If coronavirus cases surge, Cal Poly Rec Center could be used as a care site

The San Luis Obispo County Public Health Department is preparing for a surge in coronavirus cases, and one contingency plan calls for using the Cal Poly Recreation Center as an alternative care site.

“Right now, our local hospitals are able to meet the need,” Public Health Officer Dr. Penny Borenstein said in a news release Monday. “We know things can change quickly with this type of virus — so we’re preparing now to provide care for more people if our hospitals reach their limits.”

Borenstein said she expects numbers will continue to rise for at least the next couple of weeks, if not longer.

While the county currently has 60 ICU beds and many more beds that could be switched to ICU beds in the event of a surge, Public Health has turned to Cal Poly in the event more capacity is needed..

The Rec Center has adequate space and sufficient electricity and water, the county said, and engineers are developing plans to convert the space if needed. The county is also working with state leaders to make sure their would be appropriate medical equipment at the gym.

“The space at Cal Poly is well-equipped and if needed will provide safe and quality care,” County Administrative Officer Wade Horton said. Dorms would not be used, he said.

Horton said since Cal Poly students will not be returning to campus and the gym will remain closed during spring quarter, they do not foresee this interfering with student education.

University Spokesperson Matt Lazier said the rapidly changing COVID-19 situation has required everyone to be flexible.

“We realize the situation may seem alarming. However, as a state institution, Cal Poly has a duty to the people of California to assist in the response to public emergencies,” Lazier wrote in an email.

In the event of a medical surge, the SLO Medical Reserve Corps, a group of trained volunteers, will staff the site, according to the release. The Medical Reserve Corps is currently recruiting.

Health officials ask those who are showing symptoms of COVID-19 — such as mild to severe fever, cough and shortness of breath — to stay home, avoid contact with others, and call their health care provider or urgent care clinic if symptoms become severe.

This story was originally published March 23, 2020 at 6:10 PM.