The Business Journal is tracking company moves related to the coronavirus. This listing will continue to be updated as the situation changes.
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For more details on many of these reports, see individual story links and the Monday print edition of the Business Journal.
May 5, 1:21 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
The New York Times reported on May 5 the county’s average case rate was 374 cases per 100,000 residents, a 65% increase from two weeks ago. A total of 595,487 cases have now been reported since the beginning of the pandemic.
With 73 hospitalizations, the county saw a 12% decrease over the past 14 days.
As of Wednesday, 72% of all OC residents have been vaccinated with 40% boosted.
While OC’s Covid case rate appears to be on the rise, it remains in better shape than nearby counties who have seen higher levels of cases.
As of May 4, Los Angeles County reported an increase of 94% with an average daily case rate of 2,123 per 100,000 residents. San Diego County reported an average of 584 cases per day, up 99% from two weeks ago, according to the New York Times.
Apr. 28, 3:15 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
Orange County’s average case rate remains lower than neighboring counties for an average of nine cases per 100,000 residents, compared with San Bernardino County’s 18 cases per 100,000 residents and Los Angeles’ 17 per 100,000 residents, according to the New York Times’ database.
As of Wednesday, over 71% of Orange County’s total population has been fully vaccinated, while just under 40% has received a booster dose.
VACCINATIONS
As of Wednesday, over 71% of Orange County’s total population has been fully vaccinated, while just under 40% has received a booster dose.
– Audrey Kemp
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Apr. 21, 2:30 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
Local reports indicate a modest uptick in COVID-19 cases and a dip in hospitalizations.
The New York Times reported Apr. 20 the county’s average case rate was 7 cases per 100,000 residents, compared to 4.2 cases one week ago.
Meanwhile, hospitalizations have decreased about 10% since the beginning of the month, with 60 hospitalizations, including 10 ICU patients, according to the OCHCA.
Unvaccinated individuals continue to make up the majority of hospitalizations.
VACCINATIONS
About 2.3 million Orange County residents were fully vaccinated as of Thursday.
Over 77% of the county’s total population has received at least one shot, compared to Los Angeles County, which currently sports 80% with at least one shot, according to the Orange County Register.
The neighboring county with the highest vaccinated population is San Diego, where about 97% of its total population has received at least one shot.
The two counties with the lowest vaccination rates are Riverside County, 65%, while San Bernardino County trails behind with 61% at press time.
–Audrey Kemp
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Apr. 14, 3:30 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
New York Times data released on Apr. 14 suggests that Orange County’s coronavirus case rate appears to be more stable than those of neighboring counties, for an average of 4.2 cases per 100,000 residents.
San Diego County’s case rate more than doubles that number, while Los Angeles County’s case rate floats around 14 per 100,000 residents.
OCHCA data suggests that the new Omicron subvariant known as BA.2 became the dominant strain in Orange County in late March.
That follows both statewide and nationwide trends.
FREE VACCINES, TESTS
On Apr. 13, the Biden Administration renewed the public health emergency (PHE) for COVID-19, which permits Americans to continue to receive free tests, vaccines and treatments for another 90 days.
It’s unclear whether the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will extend the policy again or not.
The news comes as California also lifted the five-day quarantine for people who test positive but show no symptoms of the virus.
–Audrey Kemp
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Mar. 7, 2: 05 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
The average case rate in Orange County has declined about 54% in the past two weeks to four cases per 100,000 residents on Apr. 6, according to the New York Times.
The Orange County Health Care Agency (OCHCA) also reported the lowest number of COVID hospitalizations seen since last summer: 67 hospitalizations, including 11 ICU patients.
FEDERAL FUNDING
As Congressional efforts to pass more COVID aid slow, resources remain in shorter supply for OC’s uninsured residents.
Here’s what’s still available, according to OCHCA Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong:
The California Department of Health Care Services currently offers a COVID uninsured group program that can cover testing, treatment and vaccination to residents who qualify. More information about that resource can be found here.
The HCA’s Mobile Point of Dispensing (POD) sites also offer testing and vaccines for uninsured residents. Book an appointment on the Othena portal and visit the OCHCA’s website for more information.
Prior to the cutoff on Apr. 5, providers, clinics and pharmacies were offering testing and vaccination to everyone free of charge.
“More federal relief is needed and welcomed to ensure the most vulnerable in our community have continued access to testing, treatment and vaccination,” Chinsio-Kwong told the Business Journal in an email.
SECOND BOOSTER
Pharmacies and clinics throughout the county can administer second booster shots for eligible individuals — which include certain immunocompromised individuals, people age 50 and over and adult recipients of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine — at least four months after their first booster.
During the recent Omicron surge, booster recipients were 21 times less likely to die and 7 times less likely to be hospitalized from COVID-19 compared to those who were unvaccinated, the CDC reports.
Qualified residents can schedule their second booster dose online or in person at local pharmacies and clinics that carry the vaccine.
– Audrey Kemp
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Mar. 31, 2:51 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
The average case rate per 100,000 residents in Orange County dropped from nine last week to four on Thursday. That’s half of the current national average, per New York Times data.
Meanwhile, the tally of patients hospitalized with the virus fell below 100 this week for the first time since last July.
“It is critical that we not pretend that COVID-19 is gone,” Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian’s Chief Executive Robert Braithwaite said in a letter on Mar. 30. “It will be with us for some time, and it will require continued adherence to guidelines and best practices.”
SECOND BOOSTER DOSE
On Mar. 29, the FDA authorized a second COVID-19 booster for people over age 50. The second booster is to be taken at least four months after an eligible person’s initial booster dose.
The CDC also recommended immunocompromised people over age 12 and Johnson & Johnson vaccine recipients to receive a second booster four months after their initial booster.
The news comes as President Biden received his second booster while imploring Congress to supply more pandemic relief funding on Wednesday.
Officials at Tustin-based non-profit Families Together of Orange County Community Health Center have also expressed a need for continued aid as second booster shots roll out.
“In order to be successful in boosting all of our vulnerable populations, local and federal governments must continue to support the effort and work of community health centers in the fight against Covid-19,” the clinic’s Chief Executive Alexander Rossel told the Business Journal in an email.
– Audrey Kemp
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Mar. 24, 2:35 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
New York Times data suggests that coronavirus cases in Orange County have risen about 50% in the past week, to an average of nine cases per 100,000 residents.
That’s lower than Los Angeles County’s current average, and slightly higher than neighboring Riverside and San Bernardino counties.
Meanwhile, the tally of patients hospitalized with the virus decreased from 133 to 123.
VACCINES, TESTING
On Wednesday, coronavirus testing providers halted their free services for uninsured residents after Congress refused to authorize more COVID federal funding.
Local county-supported clinics such as Latino Health Access will continue providing services for a short time, according to Orange County Health Care Agency Director, Dr. Clayton Chau.
The cutoff time for free vaccinations is April 5.
“We encourage everyone who is not yet vaccinated, including those who are uninsured, to get vaccinated as soon as possible,” Chau said in a statement on Mar. 18.
To-date, over 70% of Orange County’s population has received both vaccine series, compared to the statewide average of 71%, per Mayo Clinic data.
– Audrey Kemp
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Mar. 17, 2:52 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
The world hit a grim milestone last week as the global death toll of the COVID-19 pandemic surpassed 6 million.
Of that number, 1 million were U.S. citizens and over 6,700 were Orange County residents, according to the New York Times.
Case rates continue to slow down in Orange County. In the last week, the case rate stayed flat at six per 100,000 residents, which is slightly lower than the national average.
Hospital stays ticked back up to 133 on Thursday, compared to 126 last week.
‘YOUR HEALTH MATTERS OC’
Earlier this month, The Orange County Health Care Agency launched a new talk show on YouTube called “Your Health Matters OC” to discuss various health topics that impact the community.
In the second episode released last week, OCHCA Social Worker Rachael Ferraiolo said the agency has observed a recent uptick of individuals calling The OC Warmline, a free telephone service providing emotional support and resources to Orange County residents.
The “steady volume of calls” were mostly regarding the “prolonged uncertainty” of the pandemic, Selleck said.
– Audrey Kemp
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Mar. 10, 2:08 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
Infection rates and hospitalizations throughout Orange County have continued to decline in the last two weeks, according to The New York Times.
The county’s case rate fell from nine per 100,000 residents two weeks ago to six as of yesterday, about half of the current national average.
In the same period, virus-related hospitalizations fell 42% to 256 – which is roughly one-fifth of the hospitalizations reported during the January peak.
Orange County’s K-12 schools and child care facilities will lift the mask mandate at 11:59 p.m. Friday.
While the COVID-19 situation has “dramatically improved,” Orange County Health Care Agency’s Director Dr. Clayton Chau told reporters during a news conference on Tuesday that it is “strongly recommended” for the public to continue following safety precautions even as the state mandates ease up.
– Audrey Kemp
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Mar. 3, 3:15 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
Several states, including California, are seeing significant declines in cases and hospitalizations, prompting public health and government officials to lift mask mandates across the country.
Orange County schoolchildren, regardless of vaccination status, will be permitted to take off their masks indoors by Mar. 12.
Following the coronavirus peak in mid-January, the average number of new cases in the county has fallen over 95% to 8 cases per 100,000 people on Wednesday, compared to the statewide average of 20 cases and the national average of 16 cases, according to New York Times data.
Hospitalizations are also falling fast; the Times reported Wednesday 217 new hospitalizations, representing a decline over 80%.
– Audrey Kemp
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Feb. 24, 2:50 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
The Orange County Health Care Agency reported Wednesday two new daily cases following a steep downward trend from the January peak. That’s on par with numbers not seen since last May.
The agency also reported 299 hospitalizations, including 63 ICU patients, which is 75% lower than reports from one month ago.
CUMULATIVE CASES
According to OCHCA data, there have been a total of 537,198 cases of COVID-19 and its variants in Orange County; 512,687 of those cases – or 95% – have recovered.
The city with the highest number of cumulative cases is Anaheim, with 78,322 to-date. Trailing closely behind is Santa Ana, with 76,389 cases. Irvine has the third-highest total case count thus far, with 35,032 cases.
–Audrey Kemp
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Feb. 17, 3:40 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
On Feb. 16, California lifted its universal indoor mask mandate due to a 65% decline in statewide case rates, according to the California Department of Public Health.
Most Southern California counties, including Orange County, followed the state’s lead.
Also on Wednesday, The Orange County Health Care Agency reported one new coronavirus case – a stark contrast from over a month ago, when the county surpassed 11,000 new cases.
Nearly 400 Orange County residents were reportedly hospitalized with the virus, 40% less than the number of hospitalized patients during the January surge.
“Omicron has loosened its hold on California, vaccines for children under 5 are around the corner, and access to COVID-19 treatments is improving,” CDPH Director Dr. Tomás J. Aragón said in a statement.
“With things moving in the right direction, we are making responsible modifications to COVID-19 prevention measures, while also continuing to develop a longer-term action plan for the state.”
– Audrey Kemp
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Feb. 10, 3:05 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
The Orange County Health Care Agency reported Wednesday 149 daily cases, the lowest single-day tally seen since last July.
In the past week, the number of patients hospitalized with COVID declined about 27%.
“We are seeing cases and hospitalizations decrease, which is a positive sign that our most recent surge is slowing down,” OCHCA Director and County Health Officer Dr. Clayton Chau said in a statement, adding that “consistent masking efforts by our residents” has contributed to the decline.
To protect high-risk individuals who are “immunocompromised or are prone to getting sick,” Orange County residents are recommended to continue masking in public indoor settings and wearing a well-fitting mask, Chau added.
In addition, visitors are advised to be up-to-date on vaccinations and booster doses when eligible.
Approximately 71% of OC’s total population has been fully vaccinated, while about 37% have received a booster dose to-date.
— Audrey Kemp
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Feb. 3, 3:35 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
New COVID cases and hospitalizations in Orange County appear to be on the decline, according to data gathered by the New York Times and the Orange County Health Care Agency.
On Wednesday, the New York Times reported 1,383 new cases in Orange County, down from 2,640 seen a week prior.
The Orange County Health Care Agency also reported Wednesday 818 hospitalizations – 147 of whom were in the ICU. That’s down from 1,067 hospitalizations and 184 ICU admits reported Jan. 26.
The majority of those hospitalized due to COVID-19 – about 87% – are unvaccinated, according to the agency.
MASKS
The U.S. government is now giving out adult-size N95 masks for free at pharmacies throughout the county, as well as participating health centers, including Share Our Selves Corp. in Costa Mesa and Southland Integrated Services Inc. in Garden Grove.
Masks are still mandated in all indoor public spaces until Feb. 15, regardless of vaccination status, according to the California Department of Public Health.
– Audrey Kemp
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Jan. 27, 3:30 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
The number of booster recipients in Orange County reached 1,095,438, the Orange County Health Care Agency reported Thursday.
While data suggests the omicron peak in Orange County has passed, UCI epidemiologist Dr. Susan Huang described the current state of the pandemic as “still surging.”
LONG-HAUL COVID
According to Huang, booster shots not only help protect people from the virus, but they help prevent and treat “long-haul COVID,” a condition characterized by COVID symptoms lasting 20 weeks after infection.
A November study suggests those who receive their first vaccine dose prior to becoming infected have under a 3% chance of getting long-haul COVID, whereas unvaccinated people have a 23% chance.
It also shows that those who got vaccinated between zero and four weeks after recovering from COVID infection lowers their risk of contracting long-haul COVID to 9%.
“In the middle of a massive winter surge, you really should not wait to get vaccinated,” she said. “You should get vaccinated as soon as you’re no longer contagious.”
NEW VARIANT
On Wednesday, the California Department of Public Health confirmed 14 cases of the omicron subvariant BA.2 have been detected in California, including in Orange County.
Huang described the differences between COVID variants as “marginal,” adding that three doses of the vaccine is still the best method of protection.
“Technology is a vehicle for getting a robust immunity response,” Huang said. “It’s efficient and very effective – a real nod to scientific discovery.”
– Audrey Kemp
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Jan. 20, 4:35 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
The New York Times reported Thursday 3,906 new coronavirus cases in Orange County, compared to 11,533 new cases reported last Thursday.
Numbers vary from site to site; the OCHCA reported Thursday 6,532 new cases.
Both data sets indicate a peak beginning late last week.
“It looks like our peak may have been earlier this week or late last week and we now may be coming down, albeit coming down from an extremely high level,” Dr. Susan Huang, epidemiologist at UC Irvine, told the Business Journal.
“While it’s reassuring to see a downward trend, we will stay extremely high for a long time. We are still sky high because Omicron is so contagious.”
HOSPITALIZATIONS
The Orange County Health Care Agency reported Tuesday 1,232 hospitalizations, including 207 ICU patients, representing the most reported patients hospitalized with COVID since last year’s peak.
Over the last several weeks, UCI Medical Center reported its number of COVID patients has hovered between the “high 90s and low 100s.” Over 90% of those hospitalized are unvaccinated, the university reported.
On Thursday alone, UCI Medical Center counted 106 COVID admissions, including 30 in the ICU. Six of the 106 are vaccinated.
Compared to the winter surge, the number of hospitalizations is still lower, the hospital said.
PFIZER PILL
In December, Pfizer received FDA Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for Paxlovid, a Covid treatment pill designed to minimize the impact on people infected with the virus.
Laboratory tests indicate the pill is also effective against the Omicron variant.
So far, UCI Health said it has not received any Paxlovid from the California Department of Public Health, the agency charged with distributing it in the state.
“For the immunosuppressed, Omicron is a harrowing experience,” Huang said. “These medications are really important for their protection. For now, it’s a scarce commodity. We hope Pfizer distributes a much larger quantity to make it a solution.”
– Audrey Kemp
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Jan. 13, 2:15 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
The Orange County Health Care Agency ‘s most recent data on Jan. 12 shows hospitalizations are at their highest since last February, with 1,072 new patients — 86% of whom are unvaccinated.
A recent study of nearly 70,000 patients in California found Omicron variant infections to be associated with “substantially reduced risk of severe clinical endpoints” and shorter hospital stays.
COLLEGES
As Omicron replaces Delta as the dominant COVID variant, Cal State Fullerton and University of California, Irvine have reported returning to remote instruction for indefinite amounts of time and cancelling on-campus events.
“Temporarily delaying face-to-face instruction was not what we hoped for, but we believe that this decision allows us to prioritize health and safety without sacrificing academic quality and success,” CSUF president Fram Virjee said in a letter on Jan. 7.
UC Irvine announced Thursday a revision to its face covering policy to align with Cal/OSHA’s latest standards.
The new policy requires anyone who is indoors on university-controlled property to wear a face covering that doesn’t let light pass through when held up to a light source, the university said.
Some community colleges in the region are following suit, including Saddleback College and Orange Coast College.
– Audrey Kemp
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Jan. 6, 3:09 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
Local vaccinations continue to increase, with north of 2.3 million Orange County residents fully vaccinated as of Thursday, Orange County Health Care Agency data suggests.
The number of booster recipients is also climbing, topping 900,000.
HOSPITALS
Hospitalizations are on the rise, with 724 current patients, representing the highest figure seen since last February.
According to the Los Angeles Times, at least nine hospitals in Orange County have set up surge tents to increase capacity.
OC deputy health officer Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong urged the public not to come to the emergency room for emergencies only, and not to go there to receive a coronavirus test.
“Our hospitals are getting full,” Chinsio-Kwong told the Los Angeles Times. “Our ERs are getting full. So if you are looking for a test, if you have mild symptoms, please consider first a virtual appointment with your healthcare provider to not overwhelm the ERs even more because we really want ERs and urgent cares to really just take care of the urgent situations.”
–Audrey Kemp
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Dec. 30, 1:35 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
The number of daily coronvirus cases in Orange County has risen over 300% in the last two weeks to 2,342, the Orange County Health Care Agency data reported on Dec. 27.
That represents the highest spike of the year since January.
Hospitalizations also appear to be on the rise, with 420 patients currently reported. That’s up from about 200 patients seen two weeks ago.
“As we anticipated, Orange County COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are rising steeply due to increased gatherings and traveling over the holidays,” HCA Director and County Health Officer Dr. Clayton Chau said in a statement.
“The risk of catching and spreading COVID-19 is extremely high during this time as more people are in close contact with one another,” Chau added. “We ask that you please continue to exercise precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including limiting or avoiding gathering with others if possible.”
ORAL TREATMENTS
Also on Dec. 27, the OCHCA announced FDA emergency use authorizations (EUA) for oral agents to treat COVID-19, including Pfizer’s Paxlovid and Merck’s Molnupiravir.
Patients eligible for Paxlovid or Molnupiravir must have mild to moderate COVID-19 and considered high-risk for developing severe disease, the agency said.
— Audrey Kemp
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Dec. 23, 2:45 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
The Orange County Health Care Agency reported 326 new daily infections on Dec. 21, up from a recent high of 143 seen last month.
Hospitalizations have also risen about 28% since the beginning of December.
OMICRON VARIANT
On Dec. 17, the OCHCA reported the first confirmed case of the Omicron COVID-19 variant in Orange County.
The infected resident is a fully vaccinated adult male who had been traveling domestically outside of California, the agency said.
“The Omicron variant is highly transmissable and has already been identified in the United States and many countries around the world,” Deputy County Health Officer Dr. Matthew Zahn said in a statement.
“It’s important that we all do our part by following public health guidance to protect our loved ones and neighbors, especially those who are most vulnerable, during the holiday season.”
— Audrey Kemp
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Dec. 16, 1:05 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
Coronavirus cases in California have risen by almost 50% in the last two-and-a-half weeks, the Los Angeles Times reports.
To combat rising case rates, and slow the spread of the Delta and Omicron variants, the California Department of Public Health yesterday issued a statewide mask mandate for indoor public spaces through January 15, 2022, regardless of vaccination status.
In Orange County alone, the OCHCA reported today 201 people currently hospitalized with coronavirus-related complications; 58 of whom are in the ICU.
That’s slightly up from 176 hospitalizations reported earlier this month.
BOOSTERS
The CDC has also expanded eligible populations for the Pfizer booster vaccine to include ages 16 to 17, meaning individuals 16 and older may receive a booster six months after completing their primary vaccination series.
“Although we don’t have all the answers on the Omicron variant, initial data suggests that COVID-19 boosters help broaden and strengthen the protection against Omicron and other variants,” CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said in a statement.
The number of Orange County residents who have received their booster dose climbed to 681,959 as of Thursday, up from last week’s total of 595,803.
— Audrey Kemp
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Dec. 9, 3:35 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
The Orange County Health Care Agency reported Tuesday 78 new daily cases – the lowest daily case rate seen since July.
On Wednesday, 196 new hospitalizations were reported; 59 of those hospitalized were in the ICU. On average, 89% of all ICU admits are unvaccinated.
The number of Orange County residents who have received a booster shot has climbed 15% since last week to 595,803. About 55% of that population is female.
North of 220,000 children in Orange County between the ages of 5 and 17 have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to-date; over 290,000 others in that age group are currently unvaccinated.
–Audrey Kemp
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Dec. 2, 2:25 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
As of Wednesday, 513,825 Orange County residents have received their COVID-19 booster vaccine, according to data gathered by the Orange County Health Care Agency.
That’s up about 35% from last week.
Meanwhile, daily positive cases in the region have declined about 71% from a previous high of 308 seen three weeks ago.
On Nov. 29, the World Health Organization designated a new COVID-19 strain – B.1.1.529, or the Omicron — as a “variant of concern.”
While the Omicron variant is reported to have originated from South Africa, or even Europe, the CDC reported three cases of the Omicron in the U.S. this week. The first reported case was identified in California.
“Although we are still learning about this new variant, it’s important to understand that new versions of the virus will continue to emerge as long as there are large proportions of people who are unvaccinated,” Deputy County Health Officer Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong said in a statement released by the OCHCA.
On Dec, 1, 169 Orange County residents were reported being hospitalized with COVID-19-related complications – a 9% decrease from one week ago.
According to Dr. Chinsio-Kwong, 90% of people hospitalized due to COVID-19 are unvaccinated.
–Audrey Kemp
—
Nov. 18, 1:35 p.m. HEALTHCARE
The average number of cases for the week ended Nov. 9 was 261, or 37 cases per day, according to data gathered by the OCHCA. It reached a high of 4,836 last December.
Covid-related hospitalizations in Orange County have climbed about 6% since the beginning of the month, with 208 new patients total and 49 in the ICU.
Six new COVID-related deaths were also reported as of Wednesday, bringing the total death count to 5,659 since the pandemic began.
BOOSTER SHOTS
Despite FDA officials continuing to limit who can receive a coronavirus booster shot, a growing number of states are offering boosters to all adults to possibly circumvent another holiday spike.
California was the first state to expand access when public health officials quietly issued a letter to local health jurisdictions and vaccine providers on Nov. 9.
The letter stated, “Do not turn a patient away who is requesting a booster” if they are 18 or older and have waited the required six months after their second shot.
As of Wednesday, 378,566 Orange County residents have received a booster shot.
— Audrey Kemp
—
Nov. 11, 1:40 p.m. HEALTHCARE
The Orange County Health Care Agency reported Nov. 8 an average of 72 daily cases.
That’s down nearly 77% from the beginning of the month, and the lowest daily case rate seen since June.
There were no updates reported Nov. 11 due to Veteran’s Day.
VACCINES
North of 110,000 children in California ages 5 to 11 have received their first vaccine dose as of Wednesday, according to the Los Angeles Times.
The number of fully vaccinated Orange County residents this week also surpassed 2.2 million, accounting for roughly 69% of the total population.
— Audrey Kemp
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Nov. 4, 3:00 p.m. HEALTHCARE
An average of 201 cases was reported for the seven-day period ended Nov. 4, according to Orange County Health Care Agency data.
That’s down about 26% from the previous weekly average.
PEDIATRIC VACCINES
The OCHCA also announced Nov. 3 it is preparing to roll out Pfizer vaccines for Orange County’s children ages 5 to 11.
The announcement came after the Western States Scientific Safety Review and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) approved the use of a pediatric vaccine.
According to the FDA, clinical trials demonstrated the vaccine to be 90.7% effective at preventing symptoms of COVID-19 among children in this age group.
— Audrey Kemp
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Oct. 28, 3:50 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
Orange County saw an 8% jump in the past week to 355 new daily cases, according to Wednesday’s report from the Orange County Health Care Agency.
The number of total hospitalizations appears to be ticking back up as well, with five more reported cases from one week ago.
BOOSTER SHOTS
The OCHCA also announced Oct. 25 it has started offering booster shots of the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines to certain populations, following recommendations from the Western States Scientific and Safety Review Workgroup, the CDC and the FDA.
Booster doses are expected to become available at various pharmacies and healthcare providers throughout Orange County.
The agency highly encouraged three groups who received the Moderna to get a booster within six months: individuals ages 65 and older; individuals 18 years and older residing in long-term care settings; and individuals between age 50 and 64 with underlying medical conditions or at high risk due to social inequities.
Recipients of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine ages 18 and older should receive a booster dose at least two months after their first shot, the agency added.
— Audrey Kemp —
Oct. 21, 2:30 p.m. HEALTHCARE Coronavirus cases in Orange County continue to decrease, with an average of 120 cases reported each day, according to OC Health Care Agency Data.
That’s nearly half of the daily average seen earlier this month.
The number of deaths attributed to COVID-19 have also decreased by 85% in the last month as the number of fully vaccinated Orange County residents approaches 2.2 million.
Hospitalizations also are on the decline, with about 190 total patients and 41 in the ICU as of Wednesday, compared to 220 total patients and 54 in the ICU earlier this month.
FDA regulators Wednesday issued emergency use authorization for a mix-and-match booster shot for Johnson & Johnson and Moderna recipients, making clear that people do not have to get a third dose that matches their primary series.
The announcement follows last month’s approval of a Pfizer booster.
— Audrey Kemp–
Oct. 14, 2:36 p.m. HEALTHCARE The FDA vaccine advisory panel voted unanimously Thursday in support of a booster shot of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine.
The decision will now go to the Food and Drug Administration, which is expected to make a final ruling in the coming days. The half-dose booster would be administered nearly six months after the second dose for eligible adults, which include those 65 and older, those with preexisting medical conditions and those working in high-risk professions.
The same groups became eligible last months for a Pfizer-BioNTech booster. Roughly 2 million Orange County residents have received two doses of either Pfizer or Moderna to-date.
— Audrey Kemp
Oct. 7, 1:15 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
Coronavirus cases in Orange County continue to decrease, with an average of 220 cases reported each day this week, according to OC Health Care Agency data.
That’s nearly half of the daily average seen two weeks ago and is down from the recent peak of 800 average cases seen in mid-August.
Hospitalizations also are on the decline, with about 220 patients with 54 in the ICU as of Wednesday, which is down from about 600 patients, including 60 in the ICU, in August.
Pfizer is currently seeking FDA approval for the use of its vaccine in children ages 5 to 11. That dose would be about one-third the dosage currently given to teens and adults, the company said.
An independent panel is slated to debate the evidence on Oct. 26. If approval is granted, shots could begin within a matter of weeks for the roughly 28 million children in that age group nationwide.
— Audrey Kemp
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Sept. 9, 3:50 p.m.
HEALTHCARE, POLICY
President Joe Biden announced Thursday that companies with more than 100 employees will soon need to require vaccinations or weekly COVID-19 tests in a push to mitigate virus transmission.
The rule, which has yet to be drafted by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, will also require vaccinations for federal workers, contractors and health care workers.
About 53% of Americans are fully vaccinated. About 2.04 million Orange County residents are fully vaccinated to date.
–Katie Murar
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August 26, 4:15 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
Local vaccinations continue to increase each week, with almost 2 million residents and workers fully vaccinated as of Thursday.
State and OC officials expect these figures to continue to climb amid rising case figures, as many businesses enforce vaccine and mask mandates.
Coronavirus cases have been surging over the past two months but recently showed signs of decline, according to Orange County Healthcare Agency data.
There were about 695 cases reported each day on average last week in Orange County, down from about 750 the week prior.
Cases still mark the highest case figures seen since February, when cases were coming down from the all-time high of 3,500 seen in January.
–Katie Murar —
August 12, 3:15 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
As more businesses consider requiring vaccinations amid rising COVID-19 cases, state officials expect vaccine rates will increase as a result.
School staff, for example, will be required to get vaccinated or submit to weekly coronavirus testing, and many local hospitals and other healthcare venues are also requiring vaccination verification or a negative COVID-19 test.
“We think this will do exactly what it’s intended to do and that is to encourage people to get vaccinated,” Governor Gavin Newsom said during a recent news conference.
Coronavirus cases have been increasing over the past two months, with north of 700 cases reported each day on average last week in Orange County.
That’s up from about 520 and 331 in the two weeks prior, and marks the highest case figures seen since February, when cases were coming down from the all-time high of 3,500 seen in January.
North of 1.9 million Orange County residents have been fully vaccinated to date, representing more than 70% of the region’s eligible population.
That’s up slightly from last week.
–Katie Murar
—
August 5, 3:15 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
Coronavirus cases continue to increase in Orange County, with north of 500 cases reported each day on average last week.
That’s up from about 327 and 216 in the two weeks prior, and marks the highest case figures seen since February, when cases were coming down from the all-time high of 3,500 seen in January.
North of 1.9 million Orange County residents have been fully vaccinated to date, representing more than 70% of the region’s eligible population.
That’s up slightly from last week.
–Katie Murar —
July 29, 2:40 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
Orange County COVID-19 cases continue to climb each week, coming off the lows seen in recent months.
There are north of 300 cases being reported each day on average, up from about 200 average cases last week, and up from the recent low of 30 seen last month.
Hospitalizations also continue to see increases, with 236 patients as of Wednesday. That’s up from 149 last week, and from about 50 last month. Almost 1.9 million Orange County residents have been fully vaccinated to date, representing more than 70% of the region’s eligible population. That’s up from about 1.88 million last week.
–Katie Murar
—
July 22, 3:30 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
The Orange County Health Care Agency has returned to posting daily COVID-19 figures amid new increases of case counts and hospitalizations.
There are north of 200 cases being reported each day on average, up from about 120 average cases last week, and up from the low of 30 seen a month ago.
It’s still significantly lower than the 3,500 cases seen during the county’s winter surge, and from the 800 average cases seen a year ago.
Hospitalizations are also seeing increases, with 149 patients as of Wednesday. That’s up from about 50 last month.
About 1.88 million Orange County residents have been fully vaccinated to date, representing more than 70% of the region’s eligible population.
That’s up from about 1.85 million last week.
–Katie Murar
–July 15, 3:00 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
Nearly 70% of Orange County’s eligible population has received the vaccine, with north of 1.85 million adults vaccinated to date.
Vaccine adoption has plateaued in recent weeks, and as coronavirus mandates are lifted, health officials are urging local residents to get vaccinated to mitigate virus transmission.
“Each individual that isn’t vaccinated is at risk of severe disease that could spread and potentially develop a variant,” said Bernadette Boden-Albala, dean of the public health school at the University of California, Irvine.
Local case counts are starting to show signs of increases.
There have been about 120 cases reported on average in the past two weeks, up from the lows of 30 cases seen in the second week of June.
The county is faring better than other Southern California counterparts, with Los Angeles seeing north of 1,000 new cases each day, up from around 200 cases a month ago.
–Katie Murar —
July 8, 3:30 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
The county indicates north of 1.8 million OC residents are fully vaccinated as of July 7, having received both doses of Pfizer and Moderna, or the single Johnson & Johnson dose.
That represents about 57% of the total population, though the total vaccination figure tops 65% when excluding ineligible residents.
This week’s figure is up from about 1.78 last week, and 1.73 the week prior.
A state dashboard indicates more than 3.5 million vaccine doses have been distributed to date in the county.
About 40,000 vaccines have been administered in the past week, or nearly 5,714 per day.
Vaccine distribution has largely plateaued in recent weeks as a majority of Orange County residents have received at least one dose. –Katie Murar —
July 1, 3:00 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
The county indicates about 1.78 million OC residents are fully vaccinated as of June 30, having received both doses of Pfizer and Moderna, or the single Johnson & Johnson dose.
That represents about 56% of the total population, though the total vaccination figure is higher when excluding ineligible residents.
This week’s figure is up from about 1.73 last week, and 1.68 the week prior.
A state dashboard indicates almost 3.5 million vaccine doses have been distributed to date in the county.
About 60,000 vaccines have been administered in the past week, or nearly 8,571 per day. That pace is down more than 30% in the past week. Vaccine distribution has largely plateaued in recent weeks as a majority of Orange County residents have received at least one dose.
–Katie Murar
—
June 25, 2:45 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
Orange County has administered about 3.4 million COVID-19 vaccine doses according to new California Department of Public Health data Friday. About 90,000 vaccines have been administered in the past week, or nearly 12,900 per day.
That pace is down about 10% in the past week.
Vaccine distribution has largely plateaued in recent weeks as a majority of Orange County residents have received at least one dose.
The county indicates about 1.73 million OC residents are fully vaccinated as of June 23, having received both doses of Pfizer and Moderna, or the single Johnson & Johnson dose.That represents about 55% of the total population, though the total vaccination figure is higher when excluding ineligible residents.
This week’s figure is up from about 1.68 last week.
–Katie Murar —
June 24, 2:00 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
The county indicates about 1.73 million OC residents are fully vaccinated as of June 23, having received both doses of Pfizer and Moderna, or the single Johnson & Johnson dose.
That represents about 55% of the total population, though the total vaccination figure is higher when excluding ineligible residents.
This week’s figure is up from about 1.68 last week.
A state dashboard indicates about 3.4 million vaccine doses have been distributed to date in the county.
Most OC residents have received at least one vaccine dose.
–Katie Murar
—
June 23, 3:30 p.m.
