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Michelle Steel Tours EqualTox Laboratory as Lab’s Team Works on Screen Test
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On April 1st, I visited EqualTox Laboratory, one of the laboratories working on a qualitative rapid serology testing kit. During my tour, I spoke with Dr. Mason Bragg, Dr. Naomi Florea, and Dr. Courtney Scott who described their personal experience with development of the rapid serology testing kits at the lab. I was also joined by her Emergency Medical Care Commissioner, Dr. Jeff Barke, MD to review the lab's developments. Serology tests detect the body’s immune response to infection rather than the virus causing infection. While the FDA cautions that these tests not be used to diagnose COVID-19, they can help us have a better understanding of the spread of the virus in our communities. The rapid serology testing kit would give clinicians the ability to test patients quickly and would also allow for the identification of any patient that currently has immunity to the virus and can possibly go back to work without infecting others. I discussed with the team the progress on the development of the test amid a growing need for more testing countywide.
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Michelle Steel Tours Fairview Developmental Center Following State’s Designation as Alternative Medical Care Site
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On April 1st, I toured the Fairview Developmental Center, which was designated by the state to become an alternative care site for patients in Orange County. Fairview, formerly a facility for the developmentally disabled, ceased operational services in late January. The Fairview site, which is being established in partnership with healthcare providers and the county, will serve to relieve stress on hospitals in the surrounding region. It is important that all levels of government collaborate to find solutions to end this pandemic as quickly as possible. The County of Orange is working tirelessly with cities to protect the health and safety of our residents and offer solutions for those that need hospitalization and urgent medical attention. I am proud of all the hard work that is being done here in Orange County to tackle this crisis.
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Michelle Steel Asks County Staff to Prepare Ad Hoc Committee to Assist Orange County Businesses in Economic Recovery Efforts
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On the April 7th Board of Supervisors Meeting I directed county staff to begin preparations for an ad-hoc committee, that will include Orange County business leaders, geared towards assisting Orange County businesses in recovering from the economic fallout caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Small businesses are the backbone of Orange County. It is imperative to work as quickly as possible to assist these businesses, which help our communities thrive and provide employment opportunities, to get back on their feet, as soon as it is possible to do so. I want to get business leaders together to find solutions to this problem. With this committee, we can brainstorm and work to recover what we’ve lost.
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April 4th Special Board Meeting
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Please click the link below to view the April 7th Special Board Meeting: https://ocgov.granicus.com/player/clip/3649?view_id=8
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Michelle Steel Leads County Board of Supervisors in Providing Updates for County COVID-19 Response
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On Tuesday, March 31, 2020, I led a special meeting of the Board of Supervisors to update the county on the measures county agencies have been taking to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus in Orange County. Updates were provided on the steps being taken by the OC Health Care Agency who confirmed the following: - Ventilator availability at 809
- 80 people on average are being tested daily through the public health lab
- 78 trailers were delivered to the county to assist with the homeless population
The board also coordinated with the HCA to discuss progress on the development of new secure locations to protect the homeless population. Also discussed were potential alternative care sites in the case of a surge, including Fairview Developmental Center. The OC Sheriff’s Department updated the Board on the status of OC Jails, while the Social Services agency informed the board that in addition to their dedicated staff, 108 individuals have volunteered to feed and assist elderly, homeless and low-income families. Lastly, OC Community Resources announced that over 2,600 more meals have been delivered to seniors and provided an update on financial relief to businesses and residents as well as employment opportunities for individuals who have lost their jobs as a result of the crisis. Additionally, I sent letters to the California state legislative delegation requesting critical respirator and medical equipment, N95 masks for law enforcement agencies and for public health and medical teams to be assigned to homeless shelters in the county. Video of the board meeting can be found here: https://ocgov.granicus.com/player/clip/3639?view_id=8
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March 26th Board Meeting
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Please take a look at the March 26th Special Board Meeting: https://ocgov.granicus.com/player/clip/3633?view_id=8
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Do's and Don'ts during the Coronavirus Outbreak
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Please take a moment to view this info-graphic, which provides valuable information about what to do and not do when leaving home during the coronavirus outbreak.
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Socially Distant and Self Aware
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Make sure to be socially distant and self aware so we can all beat the curve together.
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COVID-19 Family Plan
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Make sure to take a look at this helpful family plan for parents to prepare for the unexpected during the coronavirus outbreak.
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Check on Your Elderly Neighbors
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Please take a look at this important message from the Orange County Office on Aging regarding helping out your elderly neighbors during the coronavirus pandemic.
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