County of Orange Subscribe  |   Unsubscribe
Lisa Bartlett - Supervisor, Fifth District
May 8, 2020 Volume 7 Issue 22
COUNTY OF ORANGE COVID-19 UPDATE
County Celebrates National Nurses Week!

This week, May 6-12, is National Nurses Week and a most appropriate time to celebrate the outstanding dedication and courageous work of our nurses. especially during this very difficult tome in our history, as we continue to fight against the spread of COVID-19 in Orange County,

To that end, I wish to express my heartfelt thanks to our nurses, as well as our healthcare professionals, first responders and all others who are on the front line of our battle to stop the novel coronavirus. We honor and celebrate you this week and always!

 
dotted line
State Approves Plan to Reopen County Beaches
PDF
Click the image above to enlarge.
 
dotted line
Transition into Stage-2 of Resilience Roadmap

Governor Gavin Newsom has announced the gradual transition into Stage 2 of California's 4-stage resilience roadmap to reopen businesses.

I am very grateful we have reached the necessary milestones that allows the State to proceed further into the reopening process and look forward to additional progress into Stage 2 in the near future.

Thank you to all of our citizens who have sacrificed so much to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in Orange County. Together we will get through this!

Click the image above for more info.
 
dotted line
Statement Regarding Nomads Canteen
PDF
Click the image above to enlarge.
 
dotted line
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 regulation is consistent with State Guidelines.

The Orange County Board of Supervisors 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.

 
dotted line
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 3,240 positive cases in Orange County and 71 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.

 
dotted line
County of Orange COVID-19 Testing Network

The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) recentlylaunched 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.”

 
dotted line
County of Orange Mental Resiliency Resources

May is National Mental Health Month, and 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, please call the COVID-19 Hotline at (833) 426-6411, visit the HCA website, or follow HCA on Facebook and Twitter.

 
dotted line
EDA CARES Act Funding Available

The Economic Development Administration (EDA) recently announced that local governments, nonprofits, and institutions of higher education are now eligible to apply for grants from the $1.5 billion in assistance provided by the bipartisan CARES Act to help communities prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus.

EDA will accept applications for grants to support a wide variety of assistance, including:

  • Planning and Technical Assistance
  • Capitalization and Recapitalization of Revolving Loan Funds, which provide access to capital for businesses
  • Construction of infrastructure and other economic development projects
  • Innovation grants.

Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis. Applicants must explain clearly how their project would prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus or respond to economic injury as a result of the coronavirus. Awards may be between $100,000 to $30 million depending on the type of project.

Public and private nonprofit organizations and associations should be eligible if they are acting in cooperation with officials of a political subdivision of a state, such as a city or a county.

EDA has issued an FAQ on this program and the Notice of Funding Opportunity can be found here. For additional information on EDA programs during this crisis, you may wish to visit EDA’s coronavirus website.

 
dotted line
OC Receives $900,000 for Dislocated Workers

The County of Orange has received a $900,000 grant from the California Employment Development Department (EDD) to provide economic support for dislocated workers.

Orange County residents whose employment recently ended as a result of COVID-19 are eligible for the Orange County Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) program. The program is designed to meet employer needs by helping job seekers upgrade skills, obtain employment, gain credential and improve job retention and increase earnings.

The grant will support approximately 1,500 Orange County residents who have been financially impacted by COVID-19 and need assistance.

Orange County WIOA Adult & Dislocated Worker program participants are eligible to receive up to $800.00 reimbursement for essentials such as housing, utilities, childcare and transportation costs.

