In our continuing series looking at the latest medical research and news on COVID-19, Larry Mantle speaks with infectious diseases doctor and professor of medicine at UCSFDr. Monica Gandhi.

Topics today include:

• The next few weeks are “absolutely critical” as coronavirus cases explode in California.
• “Unprecedented surge” in COVID-19 cases among L.A. police, firefighters.
• L.A.’s first case of flurona discovered at Getty Center COVID-19 testing site.
• Omicron appears to be milder -- how should that affect our behavior?
• Free at-home COVID-19 tests are available in L.A. County but supplies are limited.
• L.A. healthcare system hit with widening staffing shortages as workers get coronavirus.
• The C.D.C. resists pushback and says a test to get out of COVID isolation isn’t needed.
• White House embraces a manage-not-contain Omicron plan.
• Fourth Pfizer dose spurs a sharp jump in antibodies, according to early data from Israel.
• How safe are indoor gyms during the Omicron surge?
• Study finds developmental lag in babies born during the pandemic.

This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.