Coronavirus updates: SLO County asks for healthcare volunteers, hospitals seek donations

San Luis Obispo County is preparing for a surge in coronavirus cases by asking for the community’s help. The county is asking people to join the Medical Reserve Corps while homeless shelters and some hospitals are asking for donations.

Meanwhile, a local produce box service is offering at-home delivery.

Here are your San Luis Obispo County coronavirus updates for Thursday:

Number of cases jumps again

As of Thursday, 54 cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in San Luis Obispo County, with eight new cases confirmed today, according to the Public Health Department.

SLO County asks community members to join medical reserve corps

San Luis Obispo County has ordered 100 additional respirators, has plans for 1,000 additional beds and has coordinated a space with Cal Poly to serve as an alternative care site. 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 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 for the medical corps auxiliary, there are two steps. First sign up at: https://healthcarevolunteers.ca.gov/Then email that information to the san luis obispo medical corps coordinator: slomrc@gmail.com.

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.

SLO County may close parks if social distancing is not maintained

San Luis Obispo County officials are considering closing public parks and golf courses if visitors don’t comply with coronavirus physical distancing orders.

Wade Horton, emergency services director, said on Wednesday that authorities may shut down some county recreation facilities “if non-household units decide to ignore the 6-foot standard.”

The city of San Luis Obispo on March 19 closed Laguna Lake Golf Course. Pismo Beach on Wednesday announced the closure of the Pismo Pier, although the beach remains open for surfing and short walks.

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.

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.

More restaurants join ranks offering curbside pickup, deliver

Don’t want to cook tonight, but do want to honor the social distancing orders? The Tribune is continuously compiling a list of local restaurants that are doing curbside pickup or deliveries, as well as offering special deals.

Some of the latest additions include The Galley Seafood Grill & Bar, Sidecar, Linn’s Restaurant, Finney’s Crafthouse & Kitchen and Butterfly Grille at Monarch Dunes.

SLO to talk hotel tax breaks

Like many industries around San Luis Obispo County, hotels are facing severe economic challenges — and the City Council will discuss a tax break via teleconference on Friday.

A special meeting has been scheduled for 12:30 p.m. to address a proposed extension on bed taxes owed to the city, as the industry faces sharp revenue declines since the coronavirus pandemic upended civic life in the city earlier this month.

The city’s staff recommends delaying applicable late fees and penalties on delinquent hotel tax until August 31, 2020.

The public can watch the meeting live on Charter Cable Channel 20 or through a livestream online at: www.slocity.org/channel20.

This story was originally published March 26, 2020 at 9:41 AM with the headline "Coronavirus updates: SLO County asks for healthcare volunteers, hospitals seek donations."