Staff Reports

Pomona – On March 11, the Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center (PCHMC) announced that a patient who passed away at their hospital confirmed positive for novel coronavirus (COVID-19). This was the first reported COVID-19 death in Los Angeles County.
On March 9, the patient went to the hospital by ambulance and was in full cardiac arrest. Staff provided lifesaving care to stabilize her condition. Based on her travel history and symptoms, the patient was placed in isolation and infection control protocols were implemented according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). LACDPH authorized to obtain samples for COVID-19 testing, but the patient died shortly after “due to complications from their illness,” according to a PCHMC statement. On March 11, LACDPH confirmed the patient tested positive for COVID-19.
A family member disclosed the patient’s travel status, which included a residence in the City of Walnut. However, the County confirmed that the individual “did NOT circulate around the City of Walnut and stayed primarily at the residence,” according to Walnut Public Information Officer, Melanie Tep. She stated that the City is communicating with LA County’s Department of Public Health for more information regarding the patients’ travel details. “We will communicate more information as it becomes available from the County.”
In addition, the LA County Department of Public Health confirmed that the patient’s family members are currently in quarantine. PCHMC is also following LACDPH guidelines for the staff that came into contact with the patient.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the patient and family,” said Daniel Gluckstein, MD, Medical Director of Infectious Disease at PVHMC. “At this time, our top priority remains protecting public health and ensuring the safety of our patients, visitors, Associates, physicians, volunteers and community.”
“We understand people are feeling anxious about potential exposure to coronavirus, but we want to reassure our patients and their families that the risk of exposure from this case is low,” stated a PVHMC statement. “PVHMC remains a safe, high-quality facility to seek medical care.”
The City of Walnut issued a reminder stating that Public Health continues to recommend that the public do the following to protect themselves and others from respiratory illnesses:
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Limit close contact, like kissing and sharing cups or utensils, with people who are sick.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If you do not have a tissue, use your sleeve (not your hands).
• Facemasks are most effective when used appropriately by health care workers and and those directly caring for people who are sick and by people who are sick (source control).
• Get a flu immunization if you have not done so this season.

Staff Reports

Eastvale – On March 13, Superintendent Dr. Lin announced that all Corona-Norco Unified public Schools will be closed from Monday, March 16 to Friday, April 3.
Dr. Lin stated that “the public health crisis created by the Coronavirus is not something any of us could reasonably have expected to happen, and we are in uncharted waters as we work to prevent the spread of the illness.”
“We have been following the direction of public health experts to keep our school community — students, staff, family members and visitors — safe in the midst of a growing health crisis,” he said. “We are now at a point where the balance has shifted and the appropriate path is to close schools. Additionally, President Donald Trump declared a national emergency.”
Therefore, the CNUSD schools will be completely shut down and all activities on or off campus will be cancelled. However, Dr. Lin said they will evaluate and determine if the return date will change. “Parents and staff will hear from CNUSD directly in the event that the return date of April 6, 2020 changes,” stated the Superintendent.
He also said that there are plans for CNUSD students to continue to learn during the closure. The statement included a link to three phases of learning while the schools are closed. During Phase 1 (between 1 and 5 school days), students are encouraged to engage in enrichment activities and read grade level materials. During Phase 2 (between 6 and school 21 days), information will be sent via email and posted on the district website regarding “how to support students with additional enrichment activities they can complete from home.” Then in Phase 3, (longer than school 21 days), further communication will be sent via email and posted on the district website with “specific instructions for completion of school curriculum from home.”
CNUSD did acknowledge that they are aware all students do not have regular access to technology or the internet. Therefore, hard copies of the materials will be provided, and more information will be released at a later date. Direct access to both electronic and paper resources options are currently available on cnusd.k12.ca.us.
“This is a difficult decision, but necessary, as we try to slow the spread of the virus,” stated Dr. Lin in his statement. “Corona-Norco Unified School District serves a wide-range of communities including a high-needs population, and our schools provide a social safety net for our children. The closing of any school has real consequences beyond the loss of instructional time. This is not an easy decision and not one we take lightly.”
Since this is a rapidly changing situation, CNUSD staff advises that parents and families check their email regularly and visit cnusd.k12.ca.us for frequent updates. Dr. Lin stated they will communicate via email, Facebook and Twitter during the course of this closure, as well.
“These are unprecedented and challenging times, but we will get through this as a community,” concluded Dr. Lin.