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Lisa Bartlett - Supervisor, Fifth District
May 1, 2020 Volume 7 Issue 21
COUNTY OF ORANGE COVID-19 UPDATE
When Can Orange County Get Back to Business?

Over the past week, my office has received numerous inquiries regarding reopening our local economy. Please be assured that I fully support getting our economy back on track as quickly as possible, so our County can begin to thrive once again. However, to accomplish this goal successfully, it will take a coordinated effort between Federal, State and local governments.

The measures implemented by the State have clearly had a significant impact on reducing the spread of COVID-19. We do not want to undo the progress we have made in protecting the health and safety of our residents and minimizing the impacts of the virus on our community. As such, we must continue to examine the data and be diligent in our efforts to keep this virus at bay, so that when the time comes, we are well positioned to meet the standards identified by the State and Federal government.

At his noon press conference April 28, Governor Newsome outlined a four-stage process to relax California’s stay-at-home order, which will culminate in the elimination of his order. To that end, his remarks focused on businesses, schools, and child care facilities.

The Governor outlined the following four stages in his Update on California’s Pandemic Roadmap:  

Stage 1: Safety and Preparedness 
Stage 2: Lower Risk Workplaces 
Stage 3: Higher Risk Workplaces
Stage 4: End of Stay-at-Home order

Furthermore, at our regular meeting this week, the Board of Supervisors adopted a set of guidelines to help residents and business owners prepare for the gradual reopening of the workplace in accordance with the State’s process. Please be advised that these guidelines do not supersede any conflicting or more restrictive orders issued by local governments, the State of California or the Federal Government.

Nonessential business owners are urged to continue following State and Federal orders. To reiterate, the County's guidelines are intended to prepare businesses for the eventual reopening of our economy in accordance with State and Federal orders. Authority to reopen the economy or modify any portion of the State’s Stay-at-Home order lies solely with the Governor.

I am confident, with proper protocols in place and our adherence to them, we will be able to get our economy back on track soon!

 
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CA Governor Orders Full Closure of OC Beaches

As you may know, the Governor has directed a full closure of all State, County and City beaches in Orange County. The directive came on the heels of the Governor’s press conference yesterday and is based on what State public health officials believe were unsafe conditions created by a high concentration of beach visitors in close physical proximity last weekend.

The full closure went into effect this morning, May 1. Full closure means there is no public access to these beaches on a temporary basis. All restrooms are closed and there are no parking facilities open for visitors or recreational boats. No activities are permitted on the beach, including sunbathing, walking or running or water-sports.

I am working with County staff and State officials to quickly find a resolution to this matter that will allow for limited recreational use (walking, jogging, and running) of County beaches, while at the same time, ensuring adequate social distancing to protect the health and safety of beach visitors. Please be assured that I will keep you posted of any new developments.

 
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COVID-19 Orange County Case Counts by Cities

The Orange County Health Care Agency (HCA) continues to release the daily COVID-19 case counts by cities in Orange County, in addition to the cumulative cases and deaths to date in Orange County. As of today, HCA is reporting 2,537 positive cases in Orange County and 50 deaths.

Please be advised that the city data is reflective of where cases live, not necessarily where transmission occurred. Additionally, city numbers should not be interpreted to reflect where transmission is geographically focused or not, as COVID-19 is present in all communities in Orange County.

Case counts are also not reflective of all disease transmission in any given community because testing is prioritized for those at greatest risk or most sick. Asymptomatic and persons with mild disease may not be reflected due to not being tested.

Because transmission occurs throughout the County, it is important for all residents to practice social-distancing as directed by the Governor and the Orange County Health Officer regardless of the case count in their city. Doing so will help to reduce the spread of infection, ease the burden on our hospital and healthcare system, and protect those most vulnerable in our county.

 
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County of Orange Mental Resiliency Resources

As the spread and far reaching impacts of COVID-19 dominate the world news, we have all witnessed and experienced the parallel spread of worry, anxiety, and uncertainty. The way to overcome this natural tendency is to build our mental resilience, the ability to refocus, clear our minds, and discard negative thoughts.

