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-Editorial
Imperial County is officially on Stage 2 which means some businesses can open. There is still a long way to go in a full reopening of the economy which will depend on how many people get infected with COVID-19 and access to the testing site. Right now, bookstores, jewelry stores, toy stores, clothing stores, shoe stores, home and furnishing stores, sporting goods stores, antique stores, and music stores can open.
The metrics to open more sectors of the economy that are considered high risk will be based on having no more than one COVID-19 case per 10,000 in the past 14 days prior to the attestation submission date. No COVID-19 deaths in the past 14 days prior to attestation submission date guidance for employers and essential critical infrastructure workplaces on how to structure the physical environment to protect essential workers.
In regards to testing, there should be a minimum testing capacity of 1.5 tests per 1,000 residents. There should be testing available for at least 75 percent of residents, as measured by a specimen collection site within 60 minutes driving in rural areas.
Hospital capacity to accommodate a minimum surge of 35 percent due to COVID-19 cases in addition to providing usual care for non-COVID19 patients. Hospital facilities should also have a robust plan to protect the hospital workforce, both clinical and nonclinical, with personal protective equipment.
There should also be the availability of temporary housing units of 15% of county residents experiencing homelessness and COVID-19 positive.
Since May 2nd, there has been a place for residents to get their testing for COVID-19 at the Imperial Valley Fairgrounds.
The testing site is located at the Plaza Building in the Imperial Valley Expo in Imperial. Hours are Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. Testing will be available by appointment only and be scheduled online or by phone. The testing will be available for three priority areas with the plan to include additional groups in phases. OptumServe will bill the patient’s medical insurance for the test. Uninsured individuals may use the testing site and the cost will be covered by the state.
OptumServe has extensive expertise in rapidly deploying and setting up health care services and has worked closely with the military under the leadership of former Army Surgeon General and retired Lieutenant General Patty Horocho, RN.
