Orange County officials are increasing the novel coronavirus testing as part of a key factor in reopening sectors of the economy, but Gov. Gavin Newsom said any reopening could be delayed if people flaunt guidelines and continue gathering on beaches. Meanwhile, the virus has killed 39 people out of 2,126 confirmed cases in OC.
Tag: Orange County Health Department
Posted inNorberto Santana, Jr.
Santana: Newly Appointed Orange County Public Health Official Hired to Tackle Coronavirus Once Was Fined By State For Failing to Report Pharmaceutical Payments
Orange County’s newly-appointed Health Care Agency Director Clayton Chau – a well known clinician and public health executive known for his mental health expertise with immigrant communities – was fined by state authorities back in 2014 for failing to disclose lucrative drug company speaking fees from AstraZeneca and other pharmaceutical companies from 2009 to 2012 while he was worked as a top psychiatrist at HCA.
Posted inCountywide
Top Orange County Public Health Official in Charge of Covid-19 Testing Effort Abruptly Resigns and Retires
A day after announcing the rollout of Orange County’s ambitious new Covid-19 testing regime for the entire county, Deputy Health Care Agency Director David Souleles abruptly announced his resignation and retirement. Health Care Agency Director Richard sanchez left his post in March to head county’s health insurance plan for the poor and elderly, CalOptima. County officials continue interviewing for a new head of the health department in the midst of the pandemic.
Posted inCountywide, Top Stories
OC Officials Play Catch Up on Testing, Protests Mount While Coronavirus Slowly Spreads
Portions of the economy could begin reopening soon as hospitals haven’t been severely impacted by the novel coronavirus, like originally predicted. Gov. Gavin Newsom announced hospitals can resume non-virus related surgeries Wednesday. Meanwhile, Orange County sees 34 dead out of 1,753 infections.
Posted inEmergencies & Disasters
OC Tinkers With Opening: Golf Courses & Beaches Open, Retail Employees Required to Wear Masks
Orange County health care officials announce an effort to step up mass testing for Coronavirus. Meanwhile, County Supervisors adopted a patchwork of policies that seek to reopen golf courses for recreation, keep beaches and parks open and require retail employees to wear masks, as the novel coronavirus slowly spreads throughout the county, killing 33 people out of 1,691 confirmed cases.
Posted inREGIONS
Without a Broader County Mandate, Mask Laws Vary By City
Tonight, Fullerton could join other cities in OC requiring face coverings to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Cities like Costa Mesa and Buena Park required everyone to cover up when out in public, while others like Santa Ana, Irvine, and Westminster only apply the mandate to employers and workers in essential businesses while residents in those cities are merely encouraged to cover up.
Posted inAnaheim
Coronavirus Strikes At Least Twelve Orange County Nursing Facilities
The hardest hit facility, locally, is the Anaheim Healthcare Center, a 215-bed skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility on Beach Blvd in the city’s west end. At least 15 patients inside the center were reported to have tested positive for the virus. No staff were reported to have tested positive as of Monday, according to the state data.
Posted inCountywide, Emergencies & Disasters, Top Stories
Is Orange County Ready for a Potential Surge in COVID Cases?
Data reviewed by Voice of OC from local hospitals show hospitalizations from coronavirus went up markedly in the last few weeks while appearing to stabilize in recent days.
Posted inCountywide, Emergencies & Disasters, Top Stories
Orange County and State Officials Say Coronavirus Impact May Not as Bad as Initial Estimates [April 10 update]
California and Orange County officials now say the hospitalization surge from the new coronavirus may not be as high as initially thought, while County officials continue scrambling to find shelter for homeless people.
Posted inCountywide, Emergencies & Disasters, Health & Wellness, Top Stories
OC Health Officer ‘Strongly Recommends’ Masks for Essential Employees
Essential workers in Orange County are being advised to wear masks starting Thursday as surrounding counties and one OC city are requiring masks for essential employees.