TOURISM
Disneyland, the region’s top employer before the pandemic, has yet to bring back more than half of its 32,000 local employees.
About 15,000 employees are currently working at the resort, local reports indicate.
The Anaheim resort, which includes two theme parks, three hotels and the Downtown Disney retail area, all closed on March 14, 2020, and reopened at the end of April 2021.
According to the Orange County Register, Disneyland expects to hire about 1,000 more employees this summer.
–Katie Murar
—
June 22, 3:00 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
The OC Health Care Agency has launched a new mobile COVID-19 vaccination service in which groups can request on-site vaccinations via the county’s Othena app.
Individuals, employers and businesses can apply for the free mobile vaccination service on the Othena app or website, and a community liaison will work with the group to plan a location and time for the event.
At least 50 patients are preferred for each event, and a climate-controlled location is required.
The OC HCA launched the new program in part to help Orange County reach its goal of at least 70% of residents vaccinated by July 4.
Nearly 70% of the population has received at least one dose of the vaccine, reports indicate.
–Katie Murar
—
June 21, 3:30 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
The Orange County Health Care Agency has begun to scale back on posting COVID-19 data after more than a year of reporting daily updates for case figures, deaths, hospitalizations and other pandemic metrics.
Earlier this month, the OC HCA stopped posting case count data on weekends; beginning next month, the agency will update data once per week on Tuesdays by 5 p.m.
The county will continue to track COVID-19 metrics using the state’s electronic laboratory reporting system, known as the CalREDIE Electronic Laboratory Reporting system, but will only update figures once per week starting July 1.
There were about 33 cases reported each day on average in the past week, and there are currently 54 hospitalized patients, including 14 in the ICU.
–Katie Murar
—
June 18, 3:00 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
Orange County has administered north of 3.3 million COVID-19 vaccine doses according to new California Department of Public Health data Friday. About 100,000 vaccines have been administered in the past week, or nearly 14,300 per day, up about 25% from last week.
Vaccine distribution has largely plateaued in recent weeks as a majority of Orange County residents have received at least one dose.
The county indicates about 1.68 million OC residents are fully vaccinated as of June 16, having received both doses of Pfizer and Moderna, or the single Johnson & Johnson dose.
That represents about 53% of the total population, though the total vaccination figure is higher when excluding ineligible residents.
This week’s figure is up from about 1.62 last week.
–Katie Murar —
June 16, 2:30 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
The county indicates about 1.68 million OC residents are fully vaccinated as of June 16, having received both doses of Pfizer and Moderna, or the single Johnson & Johnson dose.
That represents about 53% of the total population, though the total vaccination figure is higher when excluding ineligible residents.
This week’s figure is up from about 1.62 last week.
A state dashboard indicates about 3.2 million vaccine doses have been distributed to date in the county.
Most OC residents have received at least one vaccine dose.
–Katie Murar
—
June 15, 3:00 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
Orange County businesses are back to pre-pandemic normalcy as the region reopened its economy on Tuesday along with the state.
Retailers, gyms, movie theaters, bars, restaurants, places of worship and other businesses and venues are able to return to full capacity while mask mandates will be scrapped for the most part.
The state’s color-coded tier system is no longer in effect, and the county will scale back on reporting coronavirus figures in the coming months.
The region’s reopening bodes well for consumer confidence among many sectors, specifically the tourism industry, with Visit Anaheim announcing new events and conventions for the city following the easing of state guidelines.
“The reopening of California has allowed our industry to take a giant step toward recovery,” said Jay Burress, president & CEO of Visit Anaheim. “After 15 months, events are once again occupying the halls of the Anaheim Convention Center and bringing in much-needed business to our hotels, restaurants and attractions.”
The destination marketing organization said it has booked 55 events for the remainder of 2021, representing more than $231 million in local economic impact.
The events are expected to draw in close to 200,000 visitors.
–Katie Murar —
June 14, 3:00 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
Orange County is preparing to reopen its economy along with the state on Tuesday, with local businesses able to end capacity restrictions and mask requirements in most cases.
The state on June 15 will officially scrap its color-coded tier system that was first implemented in August.
Businesses like retailers, gyms, movie theaters, bars, restaurants and places of worship can return to full capacity.
Those who are fully vaccinated in California will not need to wear a mask in most settings, save for some crowded outdoor and indoor events. Some restrictions will also stay in place for large gatherings, such as concerts, sporting events, meetings and conventions.
Disneyland and California Adventure, currently operating at 35% capacity, announced this week that they will no longer require face coverings for fully vaccinated guests starting June 15, when the theme parks return to full capacity.
The resort said it will not require proof of vaccination, with guests self-attesting they are in compliance prior to entry. –Katie Murar —
June 11, 12:00 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
Orange County has administered north of 3.2 million COVID-19 vaccine doses according to new California Department of Public Health data as of Friday. About 80,000 vaccines have been administered in the past week, or nearly 11,400 per day, about the same distribution as the week prior.
That’s down from about 250,000 doses per week last month.
The county indicates more than 1.6 million OC residents are fully vaccinated as of June 9, having received both doses of Pfizer and Moderna, or the single Johnson & Johnson dose. That’s up slightly from a week ago. –Katie Murar —
June 10, 3:30 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
The number of deaths attributed to COVID-19 is down by more than 60% in the past month.
There were 66 deaths reported by the Orange County Health Care Agency in the past month, which is down from 167 the month prior.
There have been about 2 deaths reported each day on average in the past week.
That’s down from about 70 deaths reported each day on average during the pandemic’s peak in January.
–Katie Murar
—
June 9, 3:30 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
There were about 25 COVID-19 cases reported each day on average in the past week, among the lowest levels since the onset of the pandemic.
That’s down drastically from the peak of about 3,500 average cases seen in January.
The last time case counts were this low was during the third week of March 2020 when the virus first starting ramping up in Orange County, shortly after the shelter-in-place mandate.
There are about 50 current hospitalized patients and 7 in the ICU, down from the peak of 2,259 and 550 in January.
–Katie Murar —
June 8, 2:30 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
Orange County’s case rate fell once again to new lows ahead of the state’s planned reopening next week.
The region had 0.8 new cases per 100,000 residents last week, down from 0.9 and 1.3 in the two weeks prior.
The county’s test positivity rate, however, increased for the first time in months, inching up to 0.7% from 0.6% last week.
OC’s health equity rate, which measures positive test rates in harder-hit neighborhoods, also rose slightly to 0.8% from 0.7% last week. This marks the fourth week Orange County has been in the least restrictive yellow tier.
–Katie Murar
—
June 7, 3:00 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
North of 70% of California’s adult population has received at least one dose of the coronavirus vaccine, according to state officials.
What’s more, the state has one of the lowest coronavirus transmission rates in the nation.
Just California and Vermont are considered to have low levels of community coronavirus transmission, according to a recent assessment by the Centers for Disease Control.
Governor Gavin Newsom recently said California’s state of emergency order would extend beyond the reopening on June 15, allowing him and other officials to impose new rules and restrictions.
–Katie Murar —
June 4, 4:00 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
Orange County has administered nearly 3.2 million COVID-19 vaccine doses according to new California Department of Public Health data as of Friday. About 80,000 vaccines have been administered in the past week, or nearly 11,400 per day. Vaccine pace has slowed in recent weeks, with this week’s rate down about 20% from the week prior, and down from about 250,000 doses per week last month.
The county indicates almost 1.6 million OC residents are fully vaccinated as of June 2, having received both doses of Pfizer and Moderna, or the single Johnson & Johnson dose. That’s up slightly from a week ago. –Katie Murar —
June 3, 3:30 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
Coronavirus cases continue to hit new lows each week in Orange County with about 30 average cases reported each day on average last week.
That’s down from about 35 the week prior, and from 179 a year ago.
Orange County is in the least restrictive yellow tier for the third consecutive week with an average case rate of 0.9 per 100,000 residents.
There are about 60 current hospitalized patients and 16 in the ICU, down from 296 and 124 a year ago.
–Katie Murar
—
June 2, 4:15 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
About 57% of California’s population has received at least one dose of the coronavirus vaccine, while 44.3% of residents are fully vaccinated, according to Bloomberg’s vaccination dashboard.
That’s up from 41.7% a week ago.
California is tops among U.S. states for its vaccine pace, with about 160,000 doses administered each day; that figure is down about 38% from last week.
Orange County has administered the third most doses to date, trailing Los Angeles and San Diego.
–Katie Murar
—
June 1, 3:30 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
Orange County’s coronavirus metrics once again hit new lows last week, with its case rate falling below one for the first time.
The region had 0.9 new cases per 100,000 residents last week, down from 1.3 and 1.5 in the two weeks prior.
This marks the third week Orange County has been in the least restrictive yellow tier.
The county’s test positivity rate is also at its lowest point to date at 0.6%, down from 0.8% the week prior.
OC’s health equity rate, which measures positive test rates in harder-hit neighborhoods, is at 0.7%, flat from last week.
–Katie Murar —
May 28, 3:00 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
Orange County has administered nearly 3.1 million COVID-19 vaccine doses according to new California Department of Public Health data as of Friday. About 100,000 vaccines have been administered in the past week, or nearly 14,000 per day.
That’s consistent with the vaccine pace in recent weeks, but is down from a month ago, when about 250,000 vaccine doses were given per week.
The county indicates north of 1.5 million OC residents are fully vaccinated as of May 26, having received both doses of Pfizer and Moderna, or the single Johnson & Johnson dose. That’s up from about 1.4 million a week ago. –Katie Murar —
May 26, 3:30 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
Coronavirus case rates are remaining low throughout Orange County, specifically in former hot spots in North County.
Cities like Anaheim and Santa Ana were considered among the hardest-hit communities during the peak of the pandemic; the county introduced health equity measures in October to address the issues facing disadvantaged neighborhoods, and more closely monitor case and testing rates to make sure these areas do not lag behind the overall county.
As vaccines continue to roll out and virus transmission reaches new lows, the majority of cities throughout OC have seen fewer than three cases per 100,000 residents over the past two weeks.
This includes Anaheim, Santa Ana, Brea, Buena Park and Costa Mesa, all harder-hit cities that at one point saw case rates in the double digits.
The same goes for coastal cities like Newport Beach and Laguna Beach, with average case rates of 1.9 and 3 per 100,000 residents, respectively, over the past two weeks.
–Katie Murar
—
May 25, 3:30 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
Orange County’s coronavirus metrics once again hit new lows last week, with its case rate falling to 1.3 cases per 100,000 residents from 1.5 and 1.8 in the two weeks prior.
This marks the second week Orange County has been in the least restrictive yellow tier.
The county’s test positivity rate is at its lowest point to date at 0.8%, while the health equity rate, which measures positive test rates in harder-hit neighborhoods, is at 0.7%.
Both are down from 0.9% in the week prior.
–Katie Murar
—
May 24, 3:00 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
California is still on track to reopen its economy on June 15, marking an almost full return to normalcy since the onset of the pandemic last year.
State officials recently provided some guidance for what this reopening will look like, including an end to capacity restrictions for businesses like retailers, gyms, movie theaters, bars, restaurants and places of worship, as well as an end to social distancing.
Those who are fully vaccinated in California will not need to wear a mask in most settings, save for crowded outdoor and indoor events.
Some restrictions will also stay in place for large gatherings, such as concerts, sporting events, meetings and conventions.
Vaccine and negative COVID-19 test verifications will be required for indoor events with more than 5,000 attendees and will be recommended for outdoor events with more than 10,000 people.
Angel Stadium will return to full capacity on June 17, but guests will be required to wear a mask unless they provide proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test.
The same goes for theme parks like Disneyland Resort, which fall under the outdoor mega event category. Disneyland and California Adventure, currently operating at 35% capacity, will be able to return to full capacity next month.
–Katie Murar
—
May 21, 2:00 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
Orange County has administered nearly 3 million COVID-19 vaccine doses according to new California Department of Public Health data as of Friday. About 200,000 vaccines have been administered in the past week, up from about 100,000 in the week prior.
The county indicates north of 1.4 million OC residents are fully vaccinated as of May 19, having received both doses of Pfizer and Moderna, or the single Johnson & Johnson dose. That’s up from nearly 1.3 million a week ago.
–Katie Murar
—
May 20, 4:00 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
Coronavirus hospitalizations continue to decrease in Orange County with 75 patients as of Thursday, marking the lowest level since the onset of the pandemic.
That’s down from nearly 90 at the start of this month, and from about 200 patients a year ago.
It’s also off significantly from the peak of 2,259 hospitalizations in the first week of January. There were about 22 ICU patients as of Tuesday, down from 120 a year ago. –Katie Murar —
May 19, 3:20 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
Orange County officially entered the least restrictive yellow tier on Wednesday, representing the lowest coronavirus transmission seen in the region since the onset of the pandemic.
Businesses are now able to reopen more fully by increasing capacity and operations.
This includes area tourism driver Disneyland Resort, which reopened on April 30 at 25% capacity. The resort’s two theme parks can increase occupancy to 35% in the yellow tier.
The county can also expand capacity at restaurants, gyms, movie theaters, sports venues and other businesses.
Bars that do not serve food, currently only able to operate outdoors, can reopen indoors at 25% capacity. The color-coded reopening guidelines were first implemented in August, and could be scrapped as soon as next month as the state aims to fully open its economy on June 15.
–Katie Murar
—
May 18, 3:00 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
Orange County is on track to enter the least restrictive yellow tier this week, with its case rate falling to 1.5 cases per 100,000 residents from 1.8 the week prior.
After being in the orange tier since March 29, the county met yellow tier metrics for the first time last week.
The two other metrics monitored by the state have been within yellow tier requirements for several weeks. The county’s test positivity rate is at its lowest point to date at 0.9%, while the health equity rate, which measures positive test rates in harder-hit neighborhoods, is also at 0.9%.
OC is expected to enter into the yellow tier on Wednesday, paving the way for fewer business restrictions.
–Katie Murar
—
May 17, 3:30 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
Nearly 40% of Orange County residents are fully vaccinated against coronavirus, according to a recent update by the OC Health Care Agency.
The county indicates nearly 1.3 million OC residents were fully vaccinated as of May 9, having received both doses of Pfizer and Moderna, or the single Johnson & Johnson dose.
About 91% of the county’s population have received at least one shot of the vaccine, according to California Department of Public Health data as of Monday.
–Katie Murar
—
May 14, 1:30 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
Orange County has administered nearly 2.8 million COVID-19 vaccine doses according to new California Department of Public Health data as of Friday.
About 100,000 vaccines have been administered in the past week, marking a slower vaccine distribution pace compared to prior weeks.
Still, north of 800,000 vaccines—including first and second doses—have been distributed since April 15, when all Orange County adults and workers became eligible. The OC Health Care Agency also provides vaccination figures; however, that website is updated once per week, compared to the state’s daily update, and also reflects a greater lag in the time it takes for information to be entered, according to the county. The county indicates nearly 1.3 million OC residents are fully vaccinated as of May 9, having received both doses of Pfizer and Moderna, or the single Johnson & Johnson dose.
That’s up from nearly 1.2 million a week ago.
–Katie Murar —
May 13, 10:30 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
Hoag Hospital will begin offering COVID-19 vaccines to travelers at John Wayne Airport today.
The Fly Well Clinic, located post-security in Terminal B across from Gate 10, also provides urgent care, telehealth consultations and vital screenings.
In addition, Hoag is hosting rapid COVID-19 testing for all airport visitors at pre-security in Terminal B on the Departure Level.
“It’s so important that people get vaccinated against this deadly virus, and the Fly Well Clinic and the Rapid Testing Clinic are important new resources for helping us reach out to the community in a number of ways to ensure everyone receives care when and where they need it, including vaccinations,” Marcy Brown, senior vice president and chief hospital operations officer at Hoag, said in a statement.
To learn more, call the Hoag Fly Well Clinic at 949-557-0667.
–Jessie Yount
—
May 12, 3:30 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
There have been about 36 coronavirus cases reported each day on average in Orange County in the past week, which is down from 54 the week prior. That’s the lowest case figure the county has seen since April 2020.
Cities in the county that have historically been hit harder by COVID-19 have continued to far better in recent weeks, such as Anaheim and Santa Ana. Anaheim has had 1.5 new cases per 100,000 residents reported in the past two weeks; Santa Ana has had less than 1 average new cases.
That’s down from 2.8 and 2.2 in the prior two weeks, respectively.
–Katie Murar
—
May 11, 3:30 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
Orange County met yellow tier metrics for the first time last week, paving the way for the county to more fully reopen its economy.
Orange County’s case rate fell to 1.8 cases per 100,000 residents from 2.4 the week prior; if the case rate stays below 2 this week, it could enter the least restrictive reopening tier as soon as next week.
Los Angeles became the first Southern California county to enter the yellow tier last week; nine counties in total have entered the yellow tier.
OC has been in the orange tier since March 29.
In the yellow tier, the county can expand capacity at restaurants, gyms, movie theaters, sports venues and other businesses. Theme parks, like Disneyland, can increase capacity from 25% to 35%.
Bars that don’t serve food, currently only able to operate outdoors, can reopen indoors at 25% capacity.
The color-coded reopening guidelines were first implemented in August, and could be scrapped as soon as next month as the state aims to fully open its economy on June 15.
–Katie Murar
—
May 7, 3:30 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
Orange County has administered nearly 2.7 million COVID-19 vaccine doses according to new California Department of Public Health data as of Friday.
Almost 700,000 vaccines—including first and second doses—have been distributed since April 15, when all Orange County adults and workers became eligible.
The OC Health Care Agency also provides vaccination figures; however, that website is updated once per week, compared to the state’s daily update, and also reflects a greater lag in the time it takes for information to be entered, according to the county.
The county indicates nearly 1.2 million OC residents are fully vaccinated as of May 2, having received both doses of Pfizer and Moderna, or the single Johnson & Johnson dose.
–Katie Murar
—
May 6, 3:30 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
As appointments for vaccinations drop across the county, OC is preparing to shutter its remaining mass vaccination sites.
Disneyland was the first vaccine POD—or point of dispensing—site to close on April 30, the same day the theme park reopened for guests.
Now, OC will close its remaining four POD sites at the Anaheim Convention Center, Soka University, OC Fair & Event Center and Santa Ana College.
Those locations will close on June 6, with the last first-dose Moderna appointments to be offered May 8, and the last first-dose Pfizer appointments to be offered May 15.
All Orange County residents and workers have been eligible for the vaccine since April 15. Demand for inoculations have dropped significantly since the end of last month, OC officials indicate.
Vaccinations will now primarily be distributed through pharmacies, doctor’s offices and mobile vaccine clinics.
–Katie Murar
—
May 5, 3:30 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
Coronavirus hospitalizations fell below 100 this week for the first time in nearly a year, according to data from the Orange County Health Care Agency.
There were 89 patients hospitalized with coronavirus on Tuesday, May 4, marking the lowest level since the onset of the pandemic in March.
That’s down from about 200 patients on May 4, 2020, and is off significantly from the peak of 2,259 hospitalizations in the first week of January.
There were about 25 ICU patients as of Tuesday, down from 71 a year ago.
–Katie Murar
—
May 4, 3:30 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
Orange County’s case rate dipped to 2.4 cases per 100,000 residents from 2.6 and 2.8 the two weeks prior, putting the county closer to meting yellow tier requirements.
The county has been in the orange tier for seven weeks straight. If the region’s case rate falls below 2, it can enter into the least restrictive yellow tier, allowing for additional easing of business restrictions.
The two other metrics monitored by the state have been within yellow tier requirements for several weeks.
The county’s test positivity rate declined slightly this week to 1.3%, while the health equity rate, which measures positive test rates in harder-hit neighborhoods, is at 1.4%, down from 1.9% the week prior. The yellow tier would allow most businesses to increase indoor capacity. Theme parks in the state, like the recently reopened Disneyland, would be allowed to bump up occupancy from 25% to 35%.
–Katie Murar
—
May 3, 3:00 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
Orange County has administered north of 2.5 million COVID-19 vaccine doses according to new California Department of Public Health data as of Monday. The figure, which includes a combination of first and second doses, is up nearly 30% from two weeks ago. OC has administered about 550,000 vaccinations in the past two weeks, ahead of the 475,000 administered in the two weeks prior. The OC Health Care Agency also provides vaccination figures; however, that website is updated once per week, compared to the state’s daily update, and also reflects a greater lag in the time it takes for information to be entered, according to the county. The county indicates nearly 1.1 million OC residents are fully vaccinated as of last week, having received both doses of Pfizer and Moderna, or the single Johnson & Johnson dose.
–Katie Murar
—
April 30, 1:05 p.m.
EDUCATION
Chapman University said Friday it will require students, faculty and staff coming to campus in the fall to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19.
The Orange-based institution joins UC Irvine and Cal State Fullerton in the planned requirement, which is contingent upon full FDA approval of one or more vaccines and includes accommodations for religious and medical reasons.
“Our goal is to move toward a Chapman Experience that is closer to what we had before the pandemic, with only minimal social distancing, our facilities being open, the ability to move freely around campus, where guests are also welcome,” Chapman President Daniele Struppa said in a statement on Friday.
“Models estimate that we need to have the vast majority of our community vaccinated for that to become a reality.”
Chapman, with 9,761 students, is planning a full return to in-person instruction in the fall with no options for 100% virtual learning.
–Jessie Yount
—
April 29, 3:30 p.m.
EDUCATION
California State University and the University of California said they plan to require faculty, staff and students accessing campus this fall to be immunized against COVID-19.
The requirement is still in the planning stages and is conditional upon full approval of one or more vaccines by the Food and Drug Administration, the university systems said.
Cal State Fullerton and UC Irvine are preparing to resume in-person instruction in the fall after a year of remote operations.
UC Irvine has 36,303 students and 25,827 employees; Cal State Fullerton has 41,408 students and 5,000 employees.
–Jessie Yount
—
April 28, 3:15 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
Orange County’s case rate dipped to 2.6 cases per 100,000 residents from 2.8 the week prior, keeping the region within orange tier metrics for the sixth consecutive week. The county’s test positivity rate remained flat at 1.4%, meeting the least restrictive yellow tier’s requirements of less than 2% for the fifth week.
OC has also met yellow tier requirements for the third coronavirus monitoring metric, the health equity rate, which measures positive test rates in harder-hit neighborhoods. That figure is at 1.9%.
OC needs fewer than 2 new daily cases per 100,000 residents to enter into the least restrictive yellow tier, though if the state continues with its strong vaccination pace, specifically for harder-hit communities, the state could drop its color-coded tier system and fully reopen by June 15. For now, businesses are restricted to orange tier guidelines.
–Katie Murar
—
April 27, 2:00 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
Following new mask guidelines issued Tuesday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, federal officials said individuals who are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus do not need to wear masks outdoors save for large gatherings.
The update is both a step closer to getting “life in America closer to normal” by July 4, President Biden said, and a push to those who have yet to receive the vaccine.
Masks are no longer needed for vaccinated individuals if they’re outside alone—like on a hike or bike ride—or in small gatherings, but will still be required at outdoor concerts, sporting events and other venues, like Disneyland Resort, which reopens on Friday.
The Orange County Health Care Agency is continuing to urge those who have yet to schedule their vaccine appointment to do so, with “hundreds of vaccination appointments available through Thursday this week at several point-of-dispensing (POD) locations throughout OC,” the organization said on Monday.
–Katie Murar
—
April 26, 3:30 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
There have been about 78 coronavirus cases reported each day on average in the past week, which is down from 84 the week prior.
Meanwhile, there have been about 5 COVID-19 deaths reported each day on average, down from 8 the week prior, and from 9 two weeks ago.
Cities in the county that have historically been hit harder by COVID-19 have continued to far better in recent weeks, such as Anaheim and Santa Ana.
Anaheim has had 2.8 new cases per 100,000 residents reported in the past two weeks; Santa Ana has had 2.2 average new cases.
That’s better than some coastal cities, like Laguna Beach and Newport Beach, which have seen 7 and 3.7 new cases per 100,000 residents in the past two weeks, respectively.
–Katie Murar
—
April 23, 3:00 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
Almost one million Orange County residents have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 according to the OC Health Care Agency.
About 900,000 residents and local workers have been fully inoculated across all three vaccination platforms currently available in the county.
That’s up from 750,000 last week.
The actual vaccination figure is expected to be higher, as the county’s database reflects a lag in the time it takes for information to be entered.
A state database, which is updated daily, indicates about 2.3 million vaccination doses have been administered to date, up from about 2 million the week prior.
The county is administering an average of 250,000 vaccinations per week.
–Katie Murar
—
April 22, 3:30 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
The Anaheim Convention Center is set to hold its first event in more than a year this weekend, with recent state guidelines allowing certain events and meetings for counties in the orange tier.
The convention center has been shuttered for events, meetings and conventions since February 2020, and has since served as a mass vaccination and COVID-19 testing site.
Following recent guidelines that allow indoor, low-contact recreational sports as part of California’s orange reopening tier, the Orange County Sports Commission has booked an event to take place at the convention center between April 23 and April 25.
Starpower Talent will host the dance competition event that’s slated to bring 500 people to the center, the largest exhibition facility on the West Coast.
“When California released reopening guidelines for outdoor and indoor youth and recreational adult sports, Orange County Sports Commission remained steadfast in its efforts to continue to attract and book business,” said Jay Burress, OCSC president and CEO of Visit Anaheim. “The amateur sports market has proven to be resilient in the wake of a pandemic.”
–Katie Murar
—
April 21, 12:00 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
Providence said today it will open two free mass vaccination clinics to the public in partnership with Edwards Lifesciences Corp. and the cities of Irvine, Santa Ana, Costa Mesa and Tustin.
The clinic at the Edwards Lifesciences site opens today and was made possible through a $500,000 donation and significant facility and staffing support from Edwards, according to Providence.
A second clinic offering drive thru appointments will start vaccinations on Monday at the Orange County Great Park in Irvine.
Vaccines are by appointment only and can be scheduled at myturn.ca.gov or by calling 1-833-422-4255.
“Providence is committed to providing Orange County residents with access to the vaccine, particularly our most vulnerable communities that are bearing the brunt of this virus, and our strong partnerships are making that possible,” Erik Wexler, president of operations and strategy at Providence South said in a statement.
Providence is a Renton, Wash.-based nonprofit health system that owns and operates St. Joseph Hospital in Orange, St. Jude Medical Center in Fullerton, and Mission Hospitals in Mission Viejo and Laguna Beach.
–Jessie Yount
—
April 20, 3:15 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
Orange County’s case rate dipped to 2.8 cases per 100,000 residents from 3 the week prior, keeping the region within orange tier metrics for the fifth consecutive week. The county’s test positivity rate dipped from 1.6% to 1.4%, meeting the least restrictive yellow tier’s requirements of less than 2% for the fourth week.
OC needs fewer than 2 new daily cases per 100,000 residents to enter into the least restrictive yellow tier, though if the state continues with its strong vaccination pace, specifically for harder-hit communities, the state could drop its color-coded tier system and fully reopen by June 15.
For now, businesses are restricted to orange tier guidelines.
–Katie Murar
—
April 19, 3:30 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
There were about 113 coronavirus cases reported each day on average in Orange County in the past two weeks, down slightly from the 114 reported in the two weeks prior.
There were 128 patients with COVID-19 in Orange County hospitals on Monday, up from 118 two weeks ago.
ICU patients are flat at 22.
About 2.1 million vaccine doses have been distributed in OC as of Sunday, according to a state database.
That’s up from nearly 2 million doses on Thursday, when vaccines opened up to all adults in the state.
–Katie Murar
—
April 16, 3:00 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
Orange County has surpassed 2 million COVID-19 vaccine doses according to new California Department of Public Health data as of Friday.
The figure, which includes a combination of first and second doses, is up nearly 18% from last week. OC has administered about 300,000 vaccinations in the past week, ahead of the 245,000 and 230,000 administered in the two weeks prior. The OC Health Care Agency also provides vaccination figures; however, that website is updated once per week, compared to the state’s daily update, and also reflects a greater lag in the time it takes for information to be entered, according to the county.
The county indicates nearly 750,000 OC residents are fully vaccinated, having received both doses of Pfizer and Moderna, or the single Johnson & Johnson dose.
That’s up from 600,000 last week.
–Katie Murar
—
April 15, 3:00 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
In the last major step to Orange County’s vaccine rollout, vaccinations opened up to all residents age 16 and older Thursday.
Pfizer is the only vaccine authorized for ages 16 to 18, while the Johnson & Johnson and Moderna vaccines are authorized for ages 18 and older.
The state has targeted a goal of June 15—eight weeks from now—for all residents who want the vaccine to be fully inoculated, paving the way for the economy to fully reopen.
–Katie Murar
—
April 14, 3:00 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
Orange County’s case rate is flat at 3 cases per 100,000 residents from the week prior, keeping the region within orange tier metrics for the fourth consecutive week.
The county’s test positivity rate dipped from 1.7% to 1.6%, meeting the least restrictive yellow tier’s requirements of less than 2% for the third week.
The state last week adjusted its color-coded tier system that would allow counties in the red, orange and yellow tier to increase indoor capacity for certain events, like concerts and weddings, starting April 15 if attendees show proof of full vaccination.
The county does not yet have a “vaccination passport” system that would enable residents to easily show their vaccination status, but it has plans to test a pilot program this month.
–Katie Murar
—
April 13, 3:30 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
There are currently about 100 average cases being reported each day on average in Orange County, among the lowest levels the region has seen in the past year.
As of the start of this month, there were about 108 cases reported each day on average, according to the OC Health Care Agency.
The last time the county saw a figure that low was at the start of May of last year.
The current average figure is down from the peak of 3,500 average cases seen in January, and from the prior summer surge last year, when nearly 900 cases were reported each day on average.
Newport Beach appears to be experiencing a new slight surge in cases, with 6.6 new cases per 100,000 residents reported in the past two weeks. That’s the fourth highest level in the county; Los Alamitos has the highest number of new cases, with 7.9 per 100,000 residents.
–Katie Murar
—
April 12, 3:30 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
Orange County is planning to introduce a “digital passport” system that would show proof that residents have been vaccinated in order to gain entry to various group events, like conferences, concerts and sporting events.
The county has yet to reveal plans for this system, but it intends on testing a potential program via Othena, the county’s vaccination application.
The pilot program is expected to debut this month.
–Katie Murar
—
April 9, 12:30 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
Orange County has administered north of 1.7 million COVID-19 vaccine doses to date, according to new California Department of Public Health data as of Friday.
The figure, which includes a combination of first and second doses, is up nearly 16% from last week.
OC has administered nearly 245,000 vaccinations in the past week, ahead of the 230,000 and 181,000 administered in the two weeks prior.
The OC Health Care Agency also provides vaccination figures; however, that website is updated once per week, compared to the state’s daily update, and also reflects a greater lag in the time it takes for information to be entered, according to the county.
The county indicates nearly 600,000 OC residents are fully vaccinated, having received both doses of Pfizer and Moderna, or the single Johnson & Johnson dose.
–Katie Murar
April 8, 11 a.m.
HEALTHCARE
California has slightly shifted its color-coded tier system by adjusting its case rate metrics, making it easier for regions like Orange County to enter the least restrictive yellow tier in which coronavirus transmission is considered minimal.
Counties previously needed an adjusted case rate of fewer than 1 daily case per 100,000 residents to enter the yellow tier; the Orange County COVID-19 dashboard now shows that figure has inched up to fewer than 2 cases per 100,000 residents.
The state’s move to ease yellow tier requirements could be related to the potential addition of a fifth green tier, which would allow fewer business restrictions once the county’s coronavirus transmission improves enough.
Orange County is currently in the orange tier with a case rate of 3, up slightly from 2.8 last week.
The county has already met the required testing positivity rate to enter the yellow tier.
–Katie Murar
—
April 7, 12:30 PM
POLICY
California could fully reopen its economy by June 15 pending vaccine supply and hospitalization rates, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced this week.
The full reopening is contingent upon the state’s ability to vaccinate all adults who wish to be inoculated, and on hospitalization rates remaining low.
The state could then move past its current color-coded tier system that was first announced in August and into a new phase that would allow the broadest business reopenings since the onset of the pandemic.
Large indoor events that had yet to receive reopening guidelines, such as conventions, would be able to resume operations.
The state’s mask mandate is expected to remain in place.
–Katie Murar
—
April 6, 3:15 PM
TOURISM
After more than a year of being shuttered due to the pandemic, Disneyland Resort in Anaheim said it will open up ticket sales to the public next week ahead of its planned April 30 reopening.
In addition to purchasing tickets, reservations will be required for entry as Disney limits capacity in line with state guidelines.
Customers with unused Disney tickets purchased before the pandemic can book their reservations starting April 12, and theme park ticket sales will open up to the public on April 15.
Disney’s two theme parks—Disneyland and California Adventure—are expected to reopen at 25% capacity on April 30.
The resort can increase that capacity to 35% should the region exit the orange tier and enter the yellow tier.
To move into that least restrictive tier, in which coronavirus transmission is considered minimal, the county will need to have fewer than one average daily case per 100,000 residents; a positive test rate below 2%; and a health equity rate below 2.2%.
–Katie Murar
—
April 5, 3:15 PM
HEALTHCARE
Though vaccines won’t be available for all Orange County adults until April 15, they recently became available for those living in four zip codes of four ZIP codes of Santa Ana, Anaheim and Garden Grove.
The focus is part of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s effort to target areas most impacted by coronavirus such as these three OC cities, which includes the 92701 and 92703 ZIP codes in Santa Ana; 92805 in Anaheim; and 92844 in Garden Grove.
Latino Health Access and OC Health Care Agency officials are working to educate residents about this expansion and set up vaccine sites at mobile vaccination pods and community centers, as well as two large-scale dispension sites in Anaheim at Disneyland Resort and the Anaheim Convention Center.
