City of Brea COVID-19 Community Update April 2, 2020

Brea Police Department Employees Contract COVID-19

Keeping the Brea community and employees safe is the top priority as City officials continue to diligently mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are aware that the virus is present throughout our community and has now directly impacted City staff. We are sharing with you the unfortunate news that three of our own City of Brea employees in the Police Department have contracted the virus. Rest assured, Brea Police Department operations have not been impacted and risk of exposure to other members of the Brea Police Department, City employees and the community is low. All appropriate guidelines from federal, state and county health officials will continue to be followed meticulously in order to reduce the risk of exposure and promote recovery. More details on the City’s response is available here.

State of California Health Order Remains in Effect

On March 17, the County of Orange issued a Public Health Order set to expire on March 31, 2020. On March 19, California Governor Gavin Newsom and the State Public Health Officer issued a Stay at Home Order. The State’s order supersedes the County’s order, until further notice stating that all individuals are ordered to stay home except when required to complete essential needs or business. The order also dictated individuals employ social distancing practices by maintaining 6 feet of distance from others. In addition, the State Public Health Officer has designated a list of Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers to help state, local, tribal, and industry partners as they work to protect communities, while ensuring continuity of functions critical to public health and safety, as well as economic and national security.


Essential services remaining open:

• Gas stations 
• Pharmacies
• Food: Grocery stores, farmers markets, food banks, convenience stores, take-out and delivery restaurants 
• Banks 
• Laundromats/laundry services 
• Essential state and local government functions will also remain open, including law enforcement and offices that provide government programs and services.

• Dine-in restaurants 
• Bars and nightclubs 
• Entertainment venues 
• Gyms and fitness studios 
• Public events and gatherings 
• Convention Centers
• Hair and nail salons

More information on Governor Newsom’s order can be found on the state’s website by clicking here.

Orange County Health Care Agency Statistics

According to the Orange County Health Care Agency statistics updated today, there are 4 confirmed Brea residents who have tested positive for COVID-19. Please note, city case data is reflective of where cases live, but does not necessarily reflect where the transmission occurred. Per the County of Orange, city data should not be interpreted to reflect where transmission is geographically focused or not, as COVID-19 is present in all communities in the County. To date, there has unfortunately been 13 deaths and 656 confirmed COVID-19 cases county-wide. During the week, Brea’s case counts are updated on the City’s website and social media platforms.

Additional Resources

Orange County residents can call a toll-free Hotline for COVID-19 County resources. The hotline number is 1-833-426-6411. Through the hotline, callers can be connected to the various county agencies.
Text “OCCOVID19” to 888-777 to receive text updates from the County of Orange. Or, visit the Orange County Health Care Agency’s website for more information.

The Orange County Community Services has implemented a call center to meet the needs of businesses impacted by COVID-19. The Economic & Business Recovery Call Center offers information and resources to help Orange County businesses navigate the current economic climate. These resources will support businesses with challenges such as lay-off aversion, loans, utility reduction programs, and community resources mapping. Businesses can call the Economic & Business Recovery Call Center at (714) 480-6500 during hours of operation Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

To report a bar that is operating or a restaurant that is still open for dine-in, contact the County’s Environmental Health division at 714-433-6000 or email ehealth@ochca.com.

Stay Informed

View the most updated information regarding COVID-19 on Brea’s COVID-19 dedicated website page and follow the City’s social media accounts.

There is a lot of mixed-information circling around. Please visit the FEMA website to view facts versus rumors related to COVID-19.