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Orange County will offer drive-up COVID-19 testing starting today in Anaheim

Posted on by Posted in Anaheim, Disease, Health Care, OC Health Care, Orange County, Public Safety Leave a comment

Santa Ana, Calif. – In a model private-public partnership, the County of Orange announced today that thanks to a collaboration with 360 Clinic and the City of Anaheim, the County will be able to significantly increase COVID-19 testing capacity with the opening of large scale drive-through testing at Anaheim Convention Center starting July 15.

“This is really helpful in our fight to get the Novel Coronavirus under control in Orange County,” said Orange County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Michelle Steel, Second District. “Ramping up testing particularly among frontline workers and hard-hit communities is essential as we work to better understand the spread of the virus in our communities and work to make better policy that will protect the public while also allowing our residents to go to work, pay their bills and put food on the table.”

360 Clinic will be conducting no-out-of-pocket cost testing leveraging personal insurance reimbursements and federal government assistance for the uninsured, with additional financial support from the County.  

“So many Orange County residents, who are among the frontline workers in our community, need testing to protect their health and the health of their families. The Anaheim Convention Center, with its big open space, provides us a wonderful opportunity to provide the critically needed testing services and, at the same time, keep everyone safe,” said Vice Chairman Supervisor Andrew Do, First District. “The Convention Center is also centrally located to be able to serve both Anaheim and Santa Ana, two cities that need access to testing the most, given the high number of cases in those cities.” 

Tests will be available for individuals on prioritized for testing by the California Department of Public Health:

  • People with symptoms
  • Close contacts to people known to have COVID-19
  • Healthcare workers and first responders
  • Residents and employees of congregate living facilities
  • Essential workers (grocery store, food supply, utility workers and public employees)

“This is so important for Anaheim – one of the hardest hit cities in Orange County,” said Supervisor Doug Chaffee, Fourth District. “Anaheim and Santa Ana – Orange County’s largest cities make up nearly 22 percent of our population, but they account for 40 percent of the cases.”

The initial target is to conduct 600 to 800 tests per day, five days per week with a goal of reaching 1,200 per day within two weeks. 360 Clinic and the convention center have the capacity to expand volume depending public health recommendations as well as lab and supply capacities.

“With the ability to test more people, the anxiety over whether it’s just a cough or flu or whether it’s COVID, can be allayed,” said Supervisor Donald P. Wagner, Third District. “The data from this new supersite will help us refine our knowledge of COVID-19 and be better prepared in Orange County.”

Orange County residents who have insurance are requested to contact their medical provider first about getting tested prior to registering for an appointment at the Anaheim Convention Center site; and most HMO’s request that members obtain testing through their own provider.

Orange County residents who meet the aforementioned criteria may register online starting today in the evening at http://occovid19.ochealthinfo.com/supersite.  Participants will be asked to provide their contact information along with their health insurance information (if they have it) while selecting their appointment date and time. Once an individual has successfully registered, they will receive a confirmation text or email. They will be required to show this confirmation on the date and time of their registration in order to be tested.

More information about the Anaheim Convention Center testing site process may be found at: http://occovid19.ochealthinfo.com/supersite.

Supervisor Lisa Bartlett, Fifth District said, “Testing is key to providing people the information they need to make decisions and take action to protect themselves and others, should they test positive for COVID-19.”

Starting on Wednesday, July 15, the Anaheim Convention Center site will operate Wednesdays – Sundays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Should Orange County residents have questions, they may contact a 360 Clinic representative at (800) 446-8888. More information about testing as well as other testing sites across Orange County may be found at: ochealthinfo.com/covidtest.

“As Orange County’s largest city, Anaheim is joining with the County to meet the challenge of coronavirus,” said Anaheim Mayor Harry Sidhu. “No other city has the space and skills to make this happen on this scale. This will expand testing for Anaheim and all of Orange County at a critical time.”

Orange County has conducted more than 307,400 PCR tests as of July 12 with 24,715 people testing positive. More than 420 people have died from the disease in Orange County – more than half of that number at skilled nursing facilities.

“This mirrors what the state sites have been able to do and adds major additional capacity for those not able to get tested because of the overwhelming demand,” said Orange County Agency Director and Acting County Health Officer Dr. Clayton Chau.

More Information:

Note for Media: The Anaheim Convention Center will be open for a VIP drive-through event at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 15 for live shots and interviews with Board of Supervisors’ members and the Anaheim Mayor. Media Alert to follow.

1,995 people have recovered from COVID-19 in Orange County

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The Orange County Health Care Agency (HCA) has finally announced that 1,995 people have allegedly recovered from the COVID-19 virus here in Orange County.

