The O.C. Health Care Agency has updated their Orange County COVID-19 case count and added new statistics which are alarming. We are now at 502 cases in Orange County – and 94 victims were hospitalized today! Of that group 46 are in ICUs (intensive care units).

Even worse, three more deaths due to COVID-19 were reported today almost doubling the past total death count to 7. It had been at 4 for a few days.

The total people tested by HCA Public Health Lab (PHL) and commercial labs to date are 6,674 and an additional 1,250 tests are available now.

Cases in Santa Ana ticked up a bit to 24 cases today after holding at 22 for the past couple days.

Here is how a few of the other major cities in Orange County are doing:

• Irvine reports 50 cases
• Anaheim reports 46 cases
• Newport Beach reports 46 cases
• Huntington Beach reports 32 cases
• Laguna Beach reports 22 cases
• San Clemente reports 20 cases
• Buena Park reports 16 cases
• Garden Grove reports 10 cases

The California Department of Public Health now reports that as of March 30, 2020, there are a total of 6,932 positive cases and 150 deaths in California. 

How can people protect themselves?

There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet). This occurs through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Older adults and people who have severe underlying chronic medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness. Every person has a role to play. So much of protecting yourself and your family comes down to common sense: 

• Washing hands with soap and water.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. If surfaces are dirty, clean them using detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
• Avoiding touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your elbow.
• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
• Staying away from work, school or other people if you become sick with respiratory symptoms like fever and cough.
• If you smoke or vape, consider quitting. Smokers who already have lung disease or reduced lung capacity could be at increased risk of serious illness. 
• Following guidance from public health officials.

Please consult with your health care provider about additional steps you may be able to take to protect yourself.

Who is at Higher Risk for Serious Illness from COVID-19?

Early information out of China, where COVID-19 first started, shows that some people are at higher risk of getting very sick from this illness. This includes:

• Older adults (65+)
• Individuals with compromised immune systems
• Individuals who have serious chronic medical conditions like:
  • Heart disease
  • Diabetes
  • Lung disease

In addition, smokers who already have lung disease or reduced lung capacity could be at increased risk of serious illness.