—Katie Murar
—
April 2, 2:15 PM
HEALTHCARE
Orange County has administered north of 1.5 million COVID-19 vaccine doses to date, according to new California Department of Public Health data as of Friday.
The figure, which includes a combination of first and second doses, is up nearly 18% from last week.
OC has administered nearly 230,000 vaccinations in the past week, ahead of the 181,000 and 220,300 administered in the two weeks prior.
The OC Health Care Agency also provides vaccination figures; however, that website is updated once per week, compared to the state’s daily update, and also reflects a greater lag in the time it takes for information to be entered, according to the county.
The county indicates approximately 530,000 OC residents are fully vaccinated, having received both doses of Pfizer and Moderna, or the single Johnson & Johnson dose.
—Katie Murar
—
April 1, 3:30 PM
HEALTHCARE
Orange County has once again expanded who is eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, this time opening up vaccinations to residents and workers age 50 and older.
Only one more expansion is slated to follow, when OC will open up vaccines for all local adults starting April 15.
Eligible residents can sign up for vaccine appointments via othena.com, which connects to the county’s mass vaccination sites, or at local pharmacy websites such as CVS, Walgreens and Rite Aid.
The county’s vaccine rollout is moving ahead of schedule due to expected increases in vaccine supply, with the state expected to get 3 million vaccines per week by the end of April.
—Katie Murar
—
March 31, 3:55 PM
HEALTHCARE
As Orange County enters the orange, or third, tier, the region is closer than it has ever been to entering into the least restrictive yellow tier.
An easing of business restrictions kicked in today, a day after OC showed a case rate of 2.8 daily cases per 100,000 residents, down from 3.5 from the week prior and once again meeting orange tier requirements.
Based on current state guidelines, OC will need to remain in the orange tier for three consecutive weeks before moving into the next tier.
To move into the yellow tier, in which coronavirus transmission is considered minimal, the county will need to have fewer than one average daily case per 100,000 residents; a positive test rate below 2%; and a health equity rate below 2.2%.
The county has already met one of those metrics, posting a positive testing rate of 1.7% last week.
OC will also need to maintain yellow tier metrics for two consecutive weeks in order to enter that tier.
In the yellow tier, most indoor businesses will be able to open with modifications such as social distancing, masks, and reduced capacity for less essential businesses.
Bars, currently only able to open outdoors, can resume indoor operations at 25% capacity; operations still required to remain closed in the yellow tier include concert venues, conventions, festivals and night clubs.
Large theme parks in the state, like Disneyland, can also reopen at 35% capacity, as opposed to 25% capacity in the orange tier.
Only two counties in California have advanced to the yellow tier; the bulk of the state is in either the red or orange tier.
—Katie Murar
—
March 30, 3:00 PM
HEALTHCARE
Orange County has met orange tier metrics for the second consecutive week, clearing the region to enter into the less-restrictive third tier this week.
The county’s case rate dropped from 3.5 cases per 100,000 residents to 2.8 cases per 100,000 residents this week, maintaining the orange tier’s case rate requirements of less than 4.
The county’s test positivity rate fell from 2.1% to 1.7%, meeting the least restrictive yellow tier’s requirements of less than 2% for the first time.
In the orange tier, retail stores can operate at full capacity, most other businesses can bump up their indoor capacity, and bars can reopen for outdoor operations.
Large theme parks in the state, like Disneyland, can also reopen at 25% capacity, as opposed to 15% capacity in the red tier.
—Katie Murar
—
March 29, 2:30 PM
HEALTHCARE
Orange County is expected to open an additional mass vaccine site this week at the Costa Mesa fairgrounds, newly elected County Supervisor Katrina Foley said last week.
The location is slated to open before Thursday, when residents age 50 and older become eligible for vaccines. Vaccines will then expand to all adult residents and workers on April 15.
There are four other large Point-of-Dispensing sites in the county, including Disneyland Resort, Soka University, Santa Ana College and the Anaheim Convention Center.
Local pharmacies such as Walgreens and CVS have also become large hubs for vaccines.
—Katie Murar
—
March 26, 3:00 PM
HEALTHCARE
Orange County administered about 181,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses in the past week, down slightly from the 220,300 administered in the week prior, according to new California Department of Public Health data as of Friday.
It’s still more than twice the amount administered in the two weeks prior.
Almost 1.3 million vaccine doses have been given to date in the county, including a combination of first and second doses.
OC has administered 403 vaccinations per 1,000 residents, in line with the statewide pace of 404 vaccinations per 1,000 residents.
San Diego leads the state in vaccinations, with more than 1,000 residents vaccinated per 1,000 residents.
—Katie Murar
—
March 25, 2:30 PM
HEALTHCARE
The state announced Thursday that California residents age 16 and older will be eligible to receive the coronavirus vaccine on April 15, with residents age 50 and older able to receive get their vaccine starting April 1.
This timeline is ahead of what officials originally projected due to expected increases in vaccine supply, with the state expected to get 3 million vaccines per week by the end of April.
“We are even closer to putting this pandemic behind us with today’s announcement and with vaccine supplies expected to increase dramatically in the months ahead,” said Dr. Mark Ghaly, the state health and human services secretary, in a Thursday statement.
—Katie Murar
—
March 24, 3:00 PM
HEALTHCARE
If Orange County maintains its lower coronavirus case and test rate metrics, it could enter the orange tier, or tier three, as soon as next week, bringing with it additional business openings and fewer restrictions.
Orange County’s case rate dropped from 4 cases per 100,000 residents to 3.5 cases per 100,000 residents this week, meeting the orange, or tier 3, case rate requirements of less than 4.
Businesses currently closed but able to reopen indoors in the orange, or moderate, tier, include bars and wineries where no meals are provided, and bowling alleys, while most businesses will be able to increase their indoor capacity.
Large theme parks in the state, like Disneyland, can also reopen at 25% capacity, as opposed to 15% capacity in the red tier.
Businesses that must remain closed in the orange tier include clubs, live theaters, festivals, concert venues and conventions.
—Katie Murar
—
March 23, 2:00 PM
HEALTHCARE
Orange County’s case rate dropped from 4 cases per 100,000 residents to 3.5 cases per 100,000 residents this week, meeting the orange, or tier 3, case rate requirements of less than 4.
This is the first time OC has met orange tier metrics since the state restarted its tier monitoring system at the start of the year.
The county’s test positivity rate remains in the orange tier at 2.1%.
OC exited the most restrictive purple tier and entered the second, red tier on March 14; each county is required to stay in its respective tier for at least three weeks before being able to advance into a less restrictive tier.
The region will also need to maintain orange tier criteria for two consecutive weeks in order to progress to the next tier.
—Katie Murar
–March 22, 3:40 PM
HEALTHCARE
Coronavirus cases continue to drop in Orange County, with average cases down 15% in the past week.
There were 105 cases reported each day on average in the past week, down from 123 the week prior.
Average cases are down about 43% in the past two weeks.
As cases and testing positivity continues to drop in the county, vaccine counts continue to rise.
OC has administered about 377 vaccinations per 1,000 residents, slightly ahead of the statewide pace of 375 vaccinations per 1,000 residents.
—Katie Murar
–March 19, 3:00 PM
HEALTHCARE
Orange County administered about 220,300 COVID-19 vaccine doses in the past week, nearly three times the 76,000 administered the week prior, according to new California Department of Public Health data as of Friday.
North of 1.1 million vaccine doses have been given to date in the county, including a combination of first and second doses.
OC has administered 351 vaccinations per 1,000 residents, slightly ahead of the statewide pace of 349 vaccinations per 1,000 residents.
—Katie Murar
–March 18, 2:00 PM
HEALTHCARE
Orange County has expanded vaccinations to include those age 16-64 with pre-existing medical conditions.
Underlying conditions include cancer, pregnancy, heart conditions, severe obesity and type 2 diabetes among others.
Vaccinations are available at regional super sites and smaller clinics; as of this week, the county said healthcare providers could use their clinical judgment to vaccinate patients with severe health conditions.
Orange County surpassed 1 million vaccines administered earlier this week, with nearly 1.1 million doses given as of Thursday, according to a state database.
—Katie Murar
—
March 17, 10 AM
TOURISM
Disneyland Resort in Anaheim will reopen on April 30 after being shuttered by the pandemic for more than a year.
The two theme parks will reopen with limited capacity—15% if Orange County remains in the red tier, or 25% if the region moves into the third, orange tier by that time.
The resort’s three theme parks will also reopen in a phased approach, with Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa plans reopening first on April 29 with limited capacity. The Vacation Club Villas at that hotel will open May 2; while Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel and the Disneyland Hotel will reopen at a later date.
More than 10,000 employees are in the process of returning to the park after being furloughed in recent months.
News of Disneyland’s reopening comes about a week after Governor Gavin Newsom’s “Blueprint Refresh,” which allows theme parks in the state to reopen as soon as April 1 if the counties they are located in are in at least the second, or red tier.
OC has been in the red tier since Sunday.
—Katie Murar
—
March 16, 3:40 PM
HEALTHCARE
Shortly after advancing into the red tier ahead of schedule, Orange County is on track to enter into the third tier within the next month as the region’s case rate continues to drop each week.
According to a Tuesday update by the OC Health Care Agency, the county currently has a case rate of 4 per 100,000 residents, down from 6 and 7.6 in the two weeks prior.
This is just shy of the case rate of 3.9 needed to enter the third, or orange, tier.
The county has been meeting orange tier metrics for testing positivity and health equity for several weeks, with a test positivity rate of 2.2% currently, down from 3.9 last week.
If the county’s case rate drops into orange tier requirements next week, the county will need maintain that criteria for two consecutive weeks in order to progress into the next tier.
—Katie Murar
—
March 15, 3:40 PM
HEALTHCARE
Orange County exited the most restrictive purple tier and entered the red tier, or tier two, on Sunday, allowing for an easing of business restrictions.
The move comes a few days ahead of schedule, as the state met its goal of vaccinating two million residents in harder-hit communities.
More Orange County businesses are now able to reopen indoors—such as movie theaters, museums, restaurants and gyms—as others can increase indoor capacity to 50%, including retailers and other essential businesses.
The move into the red tier also paves the way for theme parks, such as Disneyland Resort, to reopen next month at 15% capacity.
Businesses still restricted to outdoors only include breweries, wineries and distilleries.
—Katie Murar
—
March 12, 3:10 PM
HEALTHCARE
Orange County has administered about 895,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses, according to new California Department of Public Health data as of Thursday.
The figure, which includes a combination of first and second doses, is up nearly 15% from last week.
OC has administered 280 vaccinations per 1,000 residents, slightly ahead of the statewide pace of 278 vaccinations per 1,000 residents.
The OC Health Care Agency also provides vaccination figures; however, that website is updated once per week, compared to the state’s daily update, and also reflects a greater lag in the time it takes for information to be entered, according to the county.
There has not been a recent update in the county’s figures due to technical difficulties, it said this week. As of last week, the county said there had been 734,300 vaccines administered, with about 255,000 residents and workers having received their second dose.
—Katie Murar
—
March 11, 3:40 PM
HEALTHCARE
Coronavirus cases continue to drop in Orange County, as the region continues to ramp up its vaccine rollout with nearly 1 million doses administered to date.
There were 121 coronavirus cases reported each day on average in the past week, a 27% drop from the week prior.
About a month ago, that figure was closer to 550 average cases reported each day.
Almost 900,000 vaccine doses have been administered to date in Orange County, according to a state database.
—Katie Murar
—
March 10, 3:00 PM
HEALTHCARE
Orange County has met requirements to enter the red tier for the first time in several months, paving the way for the region to enter into the second tier and lessening business restrictions.
Tuesday marked one week that OC has met these metrics, with a case rate of 6 per 100,000 residents down from 7.6 the week prior.
Each county needs to meet a tier’s requirements for two consecutive weeks in order to move out of its current tier.
The county has been in the most restrictive purple tier since the state ended its lockdown in January. Entering the red tier would bring new business openings and increased capacity for those already open, such as restaurants, malls and salons.
Theme parks in the state will also be able to open starting April 1 in the red tier, according to new rules released by Governor Gavin Newsom earlier this month.
—Katie Murar
—
March 9, 2:30 PM
HEALTHCARE
The Anaheim Convention Center today became the first mass vaccine site in the county to administer the newest COVID-19 vaccine by Johnson & Johnson.
The vaccine, approved on Feb. 27, differs from the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines in that it’s only one dose, and it doesn’t require any freezers.
All three have high success rates at preventing severe disease and death from COVID-19, though J&J;’s vaccine is less effective at preventing more mild infections with a 72% efficacy rate.
The Anaheim Convention Center offers the Moderna and J&J; vaccine; the Disneyland vaccine site, which recently switched to a drive-thru model, only offers the Pfizer vaccine.
—Katie Murar
—
March 8, 11:00 AM
TOURISM/POLICY
California theme parks including Disneyland Resort in Anaheim can reopen starting April 1 following new industry guidelines announced last week.
Governor Gavin Newsom’s “Blueprint Refresh” allows Disneyland, Universal Studios, Knott’s Berry Farm, Six Flags Magic Mountain and other theme parks in the state to reopen as soon as April 1, if the counties they are located in are in at least the second, or red tier.
Previously, these theme parks were able to reopen only when the counties reached the least restrictive tier, or the yellow tier.
Following months of pushback, theme parks will now be able to reopen for California residents at 15% capacity in the red tier, 25% capacity in the orange tier and 35% capacity in the yellow tier, or tier four.
Many state counties, including Orange, have been in the most restrictive purple tier since Gov. Newsom lifted the statewide lockdown in January.
The county has been posting declining coronavirus metrics in recent weeks and could enter the red tier as soon as this week, with a tier update slated for Tuesday.
—Katie Murar
–March 5, 2:40 PM
HEALTHCARE
Orange County has administered about 819,200 coronavirus vaccine doses as of Friday, according to a California Department of Public Health database, marking a 21% increase from last Friday.
This is a greater increase than last week, when vaccines were up 15% over the week prior.
The OC Health Care Agency also provides vaccination figures; however, that website is updated once per week, compared to the state’s daily update, and also reflects a greater lag in the time it takes for information to be entered, according to the county.
That website indicates about 734,300 vaccines have been administered as of Thursday, which is up 24% from last week, ahead of the 15% increase seen the week prior.
—Katie Murar
–March 4, 3:40 PM
TOURISM
Visit Anaheim and more than 100 other tourism groups have sent a letter to Governor Gavin Newsom in an attempt to receive industry guidelines for when business meetings, events and conventions in California can resume.
Tourism hubs, such as Anaheim, have been among the hardest hit in the state by the pandemic amid travel restrictions.
The letter notes these cities are losing out on notable business not just in 2021, but in 2022 and beyond, “because of the uncertainty caused by a lack of guidelines.”
Like theme parks, the meetings and events industry is not included in the governor’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy.
“We thought 2021 was going to be our rebound year, but unfortunately that’s turning out not to be the case,” said Visit Anaheim President and CEO Jay Burress. “Of course, part of this is due to the pandemic, but another is confusion about when California will be allowed to hold meetings and events. The sooner we can get clarity from the governor the better.”
—Katie Murar
—
March 3, 3:40 PM
HEALTHCARE
Orange County has administered about 775,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses, according to new California Department of Public Health data as of Wednesday. The figure, which includes a combination of first and second doses, is up nearly 25% from last week, and nearly 50% from the week prior.
OC has administered 244 vaccinations per 1,000 residents, compared to 236 vaccinations per 1,000 residents statewide.
—Katie Murar
–March 2, 3:40 PM
HEALTHCARE
Orange County’s positive coronavirus testing percentage, one of two main metrics used to determine a county’s tier, fell to meet the third, or orange, tier requirements on Tuesday for the first time in several months.
After weeks of meeting red tier requirements, testing positivity fell to 3.9% from 5.4% last week, within orange tier requirements of 2 to 4.9%.
Meanwhile, the county’s case rate fell from 11.9 to 7.6 this week, nearing the second, or red, tier’s case rate requirements of four to seven.
Both the case rate and the testing positivity rate need to meet red tier requirements in order to enter that tier.
The county has been in the most restrictive purple tier since the county ended its lockdown in January and could enter the red tier as soon as next week, which would mean new business openings and increased capacity for those already open, such as restaurants, malls and salons.
—Katie Murar
—
March 1, 3:00 PM
HEALTHCARE
Coronavirus cases continue to fall in Orange County with 214 cases reported each day on average in the past week.
That figure is down 17% from the week prior and is a far cry from the 1,036 average daily cases reported in the week ending Feb. 1.
Orange County’s case figures hit an all-time high of 3,523 average cases in the first week of January, and have been on a steady decline since.
The county is still in the most restrictive purple tier but gets closer each week to the red tier; its case rate fell from 20.7 to 11.9 last week. The county needs a case rate below 7 to exit the purple tier.
—Katie Murar
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Feb. 26, 3:30 PM
HEALTHCARE
Orange County has administered about 679,500 coronavirus vaccine doses as of Friday, according to a California Department of Public Health database, marking a 15% increase from last Friday.
OC’s vaccine count is the third highest out of all California counties, trailing Los Angeles and San Diego, which have administered nearly 2 million and 805,840 does, respectively.
The OC Health Care Agency also provides vaccination figures; however, that website is updated once per week, compared to the state’s daily update, and also reflects a greater lag in the time it takes for information to be entered, according to the county.
That website indicates nearly 592,000 vaccines have been administered as of this week, which is up about 16% from 512,000 reported last week.
—Katie Murar
–Feb. 25, 3:00 PM
HEALTHCARE
As Orange County continues to post declining coronavirus metrics, the region is getting closer to exiting the most restrictive purple tier and entering the red, or second, tier.
For the second consecutive week, Orange County’s testing positivity rate met red tier requirements, decreasing from 7.8% last week to 5.4%; the county needs a testing rate of 5% to 8% to enter into the red tier.
The region’s case rate, an adjusted measure that’s more closely watched to track which tier a county falls in, dropped this week to 11.9 per 100,000 residents from 20.7 last week.
This week’s case rate is also down significantly from the rate of 78.8 seen on Jan. 12, the highest figure to date.
Orange County needs a case rate of 4 to 7 needed for it to exit the most restrictive purple tier and into the second, or red, tier.
The red tier means new business openings and increased capacity for those already open, such as restaurants, malls and salons.
—Katie Murar
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Feb. 24, 3:30 PM
TOURISM/POLICY
Disneyland Resort in Anaheim released additional details Wednesday regarding A Touch of Disney, a new food-focused event that will partially reopen the California Adventure theme park next month, a year after closing due to the pandemic.
Tickets will go on sale at the start of next month for the event, which will take place between Thursdays and Mondays starting March 18 and ending April 5.
Each $75 ticket includes admission, parking, a Disney PhotoPass photos and a $25 dining card.
“A Touch of Disney offers some of the world-famous food and beverages from around the resort, plus a chance to see Disney characters, shop for the latest Disney merchandise and pose at unique photo locations,” the theme park said in a statement.
The event will include a selection of popular food items from the two theme parks including churros, Dole Whip and the Monte Cristo Sandwich.
Select retail locations will also open for the event, though attractions and rides will not reopen due to current state guidelines that has kept the two theme parks largely shuttered since March 14.
Disneyland Resort President Ken Potrock previously said in a letter to employees that the event will bring about 1,000 employees back to work for the event, which comes at the same time as California Adventure’s 20-year anniversary.
—Katie Murar
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Feb. 23, 3:30 PM
HEALTHCARE
Orange County officials said the region will start vaccinating workers in education, child care and food and agriculture starting next week.
The county will set aside about a third of new vaccine shipments for these individuals, including 10% for school employees, following a new directive by Gov. Gavin Newsom that’s to begin March 1.
Orange County is currently prioritizing vaccines for those aged 65 and older; that demographic is still set to receive the remaining 70% of vaccines, according to the OC Health Care Agency.
The county has been hit by vaccine constraints, and has yet to receive its Moderna vaccination shipment for the week due to severe weather across the country.
The fourth announced POD site, the Anaheim Convention Center, is slated to open Wednesday, though that will likely be delayed as a result of supply constraints.
—Katie Murar
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Feb. 22, 2:30 PM
HEALTHCARE
As Orange County quickens its COVID-19 vaccine distribution, reported cases continue to fall.
There were 304 average cases reported each day last week, representing a 36% drop from the week prior when 472 cases were reported each day on average.
Nearly 630,000 vaccines have been distributed to date in Orange County according to a state database; that’s up about 18% from last week.
—Katie Murar
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Feb. 19, 3:30 PM
HEALTHCARE
Orange County has administered nearly 593,000 coronavirus vaccine doses as of Friday, according to a California Department of Public Health database.
The OC Health Care Agency also provides vaccination figures; however, that website is updated once per week, compared to the state’s daily update, and also reflects a greater lag in the time it takes for information to be entered, according to the county.
That website indicates about 512,000 vaccines have been administered as of Thursday, which is up nearly 100% from two weeks ago.
—Katie Murar
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Feb. 18, 1:50 PM
HEALTHCARE
Orange County has announced its fourth of five planned mass vaccination sites as Disneyland Resort, the first announced Point-of-Dispensing site, or POD, temporarily shutters 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,” the county said in a statement.
The Disney site is closed through Monday, Feb. 22, when additional vaccines are slated to arrive.
Meanwhile, the county announced that the Anaheim Convention Center will open next week, marking the fourth mass vaccination site to be announced in the region.
The opening is set for Wednesday, though that could be pushed back pending vaccine supply.
The Anaheim Convention Center will only dispense Moderna, first and second doses; after its opening, the Disneyland site will only dispense Pfizer.
The news of the new location comes on the heels of the announcement of the county’s third mass vaccine site at Santa Ana College; Soka University is also being used as a POD site.
—Katie Murar
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Feb. 17, 1:30 PM
HEALTHCARE
Orange County has opened its third coronavirus vaccine Point of Dispensing (POD) site at Santa Ana College as part of the region’s effort to increase access to at-risk demographics.
“Addressing barriers that may impede people’s access to testing and vaccines, especially in low equity communities, is the reason why we came up with the Latino Health Equity Initiative very early in the pandemic,” Supervisor Andrew Do said in a statement.
The POD site opened today, joining the county’s two other mass vaccination sites at Soka University in Aliso Viejo and Disneyland Resort in Anaheim. Those two locations have distributed about 21,807 and 37,860 doses respectively to eligible local residents and workers, according to the county.
A state database indicates nearly 560,000 doses have been administered to date in Orange County.
—Katie Murar
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Feb. 16, 3:30 PM
HEALTHCARE
Orange County’s coronavirus metrics continue to fall, with the region inching closer to the next reopening tier that would allow an easing of business restrictions.
For the first time in months, Orange County’s testing positivity rate met the red, or second, tier requirements, decreasing from 9.4% last week to 7.8%; the county needs a testing rate of 5% to 8% to enter into the red tier.
The region’s case rate, an adjusted measure that’s more closely watched to track which tier a county falls in, dropped this week to 20.7 per 100,000 residents from 29.7 last week.
This week’s case rate is also down significantly from the rate of 78.8 seen on Jan. 12, the highest figure to date.
Orange County needs a case rate of 4 to 7 needed for it to exit the most restrictive purple tier and into the second, or red, tier.
—Katie Murar
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Feb. 15, 3:30 PM
HEALTHCARE
Orange County has struck up partnerships within coronavirus hotspots to increase vaccination efforts for at-risk populations.
The effort focuses on Anaheim and Santa Ana to increase accessibility for latinos, a demographic that has a greater risk of dying from the virus, according to the OC Health Care Agency.
This demographic has also proved to be less likely to opt in for the vaccine, HCA data shows.
The county has made partnerships with organizations like Santa Ana Unified School District, Latino Health Access and AltaMed to create more awareness around the vaccine and fill slots at vaccination sites.
The region has quickened its vaccination pace in recent weeks; it
had administered about 532,537 coronavirus vaccine doses to date, according to the California Department of Public Health.
—Katie Murar
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Feb. 12, 3:30 PM
HEALTHCARE
Orange County has administered about 454,764 coronavirus vaccine doses, according to California Department of Public Health data as of Thursday.
OC is providing doses at a rate of 132 per 1,000, up from 37 per 1,000 a month ago. That compares to 127 per 1,000 statewide, up from 35 per 1,000 a month ago.
Leading providers of the vaccine locally include OC Health Care Agency, CVS Pharmacy and Kaiser Permanente, according to data provided by the county.
Actual vaccination figures are likely higher due to data lags and incomplete data entries, according to the state.
—Jessie Yount
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Feb. 11, 3:00 PM
HEALTHCARE
The number of new coronavirus cases reported each day in Orange County dropped 16% in the past week with about 666 cases reported each day on average, according to the OC Health Care Agency.
Local cases continue to decline from the two case peaks seen in the county during the months of July and January.
The county saw its first case surge last summer, with average cases hitting a peak of nearly 890 at the start of July.
After a few months of declines, cases once again jumped, in time surpassing the prior peak and hitting what’s now the current high of about 3,500 average daily cases seen in the week ending Jan. 8.
—Katie Murar
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Feb. 10, 3:00 PM
HEALTHCARE
Orange County’s coronavirus metrics continue to fall after its highest surge to date seen last month.
The region’s case rate, the adjusted measure in part used to track which tier a county falls in, declined to 29.7 per 100,000 residents from 39 last week.
This week’s case rate is also down significantly from the rate of 78.8 seen on Jan. 12, the highest figure to date.
Orange County needs a case rate of 4 to 7 needed for it to exit the most restrictive purple tier and into the second, or red, tier.
The county’s testing positivity rate decreased from 10.9% last week to 9.4%; the county needs a testing rate of 5% to 8% to enter into the red tier.
—Katie Murar
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Feb. 9, 2:30 PM
TOURISM
Disney California Adventure in Anaheim will reopen next month, a year after closing due to the pandemic, for a limited-time ticketed experience focusing on the theme park’s food and beverage offerings and merchandise.
Disneyland Resort President Ken Potrock said in a letter to employees that the event will be offered multiple days a week, though attractions and rides will not reopen due to current state guidelines that has kept the two theme parks largely shuttered since March 14.
“With limited capacity and enhanced health and safety measures in place, guests once again will get to step into a magical Disney environment,” he said in the letter.
Potrock added that Disney, once the county’s largest employer, will bring about 1,000 employees back to work for the event, which comes at the same time as California Adventure’s 20-year anniversary.
The company has yet to disclose the entry cost or other ticket details.
—Katie Murar
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Feb. 8, 3:45 PM
HEALTHCARE
Orange County has administered about 393,511 COVID-19 vaccine doses, according to new California Department of Public Health data as of Sunday.
The figure, which includes a combination of first and second doses, is up nearly 50% from last week and has more than doubled in the past two weeks.
OC has administered 123 vaccinations per 1,000 residents, compared to 119 vaccinations per 1,000 residents statewide.
Actual vaccination rates are likely higher, as the state notes there is a “lag in the time it takes for information to be entered into the vaccine registry.”
—Jessie Yount
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Feb. 5, 3:30 PM
HEALTHCARE
Average daily coronavirus cases in Orange County fell below the 1,000 mark this week, with about 790 reported each day on average in the week ending Thursday.
That’s down from the two case peaks seen in the county during the months of July and January.
The county saw its first case surge last summer, with average cases hitting a peak of nearly 890 at the start of July.
After a few months of declines, cases once again jumped, in time surpassing the prior peak and hitting what’s now the current high of about 3,500 average daily cases seen in the week ending Jan. 8.
Cases have been on the decline since then, with California lifting its mandatory stay-at-home order in late January.
The average 790 cases reported this week is down more than 40% from the week prior.
—Katie Murar
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Feb. 4, 3:00 PM
HEALTHCARE
The number of new coronavirus cases reported each day in Orange County dropped 42% in the past week with about 790 cases reported each day on average, according to the OC Health Care Agency.
The region’s coronavirus case rate, the adjusted measure in part used to track which tier a county falls in, fell once again this week to 39 cases per 100,000 residents from 46.6 last week and 67.1 the week prior.
This is still far off from the case rate of 4 to 7 needed for the county to exit the most restrictive purple tier and into the second, or red, tier.
The county’s testing positivity rate is currently 10.9%, down from 12.9%; the county needs a testing rate of 5% to 8% to enter into the red tier.
—Katie Murar
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Feb. 3, 3:45 PM
HEALTHCARE
Select CVS Pharmacy locations across California will start offering the COVID-19 vaccine to eligible individuals on Feb. 11.
Locations include several in Orange County, such as Irvine, Huntington Beach and Newport Beach, with additional sites expected to be announced in coming weeks.
Those able to receive the vaccine, which currently includes healthcare workers, some law enforcement and those 65 and older, can sign up for the shot on CVS’s website or through the CVS Pharmacy app.
Other pharmacies across the United States are expected to also soon carry the vaccine as part of the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program for COVID-19 Vaccination, announced by the Biden administration on Tuesday.
As part of the rollout, more than 40,000 U.S. pharmacies are expected to receive the vaccine starting next week.
—Katie Murar
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Feb. 2, 3:20 PM
HEALTHCARE
Orange County has administered about 264,700 coronavirus vaccine doses, according to a new OC Health Care Agency update provided Monday.
That figure, which includes 177,897 first and 86,806 second doses, is up nearly 50% from last week and has more than doubled in the past two weeks.
The actual vaccination figure is higher, as the county notes there is “a lag in the time it takes for the information to be entered into the vaccine registry.”
—Katie Murar
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Feb. 1, 3:30 PM
TOURISM
California Adventure at Disneyland Resort will reopen this week for outdoor dining purposes after being shuttered by the state’s stay-at-home order issued in December.
While the theme park itself will remain closed, the park will open access to Buena Vista Street just inside the park’s entrance as an expansion of the Downtown Disney shopping district.
Dining options to reopen on Friday include Cathay Circle Restaurant; Award Wieners; and Smokejumpers Grill.
The two theme parks have been shuttered since March and have yet to receive the green light to reopen, while Downtown Disney reopened in July and later closed as part of the state lockdown.
Restaurants in the Anaheim shopping district have been reopening since Governor Gavin Newsom lifted the lockdown last week.
—Katie Murar
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Jan. 29, 3:30 PM
HEALTHCARE
Nearly 521,000 individuals that live or work in Orange County have registered for the coronavirus vaccine on Othena, according to the app.
That represents about 16% of the county’s total population.
Orange County has been managing vaccine appointments via Othena, a local app powered by Cura Patient where residents and workers can sign up to receive their free coronavirus vaccine at point-of-dispensing locations like Disneyland at Soka University.
Nearly 108,000 Othena registered users have scheduled appointments, and 93,000 have received the vaccine.
According to an OC Health Care Agency database, 148,374 local workers and residents have received at least their first coronavirus shot as of Monday. The county typically updates the vaccination database each week.
Currently, vaccines are available for healthcare workers in Phase 1A as well as those in law enforcement working in high-risk settings and those 65 and older.
The county said it hopes to vaccinate 70% of the county’s population by early July.
—Katie Murar
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Jan. 28, 3:30 PM
HEALTHCARE
As new coronavirus cases fall in the county, deaths attributed to the virus continue to climb.
There have been 321 Orange County deaths attributed to coronavirus in the past week, or 46 each day on average.
That’s up 19% from the week prior.
In the two weeks ending Thursday, there were 42 deaths reported each day on average, up 84% from the two weeks prior.
—Katie Murar
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Jan. 27, 3:30 PM
HEALTHCARE
Orange County’s coronavirus case rate, the adjusted measure in part used to track which tier a county falls in, fell to 46.6 cases per 100,000 residents from 67.1 last week, according to an update provided Tuesday.
This is a far cry from the case rate of 4 to 7 needed for the county to exit the most restrictive purple tier and into the second, or red, tier.
The county’s testing positivity rate is currently 12.9%; the county needs a testing rate of 5% to 8% to enter into the red tier.
The county is currently testing an average of 660 out of 100,000 residents per week.
—Katie Murar
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Jan. 27, 9 AM
RESTAURANTS
Costa Mesa restaurant operator Lazy Dog Restaurants LLC said this week it would reopen 18 of its restaurants in response to Governor Gavin Newsom’s announcement Monday to lift a stay-at-home order that had been in effect for most of the state.
The lift allows for outdoor dining to resume, among rollbacks of other restrictions for some businesses.
Lazy Dog said the reopening of patio dining will also bring back some 1,500 workers to its restaurants.
—Kari Hamanaka
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Jan. 26, 3:30 PM
HEALTHCARE
Orange County has administered nearly 180,000 vaccine doses, according to a new update provided Monday.
That figure, which includes 118,732 first and 59,284 second doses for a total of 178,016 doses, is up 64% from the 108,812 vaccines administered as of Jan. 17.
The actual vaccination figure is higher, as the county notes there is “a lag in the time it takes for the information to be entered into the vaccine registry.”
—Katie Murar
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Jan. 25, 10:30 AM
POLICY/HEALTHCARE
Orange County will lift the stay-at-home order and revert back to the color-coded tier system following the state’s move to end the regional lockdown.
Governor Gavin Newsom lifted the stay-at-home order for all regions Monday following improving ICU capacity forecasts and declining case rates.
Counties are now expected to revert back to the tier system first implemented in August, with a majority of the state, including Orange County, in the most restrictive purple tier.
In the purple tier, restaurants, gyms, movie theaters, churches, museums and other businesses must shut down indoor operations; retail stores, indoor malls and libraries must limit capacity at 25%; grocery stores can open at 50% capacity.
Restaurants will be able to reopen for outdoor dining, and hair salons will be able to open indoors on a limited basis.
Orange County has had 1,542 average daily coronavirus cases reported in the past week, which marks a 43% drop from the week prior when 2,707 cases were reported each day on average.
