(Santa Ana, CA) – As the California COVID-19 State of Emergency ends and the community returns to business as usual, County Health Officer, Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong is asking Orange County residents to comply and observe requests to mask if asked in high-risk settings, such as medical provider offices and/or adult and senior care facilities. Staff or patient circumstances may indicate masking is necessary to stay safe from potential exposure in some settings. Preventing the risk of spread of COVID is still important, especially as increasing cases of Long COVID continue to be reported locally.
 
The updated Health Officer Order (HOO) has been published for Orange County on Friday, March 24, 2023 and includes a Strong Recommendation for the general population to wear a face mask, dependent upon personal risk, and if Orange County is categorized in the medium or high level within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) assessment of COVID-19 Community Level (CCL).
 
As the State and County of Orange work toward the end of the Federal Public Health Emergency on May 11, 2023, California Health and Human Services, California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have published new guidelines for both the public and health care facilities/providers.
 
Highlights of Change:
The key areas of change include the following:

• COVID-19 Vaccinations – In alignment with the CDPH Order regarding COVID-19 vaccination requirements for health care, corrections facility, and adult care facilities workers, the County of Orange HOO changes from Ordered to Strong Recommendation for all who are eligible. Some people who are providers and suppliers working with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) are still required to be vaccinated by CMS.
• Face Mask –  In alignment with the CDPH Order, which takes effect on April 3, the HOO is updated to include a Strong Recommendation, versus Ordered, for certain high-risk settings such as health care settings, correctional facilities, long-term care settings, adult and senior care facilities, homeless shelters and emergency shelters.  Additionally, the HOO includes a Strong Recommendation for universal masking of visitors/residents and staff in Skilled Nursing Facilities if evidence of facility outbreak exists (two plus cases in residents within a 7-day period). Employers should reference California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board (Cal/OSHA) regulations which took effect on February 3, 2023. Read details HERE.
• Isolation of Persons with COVID-19 – It is no longer Ordered but is now Strongly Recommended that individuals should isolate for five days and can end after day five provided symptoms are improving, and they are fever-free without fever reducing agents.  Wearing a face mask when around others is strongly recommended for a period of 10 days from the onset of symptoms or infection.
• Seasonal Flu Vaccination – The HOO continues to state that Flu Vaccines are Ordered for providers of congregate settings, health care providers and emergency responders.
• Quarantine – No longer recommended. Anyone exposed to COVID-19 positive person(s) is strongly advised to test on day 3-5 after exposure and monitor for symptoms.

While cases of COVID-19 are declining, COVID-19 continues to adversely affect people in our community. Residents are encouraged to assess their personal health risks and of their loved ones and practice preventive measures to guard against severe illness. Additionally, it is important to know where to access resources as needed.

• COVID-19 Vaccines: Studies continue to show that bivalent booster vaccines protect against severe COVID-19 disease and reduce the risk of developing complications such as Long COVID. Vaccination appointments can be scheduled through myturn.ca.gov, www.vaccine.gov and www.ochealthinfo.com or by calling (800) 914-4887.
• COVID-19 Testing: Locations for free testing can be searched on No-Cost COVID-19 Testing locator and individuals can order at www.covidtests.gov or call (800) 232-0233 for support in multiple languages. Individuals with insurance can also order no-cost at home test kits from their service providers.
• COVID-19 Treatment: Individuals who do contract COVID-19 are encouraged to seek treatment such as Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir, ritonavir), which can reduce the risk of severe illness if started early. Test to treat locations can be searched HERE.

About the OC Health Care Agency:

The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) is a regional interdisciplinary health jurisdiction and an accredited health department, charged with protecting and promoting individual, family and community health through partnership and coordination of public and private sector resources. Visit www.ochealthinfo.com  to learn more about services and resources.

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SB7 793 is a new law that took effect December 21-2022, and bans the sale of certain tobacco products. Click here for more information.

(Santa Ana, CA) – The OC Health Care Agency’s (HCA) Mental Health and Recovery Services (MHRS) has released its Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Three-Year Program and Expenditure plan. The plan is posted and ready for public review here. It will remain posted through April 18, 2023.
 
MHSA’s Three-Year Plan for Fiscal Years 2023-24 through 2025-26 (Three-Year Plan) is a layout of current and future programs and funding allocation. Mental health programs provided for Orange County under MHSA are consistent with local county-approved plans developed via broad-based community involvement, including input from both mental health service consumers and their family members.
 
