City of Brea COVID-19 Community Update May 22, 2020

Orange County Awaiting Approval to Re-Open Expanded
Stage 2 Businesses

Yesterday, the County of Orange submitted its Variance Attestation to the California Department of Public Health seeking approval to re-open businesses further in Stage 2, now referred to as “Expanded Stage 2 Businesses.” The largest industries categorized in this stage include destination retail (shopping malls and swap meets), dine-in restaurants (bars and gaming areas are not included), and schools. While Expanded Stage 2 Businesses in Brea, along with the rest of the County, are not eligible to re-open at this time, they do need to be prepared and have plans in place for social distancing, disinfecting, tracking employee health and other best practices. The State has industry-specific guidance available on their website for businesses.

City Administrative Offices Now Open to the Public, by Appointment Only

As of Monday, May 18, City Administrative Offices re-opened to the public by appointment only. If an in-person visit is required, please call 714-990-7600 to schedule an appointment before coming in. Please note, face coverings are required and appointment check-in is located at the 3rd floor reception desk. City business can also be conducted by phone or email. Visit cityofbrea.net/covid19 for a reference guide with contact information for the most commonly requested services. At this time, all other City facilities remain closed.

City staff is taking precautions to ensure the safety of both employees and visitors. Plexi glass barriers have been installed at all counters, hand sanitizing stations are located throughout the building and there is a limit of no more than three persons in an elevator at one time. We thank you for your cooperation in trying to maintain a safe and healthy environment for all.

Donations Received Help Support Seniors in the Community

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the Brea Senior Center has continued to provide meals to seniors in the community. Last Week, staff handed out and delivered over 900 frozen meals to Brea’s seniors. Senior Center staff have been maintaining an average growth of over 100 additional meals distributed each week over the last eight weeks. Additionally, the Senior Center has received generous food donations from local Brea restaurants, such as Pizza Hut and Islands, Brookdale Senior Living, and from Senator Ling Ling Chang. The City is thankful for all the kind donors who help us serve our most vulnerable senior population.

Limited Parking Re-Opens at County Beaches 

The County of Orange re-opened limited parking at County-operated beaches on Monday, May 18. Parking with reduced capacity reopened at Salt Creek, Strands and Baby beaches in Dana Point. The coastal lot re-opened at Aliso Beach in South Laguna, with the inland lot remaining closed. Parking at Capistrano Beach is closed for maintenance. 

As a reminder, County beaches are open for active recreation only. Appropriate physical distancing must be observed. Non-stationary activities like walking, running, swimming, surfing, paddling, boating, kayaking, etc. are permitted. Stationary activities like sunbathing; building sandcastles; volleyball, spikeball and other group activities; and bringing coolers, umbrellas, grills, etc. are not permitted.  

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 22, Brea residents that have tested positive for COVID-19 increased to 33 individuals. Countywide, there have been 118 deaths and 4,941 confirmed COVID-19 cases. Please note, all numbers are cumulative from when the Health Care Agency began collecting data. The County is not collecting recovery information. To receive updates and resources directly from the County, text “OCCOVID19” to 888777 or call the County hotline at 1-833-426-6411.