Here's what you can do...

1) Remember that knowledge is power. Understanding the factors that affect a person’s immune response to COVID-19 will matter as much as, or more than, understanding the virus. There is great information available on the Orange County Health Care Agency's website

2) Don’t accept everything you read or hear. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides information and frequent updates on the COVID-19’s spread, severity, risk assessment, etc., on the CDC's website

3) Get your emotional support system in place:

  • Maintain familiar routines in daily life as much as possible; take care of your basic needs and employ helpful coping strategies; rest during work or between shifts, eat healthy food and engage in physical activity.
  • Stay connected with friends and family, even virtually connected, and maintain your social networks.
  • Have the emails and phone numbers of close friends and family handy.

4) Take control, incorporate preventative measures:

  • See the CDC’s list of preventative measures.
  • The constant stream of news reports can cause anyone to feel anxious or distressed. Instead, seek updates and practical guidelines at intervals during the day.
  • Be supportive to others. Assisting others in their time of need can benefit the person receiving support as well as the helper.

If you or a loved one are feeling anxiety, worry or fear related to the social disruption caused by COVID-19, you can also reach out to these resources for support:

For general information about COVID-19, please call the OC Health Care Agency’s (HCA) Health Referral Line at (800) 564-8448, HCA website, or follow HCA on Facebook and Twitter.

For non-medical questions, contact the County of Orange Public Information Hotline at (714) 628-7085. 

 
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County of Orange COVID-19 Resource Directory

The County of Orange has consolidated the information and links to various local, state and federal resources that are available to our residents and businesses. Please visit the COVID-19 Resource Directory.  

 
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Toll-Free Hotline for COVID-19 County Resources

Residents can now call (833) 426-6411 for inquiries related to COVID–19 in Orange County. This hotline will provide resources specific to the Orange County COVID-19 response.

Through the hotline, callers can be connected to the following County of Orange agencies:

  • Orange County Health Care Agency – Health Referral Line, Behavioral Health Resources
  • Orange County Social Services Agency – Risk Benefits
  • Orange County Office on Aging – Resources for Seniors
  • Orange County District Attorney’s Office – Scams, Price Gouging
  • County of Orange Emergency Operations Center Hotline – Non-Medical Questions

Residents who have questions about COVID-19 can contact the Orange County COVID-19 Hotline at any time, but individual hotline hours will vary. The Orange County COVID-19 Hotline can be reached at (833) 426-6411.

The Orange County Health Care Agency website has information that is regularly updated regarding the status of COVID-19 in Orange County.

For information about COVID-19 in the State of California, please visit their website.

 
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Launch of the Great Plates Delivered Program

I am pleased to report the launch of the Great Plates Delivered program to support seniors and local businesses needing assistance during the COVID-19 crisis. To that end, the County will partner with multiple local food providers to deliver three nutritious meals per day to adults 65 and older, and adults 60-64 who are at high-risk for COVID-19, to support them staying home and healthy.

The program will also serve as a form of economic relief to local businesses and workers struggling to stay afloat during the pandemic. Food providers will be determined based on several factors, including their ability to meet volume and nutritional standards, source local produce/meats if able, prioritization of local jobs and worker retention, and more. Restaurants already participating in a state or federal meal service program, including the CalFresh Restaurant Meals Program, will not be eligible to participate.

Per the State’s direction, individuals who wish to enroll in the Great Plates Delivered program must fall under the following criteria to qualify:

A) Individuals who are 65 or older, or 60-64 and at high-risk as defined by the CDC, including:

  • Individuals who are COVID-19 positive (as documented by a state/local public health official or medical health professional)
  • Individuals who have been exposed to COVID-19 (as documented by a state/local public health official or medical health professional); or
  • Individuals with an underlying condition.

B) Individuals must live alone or with one other program-eligible adult.

C) Individuals must not be currently receiving assistance from other state or federal nutrition assistance programs, such as CalFresh or Meals on Wheels.

D) Individuals must affirm an inability to prepare or obtain meals.

