Lompoc Valley Medical Center is preparing for an increase in patients amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Chief Executive Office Steve Popkin says to date, they have initiated nearly 100 COVID-19 tests. Six have come back positive and 29 are still pending. One person who has tested positive is currently being treated at the hospital.
A COVID-19 wing with 10 beds has been created within the medical-surgical unit. Popkin says they can expand the number of beds if necessary.
Additionally, all elective procedures and surgeries have been suspended at the hospital through at least the end of the month.
While the hospital says they are not seeing as many people coming into the emergency room, they expect that to also change in the next month or two.
They plan to erect a tent outside the ER by the end of the week and enact part of a plan that would maximize isolation and minimize exposure.
Popkin says the hospital has been able to increase the use of N95 masks after receiving a recent shipment.
The hospital has a Surge Plan it will put into place when and if necessary.
The hospital is also hoping to offer remote video physician visits for patients starting Monday.