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Outdoor O.C. youth sports may resume on Feb. 26, with modifications

Posted on by Posted in Disease, Health and Medical, OC Health Care, Santa Ana, Sports Leave a comment

Santa Ana, Calif. (February 25, 2021) — Based on updated guidance for youth and recreational adult sports issued February 19, 2021 by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), outdoor sports competitions may resume in Orange County (OC) with modifications starting Feb. 26, 2021.

“Orange County has lowered its COVID-19 case rate of less than 14 per 100,000 thanks to our communities’ diligence in helping slow the spread and the County’s vaccination efforts,” said Chairman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors Andrew Do, who represents the First District. “Per the State’s guidance, this means certain outdoor sport competitions can resume once again. Something that many families have been looking forward to for months now.”

The State’s guidance applies to all organized youth and adult sports, including school and community-sponsored programs, and privately organized clubs and leagues. Outdoor sport competitions may resume in Purple Tier counties including OC with modifications that include testing requirements for certain outdoor high-contact sports. Outdoor moderate-contact sports, such as baseball, cheerleading and softball, can be played in OC without the testing requirement.

“As a strong supporter of youth sports, I’m very happy to see that students can compete in sports again,” said Vice Chairman Doug Chaffee, Fourth District. “Our children deserve to return to a sense of normalcy and allowing youth sports to resume is an important step in achieving that goal.”

Youth and adult sports include varied activities that have different levels of risk for transmission of COVID-19 depending on the physical contact between players. Outdoor activities that allow for consistent wearing of face coverings and physical distancing are lower risk than indoor activities that involve close contact between participants and high exertion that increases spread of exhaled particles.

“I applaud this move; it’s a small and overdue step. Society will be healthier if children can engage in outdoor activities. Competition for our kids is critical to them developing and testing their skills fully, both physical and emotional,” said Supervisor Don Wagner, Third District. “I continue to fight for my constituents getting back to normal. We’ve seen how mental health has taken a hit due to the lockdowns. California is the only state to have such restrictions, and it’s past time to let them play.”

“I am very excited that our youth, who have been anxiously waiting for months to get back to competitive sports, now have the opportunity to compete,” said Supervisor Lisa Bartlett, Fifth District. “I have always been a strong supporter of exploring all options that would allow our youth to safely resume outdoor sporting activities.”

For more information on examples of sports with different levels of contact and risk by tier, please click here.

The OC Health Care Agency deploys mobile field hospitals to help with COVID-19

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(Santa Ana, CA) — The OC Health Care Agency will deploy mobile field hospitals (MFHs) to local hospitals this week to support the Orange County (OC) health care system as it responds to a surge in COVID-19 patients. OC hospitals may receive emergency waivers from the California Department of Public Health to request the use of the MFH facilities.

As posted today on the HCA’s website, ochealthinfo.com/novelcoronavirus, Orange County currently has 10.4 percent (unadjusted) of adult intensive care unit beds available in our local hospital system and reported an additional 2,173 cases of COVID-19 today.

MFHs are capable of expanding current hospital capacity by adding additional beds to existing grounds. They are housed in large, semi-type trailers and contain heavy duty canvas tents with hard flooring and temperature-controlled units equipped with running water, toilets and showers, generators and lighting, as well as air purifiers. MFHs can be configured in a myriad of footprints and sizes, and the HCA has a total of 8 trailers to support at minimum, 200 patient beds.

The MFHs can be used for numerous COVID-19 mitigation activities such as expanding emergency department capacity and med-surge or specialty care unit beds, mass vaccination facilities, and more. Each identified hospital is charged with using the MFH in a manner that best suits their facility. The following OC hospitals have requested this resource from the HCA and have already activated their surge plans:

Fountain Valley Regional Hospital — 50 beds
St. Jude Medical Center, Fullerton — 25 beds
University of California, Irvine — 50 beds
Planning is currently underway with additional hospitals to encourage an equitable countywide distribution of the HCA’s available mobile beds.

“Our team is working around the clock with our hospital partners to distribute and operationalize these critical resources, but the community must do its part and practice non-medical preventative measures like mask wearing, physical distancing and frequent hand-washing to help stop the surge,” said Dr. Clayton Chau, County Health Officer and Director of the HCA.

The O.C. Health Care Agency announces star-studded COVID-19 campaign

Posted on by Posted in Disease, Health and Medical, OC Health Care, Orange County, Public Safety, Santa Ana Leave a comment

(Santa Ana, CA) – The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) is launching a new public service campaign designed to save lives by spreading positive vibes – not COVID-19 throughout the community. 