The HCA did note however that while every case of the new coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is reported to HCA, there is no practical way to find out if they’ve recovered. Moreover, many people may have experienced some symptoms of COVID-19, but were have not been tested, making it impossible to know the exact number of COVID-19 infections and recoveries.

The HCA finally came up with an estimate by taking the difference between the prior 28-day cumulative case count and current day mortality to determine the current day recovered total. They also asked that we consider this data to be only an estimate and it should be interpreted with caution.

There are currently 5,578 COVID-19 victims in Orange County including 131 fatalities. There are 904 cases in Anaheim. A total of 131 new O.C. cases were announced today. There are currently 269 victims in local hospitals and 106 of them are in Intensive Care Units.

Here is how other major cities in Orange County are faring:

  • Santa Ana reports 1,032 cases
  • Huntington Beach reports 329 cases
  • Garden Grove reports 286 cases
  • Orange reports 258 cases
  • Irvine reports 180 cases
  • Buena Park reports 160 cases
  • Newport Beach reports 139 cases
  • Fullerton reports 184 cases
  • Westminster reports 108 cases
  • Tustin reports 89 cases
  • Costa Mesa reports 104 cases
  • Fountain Valley reports 53 cases

The California Department of Public Health announced on May 25 the most recent statistics on COVID-19. California now has 94,558 confirmed cases and 3,795 deaths.

The CDC reports these nationwide cases:

  • TOTAL CASES: 1,662,414
  • 24,958 New Cases
  • TOTAL DEATHS: 98,261
  • 592 New Deaths

Health Care Worker Infection Rates

As of May 24, local health departments have reported 9,328 confirmed positive cases in health care workers and 50 deaths statewide. 

Your Actions Save Lives

Every person has a role to play. Protecting yourself and your family comes down to common sense: 

  • Staying home except for essential needs/activities.
  • Practicing social distancing.
  • Washing hands with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds.
  • Avoiding touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Covering a cough or sneeze with your sleeve, or disposable tissue. Wash your hands afterward.
  • 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.
  • Following guidance from public health officials.

What to Do if You Think You’re Sick
Call ahead: If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough or shortness of breath) and may have had contact with a person with COVID-19, or recently traveled to countries with apparent community spread, call your health care provider before seeking medical care so that appropriate precautions can be taken.

For more information about what Californians can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19, visit Coronavirus (COVID-19) in California.

California continues to issue guidance on preparing and protecting California from COVID-19. Consolidated guidance is available on the California Department of Public Health’s Guidance web page.

There are now 230 total cases of COVID-19 in Anaheim and 1,753 cases Countywide

Posted on by Posted in Anaheim, Disease, Health Care, News, OC Health Care, Public Safety Leave a comment

Today, April 22, the OC Health Care Agency reported a total of 1,753 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Orange County and 230 cases in Anaheim. A total of 67 new cases were reported today and one death. Todate 34 victims have died in Orange County. There are 162 victims currently in local hospitals and 70 of them are in Intensive Care Units.

Here is how other major cities in Orange County are faring:

  • Santa Ana reports 184 cases
  • Huntington Beach reports 153 cases
  • Irvine reports 119 cases
  • Newport Beach reports 89 cases
  • Garden Grove reports 69 cases
  • Orange reports 65 cases
  • Buena Park reports 64 cases
  • Fullerton reports 59 cases
  • Tustin reports 33 cases
  • Westminster reports 26 cases
  • Fountain Valley reports 25 cases

The California Department of Public Health reported 35,396 confirmed cases and 1,354 deaths as of April 22.

The CDC reported 802,583 total confirmed cases and 44,575 deaths as of April 21.

How People Can Protect Themselves

Every person has a role to play. Protecting yourself and your family comes down to common sense: 

  • Staying home except for essential needs/activities.
  • Practicing social distancing.
  • Washing hands with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds.
  • Avoiding touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Covering a cough or sneeze with your sleeve, or disposable tissue. Wash your hands afterward.
  • 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.
  • Following guidance from public health officials.

What to Do if You Think You’re Sick
Call ahead: If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough or shortness of breath) and may have had contact with a person with COVID-19, or recently traveled to countries with apparent community spread, call your health care provider before seeking medical care so that appropriate precautions can be taken.

For more information about what Californians can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19, visit Coronavirus (COVID-19) in California.

California continues to issue guidance on preparing and protecting California from COVID-19. Consolidated guidance is available on the California Department of Public Health’s Guidance web page.

