder than the rest of the state.  The unclear future of additional booster shots.  Could the BAFTA weekend have caused an uptick in COVID-19 cases in the entertainment industry?  As mask requirements ease, teens find themselves anxious on whether to continue masking.    This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.    

In our continuing series looking at the latest medical research and news on COVID-19, Larry Mantle speaks with Dr. Tara Vijayan, associate professor of infectious diseases and medical director of antimicrobial stewardship at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.  Topics today include:  Moderna asks the F.D.A. to authorize a second booster for all adults.  Europe's rising caseloads could foreshadow a second Omicron surge in the U.S.  Overwhelmed by Omicron, Hong Kong runs out of space to bury its dead.  This key indicator could determine how bad a BA.2 wave could be in the U.S.  Study reveals likely reason for the “stealth” variant's recent success.  More than 30 companies to start making generic versions of Pfizer's COVID-19 pill.  Ivermectin did not reduce COVID-19 hospitalizations in largest trial to date.  The goal: Vaccinate 70% of the world against COVID. Scientists are proposing a reboot.    This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people. 

In our continuing series looking at the latest medical research and news on COVID-19, Larry Mantle speaks with Dr. Paul Adamson, infectious diseases physician and assistant clinical professor at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.  Topics today include:  Scientists fear U.K. is easing coronavirus testing and monitoring too soon.  WHO: New COVID deaths fell 17% last week, but cases are rising.  Israeli study: Second COVID booster shot does little to stop Omicron.  French study: Pfizer's COVID vaccine is safe in people with prior myocarditis.  The goal: Vaccinate 70% of the world against COVID. Scientists are proposing a reboot.  Does COVID-19 cause diabetes?    This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people. 

In our continuing series looking at the latest medical research and news on COVID-19, Larry Mantle speaks with Dr. Sam Torbati, co-chair of the department of emergency medicine at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.  Topics today include:  Coronavirus cases are rising in Europe. Is it a warning for California?  U.S. sewer data warns of new bump in COVID cases after lull.  Coronavirus positive test rate in California is 1.5%, lowest since before summer's Delta surge.  As data mounts, the J&J vaccine holds its own.    This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.     

In our continuing series looking at the latest medical research and news on COVID-19, Larry Mantle speaks with Dr. Kimberly Shriner, director of Infectious Disease and Prevention at Huntington Hospital in Pasadena.  Topics today include:  Pfizer's CEO says a fourth dose of COVID-19 vaccine will be needed. Pfizer is working on a shot to handle all variants.  Pfizer and BioNTech seeking approval for a second COVID-19 booster shot for those 65 and over.  Merck's COVID-19 pill heavily used so far despite concerns.   The latest surge in Asia and Europe.  White House says funding is running out for COVID-19 vaccination, testing, and treatment programs.   This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.   

In our continuing series looking at the latest medical research and news on COVID-19, Larry Mantle speaks with Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, infectious disease specialist and professor of medicine at the UCSF Medical Center.  Topics today include:  Many schools in L.A. County drop COVID-era masking mandates on Monday.  California's great COVID pivot: Pandemic policies expire.  L.A. County's COVID hospitalizations hit lowest level since last July.  What is “Deltacron”?  How will L.A. County find warning signs of the next coronavirus surge?  Which coronavirus vaccine will work in the youngest children?  As COVID-19 fades, what does it mean to end the pandemic health emergency?  Pfizer's CEO says a 4th dose of COVID-19 vaccine will be needed, but the company is working on a shot to handle all variants.  China orders 51 million people into lockdown as COVID surges.    This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people. 

In our continuing series looking at the latest medical research and news on COVID-19, Larry Mantle speaks with Dr. Shruti Gohil, professor of medicine and associate medical director for epidemiology and infection prevention at UC Irvine's School of Medicine.  Topics today include: Mask mandate extended for airline flights and on public transportation until April 18.  What are your potential risks at gyms, indoor dining, grocery stores as COVID cases fall and rules relax?  L.A. County works to expand awareness of oral therapeutics to treat COVID-19.  California braces for long COVID.  Vaccine verification mandates:  L.A. moves to lift vaccine verification mandate at indoor businesses.  San Francisco's vaccine verification mandate ends Friday, but many restaurants  will still check cards.  Germany posts a one-day record in cases even as it plans to lift restrictions.    This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people. 

