March 15th, Irvine, California, USA.
Dear Mayor Christina Shea, Vice Mayor Mike Carroll, and Councilmembers of the City of Irvine,
My sincere thanks to you for the Irvine City Council Emergency Meeting on March 12th and taking the necessary steps to fight the Coronavirus threat in Irvine. I have read the outcome of the meeting on City’s website and aware of the strategies you have in place to prevent COVID19.
I also had a chance to learn the details of the action plans from Councilmember Farah Khan, and aware that the City is working on getting the Testing Kits to detect Coronavirus infection. But until that happens, all preventive measures must be taken, other than the cancelations of events, work travels, closing the schools and recreational sites in the City.
But the action plans city has right now are mostly to deal with the impacts people are going to have after getting the virus and possibly losing their employment. Whereas thousands of people in the City, who work for themselves, do not have any health insurance and unemployment benefits! What if they get sick? What kind of help can the City provide them? Is there any type of assistance for homeless people in Irvine, if they test positive?
The most frustrating thing right now is going to drug stores and supermarkets. Because, all stores in Irvine are out of essential medical supplies, and paper goods. To be specific, no store has masks, gloves, sanitizer, thermometer, rubbing alcohol, toilet papers, or disinfectant wipes (even to clean the shopping carts.) And every store has one answer, “Sorry, sold out.” What I am trying to convey is that we are feeling the impact of the Coronavirus crisis right now. Do you have any plans to fix this immediate crisis?
Since the Coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Orange County, I have visited offices of two doctors and a physical therapist. I have found that even in medical facilities, there are no supplies of masks or Kleenex, only the hand sanitizer. A patient sat with several other patients (among them, many seniors) for long hours to get medical services. I could not find a thermometer in any store when I ran a mild temperature this weekend.
I am a resident of Irvine since 2000, and my child goes to Beckman High School, which is a part of the Tustin Unified School District. My son has a weak immune system, and he is prone to infections. But we still do not know if his school is going to close anytime soon. Luckily this week is spring break, and he is home. But, parents like me, whose children have health concerns and they are graduating in a few weeks, are still waiting in anticipation (as I write), of the decision their school still has to make. But I understand, this is something out of your area and we just need to be more patient.
But here are some questions and suggestions for the City of Irvine. I hope they make sense.
1. IS THE CITY GOING TO PROVIDE ANY HELP WITH ESSENTIAL MEDICAL SUPPLIES AND PAPER GOODS, SINCE STORES ARE OUT OF THEM FOR OVER A WEEK NOW? MANY PEOPLE CANNOT AFFORD TO BUY THESE ITEMS ONLINE DUE TO PRICE GOUGING AND SHIPPING FEES.
Suggestions – It would be great if the City can work with suppliers directly and with local non-profit organizations, who can help set up booths at convenient locations, where people can be provided sanitizers, masks, thermometer, toilet papers, etc. for a donation.
2. IS THE CITY GOING TO ADVISE EXTRA CLEANNESS AND PRECAUTIONS AT THE SHOPPING CENTERS, MOVIE THEATERS, MEDICAL CLINICS, AND LOCAL BUSINESSES LIKE RESTAURANTS, GROCERY STORES, SALONS, ETC. TO PREVENT VIRUS FROM SPREADING?
Suggestions– Businesses and public places need better sanitization. Medical offices should be advised to maintain higher standards, as hospitals do. This is only to avoid virus exposure to older people and patients of any age with a medical condition.
3. DOES CITY OF IRVINE PLAN TO SET UP DRIVE-THRU CORONAVIRUS TESTING STATIONS, ONCE THE TESTING KITS ARE AVAILABLE?
Suggestions – It would be great to have testing stations in Irvine, like cities in Colorado, Texas, Washington, New York, and Connecticut have.
4.As the number of Coronavirus patients rises in the world, we see a rise in Anti-Asian sentiments everywhere. The city of Irvine is diverse, and a large number of Asian population live, work, and study here. They contribute to our economic growth and community building. But we see an adverse effect on their businesses since the outbreak of Coronavirus. The Asian restaurants and grocery stores in Irvine have been hit hard. This impact is also visible on other small businesses. How is the City of Irvine during the State of Emergency planning to support the small businesses, and bringing our community together?
Suggestions – With the help of the “Irvine Chamber of Commerce” and “Irvine Company,” the city can help find efficient ways to recover Irvine’s Small businesses from the slowdown. Schools, Colleges, Universities, and Cultural organizations in Irvine can work in the partnership with the City and Irvine PD, to prevent hate, maintain cultural harmony and safety of our residents. I am an Indian-American writer and filmmaker, and also the founder and director of SRFF, the first international film festival in Irvine. I consider myself a part of a larger Asian Community and have worked with the City of Irvine, the Irvine chamber of commerce, Irvine PD, and Irvine Company. My business is directly affected by this pandemic. Silent River Film Festival would be postponed for a later date this year. But I stand in solidarity with my community and would be happy to contribute to these efforts to keep Irvine going and shining.
5. ANIMALS LIKE CATS AND DOGS ARE BEING TARGETED FOR SPREADING VIRUSES. THIS MAY NOT BE THE CASE IN IRVINE, BUT IT IS HAPPENING ELSEWHERE. PEOPLE ARE ABANDONING THEIR PETS OUT OF FEAR OF CORONAVIRUS. DOES CITY HAVE ANY EMERGENCY PLANS FOR THE ANIMALS?
Suggestions – Bringing awareness about this issue and fighting the myth will save animals. Agencies like Irvine Animal Shelter and city website can help share related information with pet owners to avoid injustice to the animals.
Irvine residents put their faith in their Representatives and City Administration who give their best to our City. In the case of Coronavirus, we hope our fears do not come true. For that, it is essential to have strategies and action plans ready. Especially when this pandemic is declared a National Emergency, and we have the resources to take all precautions and necessary actions.
Sincerely,
Kalpna Singh-Chitnis
A Resident of the City of Irvine
@Accesskalpna