HCA is sponsoring KFI’s Gary and Shannon radio talk show to interview local celebrities who represent different parts of OC culture that people here know and love – like the food, the music, the art, the surfing and the fun – iconic personalities who join us in spreading life-saving messages about basic COVID safety in a positive, feel-good way.

Starting August 24, KFI’s Gary and Shannon will interview a stellar line-up of well-known OC celebrities at 11:50 a.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays. The schedule will be posted on the OC Health Care Agency website.

  • Food – Wing Lam and Ed Lee (Wahoo’s Fish Taco)
  • Surfing – Pete Townend
  • Surfing – Courtney Conlogue
  • Skateboarding – Tosh Townend
  • Art – Melissa Murphy
  • Music – Jim Quealy 
  • Comedian – Chad & JT (Chad Goes Deep)

Huntington Beach muralist Melissa Murphy designed two artistic masks based on her paintings – one of a surfer and the Huntington Beach pier and a second featuring three dolphins – both with the message, “Spread Positive Vibes.” The County will be giving away 45,000 of these masks.  

“We want people to feel good about doing their part to help slow the spread of the virus,” said Orange County Board of Supervisor Chairwoman Michelle Steel, Second District. “We all have the same goal – to get back to the business of enjoying the beach, dining out, listening to live music and having fun.”

“We have safety measures in place for so many health diseases and conditions – wearing a mask to reduce the spread of COVID-19 should be no different,” said Vice Chairman Andrew Do, First District. “I recently launched the #MaskUpOC Contest to promote mask wearing through positive community engagement. The OC Health Care Agency’s ad campaign helps expand on that effort so that we can change the conversation around mask wearing to one that is positive and collaborative in bringing people together.”

In addition to the weekly radio broadcast, participating local celebrities will be sharing their interviews and messages about spreading positive vibes on their social media channels. 

Downloadable social media assets for Facebook, Instagram and Twitter will be available for anyone to use and share at  www.ochealthinfo.com/positivevibes. 

Audio and in some cases Zoom videos of the interviews will be posted on the website and on the OC Health Care Agency’s YouTube channel. A :30 video PSA will be made using excerpts of the interviews. 

Third District Supervisor Donald P. Wagner said, “My colleagues and I at the Board are excited to provide the free keepsake masks to our constituents and anyone who requests them. It is a good way to show community support and spirit for all that we are going through — together.”

“It will be refreshing to hear fun, breezy conversations about what they are working on, how the COVID-19 crisis is affecting their world, and how they are sending positive vibes out into the community,” said Fourth District Supervisor Doug Chaffee.

Fifth District Supervisor Lisa A. Bartlett added, “Just about every local celebrity the County reached out to said, ‘yes’ to doing these interviews. Given everything our communities are going through with COVID-19, there’s never been a better time to spread positive vibes. We are so pleased that all of these folks are on board!”

“We’ve been hearing for months now from doctors and scientists about the importance of wearing face coverings and social distancing to protect ourselves and each other,” said Dr. Clayton Chau, Director of the OC Health Care Agency and Acting County Health Officer. “But too many people in our County aren’t listening to them. We’re hoping they may pay attention to local legends instead.”

To find out more about how you can get a free mask and get on board to help spread positive vibes in Orange County, go to ochealthinfo.com/positivevibes.

More Information:

  • OC Health Care Agency’s dedicated testing website, visit ochealthinfo.com/covidtest
  • Information and resources about COVID-19, please visit ochealthinfo.com/novelcoronavirus. 

Orange County Launches the SafeDineOC COVID-Safe Restaurant campaign

Posted on by Posted in Disease, Orange County, Restaurants, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Santa Ana, Calif. (August 6, 2020) – The County of Orange today announced the launch of a new SafeDineOC COVID-Safe Restaurant Campaign to incentivize Orange County restaurants to follow California Department of Public Health (CDPH) guidance to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“Our restaurant owners across Orange County need help right now, and we need to take steps wherever possible to stop the spread of COVID-19,” said Orange County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Michelle Steel, Second District. “These grants give financial support to those owners to help cover costs that they are incurring to offer a safe, protected dining experience to their customers and workers.”

Restaurant owners may apply for a $1,000 grant per Orange County restaurant location for taking steps to create a COVID-safe environment for their customers and employees. The grant will reimburse restaurants for purchases of personal protective equipment including face masks, cleaning products, employee training and costs for physical distancing of tables and chairs, as examples.

