Chinese Community Steps Up For Temecula Valley Hospital

TEMECULA, CA — Temecula Valley Hospital is in need of critical supplies, and the city is asking local businesses and residents to step up if they can. A list of sought-after supplies (see below) was posted on social media Monday. The urgent callout comes as the coronavirus pandemic is straining medical facilities nationwide.

The local Chinese community has already heeded the call.

Dan Liu, managing director of the Temecula Chinese School, said many Chinese-Americans living in Southwest Riverside County were preparing for COVID-19 early on, as the disease made its way to the U.S.

"Many have family in China, and they were worried," Liu said.

On Dec. 31, the government in Wuhan, China, confirmed that health authorities were treating dozens of sick people and days later researchers identified that a new virus had infected them. By Jan. 11, China had it first death due to complications from coronavirus.

In the local Chinese community, worry turned to action as the COVID-19 situation worsened. In mid January, the residents began buying personal protective equipment — just for their families — such as masks, hand sanitizer and gloves.

On Jan. 30, the World Health Organization declared a global emergency, and just last week California Gov. Gavin Newsom imposed a statewide "stay-at-home" order.

With the restrictions in place, however, Liu said the local families are more trusting that officials are doing what's necessary to protect communities. They aren't quite as fearful.

" ... they now realize the hospitals need the supplies more than they do, especially first-line physicians and nurses," Liu said.

The families gave what they had. Last week, the residents donated boxes of N95 masks, gloves, surgical masks, hand sanitizer, and one face shield. More donations are expected Wednesday, and it amounts to hundreds of critical supplies, said Liu, who is helping to organize the effort on behalf of the local Chinese-American community.

Approximately 30 families are part of the donation effort, according to Liu.

Even with the Chinese-American generosity, the hospital is still in need, according to the city.

Per the city, the hospital seeks the following donations (the hospital can also make payment arrangements for supplies to businesses burdened by the COVID-19 restrictions):

Masks

• Healthcare Masks (Surgical Masks or N95 masks/equivalents)
• Contractor Grade Masks / Respirators / Filters

Gloves

• Disposable Gloves, preferably latex free

Thermometers

• Infrared Non-Touch (rated for human temperature readings)

Other Thermometers

• Forehead thermometers
• Plastic strip thermometers
• Digital Thermometers

Hand Sanitizer (60% Alcohol Content Required)

Wipes

• Alcohol Wipes (70% Solution)
• Bleach Wipes
• Alcohol Swabs (Example – used to clean skin prior to an injection)

Protective Equipment

• Medical Isolation Gowns
• Disposable Coveralls (Tyvek Suits)

Face Shields

Goggles

Disposable food trays

Take-out / To-go Containers

Single-use plastic or Styrofoam

Individually wrapped utensils

Napkins

Toilet Paper

If you or your business can help, call 951-331-2536, and Temecula Valley Hospital will make arrangements for delivery or pick-up.

Check TemeculaCA.gov/coronavirus and TemeculaValleyHospital.com/health-alert for information about COVID-19.

As of Tuesday morning, Riverside County had 48 confirmed coronavirus cases; six people have died — all deaths occurred in the Coachella Valley. Southwest Riverside County has eight confirmed cases of the illness, although testing has ramped up and more cases are expected. RELATED: Coronavirus Testing Expands In Lake Elsinore: Get More Info

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