—Katie Murar
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Jan. 22, 3:00 PM
HEALTHCARE
The number of new coronavirus cases reported in Orange County has plummeted in the past week.
There were 1,339 average daily cases reported in the week ending Friday, a 54% drop from the week prior, when 2,918 average cases were reported.
In the past two weeks, new cases are about flat with about 2,376 reported each day on average.
Southern California remains in the stay-at-home order as there is 9% ICU capacity on an unadjusted basis.
—Katie Murar
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Jan. 21, 3:00 PM
HEALTHCARE
Orange County will open its second mass vaccine Point of Dispensing (POD) site this Saturday at Soka University in Aliso Viejo.
The campus joins Disneyland as the region’s two announced POD sites; at least three additional locations are expected to be opened “in a phased approach, ensuring access to all Orange County residents,” the county said in a statement.
According to the county, nearly 22,000 vaccines have been distributed in Orange County since the Disneyland Resort Super POD site opened on Jan. 13.
Still, the county is facing ongoing vaccine supply limitations, with the OC Health Care Agency “continuously requesting more doses from the state every day.”
Those currently able to get the vaccination per the county’s phased rollout plan can sign up for appointments via Othena.
—Katie Murar
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Jan. 20, 3:00 PM
HEALTHCARE
More than 100,000 coronavirus vaccines have been given to date in Orange County, an OC Health Care Agency database shows.
Between Dec. 15, when coronavirus vaccines were delivered in Orange County, and Jan. 17, there were 108,812 vaccines administered to residents and workers.
The actual vaccination figure is higher, as the county notes there is “a lag in the time it takes for the information to be entered into the vaccine registry.”
The updated figure includes 20,272 second doses.
As of the last update on Jan. 8, the county said about 56,000 vaccines were administered.
—Katie Murar
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Jan. 19, 3:00 PM
HEALTHCARE
The Orange County Health Care Agency has recalled the use of a Moderna COVID-19 vaccine lot following reports of allergic reactions.
The Moderna vaccine lot 041L20A is currently under investigation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S Food and Drug Administration and the manufacturer.
About 5,200 people in Orange County received this vaccine lot, according to the state vaccine registry. The vaccine lot is printed on a vaccine card given to the individual after receiving a dose.
The HCA said there are currently more than 250,000 individuals registered in Othena, the app that the county is using to schedule vaccine appointments.
“Based on their priority level, people will be notified by email or text to schedule their appointments when their turns come up to get the vaccines,” the county added.
—Katie Murar
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Jan. 18, 3:22 PM
HEALTHCARE
About 56,000 vaccines were administered in Orange County by the first week of January, according to a dashboard provided by the OC Health Care Agency.
As of Jan. 8, the most recent day data was available, 56,099 vaccines had been given, 71% of which were given to those aged between 25 and 54 years old.
Nearly 60% of total vaccines have been given to women, data shows.
Healthcare workers have been given priority to receive the coronavirus vaccine.
Others now able to receive their first dose include residents and workers age 65 and older and law enforcement personnel working in high-risk cities like Santa Ana and Anaheim. The above vaccine numbers do not take these individuals into account as the expansion was announced on Jan. 12.
Those currently able to get the vaccination per the county’s phased rollout plan can sign up for appointments via Othena.
—Katie Murar
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Jan. 15, 2:26 PM
HEALTHCARE
Soka University is slated to become Orange County’s next vaccine super site, joining Disneyland.
The county has yet to officially announce the campus as the region’s next “super POD” sites, or Point-of-Dispensing locations, but reports indicate the site is being set up to vaccinate thousands of residents and local workers each day.
Disneyland, which has been shuttered since March, became the first of the county’s five planned POD sites when it opened this week.
Those currently able to get the vaccination per the county’s phased rollout plan can sign up for appointments via Othena.
—Katie Murar
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Jan. 14, 2:50 PM
HEALTHCARE
Orange County is managing vaccine appointments via Othena, a local app powered by Cura Patient where residents and workers can sign up to receive their free coronavirus vaccine at point-of-dispensing locations like Disneyland.
Disneyland, which has been shuttered since March, became one of five regional “super POD” sites on Wednesday when it opened for vaccinations.
Currently, vaccines are available for healthcare workers in Phase 1A as well as those in law enforcement working in high-risk settings and those 65 and older.
Next, vaccinations are expected to open up to jails; homeless shelters; commercial and residential real estate professions; and critical manufacturing.
The final phase includes most individuals with underlying conditions and government professions.
The county said it hopes to vaccinate 70% of the county’s population by early July.
—Katie Murar
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Jan. 13, 3:05 PM
HEALTHCARE
Orange County residents age 65 and older are now able to receive their COVID-19 vaccination following a recommendation by the region’s vaccine task force.
The OC Health Care Agency recently expanded vaccinations to people age 75 and older, a phase that wasn’t slated to begin until February but was accelerated as a result of ICU statistics.
The newest expansion to include those age 65 and older is a further sign of the accelerated vaccine rollout, which started in mid-December in Orange County.
Next, vaccinations are expected to open up to jails; homeless shelters; commercial and residential real estate professions; and critical manufacturing.
The final phase includes most individuals with underlying conditions and government professions.
The county previously said it hopes to vaccinate 70% of the county’s population by early July.
—Katie Murar
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Jan. 12, 10:20 AM
HEALTHCARE/TOURISM
Orange County has established the first large vaccination site for residents at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim.
Disneyland, which has been shuttered since March, will be one of five regional “super POD” sites, or mass Point-of-Dispensing locations to vaccinate thousands of residents each day. Disneyland is the first POD site to be announced and will be operational later this week, officials said.
Vaccine distribution continues to be managed through the California Department of Public Health’s phased, tiered approach. Phase 1A is currently undergoing vaccinations, which includes virtually all frontline healthcare workers and law enforcement who work in high positive COVID rate areas such as Anaheim and Santa Ana.
The group was recently expanded to include those age 75 and older.
—Katie Murar
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Jan. 11, 2:50 PM
HEALTHCARE
Orange County coronavirus cases ticked back up in the week ending Monday after seeing declines last week.
There were 2,843 cases reported each day on average, up 7.4% from the week prior when about 2,646 cases were reported on average.
Cases are down slightly in the past two weeks, however.
There were 2,843 average daily cases in the two weeks ending Monday, down 4.2% from 2,967 in the two weeks prior.
—Katie Murar
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Jan. 8, 12:10 PM
HEALTHCARE
The Orange County Health Care Agency has moved into the next phase of coronavirus vaccinations, allowing more healthcare workers and some law enforcement to receive their first doses.
Orange County hospitals received the first batch of coronavirus vaccines on December 16, which included about 25,000 doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19.
Yesterday, Orange County started Phase 1A, which includes virtually all frontline healthcare workers; Dialysis centers; home healthcare facilities; dental offices; and law enforcement who work in high positive COVID rate areas such as Anaheim and Santa Ana.
Phase 1B of the first vaccination tier is slated to begin in February, and includes residents over the age of 75; food and agriculture workers; and education and childcare.
Next, vaccinations will open up to individuals older than 65 with underlying medical conditions; jails; homeless shelters; and commercial and residential real estate professions; and critical manufacturing.
The final phase includes most individuals with underlying conditions and government professions.
—Katie Murar
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Jan. 7, 3:30 PM
HEALTHCARE
Testing for coronavirus in Orange County has dropped 21% in the past two weeks, data from the Orange County Health Care Agency shows.
Cases have dropped about 9% in that time.
Testing is also down in the past week, albeit at a slightly slower rate than case declines.
Cases are down 2% in the week ending Tuesday; testing during that time is down about 1.3%, with about 13,519 people tested each day on average.
There have been about 2.2 million tests to date with 175,032 positive tests.
—Katie Murar
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Jan. 6, 3:30 PM
HEALTHCARE
Average daily coronavirus cases decreased slightly in the past week with 2,550 cases reported each day on average, down about 2% from 2,609 the week prior.
The decline is more noticeable over a two-week period, with cases down nearly 9% in the two weeks ending Jan. 6.
This is the third consecutive day that average rates are down over the week prior, a sign that case rates are improving after several months of surging numbers.
—Katie Murar
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Jan. 5, 3:30 PM
HEALTHCARE
Orange County coronavirus cases decreased in the week ending Monday, data from the Orange County Health Care Agency shows, the first such decline in months for the region.
There were 2,646 cases reported each day on average in the past week, down about 3.5% from the 2,741 reported the week prior.
The county did not publish case figures on Friday, Jan. 1 and Sunday, Jan. 3 due to scheduled maintenance; those figures are reflected as of Monday.
Cases are about flat in the past two weeks, with about 2,694 cases reported each day on average, down slightly from the 2,691 reported the two weeks prior.
—Katie Murar
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Jan. 4, 3:30 PM
HEALTHCARE
Orange County continues to break coronavirus records with north of 500 ICU patients in local hospitals as of last weekend.
The number of COVID-19 patients requiring hospitalization in intensive care units has jumped 34% in the past two weeks, with 501 ICU patients as of Jan. 2 according to data from the Orange County Health Care Agency.
There were 2,097 total hospitalized patients, up 25% from the 1,682 hospitalized two weeks ago.
Orange County continues to have 0% ICU capacity on an adjusted basis, which takes into account the ratio of COVID to non-COVID patients, and 7.5% on an unadjusted basis.
—Katie Murar
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Dec. 31, 3:00 PM
HEALTHCARE
There were 3,056 average daily coronavirus cases reported in the past two weeks in Orange County, a 40% increase from the 2,180 average cases reported the two weeks prior.
There were 77,230 total new cases reported in OC in the past 30 days, representing about half of the total 156,573 cases reported to date.
That’s also a significant jump from the 18,438 total cases reported the 30 days prior.
Deaths have more than tripled in the past 30 days, with 297 total deaths reported in the 30 days ending Dec. 30; there were 93 deaths reported in the 30 days prior.
—Katie Murar
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Dec. 30, 3:00 PM
HEALTHCARE
Orange County coronavirus patients requiring hospitalization in intensive care units have jumped 21% in the past week and almost doubled in the past two weeks, according to data from the Orange County Health Care Agency.
Of the county’s 628 adult ICU beds, about 473 beds were occupied by COVID-19 patients and 105 beds were filled by individuals with other critical conditions, as of Dec. 29.
Two weeks prior, about 319 beds were occupied by COVID patients and 246 beds were filled by individuals with other critical conditions.
Coronavirus patients currently occupy about 75% of ICU capacity, compared to 51% two weeks ago, according to the county’s most recent EMS Medical Health Operational Area Coordination report given Dec. 29.
Orange County continues to have 0% ICU capacity on an adjusted basis, which takes into account the ratio of COVID to non-COVID patients, and 8.9% on an unadjusted basis.
—Jessie Yount
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Dec. 29, 3:00 PM
HEALTHCARE
The Southern California region, including Orange County, will remain under a stay-at-home order, state officials confirmed Tuesday.
The lockdown, originally slated to end this week, is being extended as a result of shrinking ICU capacity. It’s now slated to remain until January 16, though Southern California will continue in the regional stay-at-home order until ICU capacity hits 15%.
Southern California’s unadjusted ICU capacity currently sits at 10.9%; Orange County currently has 8.9% unadjusted capacity.
—Katie Murar
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Dec. 28, 2:45 PM
HEALTHCARE
The number of patients hospitalized from coronavirus in Orange County has nearly quadrupled since Thanksgiving, data from the Orange County Health Care Agency shows.
There were 1,990 hospitalized patients in Orange County as of Dec. 27, up from the 506 patients on Nov. 27, the day after Thanksgiving.
There are 443 patients in the ICU, more than three times the 139 in the ICU a month ago.
Orange County continues to have 0% ICU capacity on an adjusted basis and 7.3% on an unadjusted basis.
Southern California regional ICU capacity is also 0% adjusted and 12.1% unadjusted.
—Katie Murar
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Dec. 24, 12:00 PM
HEALTHCARE
Orange County coronavirus cases have jumped 27% in the past week and have more than doubled in the past two weeks, according to data from the Orange County Health Care Agency.
There have been more than 21,000 new cases reported in the past week, or about 3,000 each day on average.
The 40,173 new cases reported in the past two weeks is more than twice the nearly 18,000 reported the two weeks prior.
—Katie Murar
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Dec. 23, 3:00 PM
HEALTHCARE
California Governor Gavin Newsom’s three-week lockdown order for Southern California was initially slated to end next week, though that’s unlikely as coronavirus cases and hospitalizations continue to worsen.
Many Orange County businesses were ordered to shut down on Sunday, Dec. 6, following a state mandate triggered by a regional drop in available ICU beds to below 15%.
Businesses are likely to remain closed as Southern California ICU capacity is 12.8%. On an adjusted basis that reflects the amount of coronavirus patients, regional capacity is at 0%.
There are currently 1,854 coronavirus patients hospitalized in Orange County with 394 in the ICU.
—Katie Murar
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Dec. 22, 3:00 PM
TOURISM
General aviation, or non-scheduled flights involving private and charter plane activity, increased for the third consecutive month in November at John Wayne Airport.
Traffic rose 3.7% last month to 14,870 flights after rising 4.8% and 9.6% in September and October, respectively.
General aviation operations have seen new demand since the onset of the pandemic as Orange County residents view private and charter flights as a safer and more efficient alternative to commercial flights.
GA flights are still down 10% year-to-date; commercial flights, meanwhile, are down 49%.
Total traffic was down 67% last month and is down 64% year-to-date.
—Katie Murar
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Dec. 21, 2:45 PM
HEALTHCARE
Orange County continues to set new coronavirus case records with 2,892 average daily cases reported in the past week.
That’s up 33% from the week prior, when about 2,180 average daily coronavirus cases were reported.
There have been 82 new deaths in the past week, or about 12 each day on average, up 34% from the week prior.
There have been 128,181 cumulative cases and 1,777 deaths in Orange County to date.
—Katie Murar
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Dec. 18, 1:30 PM
HEALTHCARE
Average daily coronavirus cases reported in Orange County jumped 36% in the past week with about 2,426 cases reported each day on average, according to the OC Health Care Agency.
In the past two weeks, cases are up 130% and there are five times more cases in the past month, with 50,000 total cases reported in the month ending Dec. 18.
Testing, meanwhile, has increased 34% in the past week and has nearly doubled in the past month.
There have been 116,377 cases reported in Orange County to date; about 1.8 million tests have been conducted.
—Katie Murar
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Dec. 17, 3:30 PM
HEALTHCARE
Orange County hospitals have hit full ICU capacity when adjusting to show the room available to treat current and future coronavirus patients, the Orange County Health Care Agency said Thursday.
There’s also 0% adjusted ICU capacity on a regional Southern California basis.
According to the OC HCA, the adjusted figure “takes into account the percentage of COVID-19 positive patients in the ICU” with the higher the percentage of COVID-19 positive patients in the ICU, the more the adjustment.
OC has unadjusted ICU capacity of 7.1%; the regional capacity currently sits at 11.4%.
As hospitals hit their limits and hospitalizations hit record highs, an unprecedented order was issued to prevent hospitals from diverting ambulances to other facilities.
There are currently 1,519 hospitalized COVID-19 patients and 343 patients in the ICU.
—Katie Murar
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Dec. 16, 3:10 PM
HEALTHCARE
Orange County hospitals received the first batch of coronavirus vaccines on Wednesday, with a nurse at St. Joseph Hospital in Orange getting the first dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in the county.
Frontline workers at UCI Health also received the vaccine on Wednesday, with about 3,000 units allocated to the hospital.
OC’s initial shipment was expected to include about 25,000 doses, with two doses required for each person.
UCI Health officials said they plan to vaccinate 2,000 people in the first group by Sunday and then move on to four other priority groups, including nurses and physicians in the emergency department and ICU staff and physicians, critical care clinicians, respiratory therapists and anesthesiologists, environmental services and dietary services, among others.
UCI Health also said it expects to receive its first batch of the Moderna vaccine next week.
After healthcare workers, people in nursing homes and care facilities are expected to receive the vaccine next, followed by essential workers, adults with underlying conditions and those over the age of 65.
—Katie Murar
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Dec. 15, 3:15 PM
HEALTHCARE
As ICU capacity shrinks in Orange County hospitals, the region is expected to receive its first coronavirus vaccine shipment on Wednesday.
When adjusting for the percentage of coronavirus patients—which can require more resources than other ICU patients—the county has just 1.4% ICU capacity. On an unadjusted basis, the county has 10.4% of beds currently available.
According to the OC Health Care Agency, the adjusted figure “takes into account the percentage of COVID-19 positive patients in the ICU” with the higher the percentage of COVID-19 positive patients in the ICU, the more the adjustment.
The region of Southern California has 1.7% adjusted ICU capacity and 13.2% unadjusted capacity.
Orange County was initially set to receive its first batch of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine today; officials say that supply of 25,350 doses is now expected on Wednesday.
The state got its first batch of vaccines on Monday, with Los Angeles health workers first in line to receive the vaccine.
—Katie Murar
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Dec. 14, 3:30 PM
HEALTHCARE
There were 41,178 new coronavirus cases reported in the past month, which is up 64% from the month prior, according to data from the OC Health Care Agency.
In the two weeks ending Monday, there were nearly 1,900 cases reported each day on average, up 84% from the two weeks prior.
In just the past week, new cases have jumped 61% to 2,178 average daily cases.
Orange County surpassed 100,000 cumulative cases over the weekend, with 105,764 total cases as of Monday.
—Katie Murar
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Dec. 11, 3:25 PM
HEALTHCARE
There have been 1,778 average daily COVID-19 cases reported in Orange County in the week ending Friday, more than twice the 875 average cases reported in the prior week.
Cases have also nearly doubled in the past two weeks, with 1,467 average cases reported each day on average in the two weeks ending Friday.
That’s nearly five times the average seen about a month ago, when about 300 average daily cases were reported in the two weeks ending Nov. 13.
Testing, meanwhile, has increased just 11% in the past two weeks, with about 14,583 average tests conducted each day.
—Katie Murar
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Dec. 10, 3:10 PM
HEALTHCARE
Orange County is expanding an at-home testing initiative that recently launched in the region’s hardest-hit cities.
Last month, the county made free at-home COVID-19 test kits available to residents in Santa Ana and Anaheim, the two hardest-hit cities in the county.
The rollout started with about 12,000 saliva-based tests, and a newly-launched second phase will expand that to 500,000 test kits available to all residents.
The kits, made by Ambry Genetics, will be available by the end of the year.
Residents can order the free kits on the county’s coronavirus testing information page.
More than 1.6 million tests have been conducted in the county as of Thursday; positive test rates are currently averaging 10.6%.
—Katie Murar
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Dec. 9, 3:15 PM
HEALTHCARE
ICU patients in Orange County have nearly doubled in the past two weeks, with 179 ICU patients each day on average.
Hospitalizations have also doubled, with about 682 average daily COVID-19 patients in the past two weeks, up from about 342 in the two weeks prior.
Orange County currently has 11.2% ICU capacity on an unadjusted basis; and 4.9% capacity on an adjusted basis.
The region also has an adjusted case rate of 30.3 cases per 100,000 residents and a positive testing rate of 10.6%.
—Katie Murar
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Dec. 8, 3:30 PM
HEALTHCARE
As residents received emergency push notifications reinforcing the stay-at-home mandate, Southern California’s ICU capacity dipped to a new low of 10.1% on Tuesday.
The region is one of five areas currently tracked by the state, along with Northern California, the Bay Area, Greater Sacramento and the San Joaquin Valley.
Southern California’s ICU capacity is the second lowest among these regions, trailing San Joaquin Valley which currently has 5.6% capacity.
Greater Sacramento has 18.8% capacity; the Bay Area has 24.5%; and Northern California has 25%.
According to the Orange County Health Care Agency, OC has 238 ICU patients, with capacity at 13%; and 946 hospital patients, a new record.
—Katie Murar
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Dec. 7, 2:45 PM
TOURISM/POLICY
Disneyland is among Orange County corporations making new closures in light of the recent stay-at-home orders, most recently shuttering all of its Anaheim restaurants including the recently-opened locations inside of California Adventure.
The Anaheim resort has been largely shuttered since March, but restaurants and retail stores at the Downtown Disney shopping district have remained open in line with state guidance. Now, all Disney-owned eateries, including quick-serve restaurants, are closed.
As a result, about 350 employees are expected to be once again furloughed.
Non-Disney-owned restaurants may remain open but only for carry-out and delivery; retail stores will be open at 20% capacity.
Disney had also intended on reopening part of the Grand Californian Hotel & Spa over the weekend; those plans have been nixed in light of the new mandate.
—Katie Murar
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Dec. 7, 10:15 AM
HEALTHCARE/POLICY
Many Orange County businesses have been ordered to shut down following a state mandate that went into effect on Sunday.
The lockdown, triggered by a regional drop in available ICU beds from 20% on Friday to about 13% on Saturday, will be in effect for three weeks.
It impacts nonessential businesses such as salons, gyms and restaurants, all which had 24 hours to comply when the order was issued.
Orange County has seen its hospitalization figures rapidly increase with 848 patients and 209 ICU patients as of Sunday, up from 597 and 148 the week prior.
The county currently has about 18% ICU capacity, down from 20% on Friday.
—Katie Murar
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Dec. 4, 1:15 PM
HEALTHCARE/POLICY
Orange County businesses are once again preparing to alter operations should Governor Gavin Newsom enforce a three-week regional lockdown in the wake of shrinking hospital capacity.
The new rules could go into effect as soon as this weekend if ICU capacity in Southern California hospitals fall below 15%.
Orange County currently has 20% ICU capacity, with about 195 patients as of Nov. 3. That’s near the all-time high of 245 patients seen in mid-July.
Should the new mandate go into effect, some businesses will be forced to close, such as hair salons, bars and personal care services; restaurants will no longer be allowed to offer indoor or outdoor dining, though take-out and delivery options can remain.
Retail stores will need to limit capacity to 20%.
New coronavirus cases in Orange County have more than doubled in the past two weeks, with 982 cases reported each day on average in the two weeks ending Friday.
State officials expect figures to worsen in the coming weeks as numbers from the Thanksgiving weekend are factored in and as large gatherings continue to occur over the holiday season.
—Katie Murar
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Dec. 3, 3:30 PM
TOURISM
Long Beach Airport traffic dropped 81% year-over-year in October to about 57,904 passengers; year-to-date traffic is down about 68% to 940,814.
Southwest Airlines represented 77% of total traffic, carrying 44,407 passengers, down 50% from the year prior.
American Airlines and Delta Airlines carried about 11,000 passengers, making up 19% of the total; JetBlue’s passenger count was cut 99% to 2,461 passengers.
Hawaiian Airlines had zero flights in October; there were also no charter flights from Long Beach that month.
—Katie Murar
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Dec. 2, 3:00 PM
HEALTHCARE
Following yesterday’s statewide COVID-19 metric update, 51 total California counties are in the purple tier, up from 41 counties the week prior.
Only one county is in the orange, or third tier, while five counties are in tier 2, or the red tier. No counties are currently in the yellow tier, which signals minimal transmission.
The state had previously been providing a tier and metrics update each Tuesday; now tiers can be reassigned at any time.
About 1,208 new cases were reported today in Orange County, which currently has an adjusted case rate of 22.2 average cases per 100,000 residents and an 8.8% positive testing rate.
The county has had 80,551 cumulative cases to date.
—Katie Murar
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Dec. 1, 3:00 PM
HEALTHCARE
Average new coronavirus cases in Orange County jumped 28% in the past week, while testing during that time slipped 6%.
There were 82,087 tests conducted in the past week, or 11,727 each day on average, which is down from 87,779—or 12,540 each day—the week prior.
Testing in the past two weeks, however, is up 47%, with north of 13,000 tests conducted each day on average.
Orange County currently has an adjusted case rate of 22.2 average cases per 100,000 residents, which is up from 17.2 the week prior. The county’s case rate factors in a four-day lag.
—Katie Murar
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Nov. 30, 3:30 PM
HEALTHCARE
There were 943 new coronavirus cases reported in Orange County in the past week, marking a nearly 9% increase over the previous average daily high of 868 cases seen during the county’s first surge in July.
It also marks a 28% jump from the 737 average daily cases seen in the week prior.
Public health officials and experts have expected this new transmission surge to be worse than the one seen over the summer as the county heads into colder months and the holidays, with large gatherings common.
It’s “a perfect storm for a surge larger than one we’ve seen before,” said Bernadette Boden-Albala, dean of the new public health school at the University of California-Irvine.
—Katie Murar
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Nov. 25, 2:10 PM
HEALTHCARE
Orange County’s COVID-19 cases continue to increase ahead of Thanksgiving.
The county saw a nearly 92% jump in new cases in the past week to 938 average new daily cases.
It also reported an adjusted daily case rate of 17.2 per 100,000 on Tuesday; the county’s case rate factors in a four-day lag.
County health officials continue to urge residents to be cautious ahead of the holiday weekend.
Recommendations for small gatherings include wearing masks and social distancing; gathering outdoors or keeping windows and doors open; and getting tested before and after visiting people outside of your household.
Go here for more information on the free at-home COVID-19 test program available to some OC residents.
—Jessie Yount
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Nov. 24, 4:00 PM
HEALTHCARE
Orange County saw a nearly 53% jump in coronavirus hospitalizations in the past week as the county approaches the holiday weekend.
There are currently 463 hospitalized COVID-19 patients, the highest level seen since mid-July.
ICU patients are up 25% in the past week to 100, with 116 patients currently in the ICU.
About 28% of ICU beds and 66% of ventilators are available across 31 hospitals countywide.
Orange County saw a record high of 722 hospitalized and 245 ICU coronavirus patients in mid-July. Health officials continue to warn that a looming surge could bring even higher figures as the county heads into flu season and large holiday gatherings accelerate transmission rates.
—Jessie Yount
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Nov. 23, 4:15 PM
HEALTHCARE
Orange County has launched its at-home COVID-19 test program in partnership with cancer diagnostics firm and test maker Ambry Genetics in Aliso Viejo.
Residents in cities with the highest transmission rates, Anaheim and Santa Ana, can now pick up a saliva test kit at one of five community clinics or have one shipped to their home.
The OC Health Agency said it received an initial batch of 11,000 at-home test kits, which will increase to 500,000 by the end of the year. As test capacity grows, the program will expand to other OC cities, it said.
“By making testing accessible and convenient, we would like you to work that into your holiday practices,” OC Board of Supervisors Vice Chairman Andrew Do said at a press conference last Tuesday.
The at-home program is an extension of Ambry Genetics’ Care for COVID service, which launched earlier this year to help businesses and schools safely reopen.
Go here for more information on the at-home COVID-19 test program.
—Jessie Yount
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Nov. 20, 10 AM
ECONOMY
Orange County’s unadjusted unemployment rate fell to 7.5% in October, down from a revised 8.9% in September, according to the state Employment Development Department. A year ago, the October unemployment rate was 2.6%.
This rate compares with California’s October unemployment rate of 9% and the U.S.’s 6.6%. The most recent numbers for the county, state and U.S. aren’t seasonally adjusted.
Orange County gained 34,100 jobs for a total of 1.54 million nonfarm employment.
Chapman University in June predicted OC jobs should rise back up to almost 1.6 million by the end of the year, translating into a jobless rate around 6.7% in the current quarter.
California has now regained 44% of the 2,615,800 nonfarm jobs lost during March and April as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the EDD said in a statement.
—Peter Brennan
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Nov. 19, 3:00 PM
HEALTHCARE
Orange County saw a nearly 23% jump in coronavirus hospitalizations in the past week as the county heads into the holiday season.
There are currently 304 hospitalized COVID-19 patients, the highest level seen in two months.
ICU patients are up 12% in the past week to 87, with 83 patients currently in the ICU.
Orange County saw a record high of 722 hospital and 245 ICU coronavirus patients in mid-July, though health officials warn a looming surge could bring even higher figures as the county heads into flu season and large holiday gatherings worsen transmission rates.
—Katie Murar
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Nov. 18, 3:00 PM
TOURISM/POLICY
The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, a long-standing community event that generates millions in economic benefits, has been canceled as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce said Wednesday.
The event, which would have been in its 112th year, typically brings in north of a million people over a five-day period, pulling in businesses from all corners of the county and generating millions for the city.
The event began in 1908 and is organized by the Commodores Club, a volunteer arm of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce, with help from independent nonprofit Newport Beach & Co., the city’s destination marketing organization.
“It was our hope that conditions would improve or at least remain static. However, looking at what is happening across the country, as well as in our own backyard, that is simply not the case,” said Steven Rosansky, president and CEO of the city Chamber of Commerce.
“Governor Newsom made it clear at his recent press conference that conditions are worsening across the State of California and that we need to put on the ‘emergency brake’ to slow the spread of coronavirus.”
—Katie Murar
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Nov. 17, 3:00 PM
HEALTHCARE/POLICY
One day after California Governor Gavin Newsom pulled an “emergency brake” that pushed Orange County back into the most restrictive purple tier, businesses are adjusting operations to comply with the new rules.
The purple tier goes into effect for local businesses today, with restrictions back in place for restaurants, retailers, fitness facilities and other sectors.
Restaurants, gyms, movie theaters, churches, museums and other businesses must shut down indoor operations by today; retail stores, indoor malls and libraries must limit capacity at 25%; grocery stores can open at 50% capacity.
When California rolled out the new tiered monitoring system in August, Orange County was among 38 counties, representing 87% of California’s population, placed in the most stringent first tier.
Now, there are 41 counties in the purple tier, representing 94% of the state’s population.
—Katie Murar
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Nov. 16, 2:40 PM
HEALTHCARE/POLICY
Orange County has been placed back in the most restrictive COVID-19 tier following a statewide surge in new cases, with all counties in Southern California now in the purple tier.
The move comes a day before the county would typically provide a new metrics update, with Gov. Gavin Newsom providing an emergency state update due to the case surge.
“We are seeing community spread broadly now throughout the state of California,” Newsom said in a Monday news conference.
Orange County reported more than 1,000 new coronavirus cases in the past two days, and has a current adjusted case rate of 10.8 cases per 100,000 residents. Just last week, the county said it had a case rate of 5.6.
A county needs more than seven new daily cases per 100,000 residents to be in the purple tier.
—Katie Murar
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Nov. 13, 1:40 PM
HEALTHCARE
California Governor Gavin Newsom issued a new travel advisory on Friday after the state surpassed one million COVID-19 cases.
Newsom, along with his counterparts in Oregon and Washington, urged against non-essential out-of-state travel and said those traveling to the state should self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival.
There are “no signs of the virus slowing down,” Newsom said in a statement.
“Travel increases the risk of spreading COVID-19, and we must all collectively increase our efforts at this time to keep the virus at bay and save lives.”
Orange County remained in the red tier this week as neighboring county San Diego slipped back into the purple tier; Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino remained in the purple tier this week, the most restrictive tier for businesses and gatherings.
Orange County saw a 40% jump in new cases in the past week to 335 average new daily cases. It reported 598 new cases Friday, bringing the county’s total cases to 64,058.
—Katie Murar
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Nov. 12, 3:40 PM
HEALTHCARE
As new coronavirus cases skyrocket across the U.S., one of Orange County’s hardest hit cities is seeing a new surge in positive test rates.
UCI Health said the one-week positivity rate at one of its testing sites in Santa Ana jumped from 8.9% to 20% on Wednesday.
Health officials say recent spikes seen in the region can be attributed to large gatherings around Halloween.
The county saw a 40% jump in new cases in the past week to 335 average new daily cases.
It also reported an adjusted daily case rate of 5.6 on Tuesday, down from 6 the week prior. However, the county’s case rate factors in a 7-day lag, signaling an increase could follow.
—Katie Murar
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Nov. 11, 2:00 PM
HEALTHCARE
Orange County hospitalizations appear to be ticking back up following months of declines.
There were 204 average hospital patients in the past week, which is up 12% from 182 in the week prior. ICU patients are up 23% to 76.
There are currently 244 hospital patients and 83 ICU patients, still off significantly from the peak of 722 and 245 seen in July, but up from a recent low of 155 and 42 seen at the start of October.
The increase comes amid news of a second COVID-19 surge, with several counties in California moving into more restrictive tiers this week, such as San Diego, which moved out of the red tier and into the purple tier on Tuesday after posting a case rate above 7.
Orange County remains in the red tier, with its case rate down from 6 to 5.6 in the past week.
—Katie Murar
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Nov. 10, 3:00 PM
HEALTHCARE
Orange County’s adjusted coronavirus case rate decreased this week for the first time since last month.
In the county’s weekly COVID-19 tier update, the region’s case rate decreased from 6 to 5.6 daily cases per 100,000 residents, still up from 5.1 and 4.6 in the two weeks prior.
The county experienced a COVID-19 peak in July, followed by weeks of declines. That has shifted in the past month, with the county’s case rate continuing to tick back up.
OC was placed in the most restrictive purple tier on Aug. 28 when the state unveiled the new monitoring guidelines along with 37 other counties, representing 87% of California’s population.
Counties are placed in this tier if they have more than 7 new daily cases per 100,000 residents, and a testing percentage above 8%.
OC moved into the red tier on Sept. 8 after meeting the requirements, which calls for four to seven daily new cases and a positive test rate between 5% and 8%.
The moderate, or orange tier, is for counties with one to 3.9 new daily cases and a 2% to 4.9% testing rate; and the minimal yellow tier is less than one daily new case and a positive testing rate below 2%.
The county currently has a positive testing rate of 3.3%, down from 3.6% the week prior and once again within orange tier requirements.
If a county’s case rate and test positivity rate fall into two different tiers, the county will be assigned to the more restrictive tier, according to the state’s monitoring system.
—Katie Murar
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Nov. 9, 10:40 AM
HEALTHCARE
Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian announced it will open a clinic inside Orange County’s John Wayne Airport in the spring.