In our continuing series looking at the latest medical research and news on COVID-19, Larry Mantle speaks with Dr. Paul Adamson, infectious diseases physician and assistant clinical professor at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.  Topics today include:  California surpasses 9 million coronavirus cases, equal nearly 1 in 4 residents.  As the end of California's school mask mandate nears, is it too risky for kids to go maskless at school and day care?  C.D.C. study finds mask requirements in schools reduced coronavirus cases.  Duke University study finds similar reduction in cases with masking in schools.  Hawaii will drop its mask mandate next month, the final state to do so.  WHO says COVID-19 boosters are needed, reversing previous guidance.  C.D.C. Chief: COVID will “probably” become a seasonal virus, like the flu.  Pfizer begins Phase 2 and 3 trial of antiviral Paxlovid in children ages 6 to 17.    This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people. 

In our continuing series looking at the latest medical research and news on COVID-19, Larry Mantle speaks with Kristen R. Choi, professor of nursing and public health at UCLA, and a registered nurse practicing at Gateways Hospital based in Echo Park.  Topics today include:  New study finds COVID may cause changes in the brain.  Florida will recommend against COVID vaccines for healthy children in contradiction of federal guidance.  U.S. government will offer a second round of free COVID tests to all Americans.  Is California's mask mandate ending too soon for kids?  Going to a concert? What to know about the new L.A. COVID rules.  This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.   

In our continuing series looking at the latest medical research and news on COVID-19, Larry Mantle speaks with Dr. Dean Blumberg, professor of medicine and chief of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at UC Davis Children's Hospital.  Topics today include: Worldwide death toll from COVID surpasses 6 million as pandemic enters its third year.  Why have some people never caught COVID? The answers may help protect us all.  L.A. child care providers say mask mandates kept kids safe, and they're not ready to drop them.  Vaccination rates among teens and young adults remain low, as two Southern California teens die of COVID.  Data analysis shows deaths among the vaccinated in California rose sharply with Omicron.  Lack of awareness and limited supply limit rollout of COVID antibody treatment Evusheld.  A surge in cases challenges China's “zero COVID” approach.  This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.   

In our continuing series looking at the latest medical research and news on COVID-19, Larry Mantle speaks with Dr. Robert-Kim Farley, professor of epidemiology and community health sciences at the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health.  Topics today include:  New COVID-19 cases in California have dropped more than 95% since the peak of the Omicron surge.  WHO: COVID-19 cases, deaths continue to fall globally.  California legislators propose new slate of COVID-19 vaccine laws.  C.D.C. apparently misjudged California's COVID-19 risks by relying on outdated numbers.  Wealth, poverty, and race continue to affect the toll COVID-19 takes on different L.A. County communities.  New Biden pandemic plan: Closer to normal for the nation.  This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people. 

In our continuing series looking at the latest medical research and news on COVID-19, Larry Mantle speaks with Dr. Sam Torbati, co-chair of the department of emergency medicine at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.  Topics today include:  White House unveils its strategy for next phase of pandemic.  Another round of free at-home tests will become available next week for Americans.  Biden administration to launch initiative making antiviral pills free for those COVID-19 positive.  LAist: LA County's Mask Mandate Could End For Everyone, Regardless Of Vaccination Status, As Soon As Friday.  Latest from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:  C.D.C study finds vaccine protection decreases in adolescents after 5 months.  Universal case investigation and contact tracing no longer recommended.  Estimates show 140 million COVID-19 infections in the United States.  NYT Opinion: “We've Entered a New Phase of the Pandemic. It's Time for New Metrics.”  California nears 75% vaccination rate against COVID-19.  This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people. 

In our continuing series looking at the latest medical research and news on COVID-19, Larry Mantle speaks with Dr. Kimberly Shriner, director of Infectious Disease and Prevention at Huntington Hospital in Pasadena.  Topics today include:  California will end the school mask requirement after March 11 – and L.A. County will, too.  Starting today, masks are no longer required indoors for unvaccinated workers in California.  Coronavirus FAQ: I'm a one-way masker. What strategy will give me optimal protection?  A new poll finds Americans' fears about the virus are waning.   Data out of New York finds Pfizer's shot is far less effective in 5-to-11-year-olds than in older kids.  This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people. 

