COVID-19 leaving Imperial County medical center short-staffed

Health care workers can work with COVID-19 if no symptoms present - News 11's Wiley Jawhary reports

CALEXICO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - Those on the frontlines continue battling COVID-19 while helping others recover from the virus.

This new surge is leaving some medical centers across the Imperial Valley very short-staffed.

VO Medical Center in Calexico currently has one receptionist. About 14 members of its staff are out with COVID-19.

This, as a long line of locals wanting to get tested or vaccinated waits outside of the medical center on Wednesday.

Karla Lopez is an epidemiologist with the Imperial County Public Health Department (ICPHD) who says even businesses are most likely experiencing staffing conflicts at this time.

"I’m sure just like with any other workplace facilities, they are struggling to have staff on-site,” she said.

The County says new guidelines do allow some health care workers to work even if they have COVID-19 as long as no symptoms are present.

With cases continuing to rise, having these medical centers staffed is still a big concern in the days and weeks ahead.