The O.C. Health Care Agency is now reporting a total of 78 COVID-19 cases in Santa Ana and 1,079 total cases in Orange County. There were 67 new cases reported today. There are currently 127 patients in area hospitals and 63 of them are in Intensive Care Units. To date there have been 17 deaths attributed to COVID-19. No new deaths were reported today.
- 35% of the COVID-19 deaths have involved Asian O.C. residents
- 59% of the fatalities involved males
- 53% of the deaths involved victims over the age of 65
Here is how other major cities in Orange County are faring:
- Anaheim continues to lead the county with 114 cases
- Irvine reports 90 cases
- Newport Beach reports 81 cases
- Huntington Beach reports 76 cases
- Buena Park reports 35 cases
- Laguna Beach reports 35 cases
- Mission Viejo reports 31 cases
- Garden Grove reports 30 cases
- Fullerton reports 27 cases
- Costa Mesa reports 21 cases
- Tustin reports 19 cases
- Fountain Valley reports 16 cases
- Westminster reports 16 cases
As of April 8, 2020, there are a total of 18,309 positive cases and 492 deaths in California, according to the CA Public Health Dept.
Racial Demographics
This initial information, representing 54 percent of COVID-19 cases and 53 percent of deaths, shows the race and ethnicity data is roughly in line with the diversity of California overall:
- Latinos: 30% of cases and 26% of deaths (39% of the state’s population)
- Whites: 37% of cases and 38% of deaths (37% of the state’s population)
- African Americans/Blacks: 7% of cases and 8% of deaths (6% of the state’s population)
- Asians: 13% of cases and 18% of deaths (15% of the state’s population)
- Multiracial: 2% of cases and 1.5% of deaths (2% of the state’s population)
- American Indians or Alaska Natives: 0.2% of cases and 0.4% of deaths (0.5% of the states’ population)
- Native Hawaiians or Pacific Islanders: 2% of cases and .8% of deaths (0.3% of the state’s population)
- Other: 13% of cases and 8% of deaths (N/A)
The CDC reports these nationwide COVID-19 figures:
- Total cases: 427,460
- Total deaths: 14,696
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
If you are at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 because of your age or health condition, it is important for you to take actions to reduce your risk of getting sick with the disease, including:
- Isolate at home and practice social distancing.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, or having been in a public place.
- Avoiding touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick, and stay away from large gatherings and crowds.
- Consider ways of getting food brought to your house through family, social, or commercial networks.
It is also important that you listen to public health officials who may recommend community actions to reduce potential exposure to COVID-19, especially if COVID-19 is spreading in your community.
For more information visit the CDC’s website.
What if I’m sick?
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Typically, human coronaviruses cause mild-to-moderate respiratory illness. Symptoms are very similar to the flu, including:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
COVID-19 can cause more severe respiratory illness.
What if I have symptoms?
Patient: If a person develops symptoms of COVID-19, including fever, cough or shortness of breath, and has reason to believe they may have been exposed, they should call their health care provider before seeking care. Contacting them in advance will make sure that people can get the care they need without putting others at risk. Please be sure to tell your health care provider about your travel history. You can also take the following precautionary measures: avoid contact with sick individuals, wash hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.Health Care Provider: Patients who may have infection with this novel coronavirus should wear a surgical mask and be placed in an airborne infection isolation room. If an airborne infection isolation room is not available, the patient should be placed in a private room with the door closed. Health care providers should use standard, contact and airborne precautions and use eye protection. Please see “Update and Interim Guidance on Outbreak of 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in Wuhan, China” for more information about infection control. The Public Health Department will issue All Facility Letters to regulated healthcare facilities within California with updated information and guidance; these can be found on the AFL webpage.
