How Downey is dealing with the coronavirus

A decontamination tent outside Kaiser Permanente Downey Medical Center. Hospital officials say the tent went up as part of a preparedness drill. Photo by Alex Dominguez

DOWNEY — As more coronavirus cases manifest around the country and worldwide, local cities are scrambling to keep their communities calm.

Tensions in Downey were only heightened over the weekend after a decontamination tent was spotted outside Kaiser Permanente Downey Medical Center.

Kaiser confirmed the tents – known as deployable rapid assembly shelters (DRASH) – had been deployed as part of a drill.

“A few members of the Downey community have noticed a DRASH tent outside of the Downey Medical Center. As with many hospitals, we are conducting preparedness drills to ensure our physicians, staff, and supplies are ready should any infectious disease (like COVID-19) escalate,” Kaiser said in a statement posted on Twitter. “Part of the drill is to set up the hospital’s DRASH tent.”

Later that week, Kaiser also released a series of tweets answering several frequently asked questions about COVID-19, including their response to the virus.

“We’re committed to the health and safety of our members, patients, employees, and doctors. We have been working on confronting highly infectious diseases for years, and we’re confident we can safely treat patients who have been infected with this virus, with very little risk to our other patients, members, and employees.

“We’re prepared to have our patients tested for the coronavirus…If testing is warranted, we’ll make the appropriate arrangements. Rest assured that your health is our top priority.”

In a response to an inquiry from the Downey Patriot, Judy Pugach, vice president of regulatory affairs at PIH Health, mirrored many of the sentiments as Kaiser.

“PIH Health is prepared to protect our patients, physicians, clinical care providers and all employees from the spread of infectious disease,” she said.

“Like many other hospitals, we care for patients with infectious diseases frequently and are well prepared to provide them with the best and appropriate care while ensuring the safety of our staff, patients and visitors.”

Pugach added that PIH Health clinicians are communicating with and following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, in addition to the infection control policies, procedures and systems that were already in place.

In addition, PIH is also working in tandem with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH), California Department of Health (CDPH), and CDC to stay up to date on the situation.

Still, many residents remain concerned about the readiness of their cities and schools should COVID-19 breakout locally.

Downey Mayor Blanca Pacheco released a statement Wednesday saying that there has been “no notification of any confirmed coronavirus cases in Downey,” and that the city had been “working very closely with partner agencies such as LACDPH, L.A. County Emergency Management Services Agency, Downey Unified School District, and our local Downey hospitals” for the last several weeks.

Local schools have also started to take preventative and preparatory measures.

According to Ashley Greaney, public relations coordinator for Downey Unified, the district started preparations early and ahead any state of emergency declaration, which LA County ultimately declared on March 4.

Notably, the district is further partnering with Purell and their partner company Gojo to launch a handwashing campaign districtwide, including displayed signage in classrooms, common areas and in the main offices. Teachers and staff will also emphasize the importance of handwashing to students.

Every classroom within the district, as well as libraries, have received 8-ounce hand sanitizers, with larger, 2-liter sanitizers being placed prominently in the main offices.

Greaney added that more information on DUSD’s response is available on the district’s website.

Superintendent Dr. John Garcia sent an email to parents, saying: “The district is having weekly conference calls with [Los Angeles County Office of Education] to discuss countywide preparedness and as needed calls with LA County Department of Health. Immediately after the LACOE call last week, our Emergency Operations Center (EOC) staff met to debrief and plan for the possibility of a school closure. A meeting was held this afternoon with the City of Downey to coordinate with the city agencies on a communitywide response.”

“Additionally, [Tuesday] an all-day meeting was held at the district office where all necessary staff attended to further develop plans in regard to our school closure procedures should we need to implement that step. Supplementary to what was shared with you last week, our current steps are focused on addressing the hygiene of our schools and our staff/students in an effort to increase the prevention of spreading germs and solidifying our action plans in the instance of a school closure that address continuous education as well as the possibility of ongoing food service for our students.

“We will be meeting with all school administrators tomorrow [Thursday] to go over the steps that will need to be taken in regard to any school closure(s) and as additional district office meeting is set for Thursday afternoon that will again include all department heads to continue the conversation, provide updates and further solidify our plans, should they need to be put in place.”