In our continuing series looking at the latest medical research and news on COVID-19, Larry Mantle speaks with Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, infectious disease specialist and professor of medicine at the UCSF Medical Center.  Topics today include:  L.A. County's COVID hospitalizations fall below 1,000 for the first time since December.  Gov. Newsom scales back California's COVID orders but not the state of emergency.  California to announce new school mask rules today.  New York City to end mandates for school masks and indoor proof of vaccination.  C.D.C. suggests more time between 1st and 2nd COVID vaccine doses for males ages 12 to 39 because of myocarditis.  Two Orange County teens died of COVID-19, underscoring Omicrons' toll on kids.  What we know about the BA.2 Omicron variant.  This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.   

In our continuing series looking at the latest medical research and news on COVID-19, Larry Mantle speaks with Dr. Paul Adamson, infectious diseases physician and assistant clinical professor at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Topics today include: The C.D.C. is expected to loosen masking guidelines on Friday L.A. County to lift indoor mask mandate for vaccinated people on Friday  L.A. Unified drops outdoor mask mandate  The U.S. mask mandate for air travel will expire next month, but some flight attendants say it's too soon  A new COVID vaccine shows 100% efficacy against severe disease and hospitalizations, its maker says  Yes, millions of Americans have caught Omicron. No, we don't have herd immunity  Who might benefit from a fourth shot – and who might not  Got a COVID booster? You probably won't need another for a long time  How Long COVID exhausts the body  How long does Long Covid last? This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people. 

In our continuing series looking at the latest medical research and news on COVID-19, Larry Mantle speaks with Kristen R. Choi, professor of nursing and public health at UCLA.  Topics today include:  L.A. County to lift indoor mask mandate for vaccinated people on Friday.  L.A. Unified drops outdoor mask mandate.  The U.S. mask mandate for air travel will expire next month, but some flight attendants say it's too soon.  A new COVID vaccine shows 100% efficacy against severe disease and hospitalizations, its maker says.  Yes, millions of Americans have caught Omicron. No, we don't have herd immunity.  Who might benefit from a fourth shot – and who might not.  Got a COVID booster? You probably won't need another for a long time.  New breakdown of hospitalized patients in California hospitals by vaccination status.  How Long COVID exhausts the body.  This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people. 

In our continuing series looking at the latest medical research and news on COVID-19, Larry Mantle talks about the new plan and where California goes from here with Jackie Fortiér, health reporter for KPCC & LAist and speaks with Dr. Dean Blumberg, professor of medicine and chief of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at UC Davis Children's Hospital.  Topics today include:  California's new plans for the next phase of the coronavirus pandemic.  WSJ: Lower Omicron efficacy delayed F.D.A. review on Pfizer shot in kids under 5.  Lab studies point to signs of severity with the BA.2 subvariant of Omicron.  Orange County hospitalizations dip below 400 patients for the first time since December.  As California unveils its endemic strategy, here's what other western states are doing:  Washington State to drop mask mandate, including for schools, next month.  New Mexico to end indoor mask mandate immediately.  U.S. ramping up vaccination assistance to 11 African countries.  This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people. 

In our continuing series looking at the latest medical research and news on COVID-19, Larry Mantle speaks with Dr. Timothy Brewer, epidemiologist and professor of medicine at UCLA's school of public health.  Topics today include:  L.A. County surpasses 30,000 deaths from COVID-19.  COVID-19 cases plummet across the U.S.  Why California hopes people keep wearing masks even as coronavirus cases fall.       Estimated 73% of U.S. now immune to Omicron: Is that enough?  COVID patients may have increased risk of developing mental health problems.    How immunocompromised Americans feel as the U.S. moves on from COVID-19.  Opinion: The moral danger of declaring the pandemic over.  This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people. 

In our continuing series looking at the latest medical research and news on COVID-19, Larry Mantle speaks with Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, infectious disease specialist and professor of medicine at the UCSF Medical Center.  Topics today include:  L.A. County lifts outdoor mask mandate.  Disneyland lifts mask requirement for vaccinated guests.  C.D.C. expected to update mask guidance as early as next week.  Coachella, Stagecoach festivals won't require COVID-19 vaccination, tests, or masks.  This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people. 

In our continuing series looking at the latest medical research and news on COVID-19, Larry Mantle speaks with Dr. Paul Adamson, infectious diseases physician and assistant clinical professor at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.  Topics today include:  California school mask mandate will remain in place through Feb. 28.  The quest to create a universal vaccine against COVID-19.  COVID: Is it finally time to take your mask off? Here's how to decide.  California's case rate now 5 times lower than peak of Omicron surge.  Long COVID sufferers are struggling with exercise.  This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people. 