Ahead of the clinic opening, Hoag will offer flu vaccinations and screenings, nutrition and exercise tips and virtual reality mindfulness activities at JWA beginning today.
The Fly Well Clinic, an 850-square-foot facility, will offer Covid-19 testing, flu and other vaccinations, urgent care services, telehealth consults, vital screenings and more.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the world’s travel habits, shining a spotlight brighter than ever on passengers’ health and travel safety,” Robert Braithwaite, chief executive of Hoag, said in a statement. “Hoag is proud to partner with John Wayne Airport to address the health care needs of the 10 million people who fly to or from the airport every year.”
—Jessie Yount
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Nov. 6, 1:10 PM
TOURISM/POLICY
California Adventure, one of two theme parks at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, announced it would open some stores and eateries inside the park on Nov. 19.
While the theme park itself will remain closed, the park will open access to Buena Vista Street just inside the park’s entrance as an expansion of the Downtown Disney shopping district.
Dining options to reopen include Cathay Circle Restaurant, which will open a new outdoor dining space; Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Café; Award Wieners; and Smokejumpers Grill.
The two theme parks have been shuttered since March and have yet to receive the green light to reopen, while Downtown Disney reopened in July.
The state most recently released new theme park reopening guidance last month, when it said large theme parks will not be able to begin reopening until the county enters into the final, fourth tier in the state’s COVID-19 monitoring system.
The least restrictive yellow tier requires less than 1 average daily cases per 100,000 residents and a positive testing rate of less than 2%.
Orange County currently has a case rate of 6 and positive testing rate of 3.6%, keeping it in the red tier for the eighth consecutive week.
—Katie Murar
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Nov. 5, 3:30 PM
HEALTHCARE
Santa Ana and Buena Park have been among the hardest hit Orange County neighborhoods by way of coronavirus metrics while South County neighborhoods continue to fare better, according to the county’s health equity metric.
California started monitoring disadvantaged communities within each state county last month as part of an addition to the state’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy.
This health equity metric is used along with the case rate and test positivity metric to determine a county’s tier.
According to a census tract, Santa Ana has the highest testing positivity rate of 8.3%, and among the highest case rates of 9.2.
The zip code of 90621, which includes Buena Park and Fullerton, posted the highest case rate of 12.6, and a positive testing rate of 8%.
Countywide, the region has a case rate of 6 and a test positivity rate of 3.6%, while the average health equity positivity rate—or average testing rate among disadvantaged and harder-hit neighborhoods—is 5.7%.
—Katie Murar
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Nov. 4, 3:00 PM
HEALTHCARE
Orange County’s coronavirus case rate, or average daily cases per 100,000 residents, increased again last week, keeping the region in the red tier for nearly two months straight.
The county posted a case rate of 6, up from 5.1 and 4.6 in the two prior weeks. To enter into the orange, or third, tier, the county would need to post a case rate of lower than 4.
The county’s testing positivity increased slightly from 3.2% to 3.6% last week, once again within orange tier requirements.
If a county’s case rate and test positivity rate fall into two different tiers, the county will be assigned to the more restrictive tier, according to the state’s monitoring system.
In one sign of improvement, the county’s health equity metric, or the testing positivity rate in harder-hit neighborhoods, decreased from 6% to 5.7% last week. It needs a testing rate of less than 5.2% to advance into the next tier.
—Katie Murar
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Nov. 3, 3:00 PM
HEALTHCARE
The Orange County Health Care Agency said Tuesday it would not update the region’s tier assignment due to the election.
The agency, which provides updated coronavirus metrics each Tuesday, will instead update the county’s standing on Wednesday, Nov. 4.
Orange County has been in the red tier since Sept. 8, with a case rate, or average daily cases per 100,000 residents, of 5.1. It needs a case rate of below four to progress into the orange tier.
The region has consistently posted a testing positivity rate within the orange tier, however, with a current positive test percentage of 3.2%.
—Katie Murar
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Nov. 2, 3:40 PM
HEALTHCARE
The Orange County Health Care Agency posted a negative new death on Monday, removing a duplicate, non-facility resident death that was previously reported.
The county has had 1,483 deaths attributed to COVID-19, including 678, or 46%, from skilled nursing and assisted living facilities.
There have been 74 deaths posted in the past two weeks, or five per day on average. That’s down about 40% from 123 in the two weeks prior, or nine each day on average.
—Katie Murar
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Oct. 30, 2:00 PM
HEALTHCARE
As concerns grow over a new surge in coronavirus cases across the county, hospitalization levels in Orange County have held steady at lower levels in recent weeks.
Total hospitalizations decreased slightly from 167 average daily patients to 165 in the week ending Oct. 28, the last day data was available.
There were 181 hospital patients as of Wednesday, which is down significantly from the high of 722 patients seen in mid-July.
There were 57 average daily ICU patients in the week ending Wednesday, down from 61 in the week prior. There are 59 current ICU patients, down from 245 in mid-July.
—Katie Murar
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Oct. 29, 3:15 PM
HEALTHCARE
Highly anticipated results from a University of California-Irvine study reveals far more Orange County residents tested positive for COVID-19 antibodies than initially expected, signaling strong initial immunity for the region.
In a study of 3,000 random people, researchers found that 11.5% had antibodies for COVID-19, a far cry from previous estimates of less than 2%.
Latino and low-income residents had the highest prevalence of antibodies with rates of 17% and 15%, respectively, in line with greater transmission rates.
UCI started the groundwork for the survey in May in conjunction with the OC Health Care Agency.
The study “offers important information about how many residents of Orange County have already been exposed to COVID-19,” according to Bernadette Boden-Albala, director of UCI’s Program in Public Health and founding dean of the campus’s proposed School of Population Health.
“As we look toward the fall and flu season, this data also justifies enhanced planning and resources in communities likely to be hit hardest,” said Boden-Albala, a co-principal investigator on the study.
—Katie Murar
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Oct. 28, 2:30 PM
HEALTHCARE
Orange County is not the only California region struggling to move out of the red tier and into the less restrictive orange tier.
Los Angeles has yet to move out of the most restrictive “purple” tier, along with about eight other counties.
OC is one of 20 counties in the red tier, the most of any tier. Just one county, Calveras, moved into the yellow tier on Tuesday, bringing the total counties in the fourth tier to 10.
When counties were reassessed on Tuesday, OC met the orange tier metrics for positive testing rate, with 3.2% of residents tested testing positive on average. It failed to meet the case rate requirements of one to 3.9, posting a rate of 5.1, up from 4.6 the week prior.
The county’s health equity positivity rate rose to 6% from 5.6% last week. It needs a testing rate of less than 5.2% to advance into the next tier.
—Katie Murar
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Oct. 27, 3:30 PM
HEALTHCARE
Orange County remains in the red tier after posting a case rate of 5.1 in the past week, up from 4.6 the prior week.
The county has been in the red tier since Sept. 8 after being unable to meet the orange tier’s requirements of having fewer than four average daily cases per 100,000 residents.
Its testing positivity rate of 3.2% remains within orange tier requirements, but the county’s health equity positivity rate rose to 6% from 5.6% last week. It needs a testing rate of less than 5.2% to advance into the next tier.
—Katie Murar
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Oct. 26, 3:40 PM
HEALTHCARE
Orange County is expected to remain in the red tier for at least another two weeks, as the region struggles to reduce its case rate to less than 4.
The county has been in the red tier since Sept. 8, and currently has a case rate of 4.6 average daily cases per 100,000 residents. Its testing positivity rate of 3.2% remains within orange tier requirements, but the county’s health equity positivity rate is in the red tier at 5.6%. It needs a rate of less than 5.2% to advance into the next tier.
There were 202 average daily coronavirus cases reported in the two weeks ending Oct. 26, which is up from 175 in the two weeks prior.
The county will receive an update on its coronavirus metrics on Tuesday.
—Katie Murar
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Oct. 23, 3:40 PM
HEALTHCARE
There were 39 new deaths attributed to coronavirus in Orange County in the week ending Friday, which is more than half the 85 deaths reported in the week prior.
There have been 151 new deaths reported in the past four weeks, down about 25% from the prior four-week period.
There were six new deaths reported Friday, bringing the county total to 1,440, which includes about 655 deaths from assisted living or nursing home facilities.
—Katie Murar
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Oct. 22, 2:00 PM
ECONOMY
Orange County’s unemployment rate will be 8% this year as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and then drop to 4.6% in 2022, economists at California State University-Fullerton projected.
The OC jobless rate stood at 9% last month.
“We anticipate that it will take up to the end of 2022 for employment levels to approximate those at the beginning of 2020,” they said.
—Kevin Costelloe
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Oct. 21, 11:40 PM
TOURISM
There’s signs of optimism for John Wayne Airport, hit especially hard amid the coronavirus pandemic along with the rest of the tourism industry, with general aviation activity increasing in September over last year.
General aviation activity rose 4.8% to 19,186 total flights last month, representing nearly 84% of all aircraft operations.
It’s the first such increase since February.
Overall airport traffic remains slowed, albeit at a slower pace than at the onset of the pandemic.
There was a 68% drop in passengers last month to 274,813. In April, traffic plunged 97% to 25,313, followed by a 91% drop in May.
Year-to-date traffic is down 63% to nearly 3 million.
—Katie Murar
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Oct. 20, 1:40 PM
POLICY/TOURISM
In new state guidance revealed Tuesday, large theme parks, including Orange County economy driver Disneyland Resort, will not be able to begin reopening until the county enters into the final, fourth tier in the state’s COVID-19 monitoring system.
“We are waiting until tier four, the yellow tier, with the limited capacity of 25%,” Dr. Mark Ghaly, secretary of the state Health and Human Services Agency, said during a Tuesday conference.
The least restrictive yellow tier requires less than 1 average daily cases per 100,000 residents and a positive testing rate of less than 2%.
Orange County currently has a case rate of 4.6 and positive testing rate of 3.2%, keeping it in the red tier for the sixth consecutive week.
In a statement following the news, Disneyland Resort President Ken Potrock expressed his disapproval of the new guidance, stating the company has “proven that we can responsibly reopen, with science-based health and safety protocols strictly enforced at our theme park properties around the world.
“Nevertheless, the State of California continues to ignore this fact, instead mandating arbitrary guidelines that it knows are unworkable and that hold us to a standard vastly different from other reopened businesses and state-operated facilities.”
Orange County Health Care Agency Director Clayton Chau said he expects the region to enter in to the final, yellow tier by next summer “hopefully.”
Small theme parks will be able to reopen with modifications in the third, orange tier.
All parks will be required to implement an advanced ticket sale system, according to the state, with large parks only able to operate at 25% capacity initially.
Just seven counties in the state have progressed into the yellow tier, which allows for nearly all businesses to reopen indoor operations at increased—though not full—capacity, with social distancing and face covering rules still in place.
—Katie Murar
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Oct. 19, 3:00 PM
POLICY/TOURISM
Several Disney unions representing over 10,000 local employees sent a letter to California Governor Gavin Newsom as part of an ongoing push for guidelines on reopening theme parks.
The letter urges Governor Newsom to meet with resort workers to better understand how California theme parks, including Disneyland Resort, can reopen under the current state monitoring tiered system.
The letter also highlights recent efforts made toward instilling safe guidelines at the parks, which the unions believe should be able to reopen when Orange County moves into the orange tier.
Orange County has been in the second most restrictive “red” tier since Sept. 8. It has yet to meet orange tier metrics for the required two consecutive weeks.
Recent health efforts by Disneyland include testing for all employees and two weeks’ pay for those forced to quarantine due to positive test or exposure at work among.
“We are confident that with these protocols set in place, Disneyland will be able to fully reopen safely,” said Andrea Zinder, president of UFCW 324, one of seven unions involved in the letter.
—Katie Murar
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Oct. 16, 1:50 PM
HEALTHCARE
There were 177 average daily cases reported in the past week, which is flat from the week prior when there were 175 cases reported each day on average.
In the week ending Tuesday, the county’s case rate dipped to 4.6 from 5.2 the week prior, signaling positive momentum for the region as it attempts to move out of the red tier and into tier 3, or the orange tier.
To move into the orange tier, the county would need a case rate between 1 and 3.9.
Testing has declined slightly in the past week, with 6,615 tests handled each day on average, down 4% from the week prior.
The county’s positive testing percentage remains in the orange tier guidelines at 3.5%.
—Katie Murar
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Oct. 15, 3:45 PM
HEALTHCARE
As Orange County is still unable to move out of the red tier and into the orange tier, it’s unclear when the region can ultimately progress into the final, least restrictive yellow tier, and what that would mean for local companies.
In California’s coronavirus monitoring program, the final tier requires less than 1 average daily cases per 100,000 residents and a positive testing rate of less than 2%.
Orange County currently has a case rate of 4.6 and positive testing rate of 3.5%, keeping it in the red tier for the fifth consecutive week. A majority of the state’s counties lie in the red tier among the four total tiers, with 24 counties in the red tier, 16 in the purple, most restrictive tier, and 18 in the orange and yellow tiers.
Just seven counties in the state have progressed into the yellow tier, which allows for nearly all businesses to reopen indoor operations at increased—though not full—capacity, with social distancing and face covering rules still in place.
Restaurants, bars, movie theaters and gyms, for example, can operate indoors with modifications and at 50% capacity in the yellow tier.
—Katie Murar
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Oct. 14, 3:40 PM
HEALTHCARE
A higher case rate and testing positivity rate in Orange County’s hardest hit cities is in part preventing the region from progressing into the orange tier from the red tier, which it has been in for five weeks now.
The state-mandated health equity metric—the third metric used to monitor when county’s can reopen businesses and gatherings—was added last week in an effort to monitor disadvantaged neighborhoods and make sure these areas do not lag behind the overall county test positivity. It is also required to make targeted investments in these areas to mitigate disease transmission.
Testing positivity in these neighborhoods improved slightly in the past week, decreasing from 6.6% to 6.5%.
This is higher than the county-wide testing positivity of 3.5%, which increased this week from 3.2%, but is still in the orange tier requirements of 2% to 4.9%.
The county has a case rate of 4.6 average daily cases per 100,000 residents, not yet meeting the orange tier requirements of one to 3.9 new daily cases per 100,000.
—Katie Murar
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Oct. 13, 3:00 PM
HEALTHCARE
Orange County’s case rate decreased from 5.2 to 4.6 in the past week, according to the Health Care Agency.
The county’s case rate—or average daily cases per 100,000 residents—remains in the red tier, which it moved into on Sept. 8. To move into the orange tier, the county would need a case rate between 1 and 3.9.
The OC HCA posts a new case and positive testing rate each Tuesday. The county currently has a testing positivity rate of 3.5%, within the orange tier requirements of 2% to 4.9%.
There were no new deaths reported on Tuesday, the second consecutive day with zero deaths reported.
—Katie Murar
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Oct. 12, 3:25 PM
HEALTHCARE
No new COVID-19 deaths were reported Monday, with 1,341 deaths attributed to the virus to date.
There have been 590 deaths from skilled nursing or assisted living facilities, making up 44% of the total.
Residents older than 65 make up 73% of all deaths. There have been five deaths among residents younger than 24 years old.
Hispanic or Latino residents make up most deaths among Orange County demographics, with 580 deaths to date, representing almost half of the total.
There have also been slightly more deaths among men, representing nearly 57% of the total.
—Katie Murar
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Oct. 9, 12:15 PM
HEALTHCARE
There were 7,079 coronavirus tests conducted each day on average in the two weeks ending Thursday, which is down about 3.5% from the 7,336 average daily tests in the two weeks prior.
There have been 918,420 cumulative tests, with 55,183 of those testing positive for an overall testing rate of 6.
Orange County currently has a positive testing rate of 3.2%, which meets the metrics for the “orange” tier, though the county’s case rate of 5.2 does not meet the tier’s requirements of one to 3.9 average new daily cases per 100,000 residents.
—Katie Murar
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Oct. 8, 3:20 PM
HEALTHCARE
Hospitalizations from COVID-19 continue to decline since hitting a peak in July, with average daily patients down 17% in the past two weeks.
There were 156 average daily hospitalizations in the two weeks ending Oct. 7, which is down from 188 in the two weeks prior.
Daily COVID-19 hospitalizations hit a peak of 722 COVID-19 patients on July 14, likely prompted by the uptick in June cases caused by crowds and gatherings around Memorial Day weekend, as well as graduation parties, Father’s Day celebrations and other social activities throughout the month.
That figure dropped to 172 as of Wednesday, according to the county’s 33 reporting hospitals.
ICU patients hit a high of 245 on July 15. That figure has dropped to 62 ICU patients as of Oct. 7, among the lowest level since late April.
—Katie Murar
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Oct. 7, 3:20 PM
HEALTHCARE
Orange County saw an increase in its case rate in the week ending Oct. 6, further delaying the county’s move into the next “orange” tier.
The county posted a case rate of 5.2 average daily cases per 100,000 residents last week, which was up from 4.4 and 3.6 in the prior two weeks.
The county needs a case rate of 3.9 to move out of the red tier into the orange tier.
The positive testing rate, however, is still within orange tier metrics at 3.1%.
OC has been in the red tier since Sept. 8. If case metrics improve, it could move into the orange tier in two weeks at the earliest.
—Katie Murar
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Oct. 6, 2:50 PM
HEALTHCARE
California will start to monitor disadvantaged communities within each state county as part of an addition to the state’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy that goes into effect today.
This health equity metric will be used along with the case rate and test positivity metric to determine a county’s tier, and aims to ensure “California reopens its economy safely by reducing disease transmission in all communities.”
Orange County will start tracking test positivity rates in disadvantaged neighborhoods to make sure metrics do not lag behind the overall county test positivity. It is also required to make targeted investments in these areas to mitigate disease transmission.
The county has already made efforts in regards to health equity, such as increasing education, testing and resources in neighborhoods especially impacted by coronavirus, such as Anaheim and Santa Ana.
—Katie Murar
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Oct. 5, 3:30 PM
HEALTHCARE
New coronavirus cases have risen slightly in the past week, and are up 9% in the past two weeks, according to OC Health Care Agency data.
There were about 187 average new daily cases in the past week, which is up 5% from the week prior.
In the two weeks ending Monday there were 183 average daily cases, up from the 168 average daily cases in the two weeks prior.
Deaths attributed to coronavirus have nearly doubled in the past two weeks, with 11 average daily deaths reported in the two weeks ending Monday.
Orange County has been in the red tier for the past three weeks, with an average case rate of 4.4 new cases per 100,000 residents. The county will be reviewed again tomorrow, with a new case rate and positive testing rate revealed based on data in the past week.
—Katie Murar
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Oct. 2, 4:15 PM
HEALTHCARE
Orange County will remain in its current COVID-19 “red” tier after failing to meet metrics for the “orange” tier 3 over the past week.
The county was expected to move into the next tier on Tuesday, before its case rate—a 7-day average of daily new cases per 100,000 residents—began increasing once again.
The county’s case rate has been 4.4% since Tuesday. It’s positive testing rate is still 3.1%, which meets the metrics for the “orange” tier.
California Governor Gavin Newsom delayed guidance on reopening theme parks, which was expected to be announced today after mounting pressure from state lawmakers and local officials.
“Given the size and operational complexities of these unique sectors, we are seeking additional input from health, workforce and business stakeholders to finalize this important framework,” Mark Ghaly, a state public health official, said in a statement.
Walt Disney Co. Executive Chairman Bob Iger stepped down from Newsom’s economic recovery task force after Disney announced it would lay off 28,000 workers on Monday, the Sacramento Bee reported yesterday.
—Jessie Yount
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Oct. 1, 3:30 PM
HEALTHCARE
The number of coronavirus tests conducted in Orange County slipped in the past week, with about 7,300 tests conducted on average each day.
That’s down about 5% from the week prior, when 7,700 tests were done each day on average.
Testing is up 17% in the past two weeks, however, with about 7,500 tests done each day on average in the two weeks ending Oct. 1. In the two weeks prior, there were 6,400 average daily tests.
Orange County currently has a positive testing rate of 3.1%, which meets the metrics for the “orange” tier, though the county’s case rate of 4.4 does not meet the tier’s requirements of one to 3.9 average new daily cases per 100,000 residents.
—Katie Murar
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Sept. 30, 3:00 PM
HEALTHCARE
While Orange County’s current adjusted case rate—or average daily COVID-19 cases per 100,000 residents—kept it from leaving the “red” tier this week, other California counties like Los Angeles have yet to move out of the most restrictive “purple” tier.
Los Angeles currently has a case rate of 7, placing it in the “widespread” tier.
San Bernardino remains in the purple tier as well, after its case rate rose from 6.7 to 7.7 this week.
To enter into the red, or “substantial” tier—which Orange County has been in since Sept. 8—a county must report a case rate between four and seven, and a positive testing rate between 5% and 8%.
The latter metric appears to be easier to meet. When counties were reassessed on Tuesday, OC met the Orange tier metrics for positive testing rate, with 3.1% of residents tested testing positive on average. It failed to meet the case rate requirements of one to 3.9, posting a rate of 4.4, up from 3.6 the week prior.
Like Orange County, San Diego and Riverside are in the red tier, but both have a higher case rate of 6.7.
In Northern California, San Francisco remained in the Orange tier for the third consecutive week with a case rate of 3.2. Santa Clara remained in the red tier for the fourth week with a case rate of 4.7.
—Katie Murar
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Sept. 29, 3:00 PM
HEALTHCARE
Orange County will remain in its current COVID-19 “red” tier after failing to meet metrics for the “orange” tier 3 over the past week.
The county was expected to move into the next tier today after weeks of improving metrics, but after seeing its case rate increase over the past week, the region will stay in the current tier for at least another two weeks.
The county’s case rate—a 7-day average of daily new cases per 100,000 residents—rose to 4.4 cases in the week ending Tuesday, up from 3.6 the week prior, when it met the orange tier metrics for the first time.
The positive testing rate remained unchanged at 3.1%.
Each county needs to remain in a tier for at least three weeks and must meet the next tier’s metrics for two consecutive weeks in order to progress.
Orange County, which has now been in the red tier for three weeks, could move into the orange tier as soon as Oct. 13, when businesses will be able to expand indoor operations, with retail stores operating at full capacity.
The final fourth or “yellow” tier requires fewer than one new daily case per 100,000 residents and a positive testing rate below 2%.
—Katie Murar
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Sept. 29, 2:20 PM
TOURISM
Walt Disney Co.’s park division, which includes Disneyland Resort, said Monday it is reducing its staff count as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, with 28,000 domestic employees affected.
The company’s non-working employees have been on furlough since April, with Disney paying healthcare benefits. Now, the company has “made the very difficult decision to begin the process of reducing our workforce,” Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro said in a statement.
About 67% of the affected employees are part-time.
The cuts are a result of “the prolonged impact of COVID-19 on our business,” D’Amaro notes, which is “exacerbated in California by the state’s unwillingness to lift restrictions that would allow Disneyland to reopen.”
The Anaheim resort, which includes two theme parks, three hotels and the Downtown Disney retail area, all closed on March 14; Downtown Disney has started a phased reopening in recent months while the theme parks await state reopening guidelines.
The layout is OC’s largest employer with 32,000 workers.
“Our Cast Members have always been key to our success, playing a valued and important role in delivering a world-class experience, and we look forward to providing opportunities where we can for them to return,” said D’Amaro.
—Katie Murar
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Sept. 28, 3:20 PM
HEALTHCARE
Orange County’s average coronavirus case rate is at its lowest point in four months, according to an analysis of OC Health Care Agency data.
There were 158 average new daily cases in the week ending Sept. 14, which is about the same level seen in mid-May in Orange County.
It’s also a steep drop off from the peak of 862 average new cases seen in the week ending July 11.
The HCA reports average new cases with a delay in order to prevent significant changes to data, as new cases can be inputted later due to testing reporting delays.
133 new cases were reported Monday, with no new deaths. There have been 53,448 cumulative cases in OC to date, and 1,216 deaths.
—Katie Murar
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Sept. 25, 3:10 PM
HEALTHCARE/EDUCATION
As Orange County school districts reopen, county officials warn residents to remain vigilant to prevent another COVID-19 spike.
Five local schools began in-person teaching on Thursday, and another five schools are expected to join next week.
Orange County is one of 33 counties in California permitted to resume in-person teaching because of improving coronavirus metrics or lower figures.
All schools returning to classroom instruction will also use online teaching, employing a hybrid model to maintain social distancing.
The county has 28 total schools; harder-hit cities, such as Anaheim and Santa Ana, have not been given the green light to resume in-person instruction.
The county hit a coronavirus peak in July but has since seen a steep drop off in new cases, hospitalization figures and other metrics.
—Katie Murar
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Sept. 24, 3:30 PM
HEALTHCARE/POLICY
Orange County could move into the next COVID-19 tier as soon as Tuesday, Sept. 29, amid improving coronavirus metrics.
The county’s case rate and positive test percentage hit the “orange” or “moderate” requirements for the first time earlier this week.
The county, which has been in the “red” or “substantial” tier since Sept. 8, needs to maintain these metrics for two consecutive weeks in order to move into the orange tier, which would mean fewer business restrictions in the county.
Tuesday’s lowered figures signaled the first week that the county met those metrics, meaning it could move into tier three on Tuesday.
Orange County has an average of 3.6 new COVID-19 positive cases per 100,000 residents, and a positive testing percent of 3.1%, both well within the orange tier, which requires 1 to 3.9 average cases and a testing positivity percent between 2% and 4.9%.
In the orange tier, businesses will be able to expand indoor operations, with retail stores operating at full capacity.
Other businesses, including restaurants, churches, movie theaters, museums and zoos could operate at 50% capacity, up from 25%.
The final, least restrictive tier is the “yellow” tier, implying county transmission is minimal, with fewer than 1 new daily case per 100,000 residents and a fewer than 2% positive test rate.
—Katie Murar
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Sept. 22, 9:30 PM
RESTAURANTS
Sizzler USA Finance Inc. blamed the impact of COVID-19 stay-at-home orders and the closure of in-restaurant dining for its Chapter 11 filing this week.
The Mission Viejo steakhouse chain has turned to the courts to restructure, listing assets and liabilities each of between $1 million to $10 million.
The chain, started in 1958, had been looking to gain traction among younger diners, testing a number of tactics over the past several years, including a to-go concept called Sizzler Express and food trucks.
The company ranked No. 10 on this years Business Journal’s list of the largest restaurant chains based in Orange County with 2019 sales down 3% to $259.1 million across 122 locations.
—Kari Hamanaka
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Sept. 22, 2:10 PM
TOURISM/POLICY
In a Tuesday press conference, Disneyland Resort officials reiterated their readiness to reopen Orange County theme parks, calling on state officials to offer reopening guidelines for the tourism and employment driver that’s been shuttered since March 14.
The virtual press conference brought together several executives throughout the company, from the local heads of Disneyland and California Adventure to leaders of Walt Disney World in Orlando—which reopened in July—to discuss how the company has “safely reopened” some of its theme parks and how it plans to do so in Anaheim.
Efforts include reservation systems that control the number of guests in the park at any time, mask requirements, social distancing, hand washing stations, expanded food and beverage mobile ordering and a new effort to provide COVID-19 tests for local employees.
“As you can see, we’re ready. And more importantly, it’s time,” said Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, and former Disneyland Resort president.
D’Amaro called on California government officials to “treat theme parks like you would other sectors and help us reopen,” asking for “guidelines that are fair and equitable, so that we can better understand our future and chart a path toward reopening.”
D’Amaro noted that nearly 80,000 individuals, including cast members and local suppliers and vendors, depend on Disneyland for employment, and a vast majority of these local employees remain out of work.
“The longer we wait, the more devastating the impact will be to Orange County and the Anaheim community,” he said.
—Katie Murar
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Sept. 21, 3:10 PM
HEALTHCARE
Orange County resident deaths attributed to coronavirus have dropped 52% in the past two weeks.
There were 75 deaths in the two weeks ending Sept. 21, down from the 156 deaths the two weeks prior, and down 57% from the 173 deaths in the two weeks ending Aug. 10.
There have been 1,128 deaths to date in Orange County; about 44% of those have come from assisted living and nursing home facilities.
New COVID-19 cases have dropped 33% in the past two weeks to 2,356, or about 168 per day on average.
—Katie Murar
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Sept. 18, 2:15 PM
HOSPITALITY/HEALTHCARE
In a recent news briefing, California Governor Gavin Newsom said the state is getting closer to providing a much-anticipated update on the reopening of state theme parks, including OC’s top employer, Disneyland Resort.
“We will be making announcements soon as it relates to theme parks and amusement parks. I am not here today to make that presentation, but want folks to know we are actively working in a number of sectors,” Newsom said.
The resort, along with local businesses and leaders, have been urging for new guidelines regarding a potential reopening of theme parks in Orange County. Current government guidance does not address theme parks in business reopening rules.
The Governor’s recent message comes six months after Disneyland Resort temporarily closed on March 14. In June, Disney proposed plans to reopen in stages starting July 9, but those plans were quickly nixed after a worsening COVID-19 situation in Orange County.
The resort, which includes two theme parks, three hotels and the Downtown Disney retail area and employs about 32,000 locally, has said it is ready to reopen once it gets the green light.
“As soon as a date and those guidelines are set, I can tell you, we’re ready,” Disney Parks Chairman Josh D’Amaro said last month in an interview with the U.S. Travel Association.
—Katie Murar
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Sept. 17, 3:10 PM
EDUCATION/HEALTHCARE
A partnership led by the University of California-Irvine has unveiled another resource on the coronavirus pandemic in Orange County, with a new focus on tracking the spread of the disease and forecasting future trends.
The website, released this week, estimates “current and future numbers of infectious individuals in Orange County, which is important for understanding risks of getting infected,” said Vladimir Minin, UCI professor of statistics and associate director of the UCI Infectious Disease Science Initiative.
The website, developed in partnership with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the Orange County Health Care Agency, estimates how many coronavirus infections actually occurred rather than the number of infections reported, how many infectious individuals Orange County has on any given day and how quickly the virus is spreading.
The researchers in UCI’s Donald Bren School of Information & Computer Science also produce short-term forecasts of COVID-19 deaths, which are slated to continue to decline in the next month.
The report, which covers July 28 through Sept. 1., shows that the infection rate is declining in Orange County, with an effective reproduction number—the rate at which infections are growing or declining—below 1, meaning the area “is successfully suppressing coronavirus spread.”
The project is the second coronavirus-focused website UCI has developed in response to the pandemic, with the university releasing a public online database last month about the virus in the county that provides comparisons with neighboring California counties.
—Katie Murar
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Sept. 16, 2:15 PM
HEALTHCARE
COVID-19 ICU patient counts in Orange County have sunk to their April levels after peaking in mid-July.
ICU, or intensive care units, has been used as a metric throughout the pandemic to determine the severity of the virus in a region, and can be used as a barometer regarding future death rates.
There were 67 patients in the ICU on Sept. 16, which is down 73% from July 15, when ICU patients were at a peak of 245.
On Sept. 13, there were 56 ICU patients, the lowest level in the county since mid-April, shortly after the virus transmission began locally.
There were 202 COVID-19 hospitalizations as of Sept. 15, which is down significantly from the peak of 722 patients reached on July 14.
—Katie Murar
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Sept. 15, 3:10 PM
HEALTHCARE
A week after being moved into the “red” tier, Orange County’s coronavirus metrics continue to improve, and are nearing the qualifications to be met in order to move into the next “orange” tier.
After posting declining positive cases and a positive testing rate, Orange County was moved out of the “purple” or “widespread” first tier last week into the “substantial” second tier, with 5.2 average daily new cases per 100,000 residents and a positive test rate of 4.2%, well within the requirements of 4 to 7 new daily cases and a rate between 5% and 8%.
Now, the region has 4.7 new daily cases per 100,000 residents and a positive test rate of 3.9%.
To enter into the next tier, Orange County will have to post 3.9 or fewer new daily cases per 100,000 residents and a positive testing rate between 2% and 4.9%.
Orange County would need to meet those metrics for two weeks to move into that tier, though it must remain in its red current tier for three weeks, according to the state’s initial guidelines.
The final, least restrictive tier is the “yellow” tier, implying county transmission is minimal, with fewer than 1 new daily case per 100,000 residents and a fewer than 2% positive test rate.
—Katie Murar
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Sept. 14, 3:05 PM
TOURISM/POLICY
California theme parks, including Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm, are urging California Governor Gavin Newsom to reopen the state for amusement park operations.
The theme parks are represented by Sacramento-based trade organization California Attractions and Park Association, which recently called for amusement park reopening guidelines “so these vital community attractions can reopen their doors in a responsible manner and get residents back to work.”
The organization represents Disneyland, Knott’s, Universal Studios, Six Flags Magic Mountain, SeaWorld San Diego, Legoland California, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom and California’s Great America.
The effort comes six months after Orange County’s largest employer and tourism driver, Disneyland Resort, temporarily closed on March 14. In June, Disney proposed plans to reopen in stages starting July 9, but those plans were quickly nixed after a worsening COVID-19 situation in Orange County.
The Governor’s newly implemented tiered monitoring system outlines business reopening guidelines under four color-coded tiers, but does not include theme parks.
“In order to reopen, parks require guidance from the state and that guidance has not been forthcoming,” California Attractions and Parks Association Executive Director Erin Guerrero said in a statement.
—Katie Murar
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Sept. 11, 1:00 PM
HEALTHCARE
New coronavirus cases in Orange County have dropped 44% in the past month, according to an analysis of OC Health Care Agency data.
There were 9,944 new cases reported in the month ending Sept. 10, which is down from the 17,877 cases reported in the month ending Aug 10.
Regional COVID-19 hotspots Anaheim and Santa Ana have represented 31% of new cases in the past month; the month prior, they generated about 36% of new cases.
