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ICU Nurse Sonya Harrell is the first frontline healthcare worker in San Bernardino County to receive the COVID-19 vaccine; administered by Marcia Williams. Both work at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center.
Frontline Healthcare Workers are First to Receive Pfizer Vaccine
County launches webpage for up-to-date vaccine information
Frontline healthcare workers at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center today became the first people in the Inland Empire to be administered the first of two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine from Pfizer-BioNTech. This morning, San Bernardino County received its first shipment of the vaccines, which are anticipated to be disbursed to 19 hospitals within the county by the end of the day.
Pfizer is shipping three million doses in this first wave, of which California is initially receiving 327,000 doses; 15,600 have arrived in San Bernardino County. Subsequent shipments of the vaccine are expected to continue arriving on a weekly basis, and a second vaccine from Moderna is only days away from FDA approval.
The County has established the SB County Vaccination Task Force and produced a COVID-19 Standard Operating Guide to ensure our ability to distribute the vaccine as efficiently and effectively as possible. The guide largely follows guidelines established by the CDC, the California Department of Public Health and the County Department of Public Health.
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San Bernardino County has launched a vaccine-specific information webpage that shares up-to-date information where we are in the different phases of the vaccine distribution, as well as critical FAQs and other resource links
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Because the initial batches of doses are being rationed, the vaccine is being initially administered to front-line healthcare personnel, followed by residents and staff of long-term care and skilled nursing facilities. First responders will also be among the first people in the county to receive the vaccine.
In Phase 2, distribution of the vaccine will be expanded to include K-12 teachers and staff, childcare workers, critical workers in essential and high-risk industries, residents with comorbidity/underlying conditions, staff and residents of group facilities, and older adults not included in Phase 1. Phase 3 adds young adults, children and workers in industries and occupations not already included, and Phase 4 includes everyone not already inoculated.
“We have a plan in place, and we will move quickly to protect our most at-risk and vulnerable residents,” said Board of Supervisor Chairman Curt Hagman. “That includes making sure we handle and store the vaccine properly,” he added, noting that the Pfizer vaccine must be stored at -80 degree Celsius (-120 Fahrenheit), requiring special facilities and materials like dry ice (frozen CO2).
“We still face challenges from this virus, and will continue dealing with infections and illness for several weeks and even months. However, this is a crucial development that gives us hope for the future, and we will work tirelessly to ensure every county resident has a chance to get vaccinated at the earliest possible date,” Hagman said.
Share the Gift of Safety this Season
We hate saying it as much as you hate hearing it: but despite the inconvenience and fatigue, there is no skirting around the fact that every County resident must do all we can to avoid catching, and spreading, COVID-19 this holiday season.
We understand your frustration. All of us truly want to spend the holidays with family and friends. Unfortunately, there is no “fake news” in the headlines – we’re in the middle of a very alarming spike in COVID-19 cases, which county data predominantly attributes to social gatherings.
Our hospital numbers tell the real story...and it’s a distressing one.
San Bernardino County hospitals are running out of beds overall and have hit capacity in their intensive care units (ICUs). Put another way, at the current time, our hospitals have no more ICU beds available. And while we previously might have gained assistance from nearby counties, today their ICU situation is as difficult as ours. The current shortage of hospital beds not only affects COVID-19 patients, but others who require serious medical attention.
Intensifying our challenge is the fact that our medical personnel have been working exhaustive hours and they are nearing their breaking points. While their dedication is inspiring, their abilities are not limitless.
Unfortunately, there is little any of us can do to help hospital staff and their patients – but what we can do is take every precaution possible to ensure we stay healthy and avoid spreading the virus to others. So please avoid gatherings with those outside your immediate family. Maintain social distancing. Wear a mask whenever you’re in close proximity to others. And wash your hands thoroughly and regularly.
We safe and be well this holiday season. Thank you.
Residents Encouraged to Share “Gift of Safety” Videos on Personal Social Pages
The County has produced two 30-second videos that feature different faces of our community and healthcare system reminding us of the importance of staying vigilant this holiday season. Even though vaccines are being rolled out, we still have to do what it takes to not overwhelm our hospital system.
Each of the videos can be found on YouTube and the healthcare professionals in the County of San Bernardino are asking residents to share the videos on their own personal social media pages. Each video features both English and Spanish speakers, with captions as designated.
Gift of Safety #1 with English captions: https://youtu.be/yMepCgcw3x0
Regalo de la Seguridad #1 with Spanish captions: https://youtu.be/HwJy90Gz_IU
Gift of Safety #2 with English captions: https://youtu.be/uVv9EtIIa80
Regalo de la Seguridad #2 with Spanish captions: https://youtu.be/7vPtOCA2Jdc
Sheriff Update on Inmates and Employees Testing Positive for COVID
A total of 687 County jail inmates have tested positive for COVID-19. Many of the inmates are only experiencing minor symptoms of the virus. The infected inmates are in isolation, being monitored around the clock, and are being provided with medical treatment. A total of 580 inmates have recovered from the illness.
A total of 584 department employees have tested positive for COVID-19 and are self-isolating at home; 386 employees have recovered from the virus. Other employees are expected to return to work in the next few weeks. It is unknown when or where the employees were infected with the virus. The department continues to encourage all department members to heed the warnings of health officials.
Latest Stats
135.072 Confirmed Cases (up 4.3% from the previous day)
1,304 Deaths (up 5.1% from the previous day)
1,383,914 Tests (up 1.6% from the previous day)
Current Southern California ICU Capacity: 9% (Goal to lift State Stay-at-Home Order: 15%)
For more statistics from the COVID-19 Surveillance Dashboard, click the desktop or mobile tab on the County’s sbcovid19.com website.
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