Week 3 Of Coronavirus Shutdown In OC: 3 Die, Beach City Shutdown

ORANGE COUNTY, CA — Over the third week of the mandated shut down in California. Three people have died as a result of coronavirus in the county. One of them "in his mid-70s," he was hospitalized March 17 and died on March 19, officials say. His test results were not received until Tuesday, an OC Healthcare Agency spokesperson said.

Health officials offered more transparency by Friday when they released a city by city report of those infected with coronavirus in Orange County.

As of Friday afternoon, 321 residents are confirmed as infected with coronavirus in the county. That number jumped by 65 from the day before.Residents in the cities of Irvine (33), Newport Beach (32), Anaheim (28), Huntington Beach (26) were the greatest affected.

The infected people run the gamut in age, from under 18 to over 65-years-old. Thus far, the majority of the infected people are aged between 18 and 49-years-old.

Orange County Healthcare continues to test cases of coronavirus. As of Friday afternoon, over 4,000 Orange County residents have been tested for the virus, with over 1,000 test kits still available.

Read: 321 Coronavirus Cases In Orange County Friday: Where They Are

On Wednesday, Rep. Katie Porter of the 45th Congressional District announced to her constituents that she was under self-quarantine, awaiting test results. By Friday, on the day that congress voted in the CARES Act, the 45th district congresswoman released her test results.

Also, Friday, John Wayne Airport closed their tower to workers after one tested positive for coronavirus. Aircraft are still taking off and landing, however there could be flight delays.

Ten Orange County Jail inmates fell ill with flu-like symptoms, so they were isolated. On Sunday, the COVID-19 test results came back negative for eight of them, said Carrie Braun, an Orange County Sheriff's Department spokeswoman. Two inmates have tested positive for coronavirus and remain in isolation.

This week, the National Guard moved in, and many of Orange County's homeless population was moved out from the National Guard Armories in Fullerton and Santa Ana. The guard will be providing coronavirus-related support. Homeless who exhibit COVID-19 symptoms will be relocated elsewhere.

Disneyland Resort announced on Friday that the park is closed, indefinitely. There was no official date for a park reopening. It is a time of uncertainty for all, they said, and are putting their guests and cast members first until such time as they can reopen safely.

With Gov. Gavin Newsom's allowance for residents to go out, take a neighborhood stroll, many did exactly that.

Patch readers shared their pictures of such outings, showing what life looks like in their neighborhoods.

Residents continue to grapple with the implications of social distancing and long-term shutdowns of all but essential businesses and take-out restaurant meals.

Meanwhile, over the weekend, people from across California flocked to area beaches in ways that horrified some and mystified others.

Coastal city governments, such as Seal Beach, Huntington Beach and Laguna Beach took action. Newport Beach, Seal Beach and Huntington Beach closed their piers, beaches, parking areas and parks when it became obvious social distancing policies were not being followed.

Laguna Beach first asked visitors to follow the proper social distancing rules then enforced beach closures when they failed to do so. Laguna Beach Mayor Bob Whalen urged visitors to stay in their communities.

"...do not come to Laguna Beach to endanger yourself, your families, our residents or our first responders," he implored. "Everyone can take a walk and exercise outdoors in their own communities. Please do this for the health of everyone in our county, our state, and beyond."

Orange County CEO Frank Kim directed OC Parks to close parking lots at Salt Creek, Strands and Capo Beach earlier in the week. Meanwhile, State parks officials are working with the local county and public health officials to restrict vehicular traffic to some parks.

Meanwhile, Orange County has initiated a new Emergency Operation Center line to the Alert OC network related to coronavirus.

"Effective immediately, residents can sign up to receive text messages in OC," they said. This is a collaboration for a one-way alert system to alert all to the latest news and resources in the county.

Merely text OCCOVID19 to 888777.

Standard text messaging charges apply. You can also call the County of Orange Public Information Hotline at 714-628-7085 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. with questions relating to coronavirus.

Don't miss local and statewide news about coronavirus developments and precautions. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.

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

Read Also:

• Week 1 Of Coronavirus Shutdown In OC, Social Distancing, School Closures
• Week 2 Of Coronavirus Shutdown in OC, Economic Fallout
• JWA Tower Closes Due To Coronavirus, Aircraft Still Flying
• Rep. Katie Porter Negative For Coronavirus, Supports CARES Act
• Solace In Laguna Niguel Rainbows: Coronavirus Moment Of Zen
• Over 70 And Self-Quarantining: OC Life In The Time Of Coronavirus
• Coast Colleges Resume Classes, Online, March 30
• Beach Sunsets Are Our Moment Of Zen
• Coronavirus Changes Life In OC From Hoarding To Helping
• Rainbow After Rain: Redondo Beach Photo Of The Week
• Grocery Stores Restock As OC Shoppers Strive For Composure