North County still represents the bulk of COVID-19 cases in the region, with other hotspots including Garden Grove; Fullerton; Huntington Beach; Orange; Costa Mesa; and Buena Park.
Together with Anaheim and Santa Ana, those eight cities represented nearly 60% of all new cases reported in the past month.
—Katie Murar
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Sept. 10, 2:30 PM
HEALTHCARE
COVID-19 hospitalization and ICU figures are significantly lower than their peak-July levels, and are nearing closer to the lower numbers seen in May.
There were 239 hospitalizations and 64 ICU patients as of Sept. 10, which is down 67% and 74%, respectively, from the highs of 722 and 245 hit in mid-July.
The county has also seen sharper declines in cases and other COVID-19 metrics in recent weeks, with new cases down 43% in the two weeks ending Sept. 10 from the two weeks prior.
The county had a positive testing rate of 3.9% on Thursday. In July, the region saw positive testing percentages nearing 15%.
—Katie Murar
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Sept. 9, 9:10 AM
GOVERNMENT/POLICY
Orange County’s move into the next tier of reopenings under the state’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy brings a new set of modifications for some businesses.
For a full listing of what’s open and closed in OC by industry, go here.
—Kari Hamanaka
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Sept. 8, 12:45 PM
HEALTHCARE
Orange County has moved into the next COVID-19 tier following weeks of an improving case and testing rate, California Governor Gavin Newsom said Tuesday.
The county was one of 38 counties that were placed into the most restrictive “purple” tier on Aug. 28 when the state rolled out its new monitoring system; after nearly two weeks of falling case numbers and a positive testing rate, the county was placed in the next tier down, known as the “red” tier, signifying the virus is “substantial” rather than “widespread” in the county.
It is one of five counties to move into the red tier, along with Amador, Placer, Santa Clara and Santa Cruz.
This move allows for an easing of business restrictions, such as allowing indoor operations for movie theaters, gyms, restaurants and salons. It also allows schools to open with 25% capacity, though the soonest local schools could open for in-person teaching is Sept. 22.
In the red tier, counties must have four to seven daily new cases per 100,000 residents and a positive test rate between 5% and 8%. Orange County currently has a case rate of 5.2 and a positive test rate of 4.2%.
The next tier, the “orange” or “moderate” tier, requires 1 to 3.9 new daily cases per 100,000 residents and a positive test rate between 2 and 4.9%. Orange County would need to meet those metrics for two weeks to move into that tier, though it must remain in its red current tier for three weeks, according to the state’s initial guidelines.
The final, least restrictive tier is the “yellow” tier, implying county transmission is minimal, with fewer than 1 new daily case per 100,000 residents and a fewer than 2% positive test rate.
—Katie Murar
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Sept. 4, 12:15 PM
HEALTHCARE
Though coronavirus case figures have been steadily declining since hitting their peak in July, deaths attributed to the virus hit a new high in August.
The number of Orange County residents that have died as a result of COVID-19 surpassed 1,000 this week, with 362 deaths occurring in August.
That’s up 30% from July, and about 87% from June.
In the past two weeks, however, deaths are down 24% to 136 deaths, or about 10 each day on average.
Of the 1,018 total deaths in Orange County, 45% occurred in assisted living and skilled nursing facilities.
The state of California is most closely monitoring case and testing metrics for reopening guidelines, though it has said it would halt any reopening plans should hospitalization figures climb too high.
Average hospitalizations are down 11%, according to the Orange County Health Care Agency.
—Katie Murar
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Sept. 3 2:30 PM
GOVERNMENT POLICY/HEALTHCARE
Orange County is expected to move out of the most restrictive “purple” COVID-19 tier, put in place by California Gov. Gavin Newsom, and into the next “red” tier on Sept. 8.
If, and when, this occurs, it will mean fewer restrictions for Orange County businesses, such as new indoor operations and increased capacity.
Examples include:
• Restaurants, currently only open outdoors, can open indoors in the next tier with a max capacity of 25% or 100 people, whichever is fewer.
• Shopping centers and retailers can up their capacity from 25% to 50%
• Nail and skin care salons, currently outdoors only, can open inside with modifications. Hair salons are currently able to open indoors.
• Gyms and fitness centers, currently only outdoors, will be allowed to open indoors with a max 10% capacity
• Movie theaters can open indoors with 25% capacity
• Schools, unable to open under the most restrictive tier, can open with 25% capacity in the new tier. The soonest local schools could open for in-person teaching is Sept. 22.
• Museums can open indoors with 25% capacity
• Non-essential offices must remain remote in the red tier
• Professional sports can open without live audiences and modifications
• Theme parks, like Disneyland and Knotts Berry Farm, were not included in the business sector guidance list for any tier. It is possible the parks could reopen some outdoor operations in stages, though indoor rides are unlikely to be permitted.
San Diego is currently in the red tier; Orange County is expected to also move into the red tier on Sept. 8 when the state will assess counties’ numbers for the first time.
—Katie Murar
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Sept. 2, 3:20 PM
HEALTHCARE
New COVID-19 cases have dropped nearly 50% in the past two weeks over the prior two-week period.
There were 4,206 cases, or 300 average daily cases, reported in the two weeks ending Sept. 2, which is more than a 48% drop from the 6,225 cases, or 445 average daily cases reported in the prior two weeks.
Testing has also decreased in the county in the past two weeks, albeit at a lower rate.
There were 6,629 average tests conducted each day in the two weeks ending Sept. 2, which is down about 30% from the 8,846 tests handled the prior two weeks.
Orange County currently has a 5% positive testing rate, its lowest level since May.
—Katie Murar
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Sept. 1, 2:00 PM
HEALTHCARE
Orange County is on track to move into the next tier of the state’s monitoring system next week, which could result in fewer business restrictions and could enable in-person teaching later in the month.
The state unveiled it’s new color-coded, four-tiered monitoring system on Friday, with Orange County and 37 other state counties falling into the most restrictive purple category.
Counties are placed in this tier if they have more than seven new daily cases per 100,000 residents, and a testing percentage above 8%.
To enter into the red tier, counties must have four to seven daily new cases and a positive test rate between 5% and 8%.
Over the past week, Orange County had about 5.6 new daily cases per 100,000 residents and a 5% testing percentage. County health officials indicated OC is “on track to enter Red Tier on Sept. 8” when the state will assess counties’ numbers for the first time.
“Providing we meet Red Tier metrics at that time, there will be a 14-day wait for all K-12 schools to be eligible for reopening, which could happen on Sept. 22,” the OC Health Care Agency said Monday evening via Twitter.
Entering the red tier will also lead to increased capacity for businesses, such as restaurants, malls and salons.
—Katie Murar
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Aug. 31, 10:30 AM
GOVERNMENT/POLICY
California’s new Blueprint for a Safer Economy COVID-19 monitoring system creates a new outline for business reopenings, with some changes that went into effect Monday.
To find out more about the status of a specific business sector, go here for a complete listing.
—Kari Hamanaka
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Aug. 31, 8:20 AM
RETAIL
South Coast Plaza is set to reopen its doors Monday at 11 following last week’s revised tracking and business reopening plan from the state.
The guidance allows for indoor mall operations in Orange County to resume at 25% capacity. Common areas are to remain closed.
South Coast, OC’s largest shopping center, said it reopens with more than 100 retailers. Some 20 of its restaurants are currently open for outdoor dining or to-go options.
The center’s curbside pick-up program, SCP 2 Go, and The Pavilion open-air shopping suites remain open as alternative options for customers.
—Kari Hamanaka
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Aug. 28, 1:15 PM
HEALTHCARE
California is replacing its coronavirus monitoring list with a new tiered system that emphasizes a slower reopening timeline.
Governor Gavin Newsom announced the new program during a Friday press conference, when he was expected to, but did not, unveil new reopening guidelines following improving statewide COVID-19 metrics.
The new tiered system places more strict requirements on counties, expected to help prevent a new spike of cases and hospitalizations, like the one that occurred in July after the state last announced reopening plans.
There are four tiers: purple, representing widespread transmission; red, or substantial transmission; orange, or moderate; and yellow, or minimal. Each color represents how businesses can operate in each county, the governor said.
About 38 counties, including Orange County, representing 87% of California’s population have been placed in the most stringent “purple” tier.
Counties are placed in this tier if they have more than seven new daily cases per 100,000 residents, and a testing percentage above 8%.
To enter into the red tier, counties must have four to seven daily new cases and a positive test rate between 5% and 8%. The moderate tier is for counties with one to 3.9 new daily cases and a 2% to 4.9% testing rate; and the minimal tier is less than one daily new case and a positive testing rate below 2%.
Each county is required to stay in each tier for at least 21 days, and they must maintain the next tier’s metrics for two straight weeks in order to move out of their current tier, and enter into reopening phases.
After a county moves from one tier to another, there is an additional two-week waiting period before schools can open.
In the past week, Orange County had about 9.6 new daily cases per 100,000 residents, and an average testing percentage of 6%.
The state will assess counties’ numbers each week, starting Sept. 8.
—Katie Murar
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Aug. 27, 3:30 PM
HEALTHCARE
New COVID-19 cases dropped 9% in Orange County in the last week.
There were 2,523 new cases, or 360 each day on average, reported in the county in the week ending Thursday, down from 2,765, or 395, from the week prior.
Today marks the fifth consecutive day that the county has remained off the state’s COVID-19 watch list, due to falling cases, positive testing rate, hospitalizations and other metrics.
The county’s case rate—or average new cases over two weeks—is currently 82.1 per 100,000 residents, below the county threshold of 100 per 100,000 residents.
The state also tracks whether counties have seen a greater than 10% increase in the three-day average of hospitalized patients. As of Friday, OC’s average is down 0.3%.
Orange County currently has a 5% positive test rate, lower than the state’s threshold of 8%.
The county must now maintain these lower coronavirus metrics for two weeks; after that, it could be cleared to resume in-person teaching with new social distancing protocols after Labor Day weekend.
Each district has the final say in reopening schools.
—Katie Murar
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Aug. 26, 12:30 PM
HEALTHCARE
Dr. Clayton Chau has been selected as Orange County’s chief health officer, replacing Nichole Quick, who resigned in June following severe public pushback due to a face mask order she issued in late May.
Chau has been the acting county health officer since June 9 when Quick stepped down, and was named director of the OC Health Care Agency on May 4, a post he will maintain along with the health officer title.
The Orange County Board of Supervisors made the unanimous decision on Tuesday.
Chau worked for the HCA’s Behavioral Health Services team from 1999 to 2012, and was most recently chief clinical and strategy officer for Mind OC, the nonprofit arm of Be Well OC.
—Katie Murar
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Aug. 25, 3:15 PM
HEALTHCARE
Orange County continues to post a declining case rate on the third day off the state’s COVID-19 monitoring list.
The county’s case rate—or average new cases over two weeks—fell below the state department’s threshold of 100 per 100,000 residents in the past week, hitting a new low of 83.3 on Tuesday since June.
There have been 347 average daily cases reported in the past week, down about 8% from the week prior.
The state also tracks whether counties have seen a greater than 10% increase in the three-day average of hospitalized patients. As of Friday, OC’s average is down 3%.
Orange County currently has a 5.3% positive test rate, lower than the state’s threshold of 8%.
The county must now maintain these lower coronavirus metrics for two weeks; after that, it could be cleared to resume in-person teaching with new social distancing protocols after Labor Day weekend.
Each district has the final say in reopening schools.
—Katie Murar
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Aug. 25, 1:15 PM
HEALTHCARE
The County of Orange said it will launch a second drive thru super-site for COVID-19 testing at the OC Fair & Event Center, beginning Aug. 26.
The announcement comes six weeks after the county launched its first super-site at the Anaheim Convention Center, which oversees about 1,200 tests per day.
The new site will also prioritize testing for people with symptoms; people in contact with known COVID-19 patients; healthcare workers and first responders; long-term care residents and employees; and essential workers including teachers.
The county said it expects wait times to be no more than 30 minutes and results will be delivered within 24 to 48 hours.
The new site will operate Mondays through Fridays between 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
OC residents who meet the Public Health criteria can register online starting today at 360clinic.fulgentgenetics.com.
Questions can be directed to 360 Clinic representatives at (800) 446-8888.
More information about testing sites can be found at ochealthinfo.com/covidtest.
—Jessie Yount
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Aug. 24, 8:45 AM
HEALTHCARE
Orange County has been removed from California’s COVID-19 watch list after weeks of improving metrics.
The California Department of Public has been monitoring several counties that had been reporting higher coronavirus metrics, with Orange County placed on the list at the end of June.
The county’s removal was prompted by weeks of falling case numbers, positive testing rate, hospitalizations and other metrics, according to the Orange County Health Care Agency.
The county must now maintain its lower coronavirus metrics for two weeks; after that, it could be cleared to resume in-person teaching with new social distancing protocols after Labor Day weekend.
Each district has the final say in reopening schools.
Other changes could follow, like an easing of restrictions on restaurants, malls, gyms and salons, should Governor Gavin Newsom decide to update the state mandate, which was most recently posted on July 13.
—Katie Murar
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Aug. 21, 3:30 PM
HEALTHCARE
Orange County could be removed from the state’s COVID-19 watch list as soon as this weekend following days of falling case numbers and other metrics, according to the Orange County Health Care Agency.
If the county is removed from the state monitoring list—put in place by the California Department of Public Health to track how counties are faring with the virus—it could be cleared to resume in-person teaching by the second week of September.
The state has been monitoring Orange County’s case rate—or average new cases over two weeks—its positive testing rate, hospitalization figures and other coronavirus metrics since June.
All of these metrics have been improving since Wednesday.
The county currently has a case rate of 95.6 per 100,000 residents, which is below the state department’s threshold of 100 per 100,000 residents, and lower than Wednesday’s rate of 98.6.
The state also tracks whether counties have seen a greater than 10% increase in the three-day average of hospitalized patients. As of Friday, OC’s average is down 2.3%.
Orange County currently has a 5.5% positive test rate, lower than the state’s threshold of 8%.
—Katie Murar
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Aug. 20, 3:20 PM
HEALTHCARE
Orange County’s coronavirus case rate has fallen below the threshold put in place by the California Department of Public Health to track how counties are faring with the virus for the second consecutive day.
The county currently has a case rate, or average new cases over two weeks, of 96.6 per 100,000 residents, which is below the state department’s threshold of 100 per 100,000 residents, and lower than Wednesday’s rate of 98.6.
Orange County has seen a case rate over 100 since June, when the state placed the region on its monitoring list as a result of rising cases, hospitalizations and a positive test percentage.
A declining case rate suggests the county could be removed from the state watch list.
OC’s hospitalizations and positive testing rate also continue to fall below state thresholds.
The state tracks whether counties have seen a greater than 10% increase in the three-day average of hospitalized patients. As of Thursday, OC’s average is down 3.3%.
Orange County currently has a 5.7% positive test rate, lower than the state’s threshold of 8%.
—Katie Murar
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Aug. 20, 9:05 AM
RESTAURANTS
Irvine-based Taco Bell Corp. said it will reveal a new restaurant design concept centered around digital improvements.
Taco Bell Go Mobile restaurants will boast smaller footprints, curbside pick-up, employees taking drive-thru orders on tablets, two drive-thru lanes and restaurant kitchens synced with the Taco Bell app.
The restaurant operator said some of these features have been implemented at existing Taco Bells and reported a trim of more than 15 seconds off drive-thru experiences since the first quarter of this year.
Taco Bell Go Mobile is expected to make it’s debut in first-quarter 2021.
—Kari Hamanaka
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Aug. 19, 2:45 PM
HEALTHCARE
Orange County’s coronavirus case rate has fallen below the threshold put in place by the California Department of Public Health to track how counties are faring with the virus.
The county currently has a case rate, or average new cases over two weeks, of 98.6 per 100,000 residents, which is below the state department’s threshold of 100 per 100,000 residents.
Orange County has seen a case rate over 100 since June, when the state placed the region on its monitoring list as a result of rising cases, hospitalizations and a positive test percentage.
San Diego county was removed from the watch list on Tuesday, a few days after the region’s case rate fell below the state threshold of 100 per 100,000 residents.
OC’s hospitalizations and positive testing rate also continue to fall below state thresholds.
The state tracks whether counties have seen a greater than 10% increase in the three-day average of hospitalized patients. As of Wednesday, OC’s average is down 3.9%.
Orange County currently has a 5.9% positive test rate, 2.1 points lower than the state’s threshold of 8%.
—Katie Murar
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Aug. 19, 2:50 PM
HEALTHCARE
As San Diego county is removed from the state’s COVID-19 watch list, Orange County could be next, as the region continues to post improving metrics about two months after being placed on the watchlist.
The state had paused monitoring counties as a result of ongoing testing database glitches, but recently resumed the list after the issues and backlog were fixed.
San Diego county was removed from the watch list on Tuesday, a few days after the region’s case rate fell below the state threshold of 100 per 100,000 residents.
Orange County was placed on the state watch list on June 29, primarily as a result of increasing cases and hospitalizations.
In the month leading up to the state’s move to place the county on the monitoring list, there were 7,141 new cases reported to the county, which was nearly double the 3,671 cases reported in the month prior.
In the month ending Aug. 18, there were 15,201 new cases reported. That’s down 23% from the month ending July 18.
The county currently has a case rate of 106.4 per 100,000 residents, which is based on new cases over 14 days, with a three-day lag.
The county is also seeing improvements in two other metrics: hospitalizations and the positive testing rate.
The state tracks whether counties have seen a greater than 10% increase in the three-day average of hospitalized patients. Currently, OC’s average is down 4.8%.
Orange County currently has a 6.2% positive test rate, 1.8 basis points lower than the state’s threshold of 8%.
—Katie Murar
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Aug. 18, 1 PM
MEETINGS & EVENTS
Laguna Beach-based La Vida Laguna, an organizer of corporate teambuiding events for companies, said it created a new division focused on planning outdoor events.
The Active Outdoor Meetings group will help companies create teambuilding exercises that take place outdoors in tandem with activities such as hiking or kayaking.
The move is a response to the shifts taking place within businesses as they adapt to remote work and other changes resulting from the pandemic.
—Kari Hamanaka
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Aug. 17, 2:00 PM
HEALTHCARE
The Orange County Health Care Agency said it has caught up with a case backlog after resolving state reporting issues.
The California Department of Public Health had been experiencing delays and glitches in the state’s electronic laboratory COVID-19 reporting system, known as the CalREDIE Electronic Laboratory Reporting system.
The system was fixed as of last week.
As of last Wednesday, the county’s case count is up to date, the OC agency said on its website, with 43,925 cumulative cases as of Monday.
There were 485 average daily cases reported in the week ending Monday, an increase of 25% from the week prior, likely due to the logging of new cases that were part of the backlog.
No new deaths were reported Monday, with 810 total deaths in the county. There were 86 new deaths in the past week, up slightly from 73 in the week prior.
—Katie Murar
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Aug. 14, 2:30 PM
HEALTHCARE
Hospitalizations from COVID-19 continue to decline since hitting a peak last month, with significantly fewer average daily patients in recent weeks.
There were 497 average daily hospitalizations in the two weeks ending Aug. 13, which is down 25% from the prior two-week period when there were 661 average daily hospitalizations; and down 26% from the two-week period ending July 16.
Daily COVID-19 hospitalizations hit a peak of 722 COVID-19 patients on July 14, likely prompted by the uptick in June cases caused by crowds and gatherings around Memorial Day weekend, as well as graduation parties, Father’s Day celebrations and other social activities throughout the month.
That figure dropped to 436 as of Thursday, according to the county’s 33 reporting hospitals.
ICU patients hit a high of 245 on July 15. That figure has decreased about 38% to 152 ICU patients as of August 13.
—Katie Murar
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Aug. 13, 2:50 PM
HEALTHCARE
There have been 151 deaths attributed to coronavirus in the past two weeks, which is flat from the two weeks prior, when there were 149 new deaths.
Nearly half of those 151 new deaths—11 per day on average—have come from Anaheim and Santa Ana, which continue to experience higher case and death rates than the rest of the county.
In the past two weeks, Anaheim and Santa Ana have reported about 2,680 new COVID-19 cases, representing 45% of all new Orange County cases in that time frame.
The two cities have 15,369 cumulative cases, representing 36% of total Orange County cases, and 382 deaths, representing 50% of the total 769 deaths in the county.
About 44% of all OC deaths have come from assisted living and nursing home facilities.
Anaheim has 542 nursing home cases and 93 nursing home deaths; Santa Ana has 384 nursing home cases and 75 deaths.
Other notable North County hotspots including Orange, Huntington Beach, Garden Grove and Fullerton which have 148 deaths in total.
—Katie Murar
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Aug. 12, 2:00 PM
HEALTHCARE
Coronavirus cases and hospitalizations appear to continue to be on the downswing in Orange County about a month after hitting its peak, according to University of California-Irvine research.
New COVID-19 cases have been declining after hitting a high in July, when Orange County and Los Angeles were hit harder than other California counties.
Now, the county appears to be among the lowest again in terms of cases, as it also sees continuing declines in hospitalizations.
The UCI database, released this week, shows comparisons between five California counties: Orange, Los Angeles, Alameda, San Diego and Santa Clara.
Orange County is just behind Los Angeles when it comes to new daily deaths, and ICU patients.
There were 6,551 new COVID-19 cases reported to the Orange County Health Care Agency in the past two weeks, which is down 21% from 8,241 cases in the two weeks prior, and down 48% from the two weeks ending July 15, when there were 12,618 new cases reported.
—Katie Murar
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Aug. 11, 3:30 PM
HEALTHCARE
The California Department of Public Health says it has fixed issues with the state’s electronic laboratory COVID-19 reporting system, which has been experiencing delays and glitches over the past month or so.
The program, known as the CalREDIE Electronic Laboratory Reporting system, plays a large role in reporting new coronavirus cases and tests in Orange County. Recent glitches have caused lower figures across the two metrics.
The issues have “been addressed and the system is now performing as expected,” the state health department said Monday. “The entire backlog has been completely eliminated, and new cases attributed to the backlog will be reported over the next few days.”
The county saw a surge in new cases and tests Tuesday—1,051 cases and 13,839 tests—which is likely due to the previous backlog.
The county currently has 41,578 cumulative cases and 498,642 tests done to date.
—Katie Murar
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Aug. 11, 12 PM
RESTAURANTS
Sol Mexican Cocina in Newport Beach has notched sales growth, despite restrictions placed on business operations in response to the pandemic.
The concept has converted its patio space to accommodate outdoor dining and also bolstered off-premise services in the way of to go, delivery and curbside.
June, its first full month in operation since reopening, saw sales up 17%. The growth continued in July with sales up 7% from the year-ago period.
—Kari Hamanaka
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Aug. 11, 10 AM
RETAIL
The Shops at Mission Viejo has moved some of its retailers outdoors for a marketplace as more mall owners get creative about shopping, with the state’s temporary closure of indoor malls remaining in place.
The Mission Viejo mall’s outdoor market is being held Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Sept. 27. It includes retailers such as Macy’s, Tesla, J. Jill and Athleta.
The market is located in the parking lot on the P.F. Chang’s and Islands side of the center.
—Kari Hamanaka
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Aug. 10, 3:30 PM
HEALTHCARE
The University of California-Irvine, which has been privately tracking and analyzing local coronavirus figures since the onset of the pandemic, has released a public online database about the virus in the county that provides comparisons with neighboring California counties.
The website shows hospitalized patients with COVID-19, intensive care unit patients, new daily cases and new daily deaths caused by the disease, and provides comparisons between Orange County and Alameda, Los Angeles, San Diego and Santa Clara counties.
This is the first website to provide county-to-county comparisons of key coronavirus statistics, according to UCI.
“Southern California residents may think that Los Angeles County is still an outlier in terms of being affected by the coronavirus spread, but the displayed trends clearly show that L.A. and Orange counties recently have become much closer to each other in some of the COVID-19 metrics,” Minin said.
The charts indicate Orange County, which initially fared relatively well by all COVID-19 metrics and saw a later spike in June that put it in a similar situation as Los Angeles, has seen another drop in cases and hospitalizations in the past month.
The database joins that of the Orange County Health Care Agency, which has been providing public updates since March, and pulls data from the California Reportable Disease Information Exchange (CalREDIE); public health investigators; the California Health and Human Services Data Portal; and the State of California.
The UCI website says it receives data from the California Open Data Portal.
—Katie Murar
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Aug. 7, 3:30 PM
HEALTHCARE
Hospitalizations from COVID-19 have been decreasing steadily after hitting a peak in mid-July.
There were 537 average daily hospitalizations in the week ending August 6, down from 641 and 681 in the two weeks prior.
It’s also down about 22% from the 692 average daily hospitalizations hit in the week ending July 16, the highest to date.
Daily COVID-19 hospitalizations hit a peak of 722 COVID-19 patients on July 14, likely prompted by the uptick in June cases caused by crowds and gatherings around Memorial Day weekend, as well as graduation parties, Father’s Day celebrations and other social activities throughout the month.
That figure dropped to 517 as of Thursday, according to the county’s 33 reporting hospitals.
ICU patients hit a high of 245 on July 15. That figure has decreased about 28% to 177 ICU patients as of August 6.
—Katie Murar
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Aug. 6, 12:10 PM
RETAIL/GYMS
Renaissance ClubSport in Aliso Viejo has made use of its outdoor real estate to relocate its gym facilities.
Equipment, classes, massages through the spa, restaurant and childcare facilities are now all being offered outside. A dedicated area of the gym’s parking lot has been revamped into “The Garage” for strength training workouts.
—Kari Hamanaka
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Aug. 6, 9:45 AM
RETAIL
South Coast Plaza is set to debut on Friday the latest upscale amenity at the Costa Mesa shopping center with its by-appointment suites, called The Pavilion.
The open air Pavilion offers in-person shopping from more than 100 South Coast Plaza boutiques.
The Pavilion is located on the second floor of the center’s North parking structure.
—Kari Hamanaka
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Aug. 5, 3:30 PM
HEALTHCARE
While positive COVID-19 cases reported to the county appear to be on the decline in recent weeks, the Orange County Health Care Agency continues to report glitches in the reporting of tests and cases, leading to potential inaccuracies.
This is the second week in a row that the county has noted that the CalREDIE electronic laboratory reporting system has been experiencing technology issues, which may have resulted in lower daily COVID-19 positive cases received and tests reported recently.
The county has also issued alerts recently regarding the delay and duplication of tests. Last week, this resulted in the removal of more than 1,300 tests; and on Monday, a glitch resulted in a backlog of tests that added 17,133 tests to the system.
Of the 444,757 cumulative tests to date, 38,131 have tested positive, or 8.6%. The positive test rate has been declining in recent weeks.
—Katie Murar
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Aug. 4, 2:00 PM
HEALTHCARE
The percentage of Orange County residents testing positive for coronavirus appears to be on the decline.
In the past week, about 8% of residents that tested for COVID-19 tested positive, according to tests and cases reported to the Orange County Health Care Agency in that time frame.
That percentage is down from 11.7% the week prior, and from 11.5% in the week ending July 21.
There were 38,066 cumulative COVID-19 cases in Orange County as of Tuesday, with 439,682 tests, for a total positive testing rate of 8.7%.
—Katie Murar
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Aug. 3, 3:30 PM
HEALTHCARE
There were 682 average daily COVID-19 hospitalized patients in the two weeks ending August 2, which is up slightly from the 681 average daily patients in the prior two weeks.
Meanwhile, ICU patients have been on the decline, with 217 average daily patients in the ICU compared with 230 in the prior two weeks.
New COVID-19 cases in Orange County have appeared to be on the decline in recent weeks as well, but reporting and testing glitches and delays have made it challenging to track trends.
The county announced another testing glitch on Monday which resulted in a backlog of tests that were uploaded today, adding 17,133 tests to the system and bringing the total tests count to 435,927.
—Katie Murar
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Aug. 3, 7:45 AM
APPAREL/RETAIL
Costa Mesa-based Vans Inc. took a hit in its fiscal first quarter, although the longer term outlook for the business remains on course.
The brand’s revenue fell 52% for the quarter ended June 27 with the overall active division, of which it is a part, off 54% to $571.3 million.
Digital helped during the quarter with the Vans app notching double-digit download growth.
—Kari Hamanaka
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July 31, 3:30 PM
HEALTHCARE
North Orange County cities continue to experience higher case and death rates from COVID-19 than their South County counterparts, according to data from the OC Health Care Agency.
The death count is even more drastic than the case differences between the two regions, with North County representing about 90% of all deaths in Orange County.
Anaheim and Santa Ana continue to have the highest coronavirus case and death figures, including the highest concentration of nursing home cases and deaths.
The two cities have 13,023 cumulative cases, representing 36% of total Orange County cases, and 314 deaths, representing 51% of the total 618 deaths in the county.
Anaheim has 497 nursing home cases and 86 nursing home deaths; Santa Ana has 377 nursing home cases and 58 deaths.
Other notable North County hotspots including Orange, Huntington Beach, Garden Grove and Fullerton which add another 100 deaths.
In total, North County has approximately 562 deaths.
In contrast, the city with the most deaths in South County is Newport Beach, with eight deaths or 0.9 deaths per 10,000 residents; Laguna Hills and San Juan Capistrano have the most deaths per capita, with 1.6 and 1.1 deaths per 10,000 residents, respectively.
There are 36,196 total cases and 618 total deaths in the county, including 289 from nursing home and assisted living facilities.
—Katie Murar
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July 30, 3:55 PM
HEALTHCARE
Recent coronavirus figures reported by the Orange County Health Care Agency may be unreliable due to technology glitches and a lag in lab reports, according to the agency and the California Department of Health.
Over the past few days, the state health department has issued an alert that there has been an issue processing electronic labs, which may have resulted in fewer tests and cases.
And on Thursday, the county health department said a technology glitch caused a recent duplication of tests, which resulted in the removal of more than 1,300 tests today.
The reporting of testing and cases is already volatile in nature, as explored previously by the Business Journal, with the county noting that new case figures can fluctuate greatly based on delays in reporting.
The county posts the number of positive cases reported to the agency that day, which is not an accurate indication of new case trends, as those figures could pertain to dates from more than one month ago.
It’s not fully clear what causes longer-than-typical reporting delays, but it’s likely in part due to the various ways in which the county receives data; sometimes it’s through a straightforward digital communication, other times it’s by phone, physical mail, or even fax machines.
—Katie Murar
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July 30, 3 PM
RESTAURANTS
El Pollo Loco Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: LOCO) beat consensus estimates for its June quarter on both revenue and net income.
The restaurant operator, with more than 475 company-owned and franchised locations, recorded revenue of $99.6 million, beating analyst estimates of $95.9 million.
The company’s net income for the quarter totaled $5.5 million coming in above estimates of $1.6 million.
Meanwhile, the positive same-store sales trend from the June quarter, continues into the current quarter with comparable sales to date up 2.8%.
—Kari Hamanaka
—
July 29, 3:20 PM
HEALTHCARE
As new COVID-19 cases continue to decline in recent weeks, deaths caused by the virus have risen slightly over the same time period.
There were 589 average daily cases in Orange County in the two weeks ending Wednesday, which marks a 35% drop from the two weeks prior when there were 901 cases reported each day on average.
Meanwhile, there were nine deaths reported each day on average in the past two weeks, which is up slightly from eight reported in the two weeks prior and seven reported in the two weeks ending June 17.
There have been 587 deaths to date; nearly half of those have occurred in the past six weeks. Almost half of all deaths have been attributed to assisted living facilities and nursing homes.
There are 35,272 cumulative coronavirus cases in Orange County; 74% of all cases have occurred in the past six weeks.
—Katie Murar
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July 28, 3:24 PM
HEALTHCARE
There were 622 average daily cases in Orange County in the two weeks ending Tuesday, which marks a 29% drop from the two weeks prior when there were 877 cases reported each day on average.
The decrease in new local cases marks a continuation of case declines for the county, which saw cases surge at the start of the summer.
Though testing has declined in recent weeks as well, it has not done so at the same rate as the case decreases.
There were about 5,353 tests conducted each day on average in the two weeks ending Tuesday, down about 18% from the 6,514 tests done on average in the prior two-week period.
The percentage of positive cases are also on the decline, with 11.6% of residents testing positive for coronavirus in the past two weeks, down from 13.4% the week prior.
—Katie Murar
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July 27, 2:50 PM
HEALTHCARE
After experiencing a surge in new COVID-19 cases at the start of the summer, Orange County now appears to be seeing fewer cases.
In the two weeks ending Monday, the county had 9,391 new cases, or about 671 cases per day on average. That’s down about 30% from the 12,191 new cases in the two weeks prior, or 871 each day on average.
The uptick in cases in June was attributed to crowds and gatherings around Memorial Day weekend, as well as graduation parties, Father’s Day celebrations and other social activities throughout the month.
The state has since tightened restrictions around restaurants, salons and barbershops, which are currently only permitted to operate outdoors. The OC Health Care Agency and local hospitals have also gotten more aggressive in urging residents to wear masks, especially in areas where social distancing isn’t possible.
There are 34,646 cumulative cases in Orange County to date.
—Katie Murar
—
July 27, 1:40 PM
RESTAURANTS
Costa Mesa-based Lazy Dog Restaurants LLC said it added TV dinners to its menu as the chain continues to remain innovative on takeout options amid the pandemic.
A dozen restaurants currently offer the six different TV dinners options, with plans to roll the meals out companywide.
The meals are priced at $10 each and come with an entree, side and dessert.
—Kari Hamanaka
—
July 24, 4:30 PM
HEALTHCARE
After a surge in cases earlier this month, positive COVID-19 cases in the county are falling.
There were 721 cases per day on average in the week, down from 808 cases per day last week and 982 cases per day the week before that.
The OC Health Care Agency also recently started tracking COVID-19 cases in children between the ages of 0 and 17 by city.
