• There is now epidemiological evidence of community transmission in Orange County, indicating that COVID-19 is spreading in the community.
• People aged 65 and older should stay home and away from other people.
• People with a serious underlying health condition that can put you at increased risk, for example, a condition that impairs your lung or heart function or weakens your immune system, should stay home and away from people.
• Call Ahead: If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, and you feel you need to seek medical care, call your health care provider first so that appropriate precautions can be taken.

As of 3/19:

• Total number of people tested by HCA Public Health Lab (PHL) and by commercial labs = 589
• HCA PHL has kits available to test 942 specimens

There is an outbreak of respiratory illness that was first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China in 2019 caused by a novel (new) coronavirus (or COVID-19).

The HCA is working with federal, state, and local partners including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), and health care providers on preparedness efforts and to guide appropriate care for people who may be at risk for illness associated with COVID-19 or who have tested positive.

Some key points include:

• High-risk populations which include older adults (ages 65 and higher) as well as people who have serious, chronic medical conditions (like heart disease, diabetes and lung disease) are at higher risk for contracting COVID-19. These individuals should self-isolate at home.
• Residents should practice good health hygiene which includes washing your hands, staying home if you are sick, avoiding close contact with people who are sick and covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your sleeve (not hands).
• Minimizing risk through social distancing whenever possible which includes avoiding attendance at large gatherings (250 people or more). Small gatherings should be limited to no more than 10 people and provide social distancing of six feet per person.
• Maintain vigilance and personal readiness which includes being prepared if there is COVID-19 in your household or a disruption of daily activities in your community. For example, maintain a supply of medications, food and other essentials in your house.
• Call ahead: If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, stay home while you are ill. If you need to seek medical care, call your health care provider first so that appropriate precautions can be taken.