Launched in 2004, with the passing of Proposition 63, the MHSA funding is provided by a 1% tax on personal income of more than $1 million. The MHSA creates an opportunity for the State of California to provide increased funding to support county mental health programs that specifically promote recovery, wellness, and resiliency for residents with serious mental health challenges and their families.
 
“The vision of MHRS is to provide quality mental health services to our community,” said Dr. Veronica Kelley, Chief of MHRS. “This MHSA Three-Year Plan embodies that vision and reflects an integrated pathway to quality mental health services in Orange County.”
 
HCA’s Mental Health and Recovery Services team uses a comprehensive stakeholder process to develop local MHSA programs. Central to the development and implementation of all programs is the focus on community collaboration, cultural competence, and consumer- and family-driven services. Prioritization of serving the unserved and underserved is a focus, in addition to wellness, recovery, and resilience.
 
To review the Draft MHSA Annual Update and Three-Year Expenditure Plan, please visit:
https://ochealthinfo.com/mhsa
 
The 30-day Public Comment period will close on April 18, 2023. 
 
Following the 30-day posting, the OC Behavioral Health Advisory Board will host a Public Hearing on April 26, 2023. The Public Hearing will be held at the Delhi Center: 505 E. Central Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92707 from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm.

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On March 14, 2023 the FDA authorized the use of bivalent Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine as a booster dose for children 6 months through 4 years of age who had previously completed a 3-dose monovalent Pfizer-BioNTech primary series. Subsequently, on March 16, 2023, the CDC updated its Interim Clinical Considerations on the Use of COVID-19 Vaccines in the United States to reflect this change.

(Santa Ana, CA) - The OC Health Care Agency, Environmental Health, has closed the ocean water area in Dana Point, 1,500 feet upcoast and 1,500 feet downcoast of the San Juan Creek interface at Doheny State Beach due to a sewage spill. The released spill of approximately 4,000 gallons was caused by an overflow in a main city sewer line in San Juan Capistrano. The affected ocean water area will remain closed to swimming, surfing, and diving until the results of follow-up water quality monitoring meet acceptable standards.

For information regarding Orange County ocean, bay or harbor postings and closures, please call (714) 433-6400 or visit our Web site at ocbeachinfo.com. To report a sewage spill, please call (714) 433-6419.

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(Santa Ana, CA) - The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) is pleased to announce that the recruitment period has been extended for one seat on the CalOptima Health Board of Directors.

 
A County-organized health system, CalOptima Health serves more than 940,000 low- income children, adults, seniors and persons with disabilities. CalOptima Health was formed in 1995 in response to a health care system that was struggling to meet the needs of vulnerable Orange County residents. Today, CalOptima Health has grown to be the second largest health insurer in Orange County, but stayed true to its mission of providing members with access to quality health care services.
 
The HCA is seeking applicants who represent the diverse backgrounds, interests and demographics of Orange County residents and have the experience and expertise to operate a public health care system.
 
To apply for a seat on the CalOptima Health Board of Directors, please complete an application by March 17, 2023. Applications can be found on the HCA’s website at ochealthinfo.com/caloptima.
 
Please send a completed application and resume to:
OC Health Care Agency, Attention: Chi Rajalingam
405 W. 5th St., Ste. 714
Santa Ana, CA 92701
 
Please note all applications are public records.
 
The selected applicant will serve the remaining term for the vacated seat beginning the first quarter of 2023, with the option to serve an additional four-year term, subject to reappointment by the Orange County Board of Supervisors. CalOptima Health Board meetings are typically held on the first Thursday of each month at 2 p.m. at CalOptima Health, located at 505 City Parkway W. in the City of Orange.

Applications are being accepted for one seat on the CalOptima Health Board of Directors:
 
1. One person who is an accounting or public finance professional, or an attorney who is an active member of the State Bar.
 
For additional information, please contact Chi Rajalingam at (714) 834-4418 or via email at crajalingam@ochca.com.

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Período de reclutamiento extendido para la Junta Directiva de CalOptima Health

(Santa Ana, CA) — La Agencia del Cuidado de la Salud (HCA) del Condado de Orange se complace en anunciar que el período de reclutamiento se ha extendido para un puesto en la Junta Directiva de CalOptima Health.
 
