HomeMy WebLinkAboutUpdate - COVID-19 Testing Efforts in PDSTAFF REPORT
CITY OF PALM DESERT
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE
MEETING DATE: October 29, 2020
PREPARED BY: Christopher Gerry, Management Analyst
REQUEST: Increase COVID-19 Testing Efforts in Palm Desert
Recommendation
Receive and file an update on increasing COVID-19 testing efforts in Palm Desert.
Background
On October 15, 2020, Mayor Nestande requested and Council encouraged City staff to institute
and implement new ideas to increase COVID-19 testing efforts in Palm Desert. The State of
California has a testing threshold for large counties at 239.1 tests administered per 100,000
residents. Riverside County is currently testing at 195.5 per 100,000.
On October 20, 2020, the California Department of Public Health changed Riverside County from
the red tier (tier 2) to the purple tier (tier 1) largely based on low testing volumes. To explain, every
county in California is assigned to a tier based on its test positivity and adjusted case rate.
Counties must remain in a tier for at least three weeks before moving forward. Tier 1 is the most
restrictive tier, which affects many non -essential indoor business operations. A county must meet
the next tier's criteria for two consecutive weeks to change tiers.
At the most recent Public Safety Commission meeting, Commissioner Frank Taylor reminded
everyone that Palm Desert has always been a leader in the Coachella Valley, and if we can
provide enhanced ways to increase testing, perhaps other cities in Riverside County can do it as
well so we can move back to the red tier and beyond.
Existing Testinq Efforts
The City has to date partnered with Borrego Community Health Foundation and the Desert
Recreation District on five drive -up COVID-19 testing events in Palm Desert. Those events have
resulted in testing 331 residents, including identification of 13 positive cases. Of those tested, 83
were uninsured residents, and ultimately 17 of those residents are now enrolled in state -funded
health insurance through Medi-Cal or Covered California as well.
Future Testinq Efforts
The City has three additional testing events scheduled in partnership with the Borrego Community
Health Foundation and Desert Recreation District in the near future. Please note these events
have additional capacity for testing; therefore, City staff intends to redouble our outreach to
promote these events. The Borrego Community Health Foundation is willing to partner on more
testing events if there is an increase in demand. Additional information regarding the remaining
testing events can be found as Attachment A.
October 21, 2020 - Staff Report
COVID-19 Testing
Page 2 of 2
Furthermore, the City is partnering with the Desert Recreation District, County of Riverside and
Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce to offer two additional full -day testing events at the
Palm Desert Community Center and Gymnasium from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday and
Thursday, November 12-13, 2020. A flyer will be provided in the near future as well.
Fiscal Analvsis
There is no fiscal impact associated with this request.
LEGAL REVIEW DEPT. REVIEW FINANCIAL REVIEW
N/A N/A N/A
Robert W. Hargreaves Randy Bynder, Janet Moore
City Attorney Interim City Manager Director of Finance
Interim City Manager, Randy Bynder: Raf wGy Synder
Attachments
A. COVID-19 testing event flyer (Borrego Community Health Foundation)
ASSISTANT
CITY MANAGER
N/A
Andy Firestine
Assistant City Manager
COVID-19 DRIVE-THRU
TESTING IN PALM DESERT
EVERY OTHER TUESDAY
7:OOam to 11:OOam
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT NOW!
CALL (833) 624-1097
Testing is covered by most insurances. Programs are available
for the uninsured or underinsured.
October 13th and 27th
November 1Oth and 24th
Location:
Call for an appointment, location
will be provided during scheduling.
l lBORREGOHEALTH