Latest News

COVID-19 Case Counts and Testing Figures

Data is posted each day by the OC Health Care Agency on the case counts and testing figures in the County. Please keep in mind that these numbers are always preliminary and subject to change. More information may become available as individual case investigations are completed. Click here for the latest case counts and testing figures.


COVID-19 Vaccines

Please find information from the State regarding vaccines at: https://covid19.ca.gov/vaccines/

Information regarding the County of Orange COVID-19 Vaccine efforts and work is found at: http://www.covidvaccinefacts.com


County of Orange Announces Planned Closure of Super Point-of-Dispensing (POD) Sites

(5/6/2021) Press Release

The demand for first-dose COVID-19 vaccinations through the Othena platform at County Super Point-of-Dispensing (POD) sites have dropped by over 75% since the end of April. This indicates that county residents who want the vaccines and do not face difficulty traveling to the Super PODs have, for the most part, been able to do so.

To meet this changing community need, the County of Orange will close its Super POD sites at the Anaheim Convention Center, OC Fair & Event Center, and Soka University, as well as at Santa Ana College, on June 6, 2021, and shift operations to an expanding network of robust mobile PODs.


County of Orange to Close Two COVID-19 Testing Super Sites on April 30

(4/12/2021) Press Release

The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) will close its COVID-19 testing Super Sites at the OC Fair & Event Center and the Anaheim Convention Center on April 30, 2021. 


Orange County Progresses from Red Tier to Orange on Wednesday, March 31

(3/30/2021) Press Release

As of March 30, 2021, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced that effective Wednesday, March 31, Orange County (OC) will move into the Orange Tier of the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy after having successfully achieved Orange Tier metrics for two weeks.


Orange County Returns to the Red Tier on Sunday, March 14 Easing Restrictions for Specific Industries and Activities

(3/12/2021) Press Release

As of March 12, 2021, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) today announced that 2 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered to Californians in some of the state’s hardest-hit communities, increasing immunity where the state's transmission rates and disease burden have been the highest during the pandemic. With this equity metric met, and because vaccines slow the spread of disease and serious illness, the previously announced update to the Blueprint for a Safer Economy to account for progress with vaccine administration goes into effect. Effective Sunday, March 14, Orange County will move into the Red Tier the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy after having met Red Tier metrics.


Orange County Achieves First Week of Improved COVID-19 Metrics 

State of California Requires Two Weeks Before County May Move to Red Tier

(3/9/2021) Press Release

On Tuesday, March 9, 2021, the State of California announced that Orange County (OC) has achieved one week of improved metrics according to the California Department of Public Health’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy, which takes a County’s seven-day adjusted case rate, the seven-day testing positivity rate and the health equity metric into consideration.


Disneyland Resort Super POD Site to Close Temporarily

(2/18/2021) Press Release

The Disneyland Resort Super POD site will close temporarily, due to a lack of vaccine supply. Severe weather across the country has delayed delivery of COVID-19 vaccine supplies across the State of California, including to Orange County.


State of California Moves County of Orange to Purple Tier Effective Immediately

(1/25/2021) Press Release

Officials with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) today ended the Regional Stay at Home Order, lifting the order for all regions statewide, including Southern California. Four-week intensive care unit (ICU) capacity projections for the Southern California Region are above 15%, the threshold that allows regions to exit the order. The state’s press release maybe found here.


Update to County of Orange Advisory Regarding Moderna Vaccine LOT # 041L20A

(1/21/2021) Press Release:

On Monday, January 18, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) directed providers to pause dispensing COVID-19 vaccine Moderna Lot # 041L20A due to reported cases of adverse reactions in California.

Late last night, CDPH announced that after further discussions with the Western State Scientific Safety Review Workgroup, Allergy and Immunology specialists, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the manufacturer, CDPH found no scientific basis to continue the pause.

Providers that paused vaccine administration from this particular lot of Moderna vaccine can immediately resume dispensing. The CDC further advised that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. Many people don’t have any side effects after COVID-19 vaccines, but some people will have pain or swelling at the injection site or fever, chills, or a headache. These typically don’t last long and are signs that your body is building protection.


