(Santa Ana, CA) — COVID-19 is increasing at alarming rates in California and Dr. Clayton Chau, County Health Officer and Director of the OC Health Care Agency (HCA), urges community members to do their part to slow the spread of this virus in Orange County (OC). 

“Yesterday, the HCA announced the deployment of mobile field hospitals to support our local health care system, which is experiencing a surge in COVID-19 positive patients,” said Dr. Chau. “This sounds alarming because it is alarming. I implore our residents not to gather with other households and limit upcoming holiday celebrations to those you live with.”

While hope is on the horizon with today’s arrival of 25,350 doses of the Pfizer-manufactured COVID-19 vaccine for high-risk hospital workers, OC residents are strongly encouraged to practice the following non-medical preventative measures to protect each other every day:

• Wear a mask around anyone you don’t live with.
• Do not gather with other households.
• It is safest to celebrate the holidays with the people who already live with you.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer. 
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. 
• Stay home if you are sick and call your primary care provider or urgent care.
• Make certain you don’t run out of any routine, prescription medication by staying in touch with your primary care provider.

“I want to remind the community that in a health emergency, do not hesitate to call 9-1-1,” said Dr. Chau. “Our hospital system remains ready and equipped to care for you, and is the safest place to be if you require immediate medical attention. And it’s up to our residents to ensure it stays that way into the new year by acting responsibly.”