A significant rise in the number of COVID-19 positive cases presenting at Imperial Valley hospitals has resulted in both facilities diverting COVID cases to other facilities.

El Centro Regional Medical Center CEO Dr. Adolphe Edward said that the spike occurred after rumors in Mexicali said that hospitals in that city would no longer accept COVID-19 related patients. Dr. Edward said that those individuals who came to El Centro and Brawley facilities are apparently U. S. citizens that live in Mexicali. ECRMC currently has 65 individuals hospitalized with the coronavirus while Pioneers Memorial Hospital has another 28. The CEO said that , while they are unable to treat any more COVID-related patients in either facility , they are open and able to handle the medical needs of the Valley.