Coronavirus: Contra Costa Event Center Prepared As Care Site

ANTIOCH, CA — The Contra Costa Event Center at the Contra Costa County Fairgrounds in Antioch is being converted for use as an alternate care site for coronavirus — COVID-19 — patients should the need arise, county health officials said Friday.

The event center has capacity for 43 people who test positive for COVID-19 and need medical care, but do not need to be hospitalized, the county says.

The Craneway Pavilion in Richmond is equipped with 250 beds for COVID-positive patients who do not require hospitalization. Should a surge require the facility to open, COVID-positive patients are likely to be housed at the Craneway Pavilion first. The Concord Shelter and Philip Doran Respite Center will house patients who may not need hospitalization but require closer observation than provided at Craneway Pavilion.

The Contra Costa Event Center would be the last facility to open, county officials said in a news release Friday.

The Red Cross has shared its expertise in critical care sites for people displaced by emergency situations, and is working alongside county officials on the fairgrounds site.

"The Contra Costa Event Center, City of Antioch and the Red Cross really stepped up to help make this site happen," District 3 County Supervisor Diane Burgis said. "This site would not be possible without their assistance."

District 5 County Supervisor Federal Glover said the fairgrounds site is "a great example of State, County, City and nonprofit agencies coming together to create increased capacity to care for patients needing fewer resources, which frees up critical hospital beds in our healthcare system to fight COVID-19."

A regional stay-at-home order has been extended through May 3 in Contra Costa and other Bay Area in the hopes that continued social-distancing measures reduce the impact of the virus on area hospitals.

In Contra Costa County, 35 people were hospitalized for COVID-19 as of Friday. The death toll from coronavirus in the county rose Friday to nine. Contra Costa Health Services also reported that the total number of cases increased to 511.

The county and its Board of Supervisors "continue to work in real time to respond to community needs while preparing to meet the challenges ahead," according to the news release.

The Red Cross says it is proud to be working closely with government and public health officials to support their efforts to keep the community safe.

"It is impressive to see the whole community work together during this stressful time," said Briana Taylor, Regional Disaster Chair for the American Red Cross Northern California Coastal Region.

Antioch Mayor Sean Wright said although the city did not request an alternate COVID-19 care site, city officials "understand the gravity of the moment."

"In the fight to save lives, the world has been asked to step up and do more, Antioch is no exception to this reality," Wright said. "By working together, we will hopefully be able to minimize the number of lives lost to this horrible pandemic."

Because of the ongoing coronavirus crisis, the Contra Costa Event Park Board of Directors voted March 19 to cancel the 2020 Contra Costa County Fair which was scheduled May 14-17.

Contra Costa Event Park CEO Joe Brengle said the event venue is "here to help the community during this time of need."