County of Orange Advisory Regarding Moderna Vaccine Lot 041L20A 

(1/18/2021) Press Release

Based on directive from the State, the Orange County Health Care Agency (HCA) has suspended the use of Moderna COVID-19 vaccine lot 041L20A due to possible allergic reactions under investigation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the manufacturer. 


County Health Officer Opens COVID-19 Vaccine to Residents Ages 65 and Older

(1/12/21) Press Release

County Health Officer Dr. Clayton Chau today announced that all Orange County (OC) residents ages 65 and older are now eligible to be vaccinated against COVID-19.  


County of Orange Announces First Regional COVID-19 Super POD at Disneyland Resort 

(1/11/2021) Press Release

In a vital step to help battle the spread of COVID-19, the County of Orange has established the first large Point-of-Dispensing (POD) site to provide COVID-19 vaccines to residents at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim.


County of Orange Activates Incident Management Team, Plans for Regional COVID-19 Vaccine Supersites

(1/8/2021) Press Release

The County of Orange is proactively leading Orange County’s response to COVID-19. The next critical phase is providing the vaccine to residents in a phased, tiered approach.


SBA- Paycheck Protection Program Update

(1/8/2021)  Click here for the full SBA announcement and for features and guidelines of the re-launched PPP.   

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), in consultation with the Treasury Department, announced today that the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) will re-open the week of January 11 for new borrowers and certain existing PPP borrowers.  To promote access to capital, initially only Community Financial Institutions (CFI’s) will be able to make First Draw PPP Loans on Monday, January 11, and Second Draw PPP Loans on Wednesday, January 13.  The PPP will open to all participating lenders shortly thereafter.


State of California Announces Extension of Southern California Region’s Stay-at-Home Order.

(12/29/2020) Press Release

Today the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced that the Southern California Region will remain under the State of California’s “Regional Stay-at-Home Order.” The County of Orange, along with 10 other Southern California Counties, were originally placed under the State’s Regional Stay-at-Home Order on December 3, 2020. 


County of Orange Expands At-Home, Saliva-Based COVID-19 Testing to All Orange County Residents

(12/7/2020) Press Release

The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) has launched phase 2 of its at-home, saliva-based COVID-19 testing program with Ambry Genetics for all Orange County residents. 


Southern California Region Impacted by State’s Regional Stay-at-Home Order

(12/5/2020) Press Release

As of Saturday, December 5th the Southern California Region dropped below the 15 percent Intensive Care Unit (ICU) capacity thereby triggering the state of California’s “Regional Stay-at-Home Order” as was announced on December 3, 2020 by Governor Gavin Newsom.

 As a result, Orange County residents – along with residents of the other 10 Southern California Region counties comprising approximately 23 million of  40 million California residents as designated in the state’s Regional Stay-at-Home Order – will be required to stay at home as much as possible and not mix with other households to reduce exposure, effective 11:59 pm Sunday, December 6 due to our regional ICU capacity reaching 12.5 percent. The current ICU capacity in Orange County is 18.1 percent.


OC Health Care Agency Ramps Up Efforts Encouraging Testing, Protecting Each Other

(11/24/2020) Press Release

With Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other seasonal holidays upon us, the OC Health Care Agency (HCA) is reminding Orange County residents to avoid usual large family gatherings this year in order to protect themselves, their loved ones, and their neighbors from the spread of COVID-19. 


County Health Officer Shares Tips for a Healthier Thanksgiving

(11/23/2020) Press Release

Holidays usually mean gathering with friends and extended family, attending parties, hosting dinners, traveling, and celebrating time-honored customs. But some holiday activities promote congregating and mixing of households, which increase the risk of transmitting COVID-19.


State Issues Limited Stay at Home Order to Slow Spread of COVID-19

(11/19/2020) Press Release

In light of an unprecedented, rapid rise in COVID-19 cases across California, Governor Gavin Newsom and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) today announced a limited Stay at Home Order requiring generally that non-essential work, movement and gatherings stop between 10 PM and 5 AM in counties in the purple tier. The order will take effect at 10 PM Saturday, November 21 and remain in effect until 5 AM December 21. This is the same as the March Stay at Home Order, but applied only between 10 PM and 5 AM and only in purple tier counties that are seeing the highest rates of positive cases and hospitalizations.


