City of Brea COVID-19 Community Update August 6, 2020

Orange County Health Care Agency Statistics

As of today, there has been a cumulative total of 357 Brea residents who have tested positive for COVID-19, and 5 Brea residents who have passed away from the virus.  According to County statistics, there have been 38,711 confirmed COVID-19 cumulative cases county-wide, 580 of which were newly-reported today. Additionally, there has unfortunately been 697 cumulative deaths to date, with 32 newly-reported today. Currently, 517 cases are hospitalized, 171 of which are in the ICU. The County estimates 28,109 individuals have recovered, but that number is speculative.

Since last week, the Orange County Health Care Agency (OCHCA) indicated that positive cases are being under reported due to a statewide computer error. The CalREDIE Electronic Laboratory Reporting system is experiencing issues with the application that receives test reports from laboratories. The California Department of Public Health is working to resolve the issue, in the interim, this is causing a lower number of Daily COVID Positive Cases Received and Tests Reported. The County is expecting to see a rise in positive COVID-19 cases in the coming days when the delayed test results are reported. At this time, the County Health Officer and the State are not relying on the positivity rates, nor cases per 100,000, until the computer issue is resolved. Additionally, Counties are not being added or removed from the State Monitoring List until further notice.

 
County Announces SafeDineOC Restaurant Campaign

Today, the County of Orange announced their SafeDineOC COVID-Safe Restaurant Campaign to incentivize Orange County restaurants to follow California Department of Public Health guidance to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Restaurant owners may apply for a $1,000 grant per restaurant location for taking steps to create a COVID-safe environment for their customers and employees. Restaurants that apply and are approved will be added to a list of COVID-safe eateries organized by city that will be available to consumers on the SafeDineOC website. More information about this program can also be found on the website.

 
Youth Sports Allowed to Resume Under New Guidance

The California Department of Public Health released new guidance for youth sports activities to re-open including school-based, club and recreational programs. All youth sports and physical education in Orange County must follow state guidance of physical distancing and safety protocols. Other guidance highlights include:

• Youth sports and physical education will be permitted only when the physical distancing of at least six feet can be maintained and a stable cohort such as a class is maintained.
• Activities should take place outside to the maximum extent practicable.
• Tournaments, events and competitions or any outdoor or indoor youth sports activities requiring close contact are not yet permitted under the state’s guidance.

School Waiver Process Released by the State

Earlier this week, State administrators, along with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), released information about the waiver process for re-opening elementary schools. The waiver is only applicable to elementary schools for grades TK-6, even if the grade configuration at the school includes additional grades. CDPH recommends that schools on the County Monitoring List should not be considered for a waiver to re-open in-person instruction. Approval from the Local Health Officer is needed for a waiver to be submitted, and prior to applying for the waiver, the applicant must consult with labor, parent, and community organizations, along with publishing re-opening plans on their website. More on the waiver process can be found here. As of today, the school waiver program is on hold until the State reporting computer issue is resolved.

 
Keep Yourself and Our Community Safe

In order to slow the spread of COVID-19, we encourage the community to continue complying with all State and County health orders, as well as using best health practices. Stay vigilant and follow the best practices listed below.

• Wash hands frequently and for at least 20 seconds.

• Wear a face covering.

• Disinfect commonly touched surfaces, such as cell phones, door knobs, light switches, keys, etc.

• Physically distance from those you do not live with.