City of Brea COVID-19 Community Update May 8, 2020

Businesses Begin to Re-Open as California Moves into Stage 2 of Modifying the Stay-at-Home Order

Yesterday, Governor Newsom announced that California will begin to move into Stage 2 of his four-stage plan to modify the Stay-at-Home order. Starting May 8, some lower-risk workplaces can gradually open with adaptations. Retail, and their associated supply chains, can reopen with modifications that follow new State guidance. Eligible retail businesses include, bookstores, jewelry stores, toy stores, clothing stores, shoe stores, home and furnishing stores, sporting goods stores, antique stores, music stores, and florists. Please note, reopening will be phased-in, starting first with curbside pickup and delivery only, until further notice.

Schools, childcare, dine-in restaurants, offices, shopping malls and outdoor museums are part of Stage 2, but are NOT part of this initial reopening plan. They will open at a later time. A list of businesses that are and are not able to open at this time is available here. The new State guidance serves as a good example of what all businesses should be thinking about as we continue on with our recovery. It outlines best practices that will be key in preventing the spread of COVID-19 as restrictions start to ease. The community’s efforts to abide by the Stay-at-Home order issued on March 19 has allowed the State to move forward on its roadmap for modifying the order. You can read more about the governor’s announcement at Covid19.ca.gov/roadmap. We understand businesses are eager to open. In Brea, we are closely following the Governor’s four-stage roadmap for reopening business. Cities and Counties do not have the authority to supersede the State’s more restrictive orders. 

Orange County Beaches Reopen with Modifications

Last week, all of Orange County’s coast was shut down by Governor Newsom, in response to crowds that showed up to select areas of coastline amid a recent heatwave. Each beach city and the County submitted modified operating beach plans that were approved by Governor Newsom, who has since reopened beaches. Although beaches have re-opened, they are for active recreation use only and physical distancing is required.

Orange County Health Care Agency Update

The City of Brea continues to follow guidance and orders from the state and the County of Orange. According to Orange County Health Care Agency’s statistics, as of May 8, a total of 27 Brea residents have tested positive for COVID-19. Countywide, there have been 71 deaths and 3,240 confirmed COVID-19 cases. Please note, all numbers are cumulative from when the Health Care Agency began collecting data. To receive updates and resources from the county directly, you may text “OCCOVID19” to 888777 or call the county hotline at 1-833-426-6411.

 
New State Website for COVID-19 Testing

Governor Newsom announced a new website to help Californians find a testing site near them. On the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) website, you can quickly search testing sites by location and schedule an appointment. The testing locator website features community testing locations which are open to Californians who meet current testing guidelines.

 
New Election Procedures for Fall 2020

Governor Newsom today signed an executive order to ensure that Californians can exercise their right to vote in a safe and accessible manner during the General Election this November. The order requires that each county’s elections officials send vote-by-mail ballots for the November 3, 2020 General Election to all registered voters. Californians who may need access to in-person voting opportunities – including individuals with disabilities, individuals who speak languages other than English, individuals experiencing homelessness, and others – will still be able to access in-person voting opportunities. More information on this topic can be found by clicking here.