“Restaurants drive our local economy, create thousands of jobs and generate millions in local tax revenue,” said Vice Chairman Andrew Do, First District. “SafeDineOC is a product of a proposal I brought to the board in mid-July to increase COVID-19 restaurant safety compliance while also supporting small businesses that are keeping their employees and customers safe.”

The SafeDineOC campaign is sponsored by the County of Orange and managed by Orange County Business Council (OCBC), which will handle intake and approval of all restaurant applications as well as disbursement of the $1,000 grants to restaurant owners. Through its comprehensive database of restaurants, the OC Health Care Agency will ensure the promotion of the campaign to all restaurant owners in the County.

“SafeDineOC will assist restaurants with some funds to defray some of their extra expenses. It will also offer the public information on which restaurants in Orange County are participating in this program,” said Supervisor Don Wagner, Third District. “Consumers need to be given resources and the Orange County Business Council is helping ensure people are able to locate safe dining options in Orange County during this time.”

Restaurants that apply and are approved will be added to a list of COVID-safe eateries organized by city that will be available to consumers on the SafeDineOC website. This online resource will enable the public to see which restaurants offer a safe dining experience in Orange County.

“Orange County businesses are challenged at this time, especially our restaurants,” said Fourth District Supervisor Doug Chaffee. “We hope that the SafeDineOC program will provide relief not only to our restaurants but also to our residents who want to know where they can dine safely in Orange County at this time.”

The application form is in multiple languages and OCBC staff is available to answer questions. More information about the program may be found at www.safedineoc.com.

“Maintaining consumer confidence in the restaurant industry is critical to helping businesses stay afloat during these challenging times,” said Supervisor Lisa Bartlett. “When customers visit a restaurant, they want to be confident that it is clean and in compliance with County health and safety guidelines,” said Bartlett. “The safety and protection of restaurant workers, and the customers they serve, is paramount to stopping the spread of COVID-19,” she said.

Restaurants that apply for the program must meet all qualifications which will be verified by OCBC. Funds will be distributed within 45 days. All restaurants must submit receipts for CARES ACT-qualified purchases for final reimbursement grant payment on purchases made March 1, 2020 to September 30, 2020.

“We all want to visit OC restaurants and feel safe,” said Orange County Business Council President Lucy Dunn. “The Board of Supervisors created a great program to reward restaurants that follow health protocols for today’s outdoor dining as well as preparing for future dine-in service when the time comes. OCBC commends the Board of Supervisors for their response. Innovative ideas and solutions like SafeDineOC ensure Orange County will remain on a path toward both good health and economic recovery.”

For more information about SafeDineOC, go to www.safedineoc.com.

O.C. mental health resources to help with the COVID-19 crisis

Posted on by Posted in Disease, Emergencies, Health and Medical, Mental Health, OC Health Care, Orange County, Public Safety, Santa Ana Leave a comment

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.

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 OC Health Care Agency website, www.ochealthinfo.com/novelcoronavirus.

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 their website, www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov.

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 and incorporate preventative measures

–      See the CDC’s list of preventative measures

–      A near-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 reach out to these resources for support:

Call 1(855) OC-LINKS or visit www.ochealthinfo.com/oclinks Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm to talk or chat with a trained, clinical navigator.

The NAMI Warmline is also here to provide non-crisis support for anyone struggling with mental health concerns Monday through Friday from from 9 am to 3 am, and Saturday and Sunday 10 am to 3 am. 1(877) 910-WARM or www.namioc.org

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

Download the NAMI HelpLine Coronavirus Information and Resources Guide

American Psychological Association (APA) ‘Building Your Resilience’

For general information about COVID-19, please call the OC Health Care Agency’s (HCA) Health Referral Line at (800) 564-8448, visit http://www.ochealthinfo.com/novelcoronavirus, or follow the HCA on Facebook (@ochealthinfo) and Twitter (@ochealth).

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

Orange County is wondering how to save the homeless from COVID-19

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The County of Orange is exploring all precautionary and preventative measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 within the homeless population.

The County has identified short-term strategies that provide alternative placement for sheltered individuals who are elderly and/or those who have severe underlying health conditions. This includes about 80 recuperative care beds available for sheltered individuals considered high risk due to age or underlying health conditions.  Additionally, the County is deploying medical tents, cots, blankets, privacy dividers and handwashing stations to shelters, and seeks to make resources available as soon as possible.  The County will be issuing guidance to shelter providers countywide, which provides clarity and direction regarding recently issued State and Federal guidance.

