![Scientists at UC Davis are working to create a supply of viral genetic material to help the clinical pathology team develop new tests. (Shutterstock photo)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/shutterstock_684989614.jpg?1585330116)
Here’s What Happens to Science When California’s Researchers Shelter in Place
After California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s order for Californians to shelter in place, university campuses across the state began gauging the risk of letting research continue. And scientists are finding their work, plans and lives upended by the spread of the novel coronavirus.
![Husband and wife Marco Guizar and Katelyn O’Neil run Fitsom Studios in the Curtis Park neighborhood of Sacramento. (Photo by Nicolette Lovell/courtesy of Fitsom Studios)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0320_blog_gettingtoknow_lead.jpg?1585246154)
Getting to Know: Fitsom Studios
Fitsom Studios shifted from fitness to pain and stress management in September 2019. In a culture where sitting and anxiety are part of daily life, the husband-and-wife team found that modalities like breathing techniques and myofascial massage were more valuable and relevant.
![Embarcadero SAFE Navigation Center offers homeless people longer-term shelter in San Francisco. (Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/homeless_photo_1.jpg?1585250356)
California Is Scrambling to House the Homeless. Here’s How It’s Playing Out.
With shelters reporting cases of symptomatic people and public health authorities worried about outbreaks in encampments, state authorities are confronting questions of how to help California’s homeless population during the coronavirus pandemic.
![Juan Manuel Virgin, left, and Daniel Lopez Avilez, middle, sit inside a pickup truck as they talk about the difficulties they face when trying to find respiratory protection. March 04, 2020. (Photo by David Rodriguez/The Salinas Californian)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/face_masks_photo_1.jpg?1585249147)
No Face Masks so California’s Farmworkers Are Left Unprotected
Face masks have flown off the shelves around the United States amid the coronavirus outbreak, even though experts have advised people against wearing them unless they are sick. That has triggered a shortage for farmworkers, who wear masks to avoid inhaling pesticides or field dust.
![Several major banks have agreed to delay foreclosures and offer mortgage relief to homeowners impacted by the coronavirus. (Shutterstock photo)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/shutterstock_74401561.jpg?1585243087)
Banks Agree to Coronavirus Mortgage Relief in California amid Push for Eviction Ban
With 1 million Californians filing for unemployment over the last two weeks, several major banks have agreed to delay foreclosures and offer mortgage relief to homeowners impacted by the coronavirus, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Wednesday.
![Construction of homes is considered an essential function and is allowed to continue. (Photo by Fred Greaves. Click to view slideshow)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0320_blog_photoessay_construction1_0.jpg?1585078230)
Business as Usual in Homebuilding
Construction workers are considered ‘essential’ in California’s shelter-in-place order
Across the Capital Region, construction continues as usual on housing, infrastructure and other projects, even as workers in other sectors shelter at home.
![Jars of marijuana at a Berkeley dispensary on March 21. Gov. Gavin Newsom has deemed cannabis an essential business as Californians shelter in place. (Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/high_photo_1.jpg?1585158165)
Cannabis and Cocktails amid Coronavirus? State Says Carry On
In a series of new orders and regulations, state authorities have eased restrictions on cannabis dispensaries and on restaurants in the booze business to help them weather the financial impact of shelter-in-place orders.
![Undocumented immigrants often work in construction. (Photo by La Opinión)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/nobenefits_photo.jpg?1585157650)
‘We Live Paycheck to Paycheck’: Undocumented Workers Struggle as Economy Grinds to a Halt
More than 2 million undocumented workers, who do not quality for many state and federal benefits, are among the hardest hit Californians as the economy is battered by the coronavirus pandemic.
![There are several job protection and wage replacement programs in place to help part-time and full-time employees, both at the federal and state levels. (Shutterstock photo)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0320_blog_employmentlaw_shutterstock_lead.jpg?1585082075)
Help for Displaced Workers
What employers and employees need to know about job protection and wage replacement during the COVID-19 pandemic
In the COVID-19 pandemic, business as usual has been upended and employers and employees are facing uncharted territory. Comstock’s spoke with Roseville-based employment law attorney Drew Lewis about what job protection and wage replacement programs are available in the Capital Region.
![Alan Puccinelli is leading Operations Shields Up, an effort to use 3D printing and injection molding to create face shields for medical professionals. (Photo courtesy of Alan Puccinelli)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0320_blog_tech_lead.jpg?1585081825)
A Shield Against COVID-19
Operation Shields Up aims to create at least 12,000 face shields for first responders treating COVID-19
Alan Puccinelli, an Auburn resident and founder and CEO of 3D printing company Repkord, is working to create face shields for medical professionals treating COVID-19.