State Moves County of Orange to Purple Tier

(11/16/2020) Press Release

Effective immediately under order of Governor Newsom and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), the County of Orange was moved into the Purple Tier, the state’s most restrictive tier. Impacted industries and activities in Orange County will have 24 hours in which to comply with this action and make necessary modifications. The state made this directive to address the significant increase in the number of lab confirmed COVID-19 cases and protect the state’s health care system. The state’s press release may be found here

CDPH has a list of Activity and Business Tiers that are classified by the State to be open, closed or open with modifications with respect to each county on the Blueprint for a Safer Economy website. Orange County residents may search for a business or activity type by visiting https://covid19.ca.gov/safer-economy/ and typing in “Orange” in the County field, entering the business or activity type, and clicking, “GET LATEST STATUS.”


County of Orange Moves to Red Tier, Re-Opens More of Orange County

(9/8/2020) Press Release

Today, the County of Orange moved from the Purple Tier to the Red Tier as a part of the Governor Newsom’s Blue Print for a Safer Economy.  This allows certain business sectors to re-open immediately and businesses to expand their operations with certain restrictions. Additionally, County Health Officer Dr. Clayton Chau has issued related new Orders and Strong Recommendations, which also include seasonal flu vaccination for certain county residents and visitors. Access the document in its entirely here.


New California Framework Provides Blueprint for Orange County Re-Openings

(9/1/2020) OC Re-Opening Blueprint

A new blueprint for business sector re-opening was unveiled by Governor Newsom on August 28, 2020, which includes a color-coded, tiered system that will use two metrics to measure the novel coronavirus: spread rate and test positivity percentage. 


Back2Business Initiative: Outdoor Edition

(8/27/2020) Family Plan_ENG_Full Sheet.pdf Flyer_Back2Business-Outdoor_Korean.pdf Flyer_Back2Business-Outdoor_S-Chinese.pdf Flyer_Back2Business-Outdoor_Spanish.pdf Flyer_Back2Business-Outdoor_T-Chinese.pdf Flyer_Back2Business-Outdoor_Vietnamese.pdf

The County of Orange is launching the Back2Business Initiative: Outdoor Edition. Small businesses can get free access to floor plan software! Quickly create, configure, or update your indoor or outdoor business space to meet the latest social distancing requirements to get your business reopened and employees back to work safely. 

 


OC Adds Second Supersite to its COVID-19 Testing Arsenal

(8/25/2020) 08-25-20-Press Release - Costa Mesa Test Site FINAL.pdf

The County of Orange will open a second supersite at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa on August 26, 2020. 360 Clinic will be conducting no out-of-pocket cost testing leveraging personal insurance reimbursements and federal government assistance for the uninsured, with additional financial support from the County.

 


OC Announces New Youth Entrepreneurship Program

(8/24/2020) PRESS RELEASE_County of Orange Launches Earn & Learn Program to Help Youth.pdfFLYER_Earn & Learn Program.pdf

The County of Orange announced today the launch of a new "Earn and Learn" program, an innovative workforce model offered to prepare Orange County's youth for future business and life skills while earning wages.


OC Health Care Agency Announces Star-Studded Positive Vibes Ad Campaign

(8/20/2020) Ad Campaign Press Release

The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) is launching a new public service campaign designed to save lives by spreading positive vibes - not COVID-19 throughout the community. 


County of Orange Launches SafeDineOC COVID-Safe Restaurant Campaign

(8/6/2020) 08.06.20 SafeDineOC Restaurant Program.pdf

Restaurant owners may apply for a $1,000 grant per Orange County restaurant location for taking steps to create a COVID-safe environment for their customers and employees. Download the attached public notice for more information about the SafeDineOC COVID-Safe Restaurant Campaign. 


State Releases Youth Sports Guidance

(8/4/2020) 08-04-20 Youth Sports.pdf

The CA Department of Public Health released guidance for youth sports activities to re-open including school-based, club and recreational programs. 


Industry Guidance to Reduce Risk

(7/20/2020) Click here the latest guidance on industries.

