City of Brea COVID-19 Community Update, December 18

Orange County Health Care Agency Statistics

Today, the County is reporting 24 new COVID-19 cases in Brea. This brings the City’s cumulative total to 1,285 residents who have tested positive. Of the total confirmed cases, 109 children have contracted the virus. Unfortunately, 15 Brea residents have passed away due to COVID. According to County statistics, there have been 116,377 confirmed COVID-19 cumulative cases county-wide, 2,594 of which were newly-reported today. Additionally, there has unfortunately been 1,734 cumulative deaths to date, with 3 newly-reported today. Currently, 1,557 cases are hospitalized, 358 of which are in the ICU. The County estimates 71,216 individuals have recovered, but that number is speculative.

Orange County currently has an average of 42.7 daily COVID-19 positive cases per 100,000 people and a testing positivity percentage of 13.2%. The County is reporting a 18.8% positivity rate for its most disadvantaged neighborhoods, known as the health equity quartile positivity rate.

Regional Stay-at-Home Order Remains in Effect for Southern California Region

Orange County, which is in the Southern California Region, remains under the State’s Regional Stay-at-Home Order. Our region entered the Order on 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, December 6, when ICU capacity dropped below the 15% threshold. As of today, the Southern California Region has 0% ICU capacity available. Although the Regional Stay-At-Home Order is set to expire on December 27, the Orange County Health Officer stated that it is unlikely the Southern California Region will be eligible to have the Order lifted at that time due to worsening ICU conditions.

 
As a reminder, the Regional Stay-at-Home Order prohibits private gatherings of any size, closes sector operations, except for critical infrastructure and retail, and requires 100% masking and physical distancing in all others. More information on the Order can be found by clicking here.

 

County’s Holiday Meal Program Needs Volunteers

The County is experiencing an urgent need for volunteers to assist in delivering meals to vulnerable seniors this holiday season. Advance OC is bringing together local volunteers and donors to provide two days of meals to the County’s most vulnerable seniors, while at the same time supporting local restaurants who are also facing economic challenges due to the pandemic. 200 volunteers are needed to provide contactless meal delivery. No experience is necessary. Those interested in volunteering may register at advanceoc.com/volunteer-to-deliver-meals/ and will be contacted for next steps.

State Receives COVID-19 Vaccine and Launches Campaign

On Monday, California received 33,150 doses of the Pfizer vaccine which was then distributed to four locations throughout the State. In addition to the 327,000 currently-committed doses, the State received news from Pfizer that they will receive an additional 393,900 doses as early as next week. In response, on Tuesday, the State of California launched a new campaign called “Vaccinate all 58,” referring to the 58 counties in the State. This educational campaign seeks to encourage residents to get the COVID-19 vaccine. A website dedicated to vaccine information through the State can be found by clicking here.

The California Department of Public Health (CPDH) has formed a Community Vaccine Advisory Committee to provide input and feedback to the planning efforts and resolve barriers to equitable vaccine implementation and decision-making. The Committee is holding public meetings, which can be accessed (along with other materials) by visiting the Committee website.

Orange County Receives and Administers COVID-19 Vaccine

On Wednesday, December 16, Orange County administered the first COVID-19 vaccine from Pfizer given to five hospital workers at Providence St. Joseph Hospital in Orange. Healthcare workers have been identified as being in the primary group to receive the vaccine first. The County received an initial shipment of 23,350 doses of the Pfizer vaccine and will receive the Moderna vaccine within weeks upon its Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval. Orange County Health Officer Dr. Clayton Chau said that he is hopeful Orange County will have enough vaccines available for the general public by Spring 2021. Information from the Orange County Health Care Agency on COVID-19 vaccines can be found by clicking here.

State Updates Guidance for Recreational Youth and Adult Sports

The California Department of Public Health released updated guidance for youth and recreational adult sports. The guidance applies to all organized youth and adult sports, including school and community-sponsored programs, and privately-organized clubs and leagues. This guidance does not apply to collegiate or professional sports. Competition will not be allowed in California until January 25, 2021, at the earliest. This date will be reassessed by January 4, 2021, based on California disease transmission trends and is subject to change at any time given the level of COVID-19 and ICU capacity in California.

 

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.