As many of you are aware, I have been expressing concern about how ready the local area is to execute "the dance". Having not seen any signs of great hiring efforts etc. I decided to do something radical. I decided to ask. I sent a message to Scott Morrow, who is head of the San Mateo County Health Department. I really didn't expect an answer, but I figured it was worth a try. He didn't reply directly, but forwarded my message to Ms.Siraj Srinivasan, who is the deputy chief of San Mateo County Health. She replied to me at 2112, so she is putting in some long days. I was frankly surprised to get an answer. I sent her an email asking if I could share her answer with others, and she replied I could, but if it involves media, they should contact the San Mateo Health Department directly. So, any media folks on this board reading this, you are NOT free to quote it, go to the source. That said, here is her reply.
"Thank you for your interest in SM County Health’s actions to investigate contacts as part of our public health protection responsibilities that we are engaged in with the challenge of COVID-19.
We are continuing to perform contact investigations for all residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 as well as follow-up on identified exposures in San Mateo County, including ill individuals visiting the area. As the availability of testing increases, we expect to see the number of cases continue to rise. Contact investigation and follow-up is resource-intensive. We are continuing to increase staffing capacity, redirecting Health staff from other areas of responsibility that have been curtailed as we prioritize our essential functions and/or for which demand has lessened, so that new positive results can be investigated quickly even as the number of reports rise.
Regards,
srija
Srija Srinivasan
Deputy Chief
San Mateo County Health
(650) 573-2095 T"
So, as I read it, they are saying they will be ready. Hope they are right, but since this group has a good reputation, there is reason to expect they are not underestimating the challenge. She responded at 0515, so the days are even longer.
"Thank you for your interest in SM County Health’s actions to investigate contacts as part of our public health protection responsibilities that we are engaged in with the challenge of COVID-19.
We are continuing to perform contact investigations for all residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 as well as follow-up on identified exposures in San Mateo County, including ill individuals visiting the area. As the availability of testing increases, we expect to see the number of cases continue to rise. Contact investigation and follow-up is resource-intensive. We are continuing to increase staffing capacity, redirecting Health staff from other areas of responsibility that have been curtailed as we prioritize our essential functions and/or for which demand has lessened, so that new positive results can be investigated quickly even as the number of reports rise.
Regards,
srija
Srija Srinivasan
Deputy Chief
San Mateo County Health
(650) 573-2095 T"
So, as I read it, they are saying they will be ready. Hope they are right, but since this group has a good reputation, there is reason to expect they are not underestimating the challenge. She responded at 0515, so the days are even longer.