On July 20, guidance was released for services that can be provided outdoors, like hair, nail, and massage services, in counties that have been on the Monitoring List for 3 consecutive days. Guidance for outdoor dining released on July 9, 2020 is also available. 


 

Recent County of Orange Health Officer Amended Orders and Strong Recommendations

(7/15/2020) Amended_Health_Officer_Order_Bar_Closure_7.14.2020_Final.pdf

In light of the recent increased COVID-19 transmission and hospitalization rate in Orange County, the placement of Orange County on the CA Department of Public Health (CDPH) County Monitoring List, and further CDPH directives applicable to the County of Orange, these amended orders and strong recommendations revise the prior amended orders and strong recommendations. 


Guidelines for PPE and Resource Requests from Medical and Non-Medical Care Facilities

(7/15/2020) HCA - COVID19 - PPE Guidelines.pdf


County of Orange Significantly Ramps Up Testing Capacity With Private-Public Partnership

(7/14/2020) Press Release: County of Orange Significantly Ramps Up Testing Capacity With Private-Public Partnership 

Starting July 15, large-scale drive-through COVID-19 testing will be available at the Anaheim Convention Center (registration required). Tests will be prioritized for the following individuals: 

  • People with symptoms 
  • Close contacts to people known to have COVID-19
  • Healthcare workers and first responders
  • Residents and employees of congregate living facilities
  • Essential workers (grocery store, food supply, utility workers and public employees)

 


COVID-19: Let's Slow the Spread Together

(7/13/2020) 

If you've been tested for COVID-19, click here for more information on what happens next. If you tested positive for COVID-19, you can help slow the spread of COVID-19. Click here to learn more. 


Orange County-Operated Beaches to Close July 4-5

(7/2/2020) Media Alert_OCP Beach Closures.pdf

The County of Orange will close all County-operated beaches and beach parking lots on July 4 and 5 following a State recommendation meant to slow the spread of COVID-19. The County closure includes (but is not limited to) the following beaches: 

  • Aliso Beach
  • Capistrano Beach
  • Salt Creek Beach
  • Baby Beach
  • Bayside Beach
  • Camel Point Beach
  • Poche Beach
  • Strands Beach
  • Table Rock Beach
  • Thousand Steps Beach
  • Treasure Island Beach
  • West Street Beach


OC Health Officer's Orders and Recommendations 

(7/1/2020) Click here to view the OC Health Officer's Orders & Recommendations.


Bars Ordered Closed in Orange County

(7/1/2020) 07.01.20 Bars Close in Orange County.pdf

Effective July 2, 2020, all bars are ordered closed in Orange County, CA due to the increasing number of COVID-19 cases. The Order does not prohibit restaurants, pubs and breweries that offer dine-in services to operate but the establishment must only serve alcohol in the same transaction as a meal. Should a bar offer meals, they are required to comply with the same industry guidance as restaurants.


California Public Health Officials Release Guidance Requiring Californians to Wear Face Coverings in Most Settings Outside the Home

(6/18/2020) Click here for more information. 


Youth Sports Practices Re-Open in Orange County

(6/15/2020) 06-15-20 Youth Sports Practice.pdf

The County of Orange will allow the re-opening of practices for youth sports under COVID-19 Industry Guidance: Day Camps. At this time, youth sports activities will allow for practices only and must follow state guidance of physical distancing and safety protocols for small and stable groups without spectators. Please click here to review proper guidelines and ensure that you are meeting proper safety protocols before restarting youth sports practices. 


OC Health Officer's Amended Orders and Strong Recommendations

(6/12/2020)   County Health Officer Approves Re-opening of Specific, Additional Industries and Issues New Order

OC Health Care Agency Press Release

On Friday, June 12, 2020, Dr. Clayton Chau, Acting County Health Officer, approved the re-opening of certain additional industries in Orange County, California, following his review of local epidemiological data including cases per 100,000 population, rate of test positivity, and local preparedness to support a health care surge, vulnerable populations, and contact tracing and testing. A press release on this may be found here.