CalOptima Health, un sistema de salud organizado por el condado, atiende a más de 940.000 niños, adultos, ancianos y personas con discapacidades de bajos ingresos. CalOptima Health se formó en 1995 en respuesta a un sistema de atención médica que estaba luchando para satisfacer las necesidades de los residentes vulnerables del Condado de Orange. En la actualidad, CalOptima Health ha crecido hasta convertirse en la segunda compañía de seguros de salud más grande del Condado de Orange, pero se mantuvo fiel a su misión de proporcionar a los miembros acceso a servicios de salud de calidad.
 
La HCA está buscando solicitantes que representen los diversos antecedentes, intereses y demografía de los residentes del Condado de Orange y que tengan la experiencia y la habilidad para operar un sistema de salud pública.
 
Para solicitar un puesto en la Junta Directiva de CalOptima Health, complete una solicitud antes del 17 de marzo de 2023. Las solicitudes se pueden encontrar en el sitio web de la HCA en: ochealthinfo.com/caloptima.
 
Envíe una solicitud y su currículum completos a:
Agencia del Cuidado de la Salud del Condado de Orange (OC Health Care Agency) Atención: Chi Rajalingam
405 W. 5th St., Ste. 714
Santa Ana, CA 92701
 
Tenga en cuenta que todas las solicitudes son registros públicos.
 
El solicitante seleccionado servirá durante el período restante para el puesto vacante a partir del primer trimestre de 2023, con la opción de servir un período adicional de cuatro años, sujeto a la nueva designación realizada por la Junta de Supervisores del Condado de Orange. Las reuniones de la Junta de CalOptima Health generalmente se llevan a cabo el primer jueves de cada mes a las 2 p. m. en CalOptima Health, ubicado en 505 City Parkway W. en la Ciudad de Orange.

Se aceptan solicitudes para un puesto en la Junta Directiva de CalOptima Health de:
 
1. Un contador profesional o un profesional en finanzas públicas, o un abogado que sea miembro activo del Colegio de Abogados del Estado (State Bar).
 
Para obtener información adicional, comuníquese con Chi Rajalingam al (714) 834-4418 o por correo electrónico a crajalingam@ochca.com.

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Gia Hạn Thời Gian Tuyển Dụng Vị Trí cho Hội Đồng Quản Trị của Cơ Quan Y Tế CalOptima

(Santa Ana, CA) - Cơ Quan Đặc Trách Y Tế Công Cộng Quận Cam (HCA) hân hạnh loan báo thời gian tiến hành việc tuyển dụng một thành viên vào Hội Đồng Quản Trị của Cơ Quan Y Tế CalOptima đã được gia hạn.

Cơ Quan Y Tế CalOptima là hệ thống bảo hiểm y tế công cộng của Quận, phục vụ hơn 940,000 trẻ em, người lớn, người cao niên có lợi tức thấp và người khuyết tật. Cơ Quan Y Tế CalOptima được thành lập vào năm 1995 để ứng phó với việc hệ thống chăm sóc sức khỏe đang đối diện với những khó khăn trong việc đáp ứng nhu cầu của những cư dân dễ tổn thương của Quận Cam. Ngày nay, Cơ Quan Y Tế CalOptima đã phát triển và trở thành tổ chức bảo hiểm y tế lớn thứ hai tại Quận Cam, nhưng vẫn theo sát sứ mệnh của mình là cung cấp cho hội viên quyền tiếp cận với các dịch vụ chăm sóc sức khỏe có phẩm chất.
 
HCA đang tìm kiếm các ứng viên đại diện cho các tầng lớp khác biệt, sở thích và thành phần dân số của cư dân Quận Cam đồng thời  có kinh nghiệm và chuyên môn để điều hành hệ thống chăm sóc sức khỏe công cộng.
 
Để nạp đơn ứng tuyển cho một ghế trống trong Hội Đồng Quản Trị của Cơ Quan Y Tế CalOptima, xin vui lòng hoàn tất đơn hạn chót là ngày 17 tháng Ba, 2023. Quý vị có thể tìm đơn trên trang mạng của HCA tại ochealthinfo.com/caloptima.
 
Vui lòng gửi đơn đã hoàn tất cùng với bản lý lịch cá nhân đến địa chỉ:
OC Health Care Agency, Attention: Chi Rajalingam
405 W. 5th St., Ste. 714
Santa Ana, CA 92701
 
Xin lưu ý rằng tất cả các đơn ứng tuyển là hồ sơ công khai.
 