There are now 215 cases of COVID-19 in Anaheim and 1,691 cases Countywide

Posted on by Posted in Anaheim, Disease, Emergencies, Health Care, OC Health Care, Orange County, Public Safety Leave a comment

The O.C. Health Care Agency is now reporting 215 total cases of COVID-19 in Anaheim as of April 21, 2020 and 1,691 cases Countywide. There were 29 new cases reported today. No new deaths were reported today. To date 33 victims have passed away. There are currently 148 victims in local hospitals and 54 of them are in Intensive Care Units.

Here is how other major cities in Orange County are faring:

  • Santa Ana reports 174 cases
  • Huntington Beach reports 148 cases
  • Irvine reports 118 cases
  • Newport Beach reports 88 cases
  • Garden Grove reports 65 cases
  • Orange reports 64 cases
  • Buena Park reports 60 cases
  • Fullerton reports 57 cases
  • Costa Mesa reports 32 cases

California now has 30,978 confirmed cases and 1,208 deaths, according to the CA Dept. of Public Health.

The CDC reports 776,093 cases and 41,758 deaths to date.

Health Care Worker Infection Rates 

As of April 19, local health departments have reported 3,584 confirmed positive cases in health care workers. This includes on-the-job exposures, and other exposures, such as travel and close family contact. As testing capacity continues to increase, and more tests are being conducted directly in physician’s offices and processed through commercial laboratories, local public health officials will not be able to report the source of exposure for every affected health care worker.

Testing in California 

As of April 19, more than 290,500 tests had been conducted in California. At least 283,317 results have been received and another 7,200 are pending. These numbers include data California has received from commercial, private and academic labs, including Quest, LabCorp, Kaiser, University of California and Stanford, and the 22 state and county health labs currently testing.

How People Can Protect Themselves
Every person has a role to play. Protecting yourself and your family comes down to common sense: 

  • Staying home except for essential needs/activities.
  • Practicing social distancing.
  • Washing hands with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds.
  • Avoiding touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Covering a cough or sneeze with your sleeve, or disposable tissue. Wash your hands afterward.
  • 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.
  • Following guidance from public health officials.


What to Do if You Think You’re Sick
Call ahead: If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough or shortness of breath) and may have had contact with a person with COVID-19, or recently traveled to countries with apparent community spread, call your health care provider before seeking medical care so that appropriate precautions can be taken.

For more information about what Californians can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19, visit Coronavirus (COVID-19) in California.

California continues to issue guidance on preparing and protecting California from COVID-19. Consolidated guidance is available on the California Department of Public Health’s Guidance web page.​​​

There are now 128 COVID-19 cases in Anaheim and 1,138 cases Countywide

Posted on by Posted in Anaheim, Disease, Emergencies, Health Care, News, OC Health Care, Orange County, Public Safety Leave a comment

The O.C. Health Care Agency is now reporting a total of 128 COVID-19 cases in Anaheim and 1,138 cases in Orange County. They also reported 62 new cases today but no new fatalities. So far there have been 17 deaths. Currently 124 victims are hospitalized including 57 in Intensive Care Units.

Here is how some of the other major cities in Orange County are faring:

  • Irvine reports 91 cases
  • Santa Ana reports 87 cases
  • Newport Beach reports 81 cases
  • Orange reports 42 cases
  • Garden Grove reports 32 cases
  • Fullerton reports 31 cases
  • Costa Mesa reports 22 cases
  • Tustin reports 21 cases
  • Westminster reports 19 cases

As of April 8, 2020, there are a total of 18,309 positive cases and 492 deaths in California, according to the CA Dept. of Public Health.

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 figures:

  • Total cases: 459,165
  • Total deaths: 16,570

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.

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. 

test_community

California has partnered with Verily’s Project Baseline to launch a community COVID-19 testing program to expand screening and testing for high-risk individuals in certain areas of the state. High-risk individuals located in Santa Clara or San Mateo counties, or within 50 miles of the cities of Riverside or Sacramento, can complete the screener to see if they qualify for testing through this program. Potential participants need internet access and a Google account.

What should you do if you think you’re sick?

Call ahead: If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and may have had contact with a person with COVID-19, or recently traveled to countries with apparent community spread, call your health care provider before seeking medical care so that appropriate precautions can be taken.