As of June 12, 2020, this is list of all businesses that may re-open in Orange County:

  • Movie theaters and family entertainment centers

  • Restaurants, wineries and bars

  • Zoos and museums

  • Gyms and fitness centers

  • Hotels (for tourism and individual travel)

  • Card rooms and racetracks

  • Campgrounds and outdoor recreation

  • Public and HOA swimming pools

  • Retail

  • Restaurant takeout, delivery, and dine-in

  • Office-based businesses; telework remains strongly encouraged

  • Outdoor museums

  • Childcare

  • Shopping malls, strip malls

  • Logistics and manufacturing

  • Hair salons

  • Church services, funerals, cultural services, and protests

In addition, on June 11, 2020, the Acting County Health Officer also issued a New Amended Health Officer Orders and Strong Recommendations (New Health Order) that apply to all of OC (both incorporated and unincorporated areas) and revise and supersede the May 28, 2020 Amended Health Officer’s Orders and Strong Recommendations (Previous Health Order). The New Health Order strongly recommends that most residents wear a cloth face-covering outside their homes when unable to physically distance themselves by six feet.

There is an important nuance that you may be asked by some essential businesses regarding the face-covering order from the County that went into effect on April 24, 2020. This still order remains in effect for the businesses outlined in this press release.  

Residents are encouraged to read the Acting Health Officer's amended Order and strong recommendations (as well as related FAQs) in their entirety by clicking here , as there is greater detail that will help provide necessary clarification.


OC Health Officer's Orders and Recommendations

(5/28/2020) Amended Health Orders and Strong Recommendations of the County of Orange Health Officer (revised May 28, 2020)


Notification to Businesses Regarding Expanded Stage 2 Openings

(5/21/2020) Notification to Businesses


COVID-19 Testing 101

(05/20/2020) Testing.pdf

There are two kinds of COVID-19 testing you may be hearing about - a diagnostic test (PCR) and an antibody test (serology). Download the attached PDF to access basic information about each one. 


Governor Newsom announced today that the following businesses can open, subject to state guidelines (and any local restrictions): 

(05/12/2020) 

  1. Offices, where telecommuting is not possible
  2. Outdoor malls, strip malls, outlet malls, etc., for delivery and pick up only
  3. Car washes, pet grooming, and pet walking services (these can be found under “limited services” on the State website)
  4. Outdoor museums and botanical gardens

The modifications for each industry sector can be found here: https://covid19.ca.gov/industry-guidance/  In addition, guidelines for restaurant in-room dining have also been posted (but restaurants are not yet allowed to open for in-room dining).


Chairwoman Michelle Steel and Supervisor Don Wagner Release Business Guidelines for Orange County

(04/29/2020) OC Business Guidelines

The Orange County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution today outlining basic guidelines for businesses in preparation of "Stage 2" of the Governor's approach to lifting the stay at home order for California. OC is still operating under the State's orders and is not yet reopening nonessential businesses. 


Update on California's Pandemic Roadmap

(04/29/2020) California's Pandemic Roadmap

Governor Newsom announced details on how California plans to modify the Stay-At-Home order and open the economy. These modifications are based on science, health, and data and will happen in 4 stages. The Governor indicated that the transition from Stage 1 to Stage 2 will be a matter or weeks, not months; however, the transition to Stages 3 and 4 would be months, not weeks.

Stage 1 – Safety and Preparedness

  • This is where the State is now
  • Continue to build out testing, contact tracing, PPE, and hospital surge capacity
  • Making essential workforce environments as safe as possible
  • Prepare sector-by-sector safety guidelines for expanded workforce

Stage 2 – Lower Risk Workplaces

  • Gradually opening some lower risk workplaces with adaptations - Retail, Manufacturing, Offices (when telework not possible), More public spaces

Stage 3 – Higher Risk Workplaces

  • Opening higher risk environments with adaptations and limits on size of gatherings - Personal care (hair and nail salons, gyms, etc), Entertainment venues (movie theaters, sports venues without live audiences), In-person religious services (churches, weddings)

Stage 4 – End of Stay at Home Order

  • Re-open highest risk environments and venues once therapeutics have been developed - concerts, convention centers, live audience sports


Governor Newsom Announces Additional Relief for Californians Impacted by COVID-19

(04/24/2020) Additional Relief for Californians Impacted by COVID-19

Governor Newsom announced that most private student loan servicers have agreed to provide payment and other relief to borrowers, including more than 1.1 million Californians with privately held student loans. He also signed an executive order to stop debt collectors from garnishing COVID-19 related financial assistance. Please visit the attached link for more details about this order. 

