As the current Omicron-fueled surge sees record-high case numbers, health officials are scrambling to revise existing guidelines and protective measures.
First we’ll discuss how local schools are handling the return to the classroom after the holiday COVID-19 surge and the home testing kit shortage. After, we’ll talk to Dr. Eric Topol, director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute, about some of our most pressing COVID-19 questions amidst the omicron-fueled surge. Also, while the pandemic has ravaged much of the cross-border economy, Tijuana’s maquiladora industry has flourished. Later, as the California legislature reconvenes, the California Report speaks with Scott Wilk, the leader of the Republican caucus in the state senate. Then, we speak with San Diego Union-Tribune reporter Lori Weisberg on how the minimum wage increase affects San Diegans. Finally, an excerpt from the latest “Port of Entry” podcast tells the story of a band separated by the pandemic- related border closure.
As health officials continue to learn more about omicron’s emergence, how it will affect the course of the pandemic remains to be seen. Plus, Surgeon General Vivek Murthy issued a health advisory on children’s mental health to highlight an increased rate of depression and anxiety being diagnosed in children, mainly stemming from pandemic stress. Also, a look at the rise in catalytic converters thefts in San Diego County. And, holiday shoppers have a unique opportunity this weekend to page through new and used books at the North Park Book Fair Holiday Edition. Finally, five songs to listen to for December.