Reggie Dominguez spent days self-isolating in a hospital parking lot, homeless and worried he had coronavirus. There are many more like him on skid row.
Nurses and shelter providers describe how the close knit community on skid row — the largest concentration of homeless people in the United States — has few tests, medical supplies or clinics. And because skid row is crowded with street encampments and packed shelters, there’s also the issue of people not having enough room to socially distance themselves from others to slow the spread of the virus.
Dominguez said he is weak but feeling better after each nap and each meal. Still Fernando, who has helped with his treatment, said he won’t know if he actually has the virus until at least early next week. A backlog at the testing lab has made it challenging to get answers for people who suspect they have the coronavirus, she said.
“The issue is, that we are so far behind in L.A. County in our testing capacity and capabilities,” she said. “I think, for us, our biggest concerns as a clinic, and even for our partners on the ground, is, what do we do with these most vulnerable people when they start having symptoms and we need to isolate them? Like what are the viable options for us?”Bales concurred, saying that, in addition to the lack of resources, one of the biggest challenges is the long wait for test results.
“My throat hurt. It hurt to swallow. I spent several days feeling like that,” Alvarez said. “They told me that probably I had the coronavirus.” One person they put into quarantine refused to stay. That worried Smith. His staff tried to find everyone whom that person had contacted, in hopes of warning them about their potential exposure to the coronavirus., knowing that the close proximity inside the shelter could allow the virus to quickly spread.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Jennifer Lopez & Alex Rodriguez Take On TikTok ‘Couples Challenge'Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez are making the best of their coronavirus quarantine at home by having fun on TikTok
Read more »
COVID-19 social distancing: Together apart, screen time connects isolated kids with family, friendsChildren are struggling with this brave new world in which they must remain six feet apart from the people they love, so parents are hoping virtual playdates will spare them the anxiety and trauma the pandemic is spreading.
Read more »
In 10 days, this teacher went from a mild fever to a medically induced comaHe and his wife thought they were too young and too healthy to contract coronavirus.
Read more »
Is Los Angeles facing New York-level coronavirus disaster? Here is what we knowCoronavirus: Is Los Angeles going become the next New York?
Read more »
'Fear the Walking Dead' star Danay Garcia says coronavirus is comparable to the apocalypse'Fear the Walking Dead' Star Danay Garcia Says Coronavirus Is Comparable To The Apocalypse (via Fox411)
Read more »