There have been 1,970 positive cases in children, or about 6% of cases countywide. The majority of those cases are occurring in Anaheim and Santa Ana, as are cases in adults.
Those two cities combined make up 36% of cases in Orange County. Anaheim has 5,708 cases, or 159 cases per 10,000 residents. Santa Ana has 6,272 cases, or 186 cases per 10,000 residents.
Orange County has a total of 33,358 cases and 556 deaths to date.
—Jessie Yount
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July 24, 10:30 AM
AUTOMOTIVE
Rivian Automotive LLC updated the market on new timing for the deliveries of its inaugural vehicles.
The electric automaker, which continues to grow its presence in Irvine, said production in its Illinois plant is returning and delivery of its R1T truck is now expected in June 2021. That will be followed by the release of its R1S SUV in August of that year.
Rivian, which has raised more than $5 billion to date, was temporarily forced to shutter its operations as a result of the pandemic and said in April it was reworking its release schedule.
—Kari Hamanaka
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July 23, 4:00 PM
HEALTHCARE
After a worrisome surge in COVID-19 cases at the beginning of the summer, the county is experiencing fewer reported cases.
The OC Health Care Agency reported 678 cases per day on average in the week, significantly down from 912 cases per day last week and 921 cases per day the week before that, ending July 9.
The decline in the past week comes after the county had seen cases increase at a much more rapid pace in recent months than in the first three months of the virus in the county.
Between March and May, there were about 6,100 cases reported in Orange County. Since the start of June, those case counts have more than quadrupled, with 26,548 new cases reported in the past seven weeks.
The uptick in cases in June was attributed to crowds and gatherings around Memorial Day weekend, as well as graduation parties, Father’s Day celebrations and other social activities throughout the month.
The state has since tightened restrictions around restaurants, salons and barbershops, which are currently only permitted to operate outdoors. The OC Health Care Agency and local hospitals have also gotten more aggressive in urging residents to wear masks, especially in areas where social distancing isn’t possible.
Fewer residents appear to be testing positive for coronavirus, with a 12.6% average positive rate in the week ending 23.
There are 32,648 cumulative cases in Orange County to date.
—Jessie Yount
—
July 23, 2:45 PM
RESTAURANTS
Lake Forest-based Del Taco Restaurants Inc. (Nasdaq: TACO) said it’s seeing improvement in same-store sales. That, combined with cost-cutting measures throughout the pandemic, is allowing it to now also turn its focus to ramping up efforts around its brand.
That’s expected to come in the form of more menu additions as well efforts in the social and digital channels, CEO John Cappasola noted in a statement on the company’s June quarter results.
Del Taco reported revenue down 13.9% from the year-ago period to $104.6 million for the three months ended June 16. The company recorded a net loss of $600,000, which compares to net income of $2.1 million a year earlier.
—Kari Hamanaka
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July 23, 2:05 PM
RESTAURANTS
BJ’s Restaurants Inc. (Nasdaq: BJRI) CEO Greg Trojan applauded the creativity of restaurant teams in adapting to shifting operating environments in response to the pandemic in the company’s update on its second quarter.
“The entrepreneurial spirit of our restaurant operators was on full display as teams acted swiftly to create welcoming and comfortable outdoor seating areas around the perimeter of our restaurants as well as under large and lighted tents in our parking lots,” the CEO said in a statement describing how workers pivoted when some states ordered indoor operations of various business to close back up again more recently.
The Huntington Beach-based restaurant operator recorded $128 million in revenue, down 57.5% from the year-ago period. It had a net loss in the quarter of $29 million as compared with $14.2 in income a year ago.
—Kari Hamanaka
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July 23, 8:40 AM
AUTOMOTIVE
Genesis Motor America said sales for its first-ever SUV, the GV80, would be pushed back to the fall in the U.S.
The vehicle was originally slated to become available this summer, along with the G80 sedan.
However, the automaker said matters related to COVID-19 have pushed the timing out.
—Kari Hamanaka
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July 22, 1:45 PM
RESTAURANTS
The digital channel for Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. (NYSE: CMG) continued to surge as consumers rely on low- to no-contact meal solutions amid the pandemic.
Digital grew 216.3% in the quarter ended June 30, making up 60.7% of sales during the period. The company attributed the run up to more advertising, expanded digital offerings in Canada and partnerships with third-party delivery services.
The digital news also came with the company’s results for the second quarter, which beat on both revenue and profit.
—Kari Hamanaka
—
July 22, 1:25 PM
HEALTHCARE
As Orange County faces a summer surge in new COVID-19 case counts that far outpaces the first three months of the virus in the county, some cities are feeling those increases more than others.
Between March and May, there were about 6,100 cases reported in Orange County. Since the start of June, those case counts have nearly quadrupled, with 24,876 new cases reported in the past seven weeks.
Some cities, like Irvine, have seen their case counts jump by more than 70% in the past month when compared with March through May.
Other cities seeing higher-than-typical case surges in recent weeks include Costa Mesa, with 777 new cases in the month ending July 21, representing 79% of the city’s total cases.
Newport Beach and Laguna Beach both saw early jumps in case counts as a result of increased access to testing. For Newport Beach, that surge has been more pronounced in recent weeks, while Laguna Beach’s increase has been less noticeable.
About 74% of Newport Beach’s total 725 cases have occurred in the past month; in Laguna Beach, it’s about half of the city’s 114 cases.
Other south county cities have also seen recent surges, such as Ladera Ranch, Laguna Hills and Laguna Niguel; all three cities have seen their case totals at least quadruple in the past month.
OC hotspots Anaheim and Santa Ana have not seen quite as drastic of a jump; the two cities have 11,139 cumulative cases and about 64% of those cases have occurred since the start of June.
—Katie Murar
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July 22, 9:55 AM
AUTOMOTIVE
The parent of Irvine-based Mazda North American Operations said it plans to ramp factory production back up to pre-COVID levels in August.
The automaker cited strong sales in the U.S. and a rosy outlook on projected demand as the reason for the ramp.
Mazda North American oversees the automaker’s business in the U.S. and Mexico. The division counts roughly 620 dealers in its fold.
—Kari Hamanaka
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July 21, 3:07 PM
HEALTHCARE
After seeing a surge in COVID-19 cases at the start of the summer, the county appears to be experiencing a decline in new cases.
There were 4,856 new cases reported by the OC Health Care Agency in the past week, or 694 cases per day on average, which is down from 7,228 cases, or 1,032 average cases, in the week ending July 14.
The figure is also down slightly from 5,049 cases, or 721 average daily cases reported in the week ending July 7.
The decline in the past week comes after the county had seen cases increase at a much more rapid pace in recent months than in the first three months of the virus in the county.
Between March and May, there were about 6,100 cases reported in Orange County. Since the start of June, those case counts have more than quadrupled, with 24,876 new cases reported in the past seven weeks.
Fewer residents appear to be testing positive for coronavirus, with a 13.5% average positive rate in the week ending 21, down from 14.6% the week prior.
There are 30,976 cumulative cases in Orange County, with 366,584 tests done to date.
—Katie Murar
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July 21, 10 AM
SERVICES/BEAUTY
Salons and barbershops received guidance from the state on how they can resume business outdoors, a week after indoor operations in several counties were ordered closed.
The guidance, which can be found here, details safety practices and measures for the industry.
Last week indoor operations of salons and barbershops in some 30 counties, including Orange and Los Angeles, were ordered closed as a precautionary move in response to rising COVID-19 cases counts.
—Kari Hamanaka
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July 20, 2:30 PM
HEALTHCARE
Irvine, a city that saw early increases in COVID-19 cases before flattening in later months, has seen a new surge in cases in recent weeks, this time much more prominent than before.
The city, which counts a population of 280,202 and is considered a business and education hub with the Irvine Business Complex and the University of California-Irvine, has 1,000 total cases, or 36 cases per 10,000 residents.
Nearly 74% of those cases have occurred in the month ending July 20.
Most cities are seeing new surges in case counts, as countywide figures increase at a much more rapid pace in the past two months than in the first three months of the virus in the county.
Between March and May, there were about 6,100 cases reported in Orange County. Since the start of June, those case counts have nearly quadrupled, with 23,786 new cases reported in the past seven weeks.
Newport Beach, also a city that saw initially higher cases due to increased testing access before dropping off, has had 526 new cases in the month ending July 20, which, like Irvine, represents nearly three-fourths of the city’s total cases. It currently has 719 cases, or about 82 cases per 10,000 residents.
—Katie Murar
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July 20, 10:20 AM
RESTAURANTS
Irvine-based Taco Bell Corp. said it plans to revamp its menu come August.
Orange County’s No. 1 restaurant operator said the changes come as it looks to shore up efficiencies in its kitchen amid shifts in how its locations operate as a result of the pandemic.
The company said it will remove a dozen items from its menu, effective Aug. 13.
—Kari Hamanaka
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July 20,9:50 AM
AUTOMOTIVE
The Automobile Club of Southern California said it plans an additional round of insurance premium refunds to policyholders on account of the pandemic’s ongoing impact to driving.
The refunds, totaling $59 million, are expected to go out in August. That follows nearly $92 million in refunds mailed out to policyholders in May as a result of less driving and claims due to COVID-19.
—Kari Hamanaka
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July 17, 2:45 PM
HEALTHCARE
Anaheim and Santa Ana continue to account for a large portion of the county’s new coronavirus cases.
The two cities represented more than one-third of all cases reported in the past week, with nearly 10,200 cumulative cases, representing 36% of the 28,300 total cases in Orange County.
The two cities have the county’s highest cases per capita, with 158 cases per 10,000 residents in Santa Ana and 135 per 10,000 residents in Anaheim.
These two hotspots have received special focus from the county as of late, with an increase mobile testing facilities and increased education efforts, such as the Latino Health Equity Initiative, a recently launched effort aimed at advocating health and increasing awareness in these cities which have higher-than-average Latino populations as well as increased community spread.
Other hotspots include Los Alamitos, with 120 cases per 10,000 residents, and La Habra, with 102 cases per 10,000 residents.
Nursing facilities account for nearly half of the cases in Los Alamitos, attributing to the higher per capita rate, though La Habra has only four cases from nursing homes, out of a total of 648 cases.
—Katie Murar
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July 16, 2:50 PM
HEALTHCARE
There were 751 new COVID-19 cases reported to the county on average each day for the week ending July 16, which is up slightly from the 741 reported the week prior.
These cases did not necessarily occur during these dates, but were reported to the county from testing labs during that time frame.
Anaheim and Santa Ana account for one-third of the cases reported in the past week, with more than 10,000 cumulative cases, representing 36% of the 27,904 cases in Orange County. Irvine has 907 cases, or 3% countywide.
There have been 466 deaths to date, half of which are from assisted living and nursing facilities. Santa Ana and Anaheim represent 53% of the county’s deaths from these facilities, and half of total deaths.
There have been 334,011 cumulative tests recorded to date, with a 14.5% average positive testing rate in the week ending July 16.
—Katie Murar
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July 16, 8:52 AM
RETAIL
Tilly’s Inc. (NYSE: TLYS) provided the market with an update on its store fleet and business as a result of the latest closure order for California, where about half of its brick-and-mortar business is generated.
The company had nearly all of its store fleet reopened before shuttering 28 of its stores that were located in indoor malls in response to the state’s July 13 announcement closing the indoor operations of several businesses.
The company said traffic into the reopened stores is down 27% so far in the second quarter. Same-store sales for the same period were off 4.4%.
Declines were seen in both mall and off-mall locations, the retailer reported.
Tilly’s is set to release its second-quarter results ending in August in September.
—Kari Hamanaka
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July 16, 8:20 AM
MANUFACTURING
Apparel firm ML Kishigo continues to make face coverings for its customer base of essential workers amid a growth spurt that’s pushed it into larger headquarters.
The company has relocated from Santa Ana to Fountain Valley, where it now occupies a 53,000-square-foot facility.
ML Kishigo makes safety apparel and accessories for workers. It has been producing face coverings since the start of the pandemic.
—Kari Hamanaka
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July 15, 3:30 PM
HEALTHCARE
The Business Journal’s daily COVID-19 update story posted Tuesday featured data from the county that indicated new cases in Orange County may be declining, based on a seven-day average published in a chart indicating daily cases by testing date.
The county has specified that figures in this chart can fluctuate based on delays in reporting, and thus only provides the seven-day average in the week ending about 10 days prior to the current date.
For example, on Wednesday, the county said there were 592 average daily coronavirus cases reported in the week ending July 6, the most recent available day, which is down from 770 in the week prior.
While the county disclaimed that these figures are still subject to change, the inaccuracies may be greater than initially thought due to even longer testing and reporting delays.
In an email to the journal, Scott Bartell, a public health and statistics professor with the University of California-Irvine, noted that specimen testing, case reporting and data recording by the county health agency can take three weeks or more.
Thus, “the number of new cases shown by specimen date will always appear to be declining in recent weeks in any county, regardless of whether average daily coronavirus cases are actually declining, increasing, or stable over time.”
Each day, the county posts the number of positive cases reported to the agency that day, which is also not an accurate indication of new case trends, as those figures could pertain to dates from more than one month ago.
It’s not fully clear what causes longer-than-typical reporting delays, but it’s likely in part due to the various ways in which the county receives data; sometimes it’s through a straightforward digital communication, other times it’s by phone, physical mail, or even fax machines.
—Katie Murar
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July 14, 3:00 PM
HEALTHCARE
While Orange County continues to report surges in coronavirus cases, the Health Care Agency has clarified that the cases reported each day do not necessarily pertain to the prior 24-hour period due to delays in lab reporting.
The cases are instead allotted to the date on when the individuals tested positive, and published to a chart on the new county database rolled out last month.
The chart indicates that average daily coronavirus cases are on the decline.
There were 612 average daily cases reported in the week ending July 5, the most recent available day due to the fluctuating case numbers as mentioned above, which marks an 18% decline from the 745 average cases reported in the week ending June 28, when the county appeared to hit a new peak.
These figures are still subject to change as the county inputs new data.
Average deaths also appear to be on the decline.
In the two weeks ending July 10, there were about 6.5 deaths reported each day on average, which was nearly half the 12.3 deaths reported in the two weeks prior.
There are 26,120 cases and 215 deaths to date; 5% of cases and 53% of deaths are from assisted living facilities and nursing homes.
—Katie Murar
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July 14, 1:40 PM
RESTAURANTS
Temporary restaurant closures as a result of the pandemic took a toll on Kura Sushi USA Inc.’s (Nasdaq: KRUS) quarterly results.
The company’s 25 restaurants were closed for most of its third quarter ended May 31, during which time it saw revenue down 83% to $2.8 million.
The company also swung to a loss of $9.2 million as compared with the year-ago period.
—Kari Hamanaka
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July 13, 3:45 PM
HEALTHCARE
After weeks of gains, average daily hospitalized COVID-19 patients have shown decreases in recent days.
As of Sunday, there was a 0.5% dip in three-day average hospitalized patients in Orange County.
There are currently 675 patients, including 233 ICU patients, hospitalized from coronavirus in Orange County.
Cases have surged in Orange County in the past month, with 14,095 new cases reported in the four weeks ending July 12, nearly triple the 5,365 cases reported in the four weeks ending June 14.
The percentage of positive COVID-19 tests in Orange County jumped to 14.6% on Sunday, with an average of 14.5% of those tested in the past week testing positive, compared with 12.4% for the week prior.
Two new deaths were reported Sunday, bringing the county total to 423; more than half of those deaths have come from nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
There are 24,715 total COVID-19 cases in Orange County; about 5% of those cases are from nursing homes.
—Katie Murar
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July 13, 1:15 PM
HEALTHCARE
California Governor Gavin Newsom ordered closures Monday for several sectors that had been reopening in recent months amid COVID-19 increases in the state.
The statewide closures include indoor operations for venues like restaurants, wineries, movie theaters and museums across the state, while about 30 counties, including Orange County, will also be required to suspend indoor operations for fitness centers, malls, salons, places of worship and personal care services.
—Katie Murar
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July 13, 8:50 AM
RESTAURANTS
Irvine-based Kura Sushi USA Inc. said its CEO, COO and CFO are taking temporary pay cuts in response to COVID-19 on its operations.
The reductions began July 1 and are in effect for six months.
—Kari Hamanaka
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July 10, 3:15 PM
HEALTHCARE
Northern Orange County cities continue to have the bulk of COVID-19 cases and deaths, far outpacing South County.
This is led by Santa Ana and Anaheim, which continue to have the highest coronavirus case and death figures, including the highest concentration of nursing home cases and deaths.
The two cities have 8,312 cumulative cases, representing 37% of total Orange County cases, and 212 deaths, representing 51% of the total deaths in the county.
Anaheim has 408 nursing home cases and 61 nursing home deaths; Santa Ana has 289 nursing home cases and 58 deaths.
Together, the two cities represent 54% of all nursing home cases in the county, and 58% of all nursing home deaths.
There are 22,650 total cases and 412 total deaths in the county, including 221 from nursing home and assisted living facilities.
On a per capita basis, Los Alamitos has the most deaths, with nearly 14 deaths per 10,000 residents, all of them due to an outbreak at a nursing home facility.
Anaheim and Santa Ana have 2.7 and 3.4 deaths per 10,000 residents, respectively.
There are fewer deaths among the south county cities, with San Juan Capistrano having the most with 0.8 deaths per 10,000 residents.
—Katie Murar
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July 9, 3:30 PM
HEALTHCARE
Average daily hospitalized COVID-19 patients surged 28% in the past week in Orange County, with 638 average daily patients in the week ending July 8, compared with 500 for the week ending July 1.
ICU patients are also increasing, albeit at a slower clip, with 211 patients each day on average in the week ending July 8, up 18% from the week prior.
The county currently has about 37% ICU capacity.
26 new deaths were reported Thursday, including nine nursing home residents. That brings the county total to 402; more than half of those deaths have come from nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
There are 21,517 total COVID-19 cases in Orange County; 6% of those cases are from nursing homes.
Anaheim and Santa Ana have the largest number of deaths from nursing facilities with 111 deaths, representing more than half of total deaths from nursing homes and assisted living facilities in the counties.
The two cities have 192 cumulative deaths to date.
—Katie Murar
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July 8, 3:30 PM
HEALTHCARE
The portion of Orange County’s coronavirus deaths coming from nursing and assisted living facilities has been steadily rising in recent months.
To date, there have been 208 coronavirus deaths attributed to assisted living and nursing facility residents, representing 55% of the 376 total deaths.
That figure has climbed from 42% since the start of June, and from about 20% since the start of May.
Anaheim and Santa Ana have the largest number of deaths from nursing facilities with 111 deaths, representing more than half of total deaths from nursing homes and assisted living facilities in the counties.
The two cities have 192 cumulative deaths to date.
Los Alamitos has the greatest rate of nursing home cases, with 57 cases per 10,000 residents, trailed by Anaheim and Santa Ana with 11 and 8.4 nursing home cases per 10,000 residents, respectively.
There are 20,225 cumulative cases in the county, including 1,267 nursing and assisted living residents.
Seven new coronavirus deaths were reported Wednesday, including 3 nursing facility residents.
The number of people testing positive for the virus in the county continues to rise, with a nearly 15% positive testing rate on Wednesday.
—Katie Murar
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July 7, 4:30 PM
HEALTHCARE
As new COVID-19 cases continue to rise in Orange County, most predominately in North County cities, deaths appear to be on the downward trend.
Orange County had 0.6 deaths each day on average for the week ending July 7, down from two and five in the two weeks prior, respectively.
Three new coronavirus deaths were reported Tuesday, while the number of people testing positive for the virus in the county continues to rise, with a 14.2% positive testing rate on Tuesday.
There have been 369 deaths to date, including 205 assisted living and nursing facility residents.
Cities in northern OC continue to have the most cases and deaths, led by Santa Ana and Anaheim. On a per capita basis, Los Alamitos has the most deaths, with nearly 12 deaths per 10,000 residents. Santa Ana, with the second highest death rate per capita, has about 3 deaths per 10,000 residents.
—Jessie Yount
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July 6, 3:45 PM
HEALTHCARE
No new coronavirus deaths were reported Monday, while the number of people testing positive for the virus in the county continues to rise.
The percentage of positive COVID-19 tests in Orange County jumped to 14% today, with an average of 12% of those tested in the past week testing positive.
There have been 270,659 cumulative tests, with 17,882 testing positive to date, including 1,220 skilled nursing facility residents, 406 Orange County jail inmates and 111 individuals experiencing homelessness.
There have been 366 deaths to date, including 191 skilled nursing residents. More than 75% of all deaths are among those aged 65 years and above.
The percent of ICU beds currently available ticked up in the past week, from about 36% to nearly 42%. There’s been an 10% increase in 3-day average hospitalized patients, just slightly above the state threshold of 10%.
—Katie Murar
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July 2, 2:45 PM
HEALTHCARE
The percentage of positive COVID-19 tests in Orange County jumped to 12% on Thursday, with an average of 9.7% of those tested in the past week testing positive.
The county recently said that it had erroneously reported 30,000 additional coronavirus tests between April 28 and June 3 that were actually antibody tests, which may have previously given Orange County a lower percentage of positive tests. Those tests have since been removed.
Antibody, or serology, tests differ from the coronavirus test, or PCR test, because it only checks for previous, not current, infection.
There have been 248,028 cumulative tests, with 15,065 testing positive to date, including 1,197 skilled nursing facility residents, 403 Orange County jail inmates and 108 individuals experiencing homelessness.
The percent of ICU beds currently available continues to shrink with 36% capacity; there’s been an 11.4% increase in 3-day average hospitalized patients.
Nine new deaths were reported Thursday, bringing the total to 354, including 181 skilled nursing residents. More than 75% of all deaths are among those aged 65 years and above.
Northern county cities continue to have the bulk of cases and deaths, led by Santa Ana and Anaheim. On a per capita basis, Los Alamitos has the most deaths, with nearly 12 deaths per 10,000 residents, which is likely due to an outbreak at a skilled nursing facility.
—Katie Murar
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July 1, 3:30 PM
HEALTHCARE
The percentage of positive COVID-19 tests continues to rise in Orange County, with an average of 9.2% of those tested in the past week testing positive, up from 6.7% and 5.9% from the weeks prior.
There have been 241,027 cumulative tests to date, with 14,413 testing positive, or 5.9%.
There’s been a 9% increase in 3-day average hospitalized patients, with ICU beds shrinking to 38.2% capacity from 41% on Monday.
Five new deaths were reported Wednesday, bringing the total to 345, including 177 skilled nursing residents. More than 75% of all deaths are among those aged 65 years and above.
Northern county cities continue to have the bulk of cases and deaths, led by Santa Ana and Anaheim. On a per capita basis, Los Alamitos has the most deaths, with nearly 12 deaths per 10,000 residents, which is likely due to an outbreak at a skilled nursing facility.
There are fewer deaths among the south county cities, with San Juan Capistrano having the most with 0.5 deaths per 10,000 residents.
—Katie Murar
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July 1, 1:30 PM
RETAIL
Goodwill of Orange County said its fleet of 24 stores have reopened.
The doors had been closed since March 18 when the state rolled out its stay-at-home order in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The stores reopened with a number of health and safety measures in place, including Plexiglass at the cash registers, one-way aisles, contactless donation drop-offs and limiting the number of shoppers in store.
—Kari Hamanaka
—
July 1, 1 PM
GOVERNMENT/POLICY
California Governor Gavin Newsom announced Wednesday some restrictions to be rolled back out for businesses such as restaurants and bars in an effort to tamp down on the spread of COVID-19.
The order, effective immediately, impacts 19 counties, including Orange and Los Angeles.
It calls for the shuttering of bars. Indoor operations at places such as restaurants, wineries and movie theaters have also been ordered to close.
—Kari Hamanaka
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June 30, 1:20 PM
RESTAURANTS/FOOD
Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. (NYSE: CMG) said it launched a virtual farmers market with the goal of helping farms offset losses from the pandemic.
The Chipotle Virtual Farmers’ Market, built off the Shopify e-commerce platform, rolls out with the storefronts of four businesses and lets them sell directly to consumers.
The marketplace is the latest effort in the chain’s push to back local farms. The company said it’s so far donated more than $500,000 to the National Young Farmers Coalition.
—Kari Hamanaka
—
June 29, 4:30 PM
GOVERNMENT/POLICY
An uptick in coronavirus-related hospitalizations in Orange County has the state now monitoring OC.
It’s one of 19 counties being watched by health officials in hopes of stemming case counts and hospitalizations through a number of measures. This follows the mandatory closure of bars in several California counties over the weekend, including Los Angeles County.
State health officials are now working with local governments on how to stem the spread, prepare for a possible surge at the hospital level and continued communication encouraging physical distancing and limiting gatherings.
—Kari Hamanaka
—
June 29, 3:30 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
A new database introduced last week by the Orange County Health Care Agency suggests the percentage of those testing positive for COVID-19 each day in the county has jumped to 9.3% from 6.9% two weeks ago.
Of the 223,363 cumulative tests, 13,064 have tested positive to date, including 1,131 skilled nursing facility residents, 395 jail inmates and 111 people experiencing homelessness.
Four new deaths were reported Monday, bringing the total to 330, including 171 skilled nursing residents. More than 75% of all deaths are among those aged 65 years and above.
Northern county cities continue to have the bulk of cases and deaths, led by Santa Ana and Anaheim.
Hospitalization rates have jumped nearly 12% in the past three days, with 485 patients and 175 ICU patients. There are currently about 41% of ICU beds currently available.
—Katie Murar
—
June 29, 11:30 AM
AUTOMOTIVE
The Orange County Auto Show has been canceled for this year as a result of COVID-19. The annual event had originially been planned for Sept. 24-27 at the Anaheim Convention Center.
Show officials said they expect the event to return in 2021.
—Kari Hamanaka
—
June 25, 2:20 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
Orange County hit a new record in average coronavirus cases for the second day in a row, with 327 cases reported each day on average in the past week, up from 192 the week prior and from the prior high of 273 set in the week ending June 24.
The county has 11,511 cumulative cases to date, with 231,902 tests conducted. The percentage of those testing positive is increasing, with a nearly 5% positive testing rate.
Total deaths in the county surpassed 300 on Thursday, with seven new deaths reported. About 51% of deaths have come from skilled nursing facilities.
There are 394 cases currently hospitalized, including 147 ICU patients. In the week ending June 23, there have been 349 daily hospitalizations on average, up from 311 and 294 in the preceding two weeks.
—Katie Murar
—
June 25, 10:15 a.m.
TOURISM
Anaheim’s Disneyland Resort has delayed its proposed reopening date of July 17 after a rise in coronavirus cases prompted the state to push back reopening guidelines for theme parks.
A new reopening date has not yet been set for the park, which has been shuttered since March 14.
—Katie Murar
—
June 24, 3:30 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
Orange County coronavirus cases continue to climb higher, with 274 average daily cases reported in the week ending June 24, up from 210 the prior week.
26 new deaths were reported Wednesday, bringing the county total to 299 deaths, including 152 skilled nursing facility residents.
In the past week, the county, once among the lowest for COVID-19 in the state, has surpassed several neighboring counties in new cases, deaths and hospitalizations.
Some county officials have pointed to increased testing figures as a reason for higher cases, but in recent weeks, case surges have far outpaced the number of tests conducted.
For the two weeks ending June 23, there were 3,910 tests done each day on average, up nearly 5% from the 3,735 tests done in the prior two weeks.
Meanwhile, new cases during that time have jumped 55%.
There have been 227,962 tests to date, with 11,016 testing positive, or 4.8%.
Orange County had 485 hospitalizations and 174 ICU patients as of June 24, according to a state database, which is up by 26.3% and 5.5% in the past two weeks, respectively.
The county has nearly 40% of ICU beds available and 65% of ventilators, according to the same state database, which tracks some 6,034 hospital beds.
—Katie Murar
—
June 23, 3:40 p.m.
TOURISM
John Wayne Airport continues to feel effects of the coronavirus, reporting a 91% drop in May traffic following a 97% decrease in April and a 63% decrease in March.
Year-to-date traffic is down 54% to 2 million; flights are down 28% for the first five months to 89,554.
—Katie Murar
—
June 23, 2:45 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
There were 256 average daily coronavirus cases reported in the past week, up from 205 last week, according to the OC Health Care Agency.
There were 3,777 average daily tests done in the week ending June 22, down from 3,953 for the prior week. About 223,700 tests have been conducted to date, with 10,737 people testing positive, or nearly 4.8%.
Of the total cases, 1,079 are from senior living facilities, and 389 are from Orange County jails; new cases from jails have significantly dropped off in the past several weeks.
Four new deaths were reported Tuesday, including three from skilled nursing facilities, with 273 deaths to date, including 138 from skilled nursing facilities.
Santa Ana and Anaheim had a combined 675 new cases in the past week, or about 96 per day.
—Katie Murar
—
June 22, 2:45 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
There were 270 average daily coronavirus cases reported in the past week, up from 182 last week, according to the OC Health Care Agency.
Average COVID-19 cases hit a new peak in the week ending yesterday, with 275 cases reported each day on average.
There were 3,454 average daily tests done in the week ending June 21, down from 3,871 for the prior week. About 217,700 tests have been conducted to date, with 10,595 people testing positive, or nearly 4.9%.
Of the total cases, 1,047 are from senior living facilities, and 389 are from Orange County jails; just three new cases have been reported from OC jails in the past week.
No new deaths were reported Monday, with 269 deaths to date, including 135 from skilled nursing facilities.
Los Alamitos has the highest cases per capita, with 75 cases per 10,000 residents, which city officials have attributed to a single nursing home that has generated most of the city’s confirmed infections.
For the week ending June 20, the last day hospital data was available, there were 330 hospitalizations on average each day, up from 301 the week prior.
—Katie Murar
—
June 19, 1:30 p.m.
About 213 average daily coronavirus cases were reported in the past week, matching the prior peak reached on June 17, according to the OC Health Care Agency.
Cumulatively, 9,576 people have tested positive, or 4.7% of all taking the test.
One of the reasons for the increase in positive cases is the number of people being tested. About 3,331 tests are being conducted daily in the past week, compared with 2,045 daily tests in the week ended April 30. To date, 202,884 people have been tested in Orange County.
—
June 19, 10:30 a.m.
Orange County’s unadjusted unemployment rate rose to 14.5% in May from a revised 13.8% in April as the coronavirus continued to have an effect, according to the state Employment Development Department. A year ago, the unemployment rate was 2.4%.
Even though the unemployment rate rose, the county still added 13,900 jobs.
—Peter J. Brennan
—
June 18, 3:45 PM
PERSONAL SERVICES
Orange County personal services will be allowed to reopen Friday in news announced today by the OC Health Care Agency.
Businesses allowed to reopen include tattoo parlors, nail salons, piercing studios and massage therapy. Businesses that plan to reopen must follow guidelines outlined by the state, which can be found here.
— Kari Hamanaka
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June 18, 2:50 PM
RESTAURANTS
At least four Orange County restaurants have temporarily closed to undergo deep cleaning and staff testing as businesses seek to stem the spread of COVID-19. HQ Gastropub in Huntington Beach, The Boiling Crab in Santa Ana, Javier’s in Newport Beach and A Restaurant in Newport Beach all confirmed to guests they were temporarily closing their doors to undergo heavy disinfecting and staff testing.
The Orange County Health Care Agency works with businesses that report a positive COVID-19 test result and, on a case-by-case basis, may mandate a temporary closure and staff testing. HCA told the Business Journal it does not confirm or deny details related to cases at specific businesses.
— Kari Hamanaka
—
June 18, 1:35 PM
HEALTHCARE
About 195 new coronavirus cases were reported daily in the past week, the first such decline in the prior five days, according to the Orange County Health Care Agency.
The average positive daily results during the past seven days peaked yesterday at 213.
–Peter J. Brennan
—
June 18, 1:27 PM
GOVERNMENT
Governor Gavin Newsom ordered Californians to wear masks, saying a growing body of scientific research has shown that people with no or few symptoms of COVID-19 can still spread the disease.
“Science shows that face coverings and masks work,” Newsom said in a statement. The governor didn’t cite any particular study in his press release.
“Simply put, we are seeing too many people with faces uncovered – putting at risk the real progress we have made in fighting the disease,” he said.
The order conflicts with Orange County health officials who said masks were a recommendation, not an order. Sheriff Don Barnes has previously said his force will not become “the mask police.”
–Peter J. Brennan
—
June 17, 1:30 PM
HEALTHCARE
There were 214 average daily coronavirus cases reported in the past week, the second consecutive day in which average daily cases for the preceding seven days surpassed 200.
Wednesday’s average figure is up from 160 last Wednesday, and 144 for the week ending June 3.
There were 3,164 average daily tests done in the week ending June 16, down from 3,548 for the prior week. About 193,405 tests have been conducted to date, with 9,197 people testing positive, or 4.8%.
Of the total cases, 1,003 are from senior living facilities, and 387 are from Orange County jails; just three new cases have been reported from OC jails in the past week.
Ten new deaths were reported Wednesday, including seven from senior living facilities, bringing the total to 243 deaths.
Santa Ana, Anaheim and Los Alamitos continue to have the highest cases per capita.
For the week ending June 15, the last day hospital data was available, there were 303 hospitalizations and 141 ICU patients on average each day, up from 294 and 133 the week prior.
— Katie Murar
—
June 17, 12:00 PM
TOURISM
Monarch Beach Resort, one of many Orange County hotels shuttered in recent months as a result of COVID-19, will reopen Thursday.
The 400-room Dana Point hotel has new safety measures that are certified by the California Hotel & Lodging Association, with employees required to wear masks and undergo daily temperature checks.
— Katie Murar
—
June 16, 2:20 PM
HEALTHCARE
Average daily coronavirus cases reported in Orange County surpassed 200 for the first time, with 207 average cases for the week ending June 16.