Ứng viên được lựa chọn sẽ phục vụ phần còn lại của nhiệm kỳ của ghế trống bắt đầu từ tam cá nguyệt đầu tiên của năm 2023, với một lựa chọn để phục vụ thêm một nhiệm kỳ bốn năm nữa, tùy thuộc vào sự tái bổ nhiệm của Hội Đồng Giám Sát Quận Cam. Các cuộc họp của Hội Đồng Quản Trị của Cơ Quan Y Tế CalOptima thường được tổ chức vào Thứ Năm đầu tiên của mỗi tháng lúc 2 giờ chiều tại trụ sở của Cơ Quan Y Tế CalOptima ở số 505 City Parkway W. tại Thành Phố Orange.
 
Chúng tôi đang nhận đơn ứng tuyển cho một ghế trong Hội Đồng Quản Trị của Cơ Quan Y Tế CalOptima:  

1. Một người chuyên môn trong lãnh vực kế toán hay tài chánh công, hay một luật sư hiện là thành viên của Luật Sư Đoàn Tiểu Bang.  

Muốn biết thêm chi tiết, xin liên lạc với Chi Rajalingam theo số (714) 834-4418 hoặc gửi email đến crajalingam@ochca.com

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(Santa Ana, CA) - The National Weather Service (NWS) has forecasted cold overnight temperatures throughout inland and coastal Orange County cities beginning Wednesday, March 1 through Thursday, March 2. Overnight temperatures in many areas throughout the county will dip to the mid-30s tonight and stay in the low-to-mid 40s through Saturday. Colder-than-normal temperatures increase the risk of cold-related illnesses like hypothermia, especially for those who are more sensitive to extreme weather changes.
 
When exposed to cold temperatures, your body begins to lose heat faster than it can be produced. Low body temperature may make you unable to think clearly or move well. Hypothermia occurs most likely at very cold temperatures, but it can occur even at cool temperatures (above 40°F) if a person becomes chilled from rain, sweat, or submersion in cold water.
 
“When prolonged exposure to very cold temperatures occurs, it is important to make certain that you are protected from hypothermia. In addition, it is critical to check that seniors who live alone, your neighbors, pets and vulnerable populations are safe during this time,” said Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong, County Health Officer and OC Health Care Agency Acting Chief of Public Health Services.
 
The County of Orange Cold Weather Emergency Shelter is open to serve adults, ages 18 and older. For information on accessing the shelter, please visit OC Cold Weather Shelter Flyer 1.27.2023.pdf (ocgov.com) or call (657) 520-9185.
 
Residents are also cautioned against using their kitchen range or oven to heat their homes. Home furnaces and heaters should be inspected periodically, with needed repairs performed by a qualified and licensed heating or plumbing contractor. If space heaters are used, make sure there is nothing within three feet of the heater that could catch on fire, such as bedding, drapes, or furniture. Never cover your space heater and never leave children unattended near a space heater. If electric power is lost during a storm, never use a gasoline powered generator indoors, in a garage or near doors or windows where air may enter a home due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
 
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that at high levels of exposure can be fatal. Low levels of carbon monoxide poisoning can be confused with flu symptoms, food poisoning or other illnesses and can have a long-term health risk if left unattended. Some of the symptoms of low-level exposure include shortness of breath, mild nausea and mild headaches. Moderate levels of carbon monoxide exposure can present with headaches, dizziness, nausea, and lightheadedness. Every home should have a carbon monoxide detector, which is very similar to a smoke detector.
 
Recommended precautions to prepare your household for cold weather or power outage:

• Check on those who are at high risk to make sure they are staying warm – including seniors who live alone, as well as other vulnerable populations such as young children.
• Make sure to check on your pets.
• Wear layers of clothing. 

For more information on cold weather safety, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/index.html.
 

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(Santa Ana, CA) - To continue protecting themselves and their loved ones  against COVID-19, the OC Health Care Agency (HCA) encourages residents to stay informed on local COVID-19 community spread, stay vigilant about preventive measures and learn where to access vaccines, testing and treatment options as the California State of Emergency (SOE) and Federal Public Health Emergency (PHE) end.
 
