Torrance Memorial reports three patients test positive for COVID-19

by Kevin Cody

Three patients who visited Torrance Memorial Medical Center have tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the medical center said in a press release on Tuesday.

The patients are in home isolation, under the care of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. In the first case, the person had been in contact with someone who had been confirmed to be infected with COVID-19. The second and third cases had recently been on a cruise, according to the press release.

Symptomatic patients are separated from the general hospital population before entering Torrance Memorial and are assessed by healthcare personnel in personal protective equipment before testing.

Torrance Memorial is following the CDC testing criteria and will not test patients with mild symptoms, such as cough and fever, due to the limited number of COVID-19 test kits available nationwide. To determine who gets tested for the virus, Torrance Memorial follows CDC and Public Health guidelines, which include evaluating for relevant symptoms, travel history and potential exposure.

Torrance Memorial has implemented two surge triage areas. A tent was erected adjacent to its emergency department and an additional tent was erected in the valet parking lot.

Persons who suspect they may have COVID-19 are advised to call Torrance Memorial’s 24/7 Ask a Nurse Hotline at (310) 517-1111.

People with mild symptoms are advised to stay home and self-isolate. This will help minimize exposure to the public, vulnerable patients and healthcare workers. ER