42 Cases Of Coronavirus In OC, Officials Address Public Confusion

ORANGE COUNTY, CA — As of Wednesday afternoon there were 42 cases of new coronavirus in Orange County, according to Dr. Nichole Quick of the Orange County Healthcare Agency. With a rapid rise of 13 positives from the day before, she says that "the more we look, the more cases we'll find."

As of Wednesday's report from OC Healthcare:

• 26 cases are men
• 16 cases are women
• 22 cases are travel-related
• 7 cases are person to person spread
• 12 cases were community acquired.
• No one has died as a result of the virus in Orange County.

It was not released how many of those people affected by the disease are hospitalized.

As of Wednesday, 377 Orange County residents have been tested by the HCA Public Health Lab and area commercial labs, according to Quick. The county currently has coronavirus test kits to test 990 specimens.

To date, the Emergency Operations Center in Orange County has not released the towns where people were infected, as of this report. Though rumors surround many towns, Patch will not report any cities unless they are verified.

Patch has asked the EOC in both voicemail and email and will update this post when that information has been released.

Meanwhile, all Orange County residents are adhering to the guidelines for social distancing amid mild panic and much confusion. At a meeting meant to clear the air, the Orange County Board of Supervisors attested that Orange County is not closed.

Residents should feel free to venture outdoors. While many businesses were asked to shut their doors after the report from Gov. Gavin Newsom Tuesday, there are far more that remain open, Orange County Board of Supervisors said in a press conference, one day later.

The Orange County Board of Supervisors, Orange County Healthcare Agency, and the Orange County Sheriff gathered to clear the air after Tuesday's confusing public health order regarding the new coronavirus.

Residents have been told to "social distance" or stay six-feet away from people not in your immediate family circle. You can go to the store, visit a park, so long as you restrict the number of people gathering. No one will be arrested for doing so.

Dealing with self-isolation is a rapidly evolving situation and one that is often misunderstood, both in Orange County and across the nation. While some cities to our north have been ordered to "shelter-in-place," Orange County has not reached that point. The county officials continue to educate the public on what is and is not the right thing to do for public health.

"It is healthy to be outside, to get outside of your home," Supervisor Don Wagner said. "We have a virus. It's here in our community. If you can limit your social contact, we can reduce the spread of the virus, person to person."

However, still feel free to go into a store, if it's open, Wagner said. Order food from restaurants and pick it up at the drive-thru or carry out. Support businesses, many who are suddenly struggling.

Gov. Gavin Newsom recommended on Tuesday to close movie theaters, restaurants with in-room dining, bars that do not serve food, and gyms. Orange County quickly followed suit, but confusion in the legalese left many residents in a panic.

After Tuesday's debacle, the Emergency Operations Center reported that the county had not initiated a lockdown. EOC Public Information Officer Molly Nichelson said, "it is important for our businesses to remain open while practicing social distancing consistent with the governor's guidance."

According to the meeting Wednesday, OC residents should feel confident going to the grocery store, certified farmers' markets, produce stands, food banks, supermarkets, convenience stores, and hardware stores. Airlines and taxis remain open to accepting passengers. Rules are in place with regards to childcare.

"Deputies will not be arresting anyone who breaks the rules," Frank Kim, County Executive Officer of OC said during the meeting.

The plan the county is implementing is only as good as the public's buy-in to the plan, according to Sheriff Don Barnes.

• All bars, and establishments that do not serve food, shall close.
• All restaurants and other establishments that serve food shall close to onsite dining.
• Pickup and delivery and drive-thru services may remain open.

"We as citizens need to make the decision to stay home" Philip Latini wrote on Facebook in answer to the live conference.

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How are you coping with the shut down in your town? Let your Patch Editor know by emailing: ashley.ludwig@patch.com

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