Voice of OC (https://voiceofoc.org/2020/03/)
As the number of coronavirus cases rises sharply, the City of Costa Mesa continues its pro-active approach to the COVID-19 crisis and is actively working with local, state and federal officials to prepare for a projected surge in cases that could overwhelm local hospitals.
In Orange County, an expectant mother must attend a check-in with ICE on Tuesday March 31st where she risks deportation and being separated from her four children during the COVID19 pandemic.
The virus has upended daily life, but one Orange County resident ponders the changes it will bring as move through, and from this time in history. What are we learning – and what can we learn – as we navigate through uncharted territory?
Officials announced the upcoming data release in response to a question from Voice of OC, which for nearly a week has been pressing county officials to disclose the number of people hospitalized for COVID and how many surge beds are being pursued.
Effective March 30, Orange County Community Services has implemented a call center to meet the needs of businesses impacted by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
On March 19, 2020, California Governor Gavin Newsom and the State Public Health Officer ordered all individuals to stay home except to get food, care for a relative or friend, get necessary health care, or go to an essential job. The order also dictated individuals employ social distancing practices by maintaining 6 feet of distance from others.
Officials were preparing to for a 2 p.m. Monday news conference to start giving more data about their plans for a surge in people being hospitalized with COVID-19.
Whether it’s finding out about the readiness of hospitals or figuring out how many testing kits exist or asking about what cities’ residents are testing positive for the virus, the answer most often from the County of Orange in the past few weeks is we can’t say.
With so many remote local government meetings on the horizon, and so many technical glitches on the part of the county and cities regarding public comment, there’s a rising tide of worry. Some are calling for delays on public planning hearings, like tonight’s debate on a controversial building project in Santa Ana called One Broadway Plaza, until video and audio feeds at city council and other public chambers are adapted for remote viewing audiences.
Officials cautioned that the risk of the virus is similar countywide, and that people should continue practicing social distancing everywhere.