Necesito Hacerme La Prueba Del Covid-19? (PNG)

The O.C. COVID-19 hotline hours will change on April 11

Posted on by Posted in Anaheim, Disease, Emergencies, Health Care, News, OC Health Care, Orange County, Public Safety, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Effective Saturday, April 11, the Orange County COVID-19 Public Information Hotline and Health Referral Line will take calls from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Residents can call 833-426-6411 to be connected to resources including the Health Referral Line, public assistance benefits, the District Attorney’s scams and price gouging hotline, and the Economic and Business Recovery hotline.

Residents with COVID-19 questions can contact the County of Orange COVID-19 Hotline at 1(833)426-6411 at any time, but individual hotline hours will vary.

Through the hotline, callers can be connected to the following resources:

•        Orange County Health Care Agency – Health Referral Line, Behavioral Health Resources

  • Orange County Social Services Agency – Public Assistance 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
  • Small Business Recovery
  • 2-1-1 Orange County

The Orange County Health Care Agency website at www.ochealthinfo.com/novelcoronavirus 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, visit covid19.ca.gov.

The Orange County COVID-19 Hotline can be reached at 1(833) 426-6411.

There are 114 COVID-19 cases in Anaheim and 1,079 total cases Countywide

Posted on by Posted in Anaheim, Disease, Emergencies, Health Care, News, OC Health Care, Public Safety Leave a comment

The O.C. Health Care Agency is now reporting a total of 114 COVID-19 cases in Anaheim 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:

  • Irvine reports 90 cases
  • Newport Beach reports 81 cases
  • Santa Ana reports 78 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

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

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. 

Anaheim is now up to 95 COVID-19 cases while there are 931 Countywide

Posted on by Posted in Anaheim, Disease, Emergencies, Health Care, News, OC Health Care, Orange County, Public Safety Leave a comment

The O.C. Health Care Agency reported today 95 total cases of COVID-19 in Anaheim and 931 cases Countywide. A total of 50 new cases were reported today as well as one death. Thus far there have been a total of 15 deaths in Orange County due to COVID-19. There are 129 victims in the hospital and 75 of them are in Intensive Care Units.

Here is how other major cities in Orange County are faring:

  • Irvine reports 82 cases
  • Newport Beach reports 75 cases
  • Huntington Beach reports 67 cases
  • Santa Ana reports 65 cases
  • Laguna Beach reports 34 cases
  • Orange reports 32 cases
  • Buena Park reports 30 cases
  • Garden Grove reports 24 cases
  • Mission Viejo reports 23 cases
  • Costa Mesa reports 21 cases
  • Fullerton reports 21 cases
  • Fountain Valley reports 14 cases
  • Westminster reports 14 cases

As of April 6, 2020, there are a total of 15,865 positive cases and 374 deaths in California, according to the CA Department of Public Health.

Ages of all confirmed positive cases in California:

  • Age 0-17: 197 cases
  • Age 18-49: 7,753 cases
  • Age 50-64: 4,344 cases
  • Age 65 and older: 3,516 cases
  • Unknown/Missing: 55 cases

Gender of all confirmed positive cases in California:

  • Female: 7,600 cases
  • Male: 7,957 cases
  • Unknown: 308 cases

Here is how of our neighboring Counties are faring:

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.

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.

The public’s help is sought after a gang-related drive-by shooting in unincorporated Anaheim

Posted on by Posted in Anaheim, Crime, Gangs, News, Orange County Sheriff, Police Leave a comment

NEWS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Homicide investigators seek public assistance after gang-related, drive-by shooting

SANTA ANA, Ca. (October 5, 2018) – On September 24, 2018, at 1:25 p.m. deputies responded to the 9000 block of Cerritos Ave. in unincorporated Anaheim regarding a subject who had been shot. Upon their arrival, deputies located an adult male who sustained a gunshot wound while riding his bicycle on Cerritos Ave. The victim, Victor Sanchez, 19, Anaheim, was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. Continue reading→

2018 O.C. June Primary Election Voter Guide

Posted on by Posted in 2018 Elections, Elections, News, Orange County, Politics Leave a comment

The 2018 June Primary Election is coming up on June 5. We have examined all of the candidates in Orange County. If you support the CA Gas Tax you will not like this Voter Guide. We are generally not supporting candidates who want to raise our taxes or who support the High Speed Rail boondoggle. Here are our thoughts about the candidates for local offices here in Orange County:

  • Orange County Assessor – the incumbent is Claude Parrish. From what we hear he is a few sandwiches short of a picnic. Nevertheless the OC GOP has endorsed him. The Democrats have endorsed Nathaniel Fernandez Epstein, a lawyer who did not bother to buy a candidate’s statement. We like Richard B. Ramirez, a Deputy Assessor. He has our endorsement.

Continue reading→