Alhambra High School Chosen As Alternate Care Site: Coronavirus

MARTINEZ, CA — As the number of coronavirus cases in Contra Costa County continues to rise, Contra Costa Health Services and the Martinez Unified School District released a joint statement Thursday saying Alhambra High School has been chosen as an alternate care site for people with less complicated medical needs.

The county has been exploring and preparing to use both Pittsburg Health Center and Alhambra High School as "alternate care sites" to care for people with less complicated medical needs. The facilities would provide community members a safe place to receive care, according to the joint statement.

Staff has already been identified for Pittsburg Health Center should it be used as a site, and necessary equipment and supplies have already been brought to the site.

Further, the county recently requested supplies from the U.S. government to help establish an alternative care site at Alhambra High School, 150 E St.

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"We expect the shipment of beds, medical equipment and other supplies to arrive within the next few days," county and district officials said in the joint statement. "The proximity of the high school to Contra Costa County Regional Medical Center is important to our ability to run the site efficiently."

Officials thanked the community for its support and vigilance as they respond to COVID-19 in the county.

"We know this is a difficult time for many and we appreciate the sacrifices being made by everyone in Contra Costa County to protect the community," officials said. "By staying home and practicing social distancing, Contra Costa residents are helping 'flatten the curve' so our hospital systems aren't overwhelmed and people can get the care they need when they need it.

"Nonetheless, we can’t stop preparing for the surge of people with COVID-19 we are likely to see over the coming weeks. Contra Costa County currently has 131 confirmed cases."

Officials said they were still figuring out the details of how these alternate care sites will operate, as the county is also working to identify shelters for area homeless.

"We are likely to identify additional sites in the coming days," officials said. "Our hope is that we won’t ever have to use these sites because of the protective actions we’ve taken, like the stay-at-home order, that will stem the tide. As we hope for the best, we still must prepare for the worst."

Statement From Martinez Unified School District Superintendent CJ Cammack

"Martinez Unified has just been officially notified by federal, state, and local agencies that part of Alhambra High School is being considered to create additional spaces for providing care. As you all know and understand, in any emergency situation, schools are regularly used by agencies such as the Red Cross and other temporary emergency services. Given the immediate proximity to Contra Costa County Regional Medical Center (County Hospital), it is understandable that AHS would be a location identified for this purpose. Both as a district and as a community, we have a legal obligation as well as a moral and ethical obligation, to provide the highest level of cooperation during this time.

"As we support the care of patients in our community, I remain committed to ensuring the health and safety needs of our students and staff of AHS. Please know that prior to any student and/or staff use of AHS facilities the entire school campus will undergo a comprehensive cleaning process to ensure the entire campus is cleaned, disinfected, sanitized, and properly prepped for safe and secure use by students and staff. Just as I am committed to doing our collective part to support our county and the overall COVID19 response, I am equally committed to ensuring the AHS campus will be a safe place for all staff and students, prior to reopening for any school-related functions.

"If anything highlights the importance of our collective actions to stay home and the magnitude of our current health crisis related to COVID19, it is this development. We must continue to work together, in ways we might not have ever imagined to be part of the solution. I have been so proud of the resiliency and grit our staff, students, and community, have shown over the last few weeks. Throughout Martinez, the AHS Bulldogs represent the courage of our students, the commitment and professionalism of our staff, and the passion of our community. I am confident these pillars of Alhambra High School will be evident for community members and medical staff during these challenging times. Together, as a community, we will welcome these guests with grace, compassion, and empathy."