Monterey approves emergency funding for Coronavirus prevention

MONTEREY, Calif (KION) The City of Monterey is throwing $35,000 toward staff training, protective equipment and cleaning efforts as part of combating the spread of the novel Coronavirus.

One homeless woman in the city, however, says she feels helpless over what could happen to them if an outbreak happens.

"If one of them gets ill, and they're all in one environment, and if it's through breathing that we're catching it, if it's air contagion, then everyone is going to get sick," said Jennifer Whitman, a homeless resident in Monterey.

The virus can spread from person to person in what is called community spread. There are more than 50 total cases in California so far, and across the country, we are seeing a rush for supplies like disinfectant and medical masks.

"I don't have a way to buy the gloves, to buy the masks," said Whitman. "It's quite a concern for me, for those of us without any actual formidable incomes."

In a special session on Tuesday, the Monterey City Council passed emergency funding to help city staff do more in public education, increase the cleaning of public facilities and create more plans for workers in public services and first response in case of an outbreak.

Residents are worried right now, especially considering the city is a tourist hotspot.

"I don't know if they've really figured this whole thing out yet. I guess you know, person to person contact," said Mark Borello, a Monterey resident.

"What else can you really do? I mean you've got to go out and live your life. And you have no idea who's been around, who's touched that, who's… whatever," said Nina Borello, another Monterey resident.

The virus is impacting the way people pay for things too: China is set to burn billions of their paper currency and the famous Louvre museum in Paris is no long accepting cash over fears of contamination.

The World Health Organization says the virus may survive on paper money for a few days. Monterey County Health Department officials say there is currently no restriction on cash here and they are not expecting to see one soon. They simply recommend washing your hands frequently.

While officials are scrambling to meet the danger head on, many residents think it is a bit late.

"They're playing catch up… which is normal for the government," said Mark Borello.

There have been no confirmed cases of the Coronavirus in Monterey County to date.