California officials release guidelines to keep cooling centers safe amid coronavirus

As temperatures soar to record highs in some California cities, the state Department of Public Health has released guidelines for cooling centers which are designed to help slow the spread of the coronavirus.

In a news release Wednesday, CDPH said the air-conditioned facilities are integral to preventing heat-related health problems, but suggested that structures adhere to safety and sanitation guidelines to prevent COVID-19 cases.

Guidelines similar to those issued for recently reopened businesses include individual temperature and symptom screenings, cleaning and disinfecting protocols, and continued adherence to physical distancing guidelines, in addition to addressing all language and cultural barriers.

The guidelines came a day before the National Weather Service’s Sacramento office announced temperatures had climbed to a May record four consecutive days of 100 degrees or higher from Monday to Thursday.

“When the temperature gets hot, being in a cool place is essential to protect the health of older adults and those with underlying medical conditions,” said Dr. Sonia Angell, CDPH director. “If you, a neighbor or loved one is without air conditioning and isolated at home, consider a cooling center in your community. This year, cooling centers are being designed with reducing the risk of exposure to COVID-19 in mind.”

Downtown Sacramento reached 104 degrees Tuesday afternoon and Sacramento Executive Airport was recorded at 103, each of which surpassed previous all-time highs for May 26 by 2 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.

Typical locations for cooling centers include government-run senior centers, community centers, parks and recreation sites, and public buildings, such as libraries.

This story was originally published May 29, 2020 at 5:00 AM with the headline "California officials release guidelines to keep cooling centers safe amid coronavirus."