 


Governor Newsom Announces Plan to Resume Delayed Health Care that was Deferred as Hospitals Prepared for COVID-19 Surge

(04/22/2020) Plan to Resume Deferred Health Care

Today, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced plans to allow hospitals and health systems to resume delayed medical care for Californians – such as heart valve replacements, angioplasty and tumor removals, and key preventive care services, such as colonoscopies – which were deferred as the state’s health care delivery systems prepared for a surge of COVID-19 patients.


Governor Gavin Newsom Launches #CaliforniansForAll Service Initiative

With COVID-19 creating a critical need for community support and volunteers across the state, Governor Gavin Newsom today announced California Volunteers’ #CaliforniansForAll service initiative to connect Californians with safe volunteer opportunities and encourage those unable to physically volunteer to think creatively about ways to make a difference in their communities.The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) is pleased to announce the launch of the OC COVID-19 Testing Network, which offers COVID-19 testing starting Tuesday, April 21, 2020, to Orange County residents who meet certain criteria. The Network coordinates and expands testing across Orange County to create a safety net for any community member who is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms but is unable to receive testing through a health care provider.

 


OC Health Care Agency Announces Launch of the OC COVID-19 Testing Network

(04/22/2020) OC COVID-19 Testing Network

The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) is pleased to announce the launch of the OC COVID-19 Testing Network, which offers COVID-19 testing starting Tuesday, April 21, 2020, to Orange County residents who meet certain criteria. The Network coordinates and expands testing across Orange County to create a safety net for any community member who is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms but is unable to receive testing through a health care provider.


COVID-19 Public Information Hotline to Close April 18th

(04/20/2020) EOC Press Release #50 - Public Info Hotline Closing.pdf

Effective April 18th, the OC COVID-19 Public Information Hotline will refer callers to the OC Health Care Agency Health Referral Line. Residents can continue to call (833)426-6411 for inquiries related to novel coronavirus in Orange County, CA.


Taxpayers Directly Affected by COVID-19 Will Have Penalties Cancelled

(04/15/2020) EOC Press Release #48 - COVID-19 Penalty Cancellation FINAL.pdf

The OC Treasurer is now accepting penalty cancellation requests for taxpayers who have been directly impacted by COVID-19. If you have been directly impacted by COVID-19 and did not pay your property taxes by April 10th, you should complete the COVID-19 Penalty Cancellation Request Form and pay the base tax amount (without penalties and costs) so that it is received between April 11 and June 30, 2020. 


County Health Officer Reminds Residents to Call 911 in an Emergency

(04/13/2020) EOC Press Release 47 - Call 911 in an Emergency.pdf

County Health Officer Dr. Nicole Quick reminds OC residents that individuals experiencing symptoms of a medical emergency need to seek immediate health care or call 911. Seek medical attention or go to an emergency room if you or a household member experiences any of the following:

  • Wheezing, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Chest pain
  • Displaced or open wound fractures
  • Sudden numbness or weakness
  • Bleeding that cannot be stopped
  • Abdominal pain - especially intense localized pain
  • Fever with convulsions or any fever in children under 3 months


COVID-19 Hotline Hours to Change

(04/09/2020) EOC Press Release #44 - Hotline hours to change April 11.pdf

Effective Saturday, April 11, the OC COVID-19 Public Information Hotline and Health Referral Line will take calls from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at (833)426-6411.


OC Health Officer Issues Face Covering Recommendation for Essential Businesses

 (04/09/2020) EOC Press Release #43 - Face Covering Order.pdf 

In line with guidance issued by the CA Department of Public Health, OC Health Officer Dr. Nicole Quick issued a recommendation strongly encouraging all employees at essential businesses to wear a face-covering while at work and all residents engaged in essential activities outside the home to do the same. 

