Novel Coronavirus (COVID 19) Preparedness Update

(Santa Ana, Calif.) – The Orange County Board of Supervisors held a special meeting today to adopt and ratify two resolutions — the Chairwoman’s local emergency and the County Health Officer’s local health emergency — related to novel coronavirus (COVID-19) preparedness.

“The community needs to understand that these declarations are to ensure the County of Orange remains able to swiftly prepare and respond from staffing, resource and communication flow perspective to the rapidly evolving situation of COVID-19,” said Supervisor Donald P. Wagner.

There is no active outbreak or evidence of local transmission currently in Orange County, CA. Community members are encouraged to visit www.ochealthinfo.com/novelcoronavirus and follow the OC Health Care Agency (HCA) on Twitter (@ochealth) and Facebook (@ochealthinfo) for the latest information and news as it breaks.

Chairwoman Steel and Vice-Chairman Do also directed the County Executive Officer to support HCA. All relevant County of Orange employees, front-line health workers, and first responders are given proper training and equipment to identify the early signs and symptoms of COVID-19.

In additional preparedness and response news, the HCA’s Public Health Laboratory now can perform, often the same business day, COVID-19 testing when patients meet specific criteria as set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This testing is arranged with everyone’s health care provider and hospital.

“We want to be prepared but not panicked, aggressive in our approach but not hysterical,” said Supervisor Don Wagner. “I thank my colleagues at the Board and the HCA for their active vigilance in educating and training all first responders and health care workers. We can feel confident we are taking every step to manage any suspected case properly,” said Supervisor Wagner.

Supervisor Wagner encouraged residents to take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of all respiratory illnesses, such as washing their hands and covering their coughs and sneezes. He also asked from the Dais if public events require cancellation; County Health Officer Dr. Nichole Quick confirmed there is no need to alter daily activities but to please stay home if you are presenting flu-like symptoms.

The County does not want to burden life-saving resources unless people meet the criteria for testing as outlined by the CDC. Alertoc.com is another vital tool to tap into for the latest news; register your mobile device today to receive future emergency updates via phone, email and text. Orange County residents can also call (714) 628-7054 for further assistance.

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