In our continuing series looking at the latest medical research and news on COVID-19, Larry Mantle speaks with Dr. Kimberly Shriner, director of Infectious Disease and Prevention at Huntington Hospital in Pasadena.  Topics today include:  Vaccine for kids under 5 is delayed after F.D.A. review stalls.  New C.D.C. data adds to evidence that boosters' protection against severe COVID-19 plunges after four months.  Gov. Newsom set to announce new guidance on masks in schools today.  Biden acknowledges frustration with COVID-19 rules, but says lifting mask mandate is premature.  New research shows Ebola vaccine used in Central Africa produces lasting antibody response.  This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people. 

In our continuing series looking at the latest medical research and news on COVID-19, Larry Mantle speaks with Dr. Shruti Gohil, professor of medicine and associate medical director for epidemiology and infection prevention at UC Irvine's School of Medicine. Topics today include:  COVID-19 and the Super Bowl:   COVID-19 protocols for fans.  Poll shows Californians more cautious about COVID-19 ahead of the Super Bowl.   Hosting a Super Bowl viewing party? Here are some COVID-19 safety tips.  With Omicron in retreat, L.A. may start to scrap its mask requirements next week.  L.A. and Orange counties post highest COVID-19 death rates in 11 months.  California to debate mandating COVID-19 vaccines at all workplaces.  Coronavirus can destroy the placenta and lead to stillbirths.  Daily COVID-19 numbers.  This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people. 

In our continuing series looking at the latest medical research and news on COVID-19, Larry Mantle speaks with Dr. Sam Torbati, co-chair of the department of emergency medicine at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.  Topics today include:  Mask mandates will be lifted in most bay areas communities next week.  New study finds COVID-19 induced heart damage can be long lasting.  L.A. County hospitalizations continue to decline, near threshold to lift mask mandate.  Gov. Newsom teases new strategy to treat COVID-19 as endemic.  Pharmacists and technicians are burning out as they bear the brunt of the pandemic.  This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people. 

In our continuing series looking at the latest medical research and news on COVID-19, Larry Mantle speaks with Dr. Timothy Brewer, epidemiologist and professor of medicine at UCLA's school of public health.  Topics today include:  L.A. County health director says indoor mask mandate won't be lifted for weeks.  C.D.C. director: COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations still too high for changes to mask guidance.  COVID-19 hospitalizations continue downward trend, now 30% below the peak.  J&J pauses production of its COVID-19 vaccine.  Will a mask protect me even if no one else is wearing one?  Can you get long COVID after an infection with Omicron?   This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people. 

In our continuing series looking at the latest medical research and news on COVID-19, Larry Mantle speaks with Dr. Robert Kim-Farley, professor of epidemiology and community health sciences at the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health.  Topics today include:  California's indoor mask mandate will expire on Feb. 16 for the vaccinated.  L.A. County's mandate will remain in place until transmission levels fall.  Lessons learned as we enter year 3 of the pandemic.  The future of the pandemic is becoming more clear.  Deer populations could harbor the coronavirus long term.  The BA.2 variant of Omicron is spreading rapidly across Europe.  Previously uncatalogued mutations of coronavirus are popping up in California sewage.  California appears close to changing school masking rules.  This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.

In our continuing series looking at the latest medical research and news on COVID-19, Larry Mantle speaks with Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, infectious disease specialist and professor of medicine at the UCSF Medical Center.  Topics today include:  L.A. County hospitalizations continue to decline.  Why Americans are behind on getting boosted.  Does just being exposed to Omicron build your immunity?  C.D.C.shortens interval between 3rd and booster shot for the immunocompromised The world is likely more sick than it has been in 100 years.  “Broken heart” cases are surging amidst pandemic.  New Jersey to end state mask mandate for schools.  This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people. 

In our continuing series looking at the latest medical research and news on COVID-19, Larry Mantle speaks with Dr. Dean Blumberg, professor of medicine and chief of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at UC Davis Children's Hospital.   Topics today include:  L.A. County unveils plans to drop some mask rules once COVID conditions improve.  Californians feel less optimistic about the pandemic than they did last spring.  San Francisco physicians start petition calling for state to pivot on school COVID guidelines.  Opinion: The smallest kids still lack a vaccine. The F.D.A. must leave no uncertainty.  A different COVID-19 vaccine debate: Do we need new shots? Omicron variant's "milder" severity likely due to more population immunity, according to Harvard researchers.  Johns Hopkins analysis finds lockdowns only reduced COVID-19 death rate by 0.2%.  This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.