Disease models estimate social distancing in California will need to remain fully in effect into July to reduce COVID hospitalizations to zero. And even after hospitalizations drop to zero, public health experts have recommended that social distancing largely remain in place for weeks, if not months, to prevent the virus from coming back.
Author Archives: Nick Gerda
Nick covers the city of Santa Ana, as well as the County of Orange, often reporting on issues like homelessness, public safety, mental health, and the role of money in politics.
Since joining Voice of OC in 2011, Nick has regularly shed light on topics that are often kept in the shadows. He’s reported on systemic problems in the county’s mental health system. He also led a reporting team that produced sophisticated looks at how the Disney corporation campaign contributions influenced recent elections in Anaheim.
Nick also revealed evidence of elected leaders using their official powers to apparently pressure government contractors into donating to their election campaigns, in an article that was awarded best news story of the year by the Orange County Press Club. He firmly believes journalism should inform the public and help hold the powerful accountable.
An Orange County native, Nick first started covering local government in his mid-teens, before attending Santa Ana College, the American University in Cairo, and UC Irvine, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in political science.
Languages spoken: English, elementary Spanish, minimal Arabic and minimal Japanese
Areas of expertise: Local government, local politics, homelessness, mental health policy, campaign finance, California Public Records Act, Ralph M. Brown Act, County of Orange government, Santa Ana city government and municipal finance.
Posted inCountywide, Emergencies & Disasters, Top Stories
Orange County Officials Agree to Start Disclosing COVID-19 Hospitalization Data
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.
Posted inCountywide, Emergencies & Disasters, Top Stories
After Long Silence, OC Officials Planning to Provide More Info on Hospital Needs
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.
Posted inCountywide, Emergencies & Disasters, Top Stories
OC Releases City-Level Data on Residents With COVID
Officials cautioned that the risk of the virus is similar countywide, and that people should continue practicing social distancing everywhere.
Posted inCountywide, Emergencies & Disasters, Top Stories
OC’s City-Level Coronavirus Data to Be Released Friday Afternoon
The data is expected to be discussed at a 1:30 p.m. news conference. Health experts say the raw numbers likely are misleading, and that the public should be cautious about coronavirus everywhere.
Posted inCountywide, Emergencies & Disasters, Housing & Homelessness, Top Stories
OC Trying to Add 2,300 Homeless Shelter Beds to Slow Virus Spread
The goal is to open three new types of shelter, though the timeline wasn’t clear.
Posted inCountywide, Emergencies & Disasters, Top Stories
OC Fairgrounds Being Considered for COVID-19 Hospital Overflow
It comes as Gov. Gavin Newsom cites the need for thousands of overflow beds statewide at places like fairgrounds, hotels, motels and convention centers.
Posted inCountywide, Emergencies & Disasters, Top Stories
OC Property Taxes Can Be Postponed for People Who Lose Income from Virus Shutdown
County and state officials this week said their aim is to provide narrowly-targeted relief for people who are losing income from the public health shutdowns.
Posted inCountywide, Emergencies & Disasters, Top Stories
OC to Announce City Counts on Coronavirus Cases
Officials announced at a 1:30 p.m. news conference Wednesday that the data will be posted on a county website starting Friday. The briefing comes after officials announced last night the first death in Orange County from COVID-19, of a man in his 70s with underlying health conditions.
Posted inCountywide, Emergencies & Disasters, Top Stories
Orange County Closes Beach and Trailhead Parking to Slow Virus’ Spread
The goal, county health officials said, is for people to be able to enjoy beaches and trails for their physical and mental wellbeing, while keeping at least a six-foot distance to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
