Healthcare leaders in Tulare and Kings counties working together to protect residents

The Tulare-Kings COVID-19 Coalition was formed in partnership with the Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency, Kings County Department of Public Health, area hospitals, including Kaweah Delta Medical Center, Sierra View Medical Center, and Adventist Health in the Central Valley, along with healthcare clinics and partners.

The newly formed coalition coordinates area, COVID-19 response, services, and resources. The coalition includes the sharing of best practices, the unification of data and reporting information, advocating for rural communities, and implementing the latest Public Health recommendations. “During these unprecedented times, we felt that it was extremely important for our health care community to come together to protect and inform the citizens of Tulare County,” said Annette Burgos, Tulare County Public Health Emergency Manager. She co-chairs the Tulare-Kings COVID-19 Coalition, along with Dr. Ryan Gates, Vice President of Population Health Management at Kaweah Delta. “We would like to continue to urge the public to continue practicing social distancing, and we strongly encourage you to wear a face mask while in public.”

Dr. Gates agrees. “Hospitals are getting busier, and we expect that will continue as people begin to re-engage in normal activities. This is a great time to encourage everyone to put into place those practices that we know are effective in preventing the spread of COVID-19,” he said.  

The coalition advises that by following the public health guidance and safety recommendations, Tulare and Kings County residents can all help prevent further spread of COVID-19 and support our local hospitals to maintain the capacity to care for the community. To do this, the Coalition urges everyone to practice the following precautions: 

● Social Distancing: Continue to maintain space of at least 6 feet or greater between persons; avoid gatherings of any kind; practice physical distancing. 

● Cloth Face Coverings: When outside the home, wearing cloth face coverings (masks) is strongly encouraged to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 if someone is asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic. Avoid touching your face and eyes.

● Hand Washing: Frequently wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer often. 

● Disinfecting Surfaces: Regularly clean high-traffic surfaces to prevent transmission from droplets that may have settled on surfaces or have transferred to commonly used surfaces through touch. 

● Stay Home If Sick or You Are Instructed to Isolate/Quarantine by a Medical or Public Health Professional: If you are sick or have been instructed to stay home by a medical professional, stay home. If possible, ask others to deliver the needed supplies instead of going to the store. If you live with others, follow the Centers for Disease Control guidance for caring for someone who is sick at home.

About Tulare-Kings COVID-19 Healthcare Coalition: This coalition was formed in partnership with the Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency, area Hospitals - Kaweah Delta Health Care District, Sierra View Local Healthcare District, and Adventist Health in the Central Valley - along with healthcare clinics and partners to work together during the COVID-19 pandemic for a healthier Tulare and Kings County. The newly formed coalition coordinates area, COVID-19 response, services, and resources. The coalition includes sharing of best practices; unification of data and reporting information, advocating for rural communities; and implementing the latest Public Health recommendations.