Salinas Valley Health Updates COVID 19 Cases

Following the first positive COVID 19 cases in Monterey County announced earlier this week, an increase in the reported cases is unfolding as expected. Salinas Valley Health has seen two people who have tested positive for COVID-19. The patients presented separately to the Hospital Emergency Department triage tent outside the ER entrance and ER staff led them through a systematic protocol established to protect patients and staff and prevent the spread of the virus.

“It’s likely that we will continue to see positive test results and we are prepared and ready to meet the need,” said Pete Delgado, President/CEO at Salinas Valley Health. “With the two positive cases we have seen, the processes we have in place worked exactly as intended for the safety of our patients and our staff. I could not be more proud of our entire team and am confident in our ability to handle future cases as they happen.”

Clinical staff initially screened both patients at the triage tent and appropriately directed the individuals through protocol. One of the patients was released to home isolation and the other is now being treated at the hospital.

In response to the COVID 19 outbreak, Salinas Valley Health and the other three area hospitals began proactive coordination with the Monterey County Health Department in early January. Salinas Valley Health activated its Hospital Incident Command System on February 10, 2020. It set into motion a predetermined organizational command chart to ensure operations in any disaster or emergency situation are effective and efficient.

The Healthcare System has taken extensive measures to protect patients, staff and the community from the spread of COVID 19. If a patient screen at the emergency room triage tent needs additional evaluation, the person is escorted to an alternate care site, essentially an isolation tent near the ER where the appropriate nose and throat swabs can be conducted and sent to the Monterey County Health Department for testing. To date, Salinas Valley Health has sent 35 cases to the County for testing with 33 negative results and most recently, the two positive outcomes.

Salinas Valley Health announced new visitation polices yesterday and today began screening every patient and visitor entering the hospital. COVID 19 updates and visitation restrictions can be found at svmh.com.