Residents should refrain from purchasing critical personal protective equipment that is critical and in short supply for healthcare workers, such as N95 and surgical masks, and instead, use homemade face coverings to cover the nose and mouth. 


What Tenants Should Know About Eviction Protection

 (04/08/2020) Eviction Protection Summary.pdf

Protections for residential tenants who are unable to pay rent due to the economic impact of the national state of emergency arise from three separate, very different sources. They are detailed in the attached document in order of least to most significant. Keep in mind that presently, no form of protection waives a tenant’s obligation to eventually pay all rent that comes due during the emergency.


 Temporary Free Access to Wi-Fi for Qualifying Groups

(04/08/2020) CHARTER EXPANDS BROADBAND FOR STUDENTS FINAL.PDF

Charter Communications is offering free Spectrum broadband and Wi-Fi access for 60 days to households with K-12 and/or college students who do not already have a Spectrum broadband subscription at any service level up to 100 Mbps. To enroll call (844)488-8395.  


Important Information on Property Taxes

The April 10th, 2020 deadline will NOT be extended as the Orange County Treasurer does not have the authority under State law to extend or postpone the second installment property tax deadline. 

PROPERTY TAX AMOUNTS

Property tax amounts will not be reduced as they are established on the lien date of January 1st each year. Should you have questions related to assessed valuations, please contact the Office of the Assessor at (714)834-2727 or visit their website here

PAYMENT OPTIONS

The County Service Center (CSC) is currently closed to the public and in-person payments at the CSC are no longer accepted. Instead, the CSC encourages taxpayers to "Stay Home and Pay Online" by using the popular eCheck payment method accessible by clicking here. This is a secure way to submit payment with no additional cost and the taxpayer receives same day credit and a receipt. Payment can be made up until midnight on April 10th. 

REQUESTING PENALTY CANCELLATION

If you are unable to make a timely payment by April 10, 2020 due to illness from COVID-19 or changed financial circumstances, please submit the Penalty Cancellation Request Form along with a check for the base tax payment and documents supporting the reason. The law does not allow for cancellations based on financial circumstances alone and all requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Penalty Cancellation Request Examples can be accessed here


One-Stop Website for Donations & Sales of Essential Medical Supplies

(04/06/2020) 

On April 4th, Governor Newsom announced the launch of a new website to get critical medical supplies to the front lines of California's fight against COVID-19. The website will allow individuals and companies to donate, sell or offer to manufacture 13 of the most essential medical supplies, including ventilators, N95 respirators and testing materials. 


Create a Family Plan During COVID-19

(04/06/2020) Press Release #038

The County of Orange encourages residents to create a family preparedness plan in the event they are impacted by COVID-19. Family preparedness is the mainstay of planning for emergencies such as earthquakes and fires, and they are equally important during a health pandemic.  


COVID-19 Hotline Hours to Change April 4th

(04/06/2020) Press Release #037

Effective April 4th, the OC COVID-19 Public Information Hotline and Health Referral Line (833)426-6411 will take calls from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays. 


County of Orange to Follow California State Guidelines for Wearing Face Coverings in Public

(04/02/2020) Press Release #036

Recent guidance posted by the California Department of Public Health states Californians who must leave their homes to conduct essential activities should wear face coverings, if they feel comfortable doing so, and practice strict hand washing before and after touching and adjusting the covering.

Utilizing face coverings can help reduce infectious particles from those who could be infected, but are asymptomatic. It is not recommended for residents to use N-95 or surgical masks, which should be reserved for healthcare workers and first responders.


 Orange County Community Services Implements Economic & Business Recovery Call Center

(03/30/2020) Press Release #035

Effective March 30, OC Community Services has implemented a call center to meet the needs of businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Businesses can call the Economic & Business Recovery Call Center for information and resources to support businesses with challenges such as lay-offs, loans, utility reduction programs, and community resource mapping at (714)480-6500 Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 


County Releases City Data of Reported COVID-19 Cases

(03/27/2020) Press Release #032

The County of Orange is posting reported novel coronavirus (COVID-19) cases by city on a daily basis on the OC Health Care website http://www.ochealthinfo.com/novelcoronavirus. The total case counts and city counts will be updated every afternoon.