The County is working with the State of California to vet State-identified resources, as well as evaluating motels and hotels that have expressed interest in assisting during this public health crisis.

At this time the Fullerton and Santa Ana Armories are scheduled to be operational through April 15; however, the County is in constant communication with the State regarding use of the Armories.

Individuals experiencing homelessness and/or homeless service providers are encouraged to call either OC Health Care Agency’s Health Referral Line at (800) 564-8448 or the County of Orange Public Information Hotline at (714) 628-7085 if they have any questions regarding COVID-19.

***

For general information about COVID-19, please call the OC Health Care Agency’s (HCA) Health Referral Line at (800) 564-8448, visit http://www.ochealthinfo.com/novelcoronavirus, or follow the HCA on Facebook (@ochealthinfo) and Twitter (@ochealth).

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

The O.C. Health Officer issues an Order to slow the spread of COVID-19

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County Health Officer Dr. Nichole Quick issued a Health Officer’s Order today to protect the health and wellbeing of Orange County, CA residents.

“We are taking these mitigation steps in line with a directive issued by Governor Newsom to help slow the spread of COVID-19,” said Dr. Nichole Quick, County Health Officer. “We recognize community members may experience anxiety related to the social disruption caused by COVID-19, and want to encourage residents to reach out to loved ones using appropriate methods like telephone, video messaging, email and text.”

As this is a rapidly evolving situation, this Order may be revised and/or extended at any time.

This Order prohibits social gatherings, calls for all bars to close, and restaurants to close onsite dining but make food available through delivery and pick-up options.

This order is consistent with what other counties like Los Angeles, San Diego, and Alameda are doing.

For general information about COVID-19, please call the OC Health Care Agency’s (H.CA) Health Referral Line at (800) 564-8448, visit http://www.ochealthinfo.com/novelcoronavirus, or follow the HCA on Facebook (@ochealthinfo) and Twitter (@ochealth).

Here is an excerpt from the Orange County Order, read the full Order here:

ORDER OF THE LOCAL HEALTH OFFICER

Pursuant to California Health and Safety Code sections 101040, 120175, and 120175.5 (b), the Orange County Health Officer ORDERS AS FOLLOWS:
Effective immediately and continuing until 11 :59 p.m. on March 31, 2020, the following will be in effect in Orange County:

  1. All public and private gatherings of any number of people, including at places of work, occurring outside a single household or living unit are prohibited. However, nothing in this Order prohibits the gathering of members of a household or living unit.
    a. This prohibition applies to all professional, social, and community gatherings, regardless of their sponsor, that are not engaged in Essential Activities, as defined below. Gatherings that involve Essential Activities should only be conducted when they cannot not be postponed or achieved without gathering, meaning that some other means of communication cannot be used to perform
    the Essential Activity. For gatherings involving Essential Activities,
    maintaining a six-foot separation of Social Distancing between persons, except family members, is recommended to the greatest extent possible.
    b. “Essential Activities” include:
  2. All services needed to ensure the continuing operation of the
    government agencies and provide for the health, safety and welfare of the public.
  3. Healthcare operations ( e.g. hospitals) and essential infrastructure;
    m. First responders, emergency management personnel, emergency
    dispatchers, court personnel, and law enforcement personnel.
    1v. Grocery stores, certified farmers’ markets, farm and produce stands, supermarkets, food banks, convenience stores, and other
    establishments engaged in the retail sale of canned food, dry goods,
    fresh fruits and vegetables, pet supply, fresh meats, fish, and poultry,
    and any other household consumer products (such as cleaning and
    personal care products). This includes stores that sell groceries and
    also sell other non-grocery products, and products necessary to
    maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of
    residences;
    v. Food cultivation, including farming, livestock, and fishing;

Click here to read the rest of this Order.

The OC Health Care Agency reports the first locally acquired case of COVID-19

Posted on by Posted in Disease, Health and Medical, OC Health Care, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) today reported the first case of locally acquired COVID-19, more commonly known as novel coronavirus.

The individual, a woman in her 50s, appears to have acquired infection locally and is currently hospitalized in isolation and reported in stable condition. The HCA’s Public Health Services staff are following-up with people who may have been exposed and an investigation is underway to determine how the individual contracted the virus.