COVID Trends in Orange County
Orange County remains in the Low COVID-19 Community level according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC). Locally, COVID-19 case positivity worsened over the last 2 weeks with the case rate per 100,000 per day increasing from 4.9% to 6.2%, overall testing positivity increasing from 6.1% to 7.7%, hospitalizations increasing from 171 to 182, and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) hospitalizations increasing slightly from 17 to 19 between February 8th and February 22, 2023.
 
The highly transmissible Omicron variant XBB 1.5 remains the predominant strain locally and nationally. However, epidemiolocal studies revealed no difference in disease severity when compared with the most common previous subvariant of Omicron BQ.1.
 
COVID-19 Bivalent Vaccine Booster
With COVID-19 cases rising in the community, residents are strongly encouraged to continue practicing preventive measures to reduce the risk of developing severe illness. Studies continue to show that bivalent booster vaccines protect against severe COVID-19 disease and reduce the risk of developing complications such as Long COVID.
As of 2/27/2023, 73.5% of OC residents have completed a primary series, and 45.3% have received at least one booster. However, only 17.1% of all OC residents have received a bivalent booster vaccine and only 40.9% of those age 65+, those at highest risk for severe COVID-19 disease, received a bivalent booster. 
 
Local data indicates that for persons 65 and older, hospitalizations has been 8.66 times more likely for those who did not receive the bivalent vaccine (includes those who received no vaccine and those who received some vaccine but no bivalent booster) compared to those who received the bivalent booster. For the same group, death was 5.67 times more likely for those who did not receive the bivalent vaccine.
 
According to a recently published article, vaccinated individuals who received the bivalent COVID-19 vaccine  were 14 times less likely to die from COVID-19 compared to those who received no vaccine and 3 times less likely to die compared with those who received only the original COVID-19 vaccine.1
 
The HCA continues to utilize the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) vaccination platform, MyTurn. Vaccination appointments can be scheduled through myturn.ca.gov, www.vaccine.gov and www.ochealthinfo.com or by calling (800) 914-4887.
 
COVID-19 Testing
Testing continues to be an effective means to minimize the spread of COVID-19. Locations for free testing can be searched on No-Cost COVID-19 Testing locator and individuals can order at www.covidtests.gov or call (800) 232-0233 for support in multiple languages. Individuals with insurance can also order no-cost at home test kits from their service providers.
 
COVID-19 Treatment
Individuals who do contract COVID-19 are encouraged to seek treatment such as Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir, ritonavir), which can reduce the risk of severe illness if started early. Paxlovid remains effective against the current circulating COVID-19 variant and is readily available through community health care providers.
 
Impacts of the End of the California State of Emergency (SOE) and Federal Public Health Emergency (PHE)

• Following the end of California COVID-19 SOE (February 28, 2023), coverage for COVID-19 vaccines, tests and several COVID-19 therapeutics will continue while the Federal PHE remains in place. Once the Federal PHE ends on May 11, 2023, California residents who are insured will continue to have coverage for COVID-19 vaccines, tests and COVID therapeutics for an additional 6 months after the end of the Federal PHE because of California Senate Bills 510 and 1473.
• Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) has created an FAQ for those who have health plans covered under DMHC. https://www.dmhc.ca.gov/Portals/0/Docs/DO/COVID-FactSheet2022.pdf
• On December 15, 2022, the California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board (Cal/OSHA) adopted non-emergency COVID-19 preventions. These regulations took effect on February 3, 2023, and will remain in effect for two years after the effective date. Employers can read details HERE.

President Biden announced plans to end the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) on May 11, 2023 (White House Announcement). Governor Newsom announced an end to the COVID-19 State of Emergency (SOE) at 11:59 pm on February 28, 2023 (Governor Newsom’s Announcement). The Orange County Local Health Emergency and Local Emergency also end concurrently with termination of the California SOE on February 28, 2023.
 
The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) is a regional interdisciplinary health jurisdiction and an accredited health department, charged with protecting and promoting individual, family and community health through partnership and coordination of public and private sector resources. Visit www.ochealthinfo.com  to learn more about services and resources.
 

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1. Johnson AG, Linde L, Ali AR, et al. COVID-19 Incidence and Mortality Among Unvaccinated and Vaccinated Persons Aged ≥12 Years by Receipt of Bivalent Booster Doses and Time Since Vaccination — 24 U.S. Jurisdictions, October 3, 2021–December 24, 2022. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2023;72:145–152. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7206a3.

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