29 Cases Of Coronavirus In Orange County, Week 1 Of Shutdown

ORANGE COUNTY, CA — Welcome to a brave new week in Orange County as we process the global news and learn more about what is going on in our hometowns.

On Monday, the Orange County Healthcare Agency reported that there is evidence of "community transmission" of the new coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, "indicating that the virus is likely spreading in the community.

Here is a snapshot of the current health of Orange County's residents. On Sunday night by OC Healthcare, there were 22 positive cases of COVID-19. By Tuesday night, 29 cases currently being monitored:

• 19 of the infected people are men and 10 are women.
• 15 of those cases are travel related
• 5 were considered person to person
• 8 were considered "community acquired" cases
• 1 case is still under investigation
• No one has died in Orange County from the virus
• 396 people have been tested at the public health lab
• There are currently kits to test 1,045 specimens.

The number of tests and testing services available is expected to grow dramatically in the coming weeks, thanks in part to Quest in San Juan Capistrano.

The new coronavirus has spread to every continent, save for Antarctica. Its implications have impacted the daily lives of everyone on the planet at at home in Orange County. Last week, Patch reported on sporting events across the nation scaling back to canceled altogether, including college basketball's famed March Madness, opening day of baseball, and soccer at every level of play. On Saturday, Disneyland bid farewell for at least two weeks. Knott's Berry Farm, and other theme parks across the southland shut their gates. Hotel guests began making their way home Monday.

School districts decided to start spring break early or move to remote classrooms, starting Monday morning, as the Orange County Board of Education joined with those agencies following the orders of the Centers for Disease Control. By Tuesday night, Gov. Gavin Newsom told parents across the state that it was doubtful students would return to school before summer.

This unprecedented move to "shelter at home" will "flatten the curve," and prevent the spread of the highly contagious virus, according to the Orange County Healthcare Agency, the CDC, Gov. Gavin Newsom of California and the White House.

Orange County residents of all ages began staying out of crowds over 50 people and maintain social distance.

On Tuesday that number dropped to 10 people in a group, according to Gov. Newsom.

Those over the age of 65-years-old were advised to stay home altogether, keeping safe from the virus now commonly known as COVID-19, according to the OC Healthcare Agency.

In Seal Beach, St. Patrick's Day was shut down, according to the city, with a moratorium on bars and anything other than "to-go" restaurant meals. Dr. Nichole Quick also recommended this, with a closure of in-restaurant dining until further notice. Patch has been told by many restaurant workers to call ahead! and customers will be allowed inside the doors in small groups, maintaining social distancing.

The majority of City Halls, including Laguna Beach and Lake Forest, have announced they are closed but the city government remains open. Newport Beach has enacted their Emergency Operations Center and is focusing on planning and resources to ensure they are handling the matter effectively.

The utility companies have promised to keep the lights, gas, and water on and running and many low income families are getting relief on bills as they are told to no longer fear shutoffs. Cox communications has also promised to support customers in need.

Stores are open, and hours are being enforced, and many are sharing rationing information with everything from canned goods, bleach, hand sanitizer to (yes, we're going to say it) toilet paper. Walmart, Vons, Ralphs, Costco, and other stores are promising there is no need to stockpile and that there is no shortage of food to go around.

Read one woman's story of being Over 70 And Self-Quarantining: OC Life In The Time Of Coronavirus.

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Those who can are working from home. Many in Orange County who were pleased to find several gyms remained open on Monday, found that many were shuttering temporarily as of Tuesday. Further to our north Mayor Eric Garcetti has requested gyms be closed to the public for at least two weeks.

Costa Mesa's 24 Hour Fitness remained open as of Monday at 9:15 a.m. with the standard hours. That changed late Tuesday, as the gym closed in compliance with local government and CDC recommendations. Check back for updates.

Late Monday, shopping at malls came to a halt as a South Coast Plaza worker tested positive for COVID-19. Patch investigated, learning where that employee worked. Macy's has also shut down their storefronts.

Patch promises to keep an eye on all of the above as we enter week one of the shutdown.

We will also continue to tell stories of your neighbors: small business owners and those who are working behind the registers, at the restaurants, and delivering goods and services while others navigate living in the time of coronavirus.

Do you have a story you'd like to tell? Visit your neighbor page and share! or email your Patch editor: Ashley.Ludwig@Patch.com

We'll get the word out.

Read also:

• OC Residents Adapt To Life In The Time of Coronavirus
• Over 70 And Self-Quarantining: OC Life In The Time Of Coronavirus
• Restaurant Dining Canceled, Bars Close In OC: Coronavirus
• Volunteer Shortage Amid Huge Need At Family Assistance Ministries

ABOUT CORONAVIRUS:

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Follow CDC's recommendations for using a facemask.
  • CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
  • Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.