New Letter from Your DOHC Coronavirus Task Force

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June 15, 2020 (Updated 6/19)

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) INFORMATION FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY

Dear Valued Desert Oasis Healthcare Member:

Desert Oasis Healthcare has been working closely with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the past few months to monitor, manage and prevent COVID-19 infections. The safety of our patients, employees, physicians and our community remains our primary concern. 

As of today in the Coachella Valley alone we have had over 2700 cases of COVID-19 cases and over 90 deaths. San Bernardino County which encompasses Yucca Valley and surrounding communities is also experiencing a sudden increase in new cases with a 10% increase just in the last week.

We are currently experiencing a significant SURGE IN THE COACHELLA VALLEY, especially in Indio and Coachella who have over 50% of all cases locally and are seeing positive cases occurring at over 200% compared to the rest of the county. 

Many of these new cases involve travel to Mexico, where the prevalence of COVID-19 infections along the California border is also SURGING.  This is causing significant peril for our hospitals locally and hospitals all along the border that are nearly exceeding available beds in both countries.

Locally, our hospitals are being filled with the sickest of patients.  These patients require intensive resources and care and often stay in the hospital for weeks. 

Please keep in mind this remains a preventable disease.  With Father’s Day Weekend past us and other holidays approaching, we want to take a moment to remind our community to celebrate safely, responsibly and with a plan to avoid spreading this virus to those at risk – especially grandparents, parents and those with weak immune systems.  You really can save a life!

Together we can protect each other, and reduce the current surge.

Please read the following guidelines to ensure our community remains able to effectively manage the number of anticipated patients seeking screening, testing, and treatment during this pandemic and during surges and case spikes due to re-opening of our businesses.    

1. If you are over the age of 60 OR have multiple health conditions please stay home as much as possible, and continue to practice “social distancing” by keeping away from crowded places.  Maintain a minimum of 6 feet between yourself and other individuals. Wear a barrier mask when out in the public where social distancing is not possible.  Elderly patients with multiple conditions (CHF, COPD, Diabetes, obesity) are at greatest risk of significant illness.
2. Continue practicing good hand washing and cough/sneeze etiquette.  Do not touch your face and avoid shaking hands, hugging or other close person to person contact.
3. Avoid travel to areas with significant community spreading and disease prevalence such as the border cities of Tijuana or Mexicali, Imperial County, and practice excellent infection control measures when visiting and/or “out and about” in Eastern Coachella Valley cities.
4. If you are exhibiting symptoms consistent with the COVID-19 infection – fever, cough, sore throat, loss of smell/taste, muscle aches, fatigue - call us first for instructions (760) 969-6555 or call your PCP. Do not come to the immediate care or your primary care physician (PCP) office if you are experiencing only mild symptoms.  Call us first and we can arrange a safe plan of care and testing if needed.  Most patients will be managed under home isolation.  Only visit the ER if you are experiencing severe respiratory conditions and are having trouble breathing.  Otherwise expect to be given instructions on self-care under home isolation.
5. We have seen over 90% of COVID-19 cases managed at home, under home isolation as symptoms are usually mild in younger or healthier patients.  Our hospitals need to be reserved for the sickest patients only as we anticipate more cases due to re-opening of our local economy.

 Remember, should you have any questions, please contact DOHC or visit our website for information at MyDOHC.com.

To read the previous letter on April 14, 2020 please go here.

To read the previous letter on March 25, 2020 please go here.

To read the previous letter on March 10, 2020 please go here.

Additional trusted resources:

www.MyDOHC.com

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/OPA/Pages/NR20-011.aspx