January 3, 2021 - As COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continue to increase at alarming rates throughout California, a multi-agency state technical assistance team has been directed to assist Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Joaquin counties as its hospital systems continue to be strained.

The team consists of representatives from the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), California Department of Public Health (CDPH), the Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) and the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD).

“Supporting our local partners as they face complex challenges within their hospital systems is the top priority for the state technical assistance team,” said Cal OES Assistant Director of Response Sherri Sarro. “As COVID-19 hospitalizations continue to rise, easing the strain on overwhelmed hospitals is essential for healthcare workers and the communities they serve.”

State team members will integrate and coordinate with local officials in those counties to assess the current situation, identify needs, mitigate issues, determine best courses of action for the state to fulfill requests, and support the county’s hospital systems. The partnership will encourage coordination of hospital “load leveling” and ensure leveraging all options in contingency care.

The increase in hospitalizations continues to overwhelm hospital systems, ICU capacity and healthcare workers. Cal OES, CDPH, EMSA, OSHPD and many other agencies continue to respond to the pandemic and support local efforts.
Source: Cal OES