Coronavirus Update for OC
Coronavirus is the top headline in the news, and many people are understandably concerned about their own health, the risks to their family members, friends and neighbors, and their economic livelihood. As my team continues to work with state and county public health officials on developments around COVID-19, I want to update you on critical developments.
On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared COVID-19 a pandemic. As of this writing, there are over 335 confirmed cases in California and 13 confirmed cases in Orange County. These statistics are updated around by the California Department of Health and OC Health, multiple times throughout the week.
One of my top priorities is to work on urgency legislation to support our health systems, schools, individuals, businesses and nonprofits impacted by COVID-19. I encourage you to contact my office and let us know how you’re being affected. We want to ensure we’re covering all angles of assistance.
I also encourage you to read up on how to help Flatten the Curve. We can each take specific actions to help reduce the burden on our healthcare systems, by practicing social distancing and applying routine hygiene like washing our hands.
Additionally, I understand there are significant concerns surrounding the ability to get tested. Currently OC Health is testing in accordance to CDC guidance, while private labs are testing through doctor referral. If you believe you have COVID-19 symptoms, please speak to your healthcare provider via phone for a consultation.
Defeating this outbreak requires all of us in partnership to commit to following CDC and local guidelines. Until we have a vaccine, we need to all work together. Our choices and behaviors can have a real positive impact on the health of our community.
ADDITIONAL GUIDANCE FROM THE STATE
On March 17, the Governor held a press conference to update state guidance on COVID-19, including the following:
- Those who are 65 and older, or have chronic health conditions must practice home isolation.
- Bars, night clubs, wineries, and breweries should close in CA.
- Restaurants are open at 50% capacity, but we encourage everyone to focus on takeout and delivery to maximize options for social distancing.
We encourage constituents to follow these guidelines, to help flatten the curve.
ADDITIONAL STEPS TO TAKE:
- If you think you’re exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms, please call your healthcare provider first and ask for guidance on your next steps. If you are unable to do so, please contact OC Health’s hotline at: 1-800-564-8448, 7 days a week, 8-5:
- Stay home from school or work. If your employment is impacted by COVID-19, you might be eligible for state assistance.
- Please be vigilant about stopping the spread of germs; wash your hands for twenty seconds and don’t touch your face. This video from the CDC shows proper handwashing guidance.
- Practice social distancing or community mitigation strategies, even if you don’t fit the current COVID-19 criteria for high risk. We want to ensure asymptomatic individuals do not infect at-risk individuals.
- If you have any additional questions on work-related situations around COVID-19 – e.g. Disability and unemployment insurance or paid family leave, information and resources are available at CA Department of Labor.
- Staying informed – state officials have worked closely with local and public health officials to offer concrete, well-rounded guidance.
CDPH Guidance page: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/
OC Public Health Agency: http://www.
FURTHER UPDATES
My office is updating on Facebook and Twitter and daily.
As your Assemblymember, I am working closely with the administration, local health authorities, school districts and local businesses to ensure that we are responding together to prevent and address risks associated with coronavirus. If you have questions or need more information, do not hesitate to contact my office https://a74.asmdc.org/
Yours faithfully,
Cottie Petrie-Norris
California State Assemblywoman, AD74
