City of Brea COVID-19 Community Update April 10, 2020

Celebrating Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic is causing us to celebrate Easter and other festivities differently. With the State’s stay at home and social distancing orders still in place, celebrating in large gatherings or with those outside of your household will have to wait. Parks and trails in Brea are open for households to take a walk, run or dog walk, as long as social distancing is maintained. Parks are not open for gatherings and amenities, such as playgrounds, picnic shelters, sport courts, fitness equipment, remain closed. Do your part to keep Brea safe and help flatten the curve!

Will you be celebrating Easter this weekend? Consider watching a virtual Easter service from your home, having an Easter egg hunt indoors or in your back yard and connecting with family and friends by calling, texting or video conferencing. Social distancing does not mean being socially isolated, stay in touch with others.

Latest COVID-19 Case Count

Orange County Health Officer Issues Face Covering Recommendation

The County Health Officer issued a recommendation strongly encouraging that all employees at essential businesses wear a face covering while at work, as well as residents engaged in essential activities outside the home. This recommendation is in line with guidance previously issued by the California Department of Public Health and is intended to help slow the spread of COVID-19 by those who are not displaying symptoms. Face coverings should cover the nose and mouth, and be secured to the head with ties or straps, or simply wrapped around the lower face. Residents can purchase factory-made ones or make their own by sewing or folding a variety of household items like scarfs, T-shirts, sweatshirts or towels. View the County recommendation here.

Remember, refrain from purchasing N95 and surgical masks that are critical for first responders and healthcare workers.

The best defense against COVID-19 remains the same:

Stay home as much as possible and practice social distancing.
Wash hands frequently.
Don’t touch eyes, noses, mouths and other parts of your face.
Avoid being around anyone who is sick.
Stay home if you are sick.

Check-In With Your Neighbor

While social distancing, it is still important to reach out to older neighbors and loved ones to see if they need help. Practicing social distancing does not mean being socially isolated. Stay in touch with friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers by texting, sending emails, talking on the phone, and video chatting. Let people know how much you care. Click here for a list of neighbor check-in ideas.

Brea Resource Center Telehealth Services

The Brea Resource Center is offering free telehealth video counseling services to help Brea residents that may be struggling during this difficult time. Today, Governor Newsom emphasized the importance of mental health services. Brea’s program helps to fulfill this need for those in our community. Contact the Resource Center at 714-990-7150 for further information.

Governor Announces Additional Unemployment Benefits

Governor Newsom announced additional unemployment benefits for workers impacted by COVID-19. Starting this Sunday, workers who are receiving unemployment benefits will begin receiving an extra $600 on top of their weekly amount, as part of the new Pandemic Additional Compensation (PAC) initiated by the CARES Act. This has been implemented as a record number of unemployment claims are being filed on a weekly basis throughout the state. More information can be found here.

Be on Alert of Scams

OC District Attorney Todd Spitzer recently highlighted scams and attempts to exploit the public. Please stay cognizant of those who may be attempting to take advantage of others during this pandemic. Report concerns of price gauging, unapproved testing kits, child/elder abuse, email/phone call scams, or other suspicious activity to OC District Attorney Todd Spitzer’s Office by calling 714-834-3482.

Create a Family Preparedness Plan

The County of Orange is encouraging residents to create a family preparedness plan in the event they are impacted by COVID-19, especially for caregivers who may fall ill. This plan may include creating an alternate caregiver list, preparing certain documents, writing down special instructions, and creating a kid-friendly “go bag” with overnight essentials. More information to prepare can be found here.

Revised County Hotline Hours

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 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. 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.