In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Los Alamos County Emergency Operations Center is set up at the Los Alamos Police Department and currently operating virtually. Courtesy/LAC

By KIRSTEN LASKEY
Los Alamos Daily Post
kirsten@ladailypost.com

Los Alamos County and Los Alamos Medical Center (LAMC) have prepared for when the COVID-19 coronavirus makes its way into the community.

One case has been announced. N3B, a Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) contractor that handles legacy waste cleanup, informed employees late Monday that one of its workers tested positive for COVID-19.

In the announcement published Tuesday in the Los Alamos Daily Post, N3B management said, “We are working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the New Mexico Department of Health (NM DOH) to ensure coworkers who had contact with the individual take appropriate action and seek medical attention if symptoms arise.”

N3B administrative workforce has worked remotely for more than two weeks and reduced its field work last Friday to essential mission critical activities, according to the announcement.

The Post received information that the individual testing positive for the coronavirus lives in Sandoval County, however, N3B has not confirmed that information.

Although Los Alamos has been relatively fortunate so far, County and hospital officials are being proactive in responding to this pandemic.

Los Alamos County Emergency Manager Beverley Simpson said during an interview Monday with the Post that the New Mexico Department of Health is providing testing for the COVID-19 virus, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. today at Overlook Park in White Rock.

“We are hoping to provide more testing to those who are unable to get out of town or haven’t met the criteria for getting tested,” Simpson said.

To further educate the public on how to take precautions against the virus, Simpson said the County plans to distribute flyers to residents about the importance of social distancing and numbers to call for more information “so individuals can get the assistance if they require it.”

Regarding the largest employer in town, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Simpson said she is in contact with LANL officials daily to discuss what is occurring at different locations. She added that most LANL employees are working remotely (approximately 5,000 LANL employees who are Los Alamos County residents).

Other County departments have taken measures to address COVID-19.

“I encourage folks to continue social distancing and avoid large crowds,” Police Chief Dino Sgambellone said. “Together, as a community, we will get through this. Following the CDC’s guidelines on social distancing and hygiene will get us through that much sooner.”

Police are continuing to respond to emergencies and calls for service throughout the community. However, for the duration of the COVID-19 public health emergency, officers may elect to handle certain non-emergency calls via telephone. Learn more at https://www.losalamosnm.us/cms/One.aspx?portalId=6435810&pageId=6504167
Regarding the fire department, “I think the main thing we would ask is if you call 911, please let the dispatcher know if you or anyone in your home has symptoms consistent with COVID-19,” Fire Chief Troy Hughes said. “This could be for a medical call or unrelated fire-based call. Our responders will be following protocols designed to stop the spread if given this information.”

LAMC CEO John Whiteside said the hospital is prepared to treat anyone who has contracted the virus.

“We’ve been prepared since the virus came out,” Whiteside said. “We have extensive policies and procedures that we worked with the CDC and state Department of Health to develop.”

Simpson commends the community for how proactive and responsive it has been.

“This is a very well read and intelligent community,” she said. “Most people here follow the rules, we have not seen issues at all with people congregating or large groups going out. We still encourage people to get out … running, exercising, hiking on trials – there are lots of opportunities to do things. We are lucky to still have those outdoor activities available to us.”

Chief Sgambellone agreed.

“I think most citizens have been doing their part with respect to compliance with the Governor’s order,” he said. “I see a number of people exercising and walking their dogs and I encourage that. It is challenging for people to remain confined to their residence and the ability to get some fresh air is not only healthy but will likely limit tensions within the home that could lead to regrettable domestic violence situations.

“Unfortunately, we had some criminals decide to take advantage of the current situation and break in to several Los Alamos businesses. I want to assure the public we are aggressively investigating these crimes and continue to employ various security strategies to safeguard our citizens, their businesses and homes.”

Simpson said citizen-created Facebook pages such as Los Alamos Helping Each Other During COVID-19 are excellent.

“They are doing a fantastic job,” she said.

Federal response can take weeks, so it is really inspiring to see neighbors helping one another, Simpson said.

“I appreciate everyone,” she said. “Our community’s willingness and ability to help others … it is inspirational to see what this community can come together and do for each other.”
Simpson said she has put in requests to the Department of Homeland Security’s emergency management and the Department of Health for medical Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and cleaning supplies. Simpson said she expects to receive a response this week to her requests.

“I’m (also) actively working on sheltering capacity in the event we have a surge at the hospital,” Simpson said.

During the Los Alamos County Council meeting Tuesday, County Manager Harry Burgess reported more details about the County’s options for additional shelters in the event the hospital fills to capacity.

Burgess said the County has six identified locations shelters, which include four churches and two schools including Los Alamos Middle School and Los Alamos High School. He said the American Red Cross has reviewed these shelters for infrastructure, mechanical equipment and ADA access.

Burgess said that people are sheltering in their homes and that the medical community recommends people stay in their homes for isolation purposes as well as to keep space open at the hospital for those with critical needs.

Burgess also touched on the issue of masks during his briefing to Council. He said that the CDC is altering its recommendations on masks but nothing definite has yet been issued. He added that the County does not have the authority to order everyone to wear a mask.

On the state level, Burgess said President Trump has approved the New Mexico state’s request for a U.S. Army field hospital, which will provide more than 250 beds. He added that during the Governor’s most recent press conference, it was announced that access to a former Lovelace Hospital in Albuquerque has been acquired to help accommodate needs across New Mexico.

Los Alamos County has a page dedicated on it website to the corona virus; it can be viewed at https://www.losalamosnm.us/government/departments/emergency_management___e_m_/pandemic_and_coronavirus