Mental Resilience During a Public Health Emergency

(3/27/2020) Press Release #027

As the spread and far-reaching impacts of COVID-19 dominate the world news, many witness and experience the parallel spread of worry, anxiety, and uncertainty. Download Press Release #027 for more details about what you can do to build mental resilience. 


 Closure of OC Parks

(3/25/2020) Press Release #024

To minimize the impacts of COVID-19 on park patrons, OC Parks is implementing closures expected to reinforce social distancing and reduce large public gatherings in line with recommendations from federal, state and local health care agencies. Download Press Release #024 for more information.


Healthcare Protective Equipment Donation Procedure

(3/25/2020) Press Release #022

Starting March 25, the Orange County Health Care Agency (HCA) will begin accepting donations of protective equipment and supplies for use by healthcare providers throughout the county. At this time, HCA will only accept new and unopened donations from corporations and businesses. Download Press Release #022 for more information.


COVID-19 Text Message Alerts

(3/25/2020) Press Release #021

Effective immediately, residents can now sign up to receive text message updates related to COVID-19 in Orange County. To opt-in for this service, text OCCOVID19 to 888777. Download Press Release #021 for more information.


COVID-19 Testing Availability

(3/23/2020) Press Release #018

Testing for COVID-19 is now available in a number of public health, commercial and hospital laboratories in California based on medical need to reduce strain on the health care system, however broad scale testing is not available. Download Press Release #018 for more information. 


Information Regarding State Public Health Order

(3/20/2020) Press Release #014

To reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19, Governor Gavin Newsom and the State Public Health Officer issued an order telling all California residents to stay home unless they work in one of the 16 federal critical infrastructure sectors. Orange County residents can still go to the grocery store to buy food, the pharmacy to pick up their medications, get gas and continue banking. Download Press Release #014 for more information. 


County of Orange Facilities Access Update

(3/20/2020) Press Release #012

In response to the County Health Officer's Order related to COVID-19, several County of Orange departments have made changes to the services offered. The Orange County Operational Area Emergency Operations Center has issued a Press Release with detailed information about which agencies have changed their services. 


Governor Newsom Announces Statewide Stay at Home Order

(3/20/2020) 

Governor Gavin Newsom has ordered all individuals living in the State of California to stay home or at their place of residence except as needed to protect the health and well-being of all Californians and to establish consistency across the state in order to slow the spread of COVID-19.  This order became effective on Thursday, March 19, 2020 and is in place until further notice. Read the full Executive Order here. 


 Orange County Health Care Agency - Amended Health Order

(03/18/2020) 

The County Health Officer issued an amended Health Order regarding COVID-19. It is important that Villa Park residents and businesses read this order in its entirely. Click here for FAQs related to this amended Health Order.


Orange County Health Care Agency - Health Order Effective Immediately

(03/17/2020) 

A health order was signed by the Orange County Health Care Agency prohibiting gatherings of any size in the County of Orange, eliminating dining in restaurants, and strongly encouraging those 65 and older and those with underlying health conditions to stay home. This action conforms with guidance from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and statements from the Governor and is effective immediately through 11:59 PM, March 31, 2020, with the ability for the County to extend as needed.


City Declares Local Emergency

(03/17/2020) 

Following President Trump and Governor Newsom, the City of Villa Park has declared a local state of emergency to enhance capabilities to respond to COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) concerns. This emergency proclamation (PDF) allows the City to promptly take the actions necessary to protect public health, safety, and welfare within the City, coordinate with other government agencies, and seek federal, state, and county assistance, as needed. 

The City Council conducted an emergency meeting on Tuesday, March 17, 2020 at 3:30 PM to ratify the Emergency Proclamation mentioned above; however, seating will be limited to practice social distancing. Residents are encouraged to participate at home by viewing the meeting on Spectrum Cable Channel 3, AT&T U-Verse Channel 99, or by live streaming on the City’s website. 

Community members that attend public meetings are encouraged to practice proper personal hygiene such as frequent hand washing, use of hand sanitizer, covering a cough or sneeze with a tissue, and practice social distancing. Those considered most vulnerable to COVID-19 are encouraged to view the meeting at home.