Teams consisting of paramedics, nurses and other health professionals were making the rounds Tuesday in Riverside County to provide support, distribute protective gear and keep workers at skilled nursing facilities on the job and safe during the coronavirus emergency.
“The county has developed four specialized teams to equip and assist employees to deal with the coronavirus and prevent the spread of it,” county Emergency Management Director Bruce Barton said during a briefing broadcast from the County Administrative Center in downtown Riverside.
“Teams are spread throughout the county, going into specific regions,” he said. “They are demonstrating appropriate safety techniques, and they are there to educate and to dispel rumors. Some facility operators have expressed concerns about staff fearful and not wanting to come in to work. That’s our target audience.”
According to Barton, the teams have been active since the end of last week and have thus far visited 18 facilities. He said there are about 400 licensed elder care, skilled nursing and assisted living places countywide. The latest test results indicate 84 resident infections and 67 staff infections at the locations, according to Barton.
The Riverside University Health System said the four Skilled Nursing Facilities Outreach Support (SOS) teams are assigned to address needs in the central, eastern, northwest and southwest county regions.
The units were formed to prevent a repeat of last week’s evacuation of a Riverside patient facility, where the majority of staff failed to report for shifts, evidently due to concerns about the spread of coronavirus.
“There has been so much incorrect information that has spread that many employees in these facilities are scared to show up for work,” county Public Health Director Kim Saruwatari said. “Information is power, and by providing these employees with accurate information about how COVID-19 is and is not spread, they will be confident when they report to work.”
In addition to speaking with each facility’s staff to address specific concerns, the SOS teams will be demonstrating safety techniques, handing out goggles, masks and gloves, as well as making other equipment available, officials said. Each location will also be scrutinized to determine if any imminent problems require immediate action.
Last Wednesday, 83 patients from the Magnolia Rehabilitation & Nursing Center were evacuated over a period of roughly 10 hours, going to alternate facilities, after the rash of no-shows, which prompted an investigation by RUHS.
Officials said 34 patients and 16 workers tested positive for COVID-19. However, none were reported to be in dire condition.
“Rehabilitation facilities and nursing homes present a challenge for health officials due to the age and health conditions of the residents, as well as their close proximity to each other,” according to an RUHS statement. “The county prioritizes investigations in these facilities due to the high risk of serious illness that outbreaks pose.”