Sonoma State University Chosen As Alternate Coronavirus Care Site

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — The county of Sonoma has partnered up with Sonoma State University and Petaluma Health Center to establish an alternate care site, or ACS, at the university in order to ensure there is adequate space at local hospitals should there be a surge in Sonoma County coronavirus cases in the coming weeks.

Based on preliminary modeling data received last week, the county realized the potential need for an ACS so area hospitals have the capacity to respond to the health needs of more serious COVID-19 acute patients, according to a news release from the county of Sonoma and Sonoma State University.

"The County has been working with health care providers and partners to identify the types of patients and facilities needed to support specific populations that otherwise would seek care at their facilities," officials with the county and Sonoma State said Wednesday in a joint news release. "SSU was selected after County staff evaluated a number of sites."

"We're grateful to Sonoma State for filling such an important role," said Susan Gorin, chair of the Board of Supervisors. "Having alternate care sites will be crucial if our hospitals experience a surge in patients. We hope we won't be in that situation, but it's imperative we plan for it and have resources ready."

• RELATED: Sonoma County Coronavirus Peak Would've Reached 10,000: Doctor

Petaluma Health Center will operate the center designed to accommodate some 580 patients in the Recreation Center of the Rohnert Park campus and in a portion of Sonoma State's housing area. Capacity can be increased if needed.

The Recreation Center gyms will be used for COVID-19-positive patients with mild- to moderate symptoms, while the residential units will be used for those who are awaiting test results for COVID-19.

A separate residential housing complex will be used for COVID-19 vulnerable individuals — those who are over the age of 65 and those with underlying medical conditions.

"We are committed to working with the County of Sonoma and our community partners to mitigate the impacts of the COVID-19 virus on our community, and particularly on the most vulnerable," said Kathryn Powell, CEO of Petaluma Health Center. "Over the last five years, Petaluma Health Center has built up its emergency management capacity, and stands ready to respond to this current pandemic."

California Gov. Gavin Newsom is allowing jurisdictions to use state-owned properties for an ACS, which meant SSU could be used for this purpose.

California state Sen. Mike McGuire, who represents a significant portion of the county, was among the proponents of the Sonoma State ACS.

"This is a historic, all-hands-on-deck effort to expand our hospital capacity across this state and here at home in Sonoma County," McGuire said. "Opening up these over 500 beds will be a huge boost to expanding our local surge capacity. We are truly grateful for the one-hundred percent partnership between Sonoma State University and the County of Sonoma—we know there’s much more work ahead."

McGuire's colleague in the California State Senate, Sen. Bill Dodd, who represents Rohnert Park and the university, also expressed support for the use of Sonoma State as a field hospital.

"The establishment of this alternate care site is a great example of the State, County and local health care providers working together," Dodd said. "The COVID-19 pandemic requires us to collaborate and innovate to protect public health, and that's what's happening here in Sonoma County."

For updates regarding the public health emergency, go to SoCoEmergency.org. Residents may also call 211 or text their ZIP code to 898-211 to communicate via text message with a 211 operator.