Dislocated workers can enroll in WIOA through OC One-Stop Centers located in the cities of Irvine and Garden Grove. For more information, call the Economic and Business Recovery Call Center at 714-480-6500. To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, OC One-Stop Centers are providing services by appointment only.

 
dotted line
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.

 
dotted line
COVID-19 Resources for Families with Children
PDF
Click the image above for more info.
 
dotted line
Reducing Fear and Anxiety in Young Families
Click the image above for more info.
 
dotted line
Letter to the Community from OC Public Libraries
PDF
Click the image above to enlarge.
 
dotted line
Resources for Learning & Teaching from Home
Click the image above for more info.
 
dotted line
Affordable Ways to Access the Internet in OC
Click the image above for more info.
 
dotted line
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.  

 
dotted line
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.

 
dotted line
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.

 
dotted line
Important Information for Seniors & Caregivers
PDF
Click the image above to enlarge.
 
dotted line
Please Check On Your Elderly Neighbors
PDF
Click the image above to enlarge.
 
dotted line
REMINDER: Call 9-1-1 in a Medical Emergency
PDF
Click the image above to enlarge.
 
dotted line
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.

 
dotted line
COVID-19 Animal Testing Guidance
PDF
Click the image above to enlarge.
 
dotted line
Important Pet Info: COVID-19 FAQs

Click the images above for more info.
 
dotted line
The Toll Roads Make Temporary Adjustments

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic impacts, The Toll Roads have made temporary adjustments to business processes to accommodate drivers and FasTrak® accountholders.

The Toll Roads have temporarily implemented the following adjustments:

  • A moratorium has been placed on violation escalations.
  • The fee for having an account suspended ($20) is being waived.
  • The timeframe to pay a toll at TheTollRoads.com, using The Toll Roads free app and via phone has been extended from five days to 10 days.
  • The minimum monthly payment for violation payment plans has been lowered from $25 to $10 and tolls and penalties can be paid off over 12 months instead of six.
  • The quarterly replenishment recalculation for prepaid FasTrak accounts has been restarted with the intent of lowering the replenishment amount for people who are driving less.

For more information, click here.

 
dotted line
SOUTH COUNTY SPOTLIGHT
Chinese American Club of Laguna Woods Village

I would like to commend the Chinese American Club of Laguna Woods Village, which recently raised more than $20,000 in donations from its membership to help local nonprofit groups aiding those suffering the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

In a special meeting Tuesday, May 5, at Laguna Woods City Hall, the club presented checks for $10,000 each to Illumination Foundation and Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County. Claudia Keller, chief mission officer, accepted the check on behalf of Second Harvest Food Bank; and John Ing, chief financial officer, accepted the check for Illumination Foundation.

The Club also donated 200 N95 medical-grade face masks to the Orange County Health Care Agency, which was accepted by my Community Relations Advisor, Sergio Prince, who also presented the Chinese American Club Vice President, Irene Cheng, a certificate of appreciation on my behalf.

My Community Relations Adivsor, Sergio Prince, presents a commendation to the Chinese American Club of Laguna Woods Village.

A total of $20,500 was collected from 92 donors in just three days, The club also enlisted the help of Laguna Woods Mayor Noel Hatch to recommend a charitable donee. Mayor Hatch suggested two...

Illumination Foundation deals directly with protecting the homeless who are infected or likely to be infected with COVID-19, overseeing facilities that are housing these individuals. Second Harvest Food Bank distributes groceries to those in need in locations throughout Orange County, including a church in Laguna Woods.

The Chinese American Club of Laguna Woods Village presents checks for $10,000 to both Illumination Foundation and Second Harvest Food Bank.

To that end, I highly commend the Chinese American Club of Laguna Woods Village, including their President Henry Lee; Vice President Irene Chen; and Club Member Ed Tao, for their outstanding efforts and generous support during this very difficult time in our history.

 
dotted line
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.

 
dotted line
CREER Food Pantry in San Juan Capistrano
PDF
Click the image above to enlarge.
 
dotted line
 
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 SOUTH COUNTY SPOTLIGHT
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
arrow icon View Online Version
 
Copyright 2020 County of Orange, California
You are currently signed up to the 5th District newsletter. To unsubscribe, click here.