Coronavirus Update

Since the last post on this blog, much has changed in the world. COVID-19, also known as coronavirus, has swept the globe, resulting in the infection of hundreds of thousands and deaths of thousands. Italy, China, and Spain have imposed strong lockdown measures. Today, the Los Angeles city government issued a mandate to close all bars and clubs and restricted the business of restaurants in the county. The virus has also caused a steep, preemptive decline in the stock market, which may fall further once supply chains and demand begin to more fully drop off. The virus has certainly altered the economic, political, and cultural landscape and will continue to do so in the coming weeks, months, and possibly even years. It will be informative to see how it affects the 2020 elections.


I would encourage us to keep in mind the most vulnerable populations during this time of economic and medical stress: the elderly, the immuno-compromised, and those living in poverty or experiencing homelessness. Over the last week, much of which I have spent inside, I have had plenty of time to reflect on the immense fortune that I happen to have: my family can work from home and continue to receive income. Many in the service and retail industries have nowhere to turn, and, as I mentioned earlier, as the global and national economy begins to shift over the next few weeks, thousands more will lose their jobs as well. I believe the pandemic, therefore, has revealed the imperative to collectively ensure the security of everyone in our society, partially by implementing policy measures like universal paid sick leave and guaranteeing access to healthcare and also by heeding the advice of national and international public health institutions.

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