The Great Plates Delivered program is expected to run through May 10, 2020. Individuals interested in receiving meals and businesses wanting to participate can call the Information & Assistance Call Center at (714) 480-6450 for further guidance.

For more information on meal assistance programs for seniors in South County, please visit Age Well Senior Services. For more information on business and economic recovery in Orange County, visit OC Community Services or call (714) 480-6500.

 
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County Partners with Google to Help Job Seekers

I'm pleased to report our OC Community Services Community Investment Division has partnered with Google Fiber and Orange County United Way to provide loaner laptops and hotspots in an effort to increase access to workforce development programs and services offered through our Irvine One-Stop Center during this critical period.

The laptops and hotspots will be made available beginning today, May 1, enabling dislocated workers free access to apply for jobs and unemployment benefits. Job seekers will be able to check out a laptop and hotspot at the Irvine One-Stop Center by contacting the Orange County Economic and Business Recovery line at (714) 480-6500 and completing a telephone application.

The laptops and hotspots will be available for checkout as a pair at no cost. With free access to laptops and hotspots for job seekers, businesses will be connected to a larger pool of candidates who are qualified for jobs, without barriers to resources.

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Orange County One-Stop Centers had to modify service delivery available to match the need of those impacted. The partnership between these organizations not only allowed the County to expand resources at the Irvine One-Stop Center but also created an opportunity to offer these services at no cost.

In addition to the laptop and hotspot loans, the Irvine One-Stop Center offers free comprehensive services such as hiring assistance, career transition services, and employment services to businesses and job seekers.

For more information about the Orange County One-Stop Centers, click here. For more information about Google Fiber, click here. For more information about Orange County United Way, click here.

 
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HCA Launches OC COVID-19 Testing Network

The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) has launched the OC COVID-19 Testing Network, which offers COVID-19 testing to Orange County residents who meet the criteria detailed below.

The Network coordinates and expands testing across Orange County to create a safety net for any community member who is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms but is unable to receive testing through a health care provider.

“We have partnered with an initial set of community health centers who are performing FDA-approved PCR testing, the most reliable testing available to detect current infection,” said Dr. Nichole Quick, County Health Officer. “The OC Health Care Agency will continue to work diligently to expand this network by bringing more locations online in the days and weeks to come.”

The PCR test identifies if someone is currently infected from a sample taken with a swab. It is not a blood test, nor does it test for antibodies. Residents with symptoms of COVID-19, which generally include fever, cough, and shortness of breath, should first contact their medical provider to get guidance on testing and care. Individuals who are unable to be tested by their provider may schedule an appointment at any Network test site to receive a medical screening and test. Initial locations include:

  • AltaMed Medical Group, Anaheim
  • AltaMed Medical Group, Santa Ana/Bristol
  • Nhan Hoa Comprehensive Health Care Clinic, Garden Grove
  • UCI Health, multiple locations

A continually-updated list of test sites, with information on scheduling and the appointment process, can be found here or by calling the HCA’s Health Referral Line at (800) 564-8448. 

“Because of continued challenges of obtaining testing supplies and personal protective equipment (PPE) for health care providers, testing may be restricted at times to high priority groups as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),” said Dr. Quick. “Residents must make an appointment for testing to assure eligibility and availability of testing.”

 
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Essential Businesses Must Wear Face Coverings

Please be advised that all employees of any grocery store, pharmacy/drug store, convenience store, gas station, restaurant, food preparation establishment, or retail store in Orange County who may have contact with the public must wear a cloth face covering while at work.

The Orange County Board of Supervisors last week approved the directive pursuant to Government Code section 8634 that will apply countywide.

Furthermore, employees must comply with this regulation for the health and safety of all in the community as it is enforceable by law enforcement per Government Code section 8665.

Though the regulation issued by the Board of Supervisors does not apply to customers, County Health Officer Dr. Nichole Quick continues to strongly encourage residents to wear face coverings while engaged in essential activities outside the home. 

If a city has a more restrictive rule regarding face coverings, the more restrictive rule will apply to their jurisdiction.

