Coronavirus updates: SLO County has 46 confirmed cases, hospitals seek donations
After the largest single-day increase in the number of local cases yet on Tuesday, San Luis Obispo County is hard at work preparing for a coronavirus outbreak that could eventually infect hundreds of residents. They have ordered more hospital beds and are asking for volunteers.
Meanwhile, community members have come together to help each other in a time of need.
Here are your San Luis Obispo County coronavirus updates for Wednesday:
SLO County has 46 confirmed cases of coronavirus
Four new cases of coronavirus were confirmed Wednesday, bringing up San Luis Obispo County’s total to 46 cases.
There have been no reported deaths in San Luis Obispo County due to COVID-19. However two patients are currently in the hospital and one is in the ICU, according to ReadySLO.org.
The rest of the patients are at home and seven have reportedly recovered.
The latest geographic distribution of confirmed cases shows there are now 18 in the North County, 13 in the South County, eight on the coast and three in the central San Luis Obispo area.
SLO County asks for community members to join Medical Reserve Corps
San Luis Obispo County has ordered 100 additional respirators, 1,000 additional beds and has coordinated a space with Cal Poly to serve as an alternative care site, but now they are looking for additional healthcare providers to sign up for the Medical Reserve Corps.
“We’re a little bit concerned that the medical staffing and all the ancillary staffing may be our limiting factor in taking care of folks who need a level of care outside of their home,” County Health Officer Dr. Penny Borenstein said at a Wednesday news briefing.
The Medical Reserve Corps is a group of volunteers, made up of medical and mental health professional, who may be retired or currently employed, according to a county news release. But the county is also asking non-medical professionals to apply.
The county is currently seeking physicians, nurses, paramedics, EMTs, licensed therapists and social workers, certified addiction providers, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, dentists, pharmacists, veterinarians and physical therapists.
They are also asking that community members without medical training such as translators, sign language interpreters, and administrators apply, Borenstein said.
The reserve will only be activated if full capacity is reached at hospitals and the alternative care site must be used.
To volunteer, visit ReadySLO.org.
SLO adds 1,000 hospital beds to prepare for COVID-19
San Luis Obispo County’s emergency response team is working to make 1,000 additional hospital beds available to prepare for if — or when — the coronavirus pandemic peaks on the Central Coast.
Gov. Gavin Newsom recently announced a need for 50,000 additional hospital beds across California and millions of supplies for personal protective equipment, such as gowns, gloves and masks, in response to COVID-19.
Hospitals, homeless facilities ask for donations
There’s a nationwide shortage on personal protective equipment, and some San Luis Obispo County facilities are feeling the hit.
Community Health Centers, which has clinics across San Luis Obispo and northern Santa Barbara counties, is asking the community for N-95 respirator masks, disinfectant wipes and solutions and cash donations.
5Cities Homeless Coalition in Grover Beach and 40 Prado in San Luis Obispo are also in need of donations of personal protective equipment such as gloves, masks, gowns and safety goggles.
In Santa Barbara County, Cottage Health has set up a drive-through collection center for medical supply donations.
Facebook groups provide support, goods for those in need
Soon after coronavirus began to spread in San Luis Obispo County, its residents were already banding together to help each other out.
Facebook groups such as Help SLO and Help Five Cities were formed to give people a place to ask for and to offer help, to provide and information and, most of all, to help everyone stay connect throughout the outbreak.
SLO church creates day camp for first responders without childcare
San Luis Obispo Church of the Nazarene opened a childcare day camp program for all community members who work as first responders or essential employees.
School’s Out Day Camp registration is based on a first come, first serve basis with priority given to those who are serving in roles vital to the community’s operation, according to a news release.
The camp will run from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., and families with children from kindergarten to 12th grade will have the option to choose morning, afternoon or all day childcare, the release said.
According to the church, the cost is being kept as low as possible and scholarships will be made available as funds come in.
The Talley Farms Box is offering home deliveries to at-risk individuals
The Talley Farms Box is delivering boxes of fresh produce directly to the homes of at-risk individuals. SLO Safe Ride is delivering boxes for home delivery Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday to Southern County homes.
For those who are still able to leave their homes for essential items, the Talley Farms Box has pick-up locations around San Luis Obispo County at Farm Supply Company stores, Miner’s Ace Hardware stores and Lemos Feed & Pet Supply stores.
Other businesses, such as SLO Brew Rock and Naughty Oak Brewery in Orcutt are opening special hours so boxes can be delivered and picked-up there, as well. For all hours and locations, visit talleyfarmsbox.com/pick-up-locations and for at-home delivery services go to talleyfarmsbox.com/home-delivery.
Prices for the Talley Farms Box start at $25.
This story was originally published March 25, 2020 at 8:00 AM with the headline "Coronavirus updates: SLO County has 46 confirmed cases, hospitals seek donations."