Like the rest of Inyo County and the nation Southern Inyo Hospital l (SIH) at the outset of the pandemic has been diligently seeking to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Lone Pine and the surrounding communities we serve. Back in late February SIH developed its COVID-19 mitigation strategy and formed its COVID-19 Rapid Response Team (CRRT) to address any outbreaks within the hospital as we battle the coronavirus pandemic. For 7 months we had no cases occur among staff or our skilled nursing residents. We have passed multiple California Department of Public Heath (CDPH) on-site surveys with no deficiencies both on our SNF unit and our rural clinic.

Recently, we have seen an uptick in COVID-19 cases in Lone Pine. As a result, in spite of our best efforts at mitigation of the virus we have had 4 residents test positive for COVID-19 over the past 3 weeks. At the outset of the 1st positive test we activated our rapid response protocol and isolated these patients and instituted special round the clock care provide by our nursing staff. We have worked closely with Inyo County Public Health department and the CDPH as we seek to provide the best care possible for these residents. We have also had had uptick in staff testing positive. With all of them quarantined and –re-tested regularly. All those who have tested positive and completed isolation and had a negative re-test have returned to work.

SIH will continue to work tirelessly to provide our patients, SNF residents and staff with the safest and most effective healthcare and working environment possible as we seek to meet the challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. We will provide regular updates to keep you informed going forward.

Should you any questions or comment please free to reach out to:

 Peter Spiers, Chief Executive Officer (760) 876-5501 (ext. 2210) pspiers@sihd.org

 Michael Floyd, RN Chief Nursing Officer at (760) 876-5501 (ext.2295) mfloyd@sihd.org