Details about three additional cases confirmed today include:

  • A man in his 70s who is isolated at home, travel-related exposure
  • A man in his 30s who is isolated at home, contact to a known case
  • A man in his 60s who is hospitalized in isolation, travel-related exposure

“As public and private labs increase testing capability and surveillance, we expect to see more cases of COVID-19,” said Dr. Nichole Quick, County Health Officer. “We realize the mitigation strategies that have rolled out this week by schools, businesses, and all levels of government are concerning for community members. We empathize and want to thank OC residents for their flexibility and willingness to make adjustments to their daily lives to help protect and promote the health and wellbeing of their neighbors.”

Orange County now has thirteen cases of 2019 Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) reported, including one case that appears to have been locally transmitted. The Orange County Health Care Agency (OCHCA) is identifying and contacting close community exposures to these cases. Case numbers are changing quickly; monitor our website (http://www.ochealthinfo.com/phs/about/epidasmt/epi/dip/prevention/novel_coronavirus) for updates. 1629 cases of COVID-19 have been reported in the United States; 247 cases have been reported in California. Multiple California jurisdictions are now reporting community spread. Over 125,000 cases have been identified internationally in over 100 countries. Yesterday the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Level 3 travel advisory for travel to most countries in Europe. Returning travelers from these countries, as well as China, South Korea, Italy and Iran, are recommended to stay at home for 14 days after return and to contact their medical provider with illness. A list of countries at risk can be found at  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/after-travel-precautions.html

The West Nile Virus has claimed the life of a woman in Tustin

Posted on by Posted in Disease, OC Health Care, Orange County, Tustin Leave a comment

For Immediate Release: Oct. 16, 2018

OC Health Care Agency Reports West Nile Virus Related Death

(Santa Ana, CA) – The first human death associated with West Nile virus (WNV) infection in Orange County has been confirmed by OC Health Care Agency officials. The case is an elderly female resident of Tustin who died with WNV infection complications.

It is especially important to take precautions against mosquito bites during WNV season. Recommended precautions include: Continue reading→

This week’s Cochino List includes Original Mike’s and El Metate Panaderia

Posted on by Posted in Disease, Food, Food & Health, Health and Medical, OC Health Care, Orange County, Restaurants, Santa Ana Leave a comment

The OC Health Care Agency has released a list of the eateries they inspected and shut down for the week of March 2 – 9. Most of these eateries reopen pretty quickly after the health inspectors determine their issues have been resolved. Here is the list:

Continue reading→

This week’s Cochino List includes Friendly’s Market, Pollo Ranchero and Mariscos Los Corales

Posted on by Posted in Disease, Food, Food & Health, Health and Medical, OC Health Care, Orange County, Restaurants, Santa Ana Leave a comment

The OC Health Care Agency has released a list of the eateries they inspected and shut down for the week of Feb. 23 – March 2. Most of these eateries reopen pretty quickly after the health inspectors determine their issues have been resolved. Here is the list:

  • Friendly’s Market, 910 W. Myrtle St., Santa Ana; rodent infestation; closed Feb. 28.
  • Pollo Ranchero, 1227 W. First St., Santa Ana; rodent infestation; closed Feb. 28, reopened Feb. 28.
  • Mariscos Los Corales #2, 2629 Westminster Ave., Santa Ana; insufficient hot water; closed Feb. 28, reopened March 1.

Continue reading→

This week’s Cochino List includes Great Khan’s, Big K’s Burgers and Los Portales

Posted on by Posted in Food, OC Health Care, Orange County, Restaurants, Santa Ana Leave a comment

The OC Health Care Agency has released a list of the eateries they inspected and shut down for the week of Jan. 19-26. Most of these eateries reopen pretty quickly after the health inspectors determine their issues have been resolved. Here is the list:

Continue reading→

This week’s Cochino List includes a Subway Sandwiches in Santa Ana

Posted on by Posted in Disease, Food, Food & Health, Health and Medical, OC Health Care, Orange County, Restaurants, Santa Ana Leave a comment

The OC Health Care Agency regularly conducts surprise health inspections at local restaurants and eateries. Here are the locations that they inspected and shut down for the week of Dec. 22-29:

Continue reading→

Why is the City of Santa Ana misleading us about Hepatitis A cases in Orange County?

Posted on by Posted in Crime, Disease, Drugs, homeless, OC Health Care, Orange County, Robert Cortez, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Is the city of Santa Ana telling us the truth about Hepatitis A?

A recent article on the homeless encampments in the Civic Center quotes Robert Cortez from the City Manager’s office:

“Cortez said city leaders are concerned about disease as a statewide outbreak of hepatitis that started in a San Diego homeless encampment and spread to Los Angeles and beyond. So far 672 have been reported statewide, but none in Orange County.” Continue reading→