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Coronavirus Updates
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Michelle Steel Hosts Emergency Press Conference in Light of Coronavirus National Emergency Declaration
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On the afternoon of Friday, March 13, I held a townhall to address the county regarding steps taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19. I announced that the board of supervisors will be having special board meetings every week in addition to regular meetings. The meetings will focus on coronavirus and county efforts to stop its spread. These meetings will be in addition to our regular meetings. We will have all relevant county agencies provide regular updates on the efforts they are taking to stop the virus. I asked the county staff and the County Public Health Officer to update us daily on the availability of test kits, the number of test kits, the number of tests being conducted and the status of confirmed cases in the county. I also applauded the county superintendent of schools recommendation for schools to close in order to prevent community spread among students, as well as asking for the county to work with non-profits to provide low income families with resources so children can be fed while schools are closed. 
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Michelle Steel Leads Special Board of Supervisors Meeting to Receive Updates from County Agencies on COVID-19 Response
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On Tuesday, March 17th, In accordance with a directive set on Friday, March 13th, I hosted the first of what will be a series of weekly updates by county agencies to inform the board and the residents of Orange County of the measures being taken to address the coronavirus pandemic and mitigate the rate of contagion. We are actively working on addressing this pandemic. Our regular meetings are covering the overall status of COVID-19 in Orange County, testing and coordination with private labs, treatment, coordination with hospitals and first responders, public safety and food support, our response to homelessness, economic support for working families and small businesses, our coordination efforts with the state and federal governments, an update on the workforce, contingency plans in the event of a state or countywide lockdown and metal health support in relation to this crisis. The Video of the Meeting can be viewed here: https://ocgov.granicus.com/player/clip/3619?view_id=8 
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March 24th Board Meeting
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Orange County continues to focus on combating the coronavirus. Please take the opportunity to view the Orange County Board of Supervisors Board Meeting for March 24th, 2020. You can view the video here: https://ocgov.granicus.com/player/clip/3627?view_id=8 
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Owner of Malarky's Irish Pub in Newport Beach Donates Toilet Paper to In-Home Senior Population
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Mario Marovich, owner of Marlarky’s Irish Pub in Newport Beach contacted me to let me know since he had to shut down his dine-in business due to the coronavirus, he wanted to share his ample supply of toilet paper with the public. He asked me if there was critical need anywhere in my District to let him know. Huntington Beach Mayor Lyn Semeta and I just happened to have a conversation. She shared with me her city was working hard to ensure they are meeting the needs of their at home senior population. She let me know there was an active community effort to acquire durable goods to distribute to those in need. So, I immediately reached out to Mario to see if he had enough of a supply to donate some toward HB’s effort. Without missing a beat, he replied, ‘if you can have someone here at Noon, I will provide 400 rolls you can deliver to Mayor Semeta for her seniors.’ I arranged to have staff pick up and transport the toilet paper, and at 1 pm, I met Mayor Semeta at City Hall to present her Mario’s generous and kind donation. Channel 9 was on hand at Malarky’s to watch Mario personally load the toilet paper into the back of an SUV. They were also there because Mario announced he was giving away toilet paper to the public. As you can see by the photos, there was an overwhelming response and many, many people benefited from what was otherwise a business loss to Mario. I am both very proud of Mario for his selfless actions, as well as for Mayor Semeta’s leadership in being proactive to meet the needs of her residents. That’s what it’s going to take for Orange County to get through these trying times. People helping people. Strangers helping strangers. Public/Private partnerships. There are many others doing the same thing across the county - I am proud and I am humbled. And, with examples like this I know we will get through this together because I know God will bless these kind of efforts. 
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Medical Supplies Request to OC Congressional Delegation
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On March 19th, I sent a letter to our congressional delegation requesting their support for much needed medical supplies, testing kits, and productive equipment to help Orange County tackle COVID-19. It is imperative that all levels of government work together during this time to ensure resources are available for our community. 
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Orange County's Emergency Operations Center Activated
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In response to the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) pandemic, your Orange County Emergency Operations Center was activated. We are at an Activation Level 1 (Full) and at this time it is operational from 7 a.m to 7 p.m. daily. Personnel from the Board of Supervisors, the CEO’s office, and all County Departments staff the EOC during declared emergencies. It is an organized beehive of activity whose primary mission is the safety and well-being of Orange County residents. I am very proud our County employees. They are dedicated, professional, and highly-trained men and women, committed to protecting our residents. In this constantly changing environment, their flexibility and proactiveness is impressive. |
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Michelle Steel Hosts Press Conference for Amended Order and Guidance of the Orange County Health Officer
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On Wednesday, March 18th, The County of Orange released an amended public health order and guidance clarifying confusion and concerns from many Orange County businesses and residents. I hosted a press conference along with Supervisor Don Wagner, County Public Health Officer Dr. Nichole Quick, County Executive Officer Frank Kim, Orange County Health Care Agency Director Richard Sanchez and Sheriff Don Barnes to clarify confusion and introduce provisions in the new order. There was confusion about the wording and meaning of the order. The health officer issued an amended order and guidance which clearly defines the restrictions in place for the county. Except for specific businesses directed to close by the state, all other businesses can remain open. The amended order can be read at: http://www.ocgov.com/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?BlobID=114421
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Announcements from Our County Agency Partners
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National Guard Activated in California to Provide Aid and Assistance to Residents and Vulnerable Communities
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On Monday, March 23rd, President Trump activated the National Guard to the three states hit hardest by the coronavirus: New York, Washington, and our state, California. National Guard units are expected to be activated in Orange County to assist in providing food and supplies as well as performing vital humanitarian support missions to local and state agencies.
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County to Close Parking Lots at Beaches and Parks
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To minimize the impacts of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) on park patrons, OC Parks is implementing
closures expected to reinforce social distancing and reduce large public gatherings. These measures
are in line with recommendations from federal, state and local health agencies.
Closures effective Wednesday, March 25, 2020 include:
Parking lots at all County beaches, regional parks and wilderness parks
Parking spaces at all County trailheads
Pedestrian access points at Thousand Steps, Table Rock, West, Camel Point, and Treasure
Island beaches
Restrooms, playgrounds, exercise equipment, and shelters at all County parks and beaches
Passive walk-through pedestrian, cycling and equestrian activity is permitted.
For a list of County beaches and parks and more information, visit ocparks.com.
https://cms.ocgov.com/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?BlobID=114591 |
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Orange County Confirms First Coronavirus Death
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On Tuesday, March 25th, the OC Health Care Agency confirmed the first death of an Orange County resident related to COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. The individual was a male in his 70s with underlying health conditions who was receiving treatment at a local hospital. 
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Donations Needed for Low Income and Dependent Residents
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DONATIONS NEEDED Orange County relies on community partnerships to fill the gap and support the various needs of low-income and dependent residents, including foster children and seniors. The items collected will be distributed through existing processes to the appropriate government agencies and non-profits who support our most vulnerable Orange County residents. 
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Cold Weather Emergency Shelters In Fullerton and Santa Ana Moving Due to National Guard Activation
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Due to the Governor’s activation of the California National Guard, the Cold Weather Emergency Shelters in Fullerton and Santa Ana are moving. The Fullerton location will be at the Independence Park Gymnasium, 801 W. Valencia Drive. The Santa Ana location will be at the Salvation Army site at 2603 W. First Street. For more on the relocation visit: https://bit.ly/33HhBmE. 
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