City of Brea COVID-19 Community Update, January 7

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

As of December 29, 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 Monday, December 7, 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 was set to expire on December 27, it was extended indefinitely until ICU projections reach 15% or higher.
 
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.

 
Brea’s First Responders Receive COVID-19 Vaccine

Last week, Brea’s Firefighter Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and Paramedics received the COVID-19 vaccine. The Brea/Fullerton Emergency Medical Services Manager and Registered Nurse, Rhonda Rosati, administered the vaccine to the first responders.

 
Orange County Prepares for COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution

Regarding the vaccine, Orange County has taken multiple steps to prepare for widespread COVID-19 vaccine distribution. An Orange County Vaccine Task Force has been established to make recommendations on the phased approach to vaccine distribution. The vaccination phases and their corresponding start dates are available to view on the OC Health Care Agency’s website by clicking here. 

 
Governor’s Enforcement of Bars and Restaurants

Governor Newsom held a press conference on Monday, January 4 and indicated that the State has increased enforcement, particularly to bars and restaurants, that are operating in violation of State public health orders. The Governor indicated that the State has also been working to address large events. That said, the State’s focus has been on educating, not punishing, businesses that are not in compliance.

State Issues New Order and Travel Advisory
On January 5, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued an Order that helps preserve critical hospital capacity by requiring some non-essential and non-life-threatening surgeries to be delayed in counties with 10% or less of ICU capacity under the Regional Stay-at-Home Order where the regional ICU capacity is at 0%. This applies to Orange County. Click here to read the full order.
 
Additionally, the CDPH revised its Travel Advisory, which states that Californians should avoid non-essential travel to any part of the State more than 120 miles from one’s place of residence. Non-essential travelers from other states or countries are strongly discouraged from entering California and should refer to the quarantine guidance listed in the Travel Advisory. Click here to read the full Advisory.

 
Orange County Health Care Agency Statistics

The County is reporting 181 new COVID-19 cases in Brea since January 2. This brings Brea’s cumulative COVID-positive case count to 1,940 Brea residents. Of the total confirmed cases, Brea has 179 children who have contracted COVID-19. Unfortunately, 19 Brea residents have passed away from the virus.

According to County statistics, there have been 177,733 confirmed COVID-19 cumulative cases county-wide, 2,701 of which were newly-reported today. Orange County is reporting 29 additional deaths today, bringing the total fatalities to 1,972. Currently, 2,251 cases are hospitalized, 502 of which are in the ICU. Approximately 52% of hospitalizations in Orange County are due to COVID-19. 91% of current ICU patients with COVID-19 have been put on ventilators. Medical resources, including ambulances, continue to be in very short supply. The County estimates 106,962 individuals have recovered, but this number is speculative.

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.