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LATEST UPDATES: Tracking COVID-19 (coronavirus)
Tracking COVID-19
The coronavirus, or COVID-19, has sickened thousands, quarantined millions and sent financial markets reeling since its emergence in Wuhan, China at the end of last year.
According to the head of the World Health Organization, the new virus is more deadly than the flu. Globally, about 3.4% of patients have died.
As the outbreak continues to grow, KPBS will continue to update this section with the latest information.
Latest News →
Coronavirus: Quick facts
- What is coronavirus?
The novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, is a virus that can infect animals and humans. It causes a range of respiratory illness, fever, cough and in more severe cases can cause pneumonia and even death. - What are the symptoms?
The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure: fever, cough, and shortness of breath. - How long does the virus survive on surfaces?
No one knows for sure how long COVID-19 can survive on surfaces. But, studies suggest the virus can live for a few hours up to several days on a surface. If you think a surface may be infected, clean with soap and water or a simple disinfectant to kill the virus.
Read more facts →
Government Resources
Featured on Tracking COVID-19
Live Blog: Five San Diego Food Handlers Test Positive for COVID-19
- March 29
- By KPBS Staff
This is a breaking news blog for all of the latest updates about the coronavirus pandemic.
Coronavirus: What Your Fellow San Diegans Are Asking KPBS
- March 23
- By KPBS News
As information about the novel coronavirus and COVID-19 changes daily, KPBS will keep you up-to-date with the latest information and answers to your questions.
Where Students Can Get School Meals In San Diego County During Coronavirus Shutdown
- March 14
- By City News Service
Students age 2 to 18 can get a meal for breakfast and lunch at any of the sites during this period, the San Diego County Office of Education said.
As Beaches Remain Closed, Four San Diego Lifeguards Test Positive For Coronavirus
- March 29
- By Matt Hoffman
Four lifeguards in the city of San Diego have now tested positive for the coronavirus.
US Agency Includes Gun Sellers As 'Critical' Infrastructure
- March 29
- By Associated Press
A gun rights group is cheering the Trump administration's designation of the firearms industry, including retailers, as part of the nation's critical infrastructure during the coronavirus emergency.
California Virus Death Toll Surpasses 100; Infections Surge
- March 29
- By Associated Press
With cases of coronavirus surging and the death toll surpassing 100, lawmakers are pleading with cooped-up Californians to spend a second weekend at home to slow the spread of the infections.
San Diego County Homeless Shelters Run Low On Staffing, Supplies Amidst COVID-19
- March 29
- By Cody Dulaney / inewsource
Three nonprofits that run shelters tell their stories: Operation HOPE in Vista, Interfaith Community Services in Escondido and Oceanside, and South Bay Community Services in Chula Vista.
Navy Adds Restrictions As Number Of Coronavirus Cases Grow
- March 28
- By Steve Walsh
The Navy and Marines are taking more steps to control the spread of the virus, including sending more test kits to ships and canceling additional exercises.
San Diego VA Faces Nursing Shortage And Lapses In COVID-19 Readiness, Report Finds
- March 28
- By Jill Castellano / inewsource
A new report by the VA inspector general’s office reveals shortcomings at the San Diego VA in its efforts to combat the novel coronavirus.
Emergency Food Drive-Through Looks To Relieve Pressure From Local Food Distribution Sites
- March 28
- By Max Rivlin-Nadler
Drivers were instructed to go through the food-distribution lanes with their trunks open, as volunteers filled their cars with emergency groceries.
WATCH: Trump Raises Idea Of Quarantines Affecting NY, NJ and Connecticut
- March 28
- By Associated Press
President Donald Trump said Saturday that he had spoken with some governors and was considering some type of an enforceable quarantine to prevent people in New York and parts of New Jersey and Connecticut from traveling.
Coronavirus Enters San Diego County's Senior Care Facilities
- March 27
- By Amita Sharma
The operators of senior residential centers began precautionary measures two weeks ago to guard against COVID-19, but the virus still found its way into facilities.
Arts Program For Children Works To Adapt Now That Schools Are Closed
- March 27
- By John Carroll
San Diego arts programs have been struggling under the coronavirus shutdowns. That includes arts education programs for kids. One that's been around for more than 55 years is working to adapt to the new reality.
San Diego Airport Business Grounded By Coronavirus
- March 27
- By Erik Anderson
San Diego’s International Airport is open, but the flying business is taking a beating.
School Closures Lead To Troubling Drop In Child Abuse Reports
- March 27
- By Joe Hong
Teachers and other school staff are required by law to report suspicions of child abuse. But they no longer have daily contact with their students, so abuse is likely going unreported.
Trump Signs $2.2T Stimulus After Swift Congressional Votes
- March 27
- By Associated Press
Acting with exceptional resolve in an extraordinary time, the House rushed President Donald Trump a $2.2 trillion rescue package Friday, tossing a life preserver to a U.S. economy and health care system left flailing by the coronavirus pandemic.
USNS Mercy Hospital Ship Arrives At Port of Los Angeles
- March 27
- By City News Service
The ship will serve as a referral hospital for non-COVID-19 patients currently admitted to shore-based hospitals and will provide a full spectrum of medical care to include general surgeries, critical care and ward care for adults, according to the Navy.
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CALL THE MIDWIFE: Season 9 (New Season Premiere)
Airs Sundays, March 29 - May 17, 2020 at 8 p.m. on KPBS TV + Tuesdays, March 31 at 9 p.m. and April 7 - May 19 at 8 p.m. on KPBS 2 + PBS Video App