 
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OC to Follow State Guidelines for Wearing Masks
PDF
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Disposing of Personal Protective Equipment

As we continue to wear disposable gloves and masks to protect ourselves, please remember to properly dispose of used protective equipment in the trash bin. Littering of waste can pollute the environment and pose a threat to human health, including children who may not realize the items they are touching and can potentially be hazardous.

We’re encouraging Orange County residents to make smart decisions to help us all stay healthy and safe during this difficult time.

 
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Letter to the Community from OC Public Libraries
PDF
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Affordable Ways to Access the Internet in OC
Click the image above for more info.
 
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Resources for Learning & Teaching from Home
Click the image above for more info.
 
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COVID-19 Resources for Families with Children
PDF
Click the image above for more info.
 
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Important Information for Seniors & Caregivers
PDF
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Please Check On Your Elderly Neighbors
PDF
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REMINDER: Call 9-1-1 in a Medical Emergency
PDF
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While You Are Home, Spot the Scams

Many of you are at home working or self-isolating and spending more time on the internet. Unfortunately, thieves are taking advantage of this situation and coming up with new and innovative ways to separate you from your money.

Now would be a good time to educate yourself on the various ploys that are used by scammers regarding COVID-19. Read more here.

 
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EBT Card Online Purchasing During C-19 Crisis
PDF
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COVID-19 Hotline for Current IHSS Recipients
PDF
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COVID-19 Animal Testing Guidance
PDF
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Important Pet Info: COVID-19 FAQs

Click the images above for more info.
 
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JWA to Participate in JetStream Music Festival

John Wayne Airport will come together with 22 other airports across North America via Facebook Live on May 6 at 3 PM (PST) for the JetStream Music Festival, an online celebration of music featuring a lineup of musicians local to each airport’s city in support of the creative community during the COVID-19 health pandemic. For more information, including how to tune in, click here.

Festival viewers are encouraged to create a Facebook Watch Party with friends and family and share the stream on social media using the hashtag #JetStreamFest. Click here to view a Facebook how-to. 

Hosted by Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, the multi-hour Livestream will take place on each participating airport’s Facebook Live and features a diverse range of acts, representing each city/county’s unique music culture.

Tyler F. Simmons, one of 14 musicians from the JWAlive music performance program, will participate in the JetStream Music Festival on behalf of John Wayne Airport. To read musician bios and learn more about the JWAlive music program, please click here.

 
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FOOD RESOURCES IN SOUTH COUNTY

 

Click the image above for information on their
Meals on Wheels and Congregate Lunches for Seniors.

 

Click the image above for information on their
Drive-Thru Food Distribution, weekdays in San Clemente.

 

 

Click the image above for information on their
 Drive Through Food Bank, Monday - Friday in Irvine.

 

Click the image above for information on their
 Food Pantry, Monday - Friday in Laguna Beach.

 

Click the image above for information on their
PEACE Community Resource Center Food Pantries.

 

Click the image above for information on their
Food Pantry Services weekdays by appointment in Irvine.

 
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Drop & Go Food Drive at Mount of Olives Church
PDF
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Food Collection Event at The Great Park
PDF
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CREER Food Pantry in San Juan Capistrano
PDF
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For questions or comments regarding my E-Newsletter, please contact my office staff at (714) 834-3550 or email my Community Relations Advisor, Sergio Prince, at Sergio.Prince@ocgov.com .
 
In This Issue
orange arrow COUNTY OF ORANGE COVID-19 UPDATE
orange arrow FOOD RESOURCES IN SOUTH COUNTY
DISTRICT STAFF
 
Doug Woodyard
Chief of Staff

James Dinwiddie
Deputy Chief of Staff

Yasie Goebel
Policy Advisor

Sergio Prince
Community Relations Advisor

Megan Dutra
Policy Advisor

Pauline Colvin
Communications Advisor

Rosemary Conteras
Staff Aide

 
Stay Updated!
house icon http://ocgov.com/gov/bos/5/
envelope icon Lisa.Bartlett@ocgov.com
phone icon 714.834.3550
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