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Hospital Administrator In San Bernardino County: 'Things Are Bad'
Protective face masks are being used to ward off the coronavirus. (Mladen Antonov/AFP via Getty Images)
As President Trump was giving his press conference Sunday, announcing plans to provide federal funds to New York, Illinois and California to help slow the spread of coronavirus, we checked in with Dr. Sara Khan, chief of staff at San Antonio Regional Hospital in Upland.
Here’s what she had to say via text.
“Things are bad. We’re at 17 cases in San Bernardino County today — I think we were at five the day we last spoke [Friday 3/20]. All hospitals are facing a DIRE shortage of PPEs! (Personal Protective Equipment). We’re re-using our masks. People need to stop hoarding masks and gloves and sanitizers. If we cannot protect our health care workers on the frontline, then we’ve already lost!
“The CDC has recommended we use bandanas if we run out... imagine that. And know that if it comes to that, we still won’t abandon our patients! I’m reaching out to anyone wanting to donate PPEs to try and increase our numbers. I know my counterparts are doing the same. People need to take this seriously."
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“We do not have the capability to run rapid tests in ER. The only reason to come to the hospital is if you have symptoms, are of an advanced age or have preexisting conditions as per the CDC recommendation. Asymptomatic people who think they may have been exposed need to contact their primary care physicians and self quarantine!"
"Self-quarantine does not include going to the grocery store!"
“The turnaround time for testing is 3 to 4 days. If you come to the hospital you will be quarantined for this period of time and we cannot allow your family to visit! Help us help you!”
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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