That’s up from 157 during the week prior, and 141 for the week ending June 2.
For the five weeks ending June 16, Irvine had 113 new cases, which is almost double the 61 cases reported for the five weeks ending May 12.
Los Alamitos, Santa Ana and Anaheim continue to represent the most cases per capita, with 83, 57 and 48 cases per 10,000 residents, respectively.
There were 2,720 average daily tests done in the week ending June 15, down from 3,584 for the prior week. Nearly 187,130 tests have been conducted to date, with 8,999 people testing positive, or 4.8%.
Of the total cases, 964 are from skilled nursing facilities, and 387 are from Orange County jails.
There were 12 deaths reported Tuesday, all of which came from skilled nursing facilities, with 233 deaths to date, half of which from nursing facilities.
— Katie Murar
—
June 15, 2:45 PM
HEALTHCARE
No new coronavirus deaths were reported Monday, the first time since last Monday, while average daily cases rose to a new high of 184 in the last week from 159 for the week ending June 8.
There were 2,743 average daily tests done in the week ending June 14, down from 3,629 for the prior week. Nearly 184,500 tests have been conducted to date, with 8,759 people testing positive, or 4.7%.
Of the total cases, 887 are from skilled nursing facilities, and 387 are from Orange County jails. About 85 new cases have come from nursing facilities in the past week, as well as 19 deaths. There have been 221 deaths to date, including 104 nursing facility residents, or 47%.
Santa Ana, Anaheim and Los Alamitos continue to have the highest cases per capita, while Placentia represents a growing hotspot, with nearly 30.2 cases per 10,000 residents, up from 27.7 a week ago.
For the week ending June 13, the last day hospital data was available, there were 301 hospitalizations and 144 ICU patients on average each day, up from 285 and 135 for the week prior.
— Katie Murar
—
June 15, 2:30 PM
FITNESS, RETAIL
24 Hour Fitness Worldwide Inc. plans to shut seven Orange County clubs – including its well-known Lakeshore Towers facility alongside the 405 freeway in Irvine — after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as a result of the coronavirus.
The seven shut locations are Costa Mesa, Fountain Valley, Laguna Hills, Westminister, Anaheim’s Garden Walk, the Irvine Spectrum Sport and the Lakeshore Towers Ultra Sport on Irvine’s Von Karman Avenue.
— Peter J. Brennan
—
June 15, 11:45 AM
TOURISM & MARKETING
IMG confirmed this year’s Vans U.S. Open of Surfing is canceled in a move to stem the spread of COVID-19. The nine-day event was originally slated to take place across nine days in Huntington Beach beginning Aug. 1.
It is expected to return to Huntington Beach next year.
— Kari Hamanaka
—
June 12, 2:15 PM
HEALTHCARE
There have been 166 new coronavirus cases reported each day on average in the past week, up just slightly from 165 the week prior, and 139 for the week ending May 29.
There were 2,828 average daily tests done in the week ending June 11, down from 3,705 for the prior week. About 174,298 tests have been conducted to date, with 8,153 people testing positive, or 4.7%.
Of the total cases, 866 are from senior living facilities, and 385 are from Orange County jails; just five new cases have been reported from OC jails in the past week.
Eight new deaths were reported Friday, including four from senior living facilities, bringing the total to 210 deaths.
Santa Ana, Anaheim and Los Alamitos continue to have the highest cases per capita, while Placentia represents a growing hotspot, with nearly 29 cases per 10,000 residents, up from 25.6 a week ago.
For the week ending June 10, the last day hospital data was available, there were 295 hospitalizations and 139 ICU patients on average each day, up from 279 and 123 for the week prior.
— Katie Murar
—
June 11, 2:45 PM
HEALTHCARE
Orange County is taking steps to enter its third phase of reopening as a result of the region’s lower per capita case and death rates, according to the county Health Care Agency.
Additional businesses, such as movie theaters, gyms, and wineries, as well as schools, day camps and campgrounds will be allowed to reopen in the county based on an order effective tomorrow.
Orange County has a death rate of 6.3 deaths per 100,000 residents, nearly half the state’s rate of 12.2 deaths per 100,000 residents; and an infection rate of nearly 250 cases per 100,000 residents, about 28% lower than the state rate of 347 cases per 100,000 residents.
Face masks will no longer be required in public, but still strongly recommended, according to Orange County Health Care Agency Director Dr. Clayton Chau, who is also serving as the interim public health officer in the wake of the resignation of Dr. Nichole Quick, who stepped down earlier this week after facing pushback over the mandate, first issued in late May.
There have been 184 new coronavirus cases reported each day on average in the past week, up from 147 the week prior, and 131 for the week ending May 28.
There were 3,163 average daily tests done in the week ending June 10, down from 3,631 for the prior week. About 172,072 tests have been conducted to date, with 7,987 people testing positive, or 4.6%.
Of the total cases, 846 are from senior living facilities, and 385 are from Orange County jails. Four new deaths were reported Thursday, including two from senior living facilities, bringing the total to 202 deaths.
For the week ending June 9, the last day hospital data was available, there were 294 hospitalizations and 142 ICU patients on average each day, up from 280 and 129 for the week prior.
— Katie Murar
—
June 11, 12 PM
RESTAURANTS
BJ’s Restaurants Inc. updated investors on its business Thursday as it continues to reopen dining rooms. The Huntington Beach-based company said it has been able to reopen 178 dining rooms after having to temporarily shutter that side of the business in response to COVID-19.
More recent protests and related curfews that had been rolled out in some cities contributed to what’s so far been a decline in current quarter restaurant sales. Still, the company said it expects business to turn cash flow positive as more reopenings occur.
— Kari Hamanaka
—
June 10, 3:55 PM
HEALTHCARE
There have been 162 new coronavirus cases reported each day on average in the past week, up from 145 the week prior, and 132 for the week ending May 27.
There were 3,118 average daily tests done in the week ending June 9, down from 3,637 for the prior week. About 168,158 tests have been conducted to date, with 7,737 people testing positive, or 4.6%.
Of the total cases, 833 are from senior living facilities, and 384 are from Orange County jails. 13 new deaths were reported Wednesday, including six from senior living facilities, bringing the total to 198 deaths.
Orange County has a death rate of 1.7 deaths per 100,000 residents in the past two weeks, lower than the state’s rate of 2.2 deaths per 100,000 residents, according to a state database.
For the week ending June 8, the last day hospital data was available, there were 294 hospitalizations and 146 ICU patients on average each day, up from 279 and 120 for the week prior.
— Katie Murar
—
June 10, 3:20 PM
TOURISM
Disneyland Resort proposed plans Wednesday to reopen the Anaheim theme park, hotels and Downtown Disney shopping district starting next month, pending government approvals.
Downtown Disney is slated to begin reopening first on July 9, followed by the phased reopening of Disneyland and California Adventure on July 17.
— Katie Murar
—
June 10, 12:30 PM
RETAIL
South Coast Plaza said it will reopen its doors Thursday, after nearly three months of being temporarily closed.
The shopping center, which originally closed in March in response to the state’s stay-at-home order, reopens with 100 of its retailers and restaurants. More businesses are expected to reopen over the next several weeks, the center said.
— Kari Hamanaka
—
June 9, 3:15 PM
HEALTHCARE
Dr. Nichole Quick, who has been the subject of public criticism due to a face mask order she mandated in late May, resigned Monday evening as Orange County’s chief health officer.
The Orange County Medical Association released a Tuesday statement regarding the resignation, saying it is “appalled at the personal threats and willful ignorance by some members of our community that ultimately led to her resignation.”
— Katie Murar
—
June 9, 3:00 PM
HEALTHCARE
Average daily coronavirus cases appear to be trending down, with Tuesday marking the third day in a row that the trailing seven days represented a decrease in new cases over the preceding day.
About 160 new coronavirus cases were reported each day on average, which is down from the average of 180 reported Saturday, though it’s up from the week prior, when 145 average daily coronavirus cases were reported for the week ending June 2.
There are 7,614 cases reported to date, which include 821 senior living residents and 384 jail inmates. Just five cases have come from Orange County jails in the past week.
Nearly 165,000 tests have been conducted to date; among those tested, 4.6% have been positive, down from 4.8% the prior week.
Cases from Anaheim and Santa Ana continue to increase on a weekly basis, with 475 reported in the past week, up from 451 the week prior.
There were 35 deaths reported in the past week, up from 19 the week prior, with 185 deaths occurring to date. About 46% of total deaths have been in senior living facilities.
For the week ending June 7, the last day hospital data was available, there were 290 hospitalizations on average each day, up from 280 for the week prior.
— Katie Murar
—
June 8, 3:07 PM
HEALTHCARE
No deaths from the coronavirus were reported for the past 24 hours, according to the Orange County Health Care Agency.
This is the fourth time in the past 30 days where no deaths were reported. Altogether, 177 people, including 85 in nursing homes, have died in Orange County from the virus. About 77% of the deceased were over 65 years old.
The number of new cases today fell to 113, down from the highest ever spike of 294 on June 5 and 271 on June 6. The average number of new daily cases for the week ended today was 161, compared with 147 a week ago. Orange County has conducted 161,547 tests to date.
— Peter Brennan
—
June 8, 9:00 AM
REGULATORY
California counties continue phased reopening of business, with hotels, gyms and bars the latest wave to reopen this week. The latest guidance also includes campgrounds, RV parks, racetracks, family entertainment centers, museums, galleries, zoos, aquariums, and wineries.
— Kari Hamanaka
—
June 5, 3:00 PM
HEALTHCARE
Nearly 4.6% of Orange County residents have tested positive for the coronavirus to date, lower than the statewide percentage of 5.5%.
Orange County has tested 2,986 people each day on average in the week ending June 4, down from 3,23 tests the week prior, according to the Health Care Agency, which has said testing figures can be volatile, and daily figures are sometimes amended at later dates.
About 5% of people tested positive in the past week, up from 4% the week prior. In the past 10 days, 4.5% tested positive, up from 4.2% from the prior 10 days.
There were 169 new coronavirus cases reported each day on average in the last week, up from 143 reported the week prior.
For the week ending June 3, the last day data was available, there were 279 hospitalizations on average each day, up slightly from 271 for the week prior.
There were nine deaths reported Friday, including eight from skilled nursing facilities. There are 174 deaths to date, including 84 senior living residents and no jail inmates.
— Katie Murar
—
June 4, 3:00 PM
HEALTHCARE
There were 152 average daily coronavirus cases for the week ending June 4, up from 135 for the week ending May 28, and from 120 for the prior week.
Testing figures have decreased in the past week, with 3,061 tests conducted each day on average compared with 3,306 the week prior.
The Orange County Health Care Agency said testing figures can be volatile, and decreases or fluctuations in the number of people tested is largely a result of demand, and whether residents are choosing to get tested or not.
The county is more closely examining case figures and hospitalizations; the latter has increased to 280 hospitalizations for the week ending June 2, the last day data was available, from 266 the prior week, while ICU patients have increased to 129 from 117.
The cities with the highest cases per capita are Los Alamitos with 73 cases per 10,000 residents; Santa Ana with 39; and Anaheim with 33.
There were seven new deaths reported Thursday, including six senior living residents, bringing the total to 165 deaths, including 76 senior living residents and no jail inmates.
There have been 6,783 cases to date in the county, nearly 17% of which have come from senior living facilities and Orange County jails.
— Katie Murar
—
June 3, 4:30 PM
HEALTHCARE
New coronavirus cases ticked up for the week ending June 3, with 151 average cases reported each day, up from 135 from the week prior.
Eight new deaths were reported Wednesday, seven of which came from senior living facilities. There have been 158 deaths to date, about 44% of which were senior living residents.
About 140,843 of the county’s 3.2 million residents have been tested to date, with 4.7% testing positive in total. There are 6,678 total Orange County cases, including 746 senior living residents and 379 jail inmates.
Hospitalizations appear to be flattening, with 279 hospitalizations reported as of Monday, which marked the third consecutive day in which the preceding seven days marked a decline from the day prior.
— Katie Murar
—
June 3, 2:50 PM
RETAIL
Irvine-based Tilly’s Inc. (NYSE: TLYS) said 160 of its 239 stores have so far been reopened as states’ ease COVID-19 restrictions.
The chain said the stores in operation are so far seeing traffic down 34% for the current August quarter, with same-store sales up 1.2%.
The update also came with results for the company’s first quarter ended in May, which saw misses on both the top and bottom lines.
— Kari Hamanaka
—
June 2, 3:15 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
Fewer Orange County residents appear to be testing positive for coronavirus, even on lower testing figures, according to the health care agency.
About 2,675 tests were conducted each day on average in the past week, down from 3,533 tests the week prior. Meanwhile, fewer people tested positive during that time frame, with 3.2% testing positive in the past week, down from 4.8% the week prior.
About 136,100 of the county’s 3.2 million residents have been tested to date, with 4.2% testing positive in total.
There were 151 new coronavirus cases reported each day on average for the week ending June 2, down from 155 the week prior.
There are 6,574 total Orange County cases, including 717 senior living residents and 379 jail inmates. There have been 150 deaths to date, including 63 senior living residents and no jail inmates.
Residents in senior living facilities have represented nearly 15% of new cases in the past week, and 52% of new deaths.
— Katie Murar
—
June 1, 3:45 p.m.
HEALTHCARE
There were 152 new coronavirus cases reported each day on average for the week ending June 1, up from 148 the week prior.
About 2,550 tests were conducted each day on average in the past week, down from 3,449 tests the week prior.
About 132,075 of the county’s 3.2 million residents have been tested to date, with 4.9% testing positive, down slightly from the week prior.
There are 6,474 total Orange County cases, including 665 senior living residents and 377 jail inmates.
New deaths continue to slow, with 16 new deaths reported in the past week, less than half the 43 deaths reported the week prior. There are 147 deaths in the county to date, including 61 senior living residents and no jail inmates.
Garden Grove saw a jump in new cases in the past week, increasing 25% to 350. Anaheim and Santa Ana continue to represent the bulk of new cases, generating 45% of the county’s total in the past week.
— Katie Murar
—
June 1, 10:00 a.m.
RETAIL
South Coast Plaza nixed plans to reopen today as a result of protests in and outside of the county over the weekend, which prompted an 8 p.m. curfew in Costa Mesa.
The mall has been closed since March 17 and has not set a new reopening date.
— Katie Murar
—
May 29, 2:00 PM
HEALTHCARE
There were 148 new coronavirus cases reported each day on average for the week ending May 29, up from 115 the week prior, when cases appeared to be flattening.
Testing is up slightly this week, with 2,410 people tested each day on average, compared to 2,339 the week prior, but down from 2,687 for the week ending May 15.
About 116,279 of the county’s 3.2 million residents have been tested to date, with 5% testing positive, down slightly from the week prior.
There are 5,923 total Orange County cases, including 667 senior living residents and 375 jail inmates. More than 480 cases have come from Anaheim and Santa Ana in the past week, representing nearly half of the county total in that time frame.
There have been 27 new deaths in the past week, down from 34 deaths the week prior. There are 145 deaths in the county to date, including 60 senior living residents and no jail inmates.
About 41% of all deaths have been in senior living facilities; more than half of all deaths have been among people older than 75. People younger than 55 represent the smallest portion of deaths, about 14% in total.
— Katie Murar
—
May 28, 3:00 PM
JOBS
The Orange County unemployment rate will average 8.2% this year and 6% in 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic-caused recession, said California State University-Fullerton economist Mira Farka, in an increase over numbers forecast a little more than a month ago.
— Kevin Costelloe
—
May 27, 3:00 PM
HEALTHCARE
There were 137 new coronavirus cases reported each day on average for the week ending May 27, down slightly from 138 the week prior.
Testing continues to pick back up, with 2,497 people tested each day on average in the past week, up from 2,123 for the week prior. About 109,000 of the county’s 3.2 million residents have been tested to date, with 5% testing positive.
There are 5,646 total Orange County cases, incduding 617 senior living residents and 369 jail inmates. More than 420 cases have come from Anaheim and Santa Ana in the past week, representing nearly half of the county total in that time frame.
Five new deaths were reported Wednesday, including two from senior living facilities, with 136 total deaths reported to date, including 54 senior living residents and no jail inmates.
Average daily hospitalizations for the week ending May 26 was 235, including 91 ICU patients, up from 222 and 82 for the week ending May 19. The county tracks data from 25 hospitals totaling 5,903 beds, including 1,024 recently added to account for COVID-19.
— Katie Murar
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May 26, 5:30 PM
TECHNOLOGY/TOURISM
BlizzCon, which consistently drew about 40,000 attendees to the Anaheim Convention Center in the fall, won’t be held this year due to effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
Irvine-based Blizzard Entertainment Inc., a unit of Activision Blizzard (NASDAQ: ATVI) in Santa Monica, is OC’s largest software maker by employee count, with about 2,800 local workers and its annual fanfest is one of the larger shows at the convention center.
— Kevin Costelloe
—
May 26, 4:30 PM
TOURISM
John Wayne Airport continues to feel effects of the coronavirus, reporting a 97% drop in passengers last month to 25,313, following a 63% drop in March.
All flights to and from the airport fell 51% in April to 13,085 with general aviation declining 40% to 11,300 flights and 86% of all flight operations.
— Katie Murar
—
May 26, 3:30 PM
HEALTHCARE
There were 158 new coronavirus cases reported each day on average for the week ending May 26, up from 129 for the week prior.
Testing has also ticked up, with 2,294 people tested each day on average in the past week, up from 2,175 for the week prior.
There are 5,578 total Orange County cases, with 1,995 people having recovered as of Tuesday, according to the Health Care Agency, which started tracking recoveries today.
The total cases include 574 senior living residents and 366 jail inmates.
No new deaths were reported for the second day in a row, with 131 total deaths reported to date, including 52 senior living residents and no jail inmates.
Average daily hospitalizations for the week ending May 25 was 232, including 90 ICU patients, up from 221, and down from 94, for the week ending May 18. The county tracks data from 25 hospitals totaling 5,903 beds, including 1,024 recently added to account for COVID-19.
Cases surged in Santa Ana in the past week, with 257 reported, bringing its total to 1,032. Only 16 cases came from Santa Ana and Orange jails in the past week.
— Katie Murar
—
May 26, 3:30 PM
SERVICES
Hair salons and barbershops may reopen for business in Orange County and other counties that have approved attestations from the state. The update was confirmed by Gov. Gavin Newsom at a COVID-19 update today.
It’s the latest lift on business restrictions in California’s phased reopening and follows OC’s approved attestation Saturday, leading to the reopening of in-restaurant dining and in-store shopping with various health and safety protocols put in place.
— Kari Hamanaka
—
May 26, 2:00 PM
RETAIL
South Coast Plaza will open June 1, a spokesperson for the center confirmed. OC’s largest shopping center has been closed since March 17 and recently launched a coordinated curbside program for the more than 70 boutiques and over a dozen restaurants offering the service.
The news follows OC’s approval on Saturday of moving into an expanded version of California’s stage two reopening plan. That was later followed Monday by the Governor’s approval of re-opening in-store retail shopping statewide, with local government approval.
— Kari Hamanaka
—
May 26, 10:30 AM
RETAIL
Simon Property Group (NYSE: SPG) opens its Orange County malls Tuesday.
That means the doors officially reopen at the Brea Mall, Shops at Mission Viejo and Outlets at Orange. The properties reopen with a raft of additional health and safety measures, Simon Property said.
The mall news follow the County’s approval Saturday from the state to move into an expanded version of stage two reopening that includes in-store shopping and in-restaurant dining, with social distancing, face coverings and enhanced sanitation protocols in place.
— Kari Hamanaka
—
May 23, 2:30 PM
GOVERNMENT & POLICY
Orange County’s attestation has been approved by the California Department of Public Health, giving in-restaurant dining and malls the OK to reopen with modifications to building capacities and other health and safety guidelines outlined by the state.
The approval moves OC into an expanded version of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s phased reopening of California.
The full guidelines by industry can be found here.
— Kari Hamanaka
—
May 22, 2:30 PM
HEALTHCARE
Friday marked the first day in nearly two weeks that new coronavirus cases reported each day on average per week declined over the week prior.
There were 121 new coronavirus cases reported each day on average for the week ending May 22, down from 128 reported for the week ending May 15.
There were 108 new cases reported Friday, bringing the OC total to 4,941, which includes 559 senior living residents and 365 jail inmates.
Six deaths were reported today, five of which were from senior living facilities. There have been 118 deaths to date, including 45 senior living residents and no jail inmates.
Santa Ana and Orange, home to the jails included in the report, have 1,108 total cases, or 885 and 233, respectively. Cases in Santa Ana are up 30% from 683 cases last week; Orange is up 22% from 191 cases.
In order to take steps to reopen, fewer than 8% of residents are expected to test positive for coronavirus over a 7-day period. In the past week, just 3% of OC residents tested positive, down from 4.4% a week prior.
— Katie Murar
—
May 21, 10:05 PM
JOBS
Orange County’s jobless rate jumped to 13.8% and the county lost more than 222,000 jobs in April, the first full month of the shutdown rules. OC’s rate was lower than the state and national unemployment figures.
After nine weeks of coronavirus effects on employment, about 39 million Americans are out of work, news reports today said.
— Peter J. Brennan
—
May 21, 2:30 PM
HEALTHCARE
There were about 128 new COVID-19 cases reported each day on average in the past week, up just slightly from the 127 reported for the week ending May 14.
There were 115 new cases reported Thursday, bringing the OC total to 4,841, which includes 532 senior living residents and 364 jail inmates.
Fourteen deaths were reported today, the largest increase to date, including 10 from senior living facilities. There have been 112 deaths to date, including 40 senior living residents and no jail inmates.
Testing for the county has slipped in the past week, with 1,515 tests done last week, down from 2,613 tests the week prior.
In order to take steps to reopen, fewer than 8% of residents are expected to test positive for coronavirus over a 7-day period. In the past week, about 8.2% of OC residents tested positive, up from 4.7% a week prior when more tests were conducted.
Also, counties should report no greater than a 5% increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations over a 7-day period. Hospitalizations have increased 5.6% in the past week in Orange County, with 247 cases hospitalized as of Wednesday, including 89 ICU patients based on data from 25 OC hospitals.
— Katie Murar
—
May 21, 10:45 AM
RESTAURANTS
Taco Bell restaurants intends to boost its workforce by 30,000 this summer. Irvine-based Taco Bell Corp. said the hiring spree includes a collective effort across company-owned, licensed and franchised restaurants and will fill both new and existing positions.
The ramp comes as restaurant operators look to adapt to new guidelines that emphasize social distancing and increased sanitation measures as states and counties reopen for business.
— Kari Hamanaka
—
May 20, 3:30 PM
HEALTHCARE
New coronavirus cases in Orange County jumped for the week ending May 20, with 145 reported on average each day in the past week, up from 108 for the week ending May 13.
There were 249 new cases reported Wednesday, the highest daily increase yet, bringing the OC total to 4,742, which includes 514 senior living residents and 360 jail inmates
Huntington Beach, which has seen a surge in cases due to several outbreaks at senior living facilities, had 29 new cases reported in total in the past week, down slightly from 34 new cases in the week prior.
Ten new deaths were reported Wednesday, including seven from senior living facilities. There have been 98 deaths to date, including 30 senior living residents and no jail inmates.
According to Governor Gavin Newsom, California counties should report zero new deaths in two weeks before reopening.
Testing has slipped in the past week, with 1,449 reported each day on average, compared to 2,701 for the week prior.
Average daily hospitalizations for the week ending May 19 was 222, including 82 ICU patients, up from 206 and 81 for the week ending May 12. There are currently 253 cases hospitalized including 93 in intensive care units, based on data from 25 OC hospitals. The county tracks data from 25 hospitals totaling 5,903 beds, including 1,024 recently added to account for COVID-19.
— Katie Murar
—
May 20, 2:40 PM
RETAIL
Shares of Irvine Western retailer Boot Barn Holdings Inc. (NYSE: BOOT) fell in after-hours trading on the company’s results for its fiscal fourth quarter ended March 28.
The company, like many retailers, was hit hard by the impact of COVID-19. Most of its stores remained open during the pandemic, playing up essential gear, although those doors operated on fewer hours and saw less traffic.
Boot Barn did not provide guidance for the current quarter or full year, citing continued uncertainty around the pandemic’s impact.
— Kari Hamanaka
—
May 19, 2:45 PM
HEALTHCARE
New coronavirus cases in Orange County continue to increase on a weekly basis, with 132 reported on average each day in the past week, up from 104 for the week ending May 12.
There were 75 new cases reported Tuesday, bringing the OC total to 4,500, which includes 513 senior living residents and 350 jail inmates.
Los Alamitos currently has the highest cases per capita, with 54 cases per 10,000 residents. The North Orange County city currently has 63 cases out of 11,721 residents. The figure is up more than 50% from the week prior, when it had 41 total cases.
Tuesday was the second day in a row that no new deaths were reported. There have been 88 total deaths to date, including 23 senior living residents and no jail inmates.
Average daily hospitalizations for the week ending May 18 was 221, including 85 ICU patients, up from 198 and 77 for the week ending May 11, There are currently 229 cases hospitalized including 86 in intensive care units, based on data from 24 OC hospitals. The county tracks data from 25 hospitals totaling 5,903 beds, including 1,024 recently added to account for COVID-19.
— Katie Murar
—
May 18, 3:35 PM
HEALTHCARE
New coronavirus cases in Orange County continue to increase on a weekly basis, with 131 reported on average each day in the past week, up from 105 for the week ending May 11.
Several North Orange County cities continue to serve as hotspots for new cases, with Anaheim, Santa Ana, Orange and Buena Park generating almost half of all new cases in the past week.
There were 59 new cases reported Monday, bringing the OC total to 4,434, which includes 461 senior living residents and 350 jail inmates.
No new deaths were reported Monday. There have been 88 total deaths to date, including 23 senior living residents and no jail inmates.
Testing has dipped in the past week, with 1,595 people tested each day on average, down from 2,715 the prior week, and 2,199 from the week prior.
About 80,500 of the county’s 3.2 million residents have received tests as of May 18.
In order to reopen, the county is expected to report 1.5 tests per 1,000 residents each day; for the week ending May 18, there were about 0.5 tests per 1,000 county residents conducted each day on average.
— Katie Murar
—
May 18, 3:30 PM
PUBLIC POLICY
California Governor Gavin Newsom revealed additional lifts of business restrictions in the state’s phased reopening during a press conference Monday.
The Governor said in-store retail, salons and live sporting events without on-site audiences could resume operations as early as the next few weeks, or right around early June, in most of the state’s counties.
California is currently in a limited version of stage two that has allowed for curbside retail, childcare, logistics and manufacturing to reopen.
— Kari Hamanaka
—
May 15, 2:45 PM
HEALTHCARE
New coronavirus cases in Orange County continue to increase on a weekly basis, with 131 reported on average each day in the past week, up from 99 for the week ending May 8.
There were 158 new cases reported Friday, bringing the OC total to 4,125, which includes 430 senior living residents and 335 jail inmates.
Four new deaths were reported Friday, all from senior living facilities. There have been 84 total deaths to date, including 21 senior living residents and no jail inmates.
Testing is also increasing, with 66,267 of the county’s 3.2 million residents receiving tests as of May 15.
In order to reopen, the county is expected to report 1.5 tests per 1,000 residents each day; for the week ending May 14, there were about 0.6 tests per 1,000 county residents conducted each day on average.
— Katie Murar
—
May 15, 10:30 AM
HEALTHCARE
University of California-Irvine and the Orange County Health Care Agency will conduct serology testing of 5,000 area residents, the two organizations said. The data derived from testing is expected to guide businesses and other organizations in assessing and adapting to COVID-19.
— Peter J. Brennan
—
May 15, 9:10 AM
APPAREL/RETAIL
Shares of VF Corp. (NYSE: VFC), the parent to Costa Mesa-based Vans Inc., took a tumble Friday on its disappointing results for the fourth quarter and uncertain outlook in the current quarter.
Vans sales were down 6% in the quarter ended March 28, but the business ended the full year up 10%.
— Kari Hamanaka
—
May 14, 6:00 PM
TECHNOLOGY
Lantronix reported some growth as well as supply chain disruptions from COVID-19 in its most recent quarter. Revenue grew 34% year-over-year and beat analyst estimates.
— Kevin Costelloe
—
May 14, 5:10 PM
RETAIL
South Coast Plaza has created a coordinated effort across its tenants offering curbside pick-up with SCP 2 Go. The pick-up program, which launches Friday at 11 a.m., allows for retailers and restaurants at the upscale center an organized and streamlined approach to curbside.
Customers order through a retailer, receive one of five color-coded areas to drive to for pick-up and wait in a numbered space for their order to be delivered to their vehicle.
More than 70 tenants are currently part of SCP 2 Go.
— Kari Hamanaka
—
May 14, 3:45 PM
HEALTHCARE
New coronavirus cases in Orange County surged for the week ending May 14, with 129 reported on average each day, up from 102 for the week ending May 7.
Anaheim and Santa Ana continue to lead county increases. The two cities, which have a combined population of nearly 700,000, represented 44% of total new cases in the past week.
There were 229 new cases reported Thursday, the largest single-day increase to date; 36% of those new cases came from Santa Ana; 15% came from Anaheim.
There are 3,968 total OC cases, which includes 407 senior living residents and 331 jail inmates.
No new deaths were reported Thursday, with 80 total deaths to date; that figure includes 17 senior living residents and no jail inmates.
Testing is also increasing, with 61,619 of the county’s 3.2 million residents receiving tests as of May 14.
In order to reopen, the county is expected to report 1.5 tests per 1,000 residents each day; for the week ending May 13, there were about 0.5 tests per 1,000 county residents conducted each day on average.
— Katie Murar
—
May 13, 3:00 PM
HEALTHCARE
There were 110 new coronavirus cases reported each day on average in the past week, up slightly from 107 for the week ending May 6, and 71 for the week prior.
There were 157 new cases reported Wednesday, bringing the county total to 3,749, which includes 400 senior living residents and 322 jail inmates.
Three new deaths were reported Wednesday, bringing the county total to 80; that figure includes 17 senior living residents and no jail inmates.
About 57,167 of the county’s 3.2 million residents have been tested to date.
— Katie Murar
—
May 13, 10:20 AM
RESTAURANTS
A detailed set of guidelines from the state for in-restaurant dining was released for when counties get the greenlight to move on to an expanded version of stage two under Gov. Gavin Newsom’s phased reopening. Orange County is not currently one of those.
When in-restaurant dining resumes, the experience will be different. Self-serve stations and tableside service are out. Shared items, such as condiments on tables, are to be sanitized after each use where single-serve containers can’t be used.
A link to the full set of guidelines can be found here.
— Kari Hamanaka
—
May 12, 3:00 PM
HEALTHCARE
There were 106 new coronavirus cases reported each day on average in the past week, up slightly from 104 for the week ending May 5, with inland cities continuing to drive increases.
Anaheim and Santa Ana generated almost half of new cases in the past week, while other inland cities in North OC, like Garden Grove and Orange, continue to represent hotspots.
Meanwhile, coastal cities that initially saw higher case counts continue to decrease on a weekly basis.
There are about 3,602 cases as of Tuesday, including 374 senior living residents and 259 OC jail inmates. There have been 77 deaths, including 18 senior living residents and no jail inmates.
About 54,769 of the county’s 3.2 million residents have been tested to date.
As of Monday, there were 230 current hospitalizations including 100 ICU patients. Average daily hospitalizations have increased from 189 to 198 for the week ending May 11, while ICU patients have also increased in that time frame from 61 to 77.
The county tracks data from 25 hospitals totaling 5,903 beds, including 1,024 recently added to account for COVID-19.
— Katie Murar
—
May 12, 1:25 PM
RETAIL
Malls will operate in limited capacity when they do reopen, per the latest release of reopening guidelines from Gov. Gavin Newsom Tuesday.
Malls will be able to offer curbside service, with designated pickup areas suggested alongside signage encouraging social distancing. Facilities are advised to maintain no more than 50% capacity and shutter carousels and other children’s play areas. Reopenings are contingent on individual county guidelines. Orange County is currently in a limited stage reopening, with malls not able to resume businesses until a later point in the phase.
— Kari Hamanaka
—
May 12, 10:50 AM
MANUFACTURING
Red Digital Cinema Camera Co. has begun the process of slowly reopening its doors. The Irvine-based maker of professional cameras updated its customer base with the latest on its workforce, including the reopening of headquarters in a limited capacity.
The company said it expects to begin shipping orders at the end of this week, with returns beginning to be processed in about two weeks.
— Kari Hamanaka
—
May 12, 9:00 AM
TECHNOLOGY
An Anaheim-based crowd-tracking technology firm was bought by a London-based company doing similar work. The local firm, iinside, is giving up its name; the London-based buyer, CrowdVision Inc., is moving its HQ to OC, according to the companies.
The combined company plans to offer crowd tracking—including its flow, motion, behavior, individual body temperatures, analytics—to airports, stadiums, casinos, transportation centers, malls, and other large venues.
— Kevin Costelloe
—
May 11, 1:30 PM
HEALTHCARE
There were 111 new coronavirus cases reported each day on average for the week ending May 11, up from 100 for the week prior and 65 for the week ending April 20.
Nearly 30 new cases emerged from Newport Beach over the weekend, a city that had seen relatively few new cases in recent weeks, with the city attributing the case spikes to outbreaks at “local care facilities where patients and staff have tested positive.”
“We may have more cases as additional patients and staff are tested,” the city said in a statement.
There were 55 new cases and no new deaths reported Monday, with 3,557 cases and 76 deaths to date. More than 20% of the county’s deaths were from senior living facilities; about a quarter of OC deaths have occurred in the past week.
Anaheim has generated about 15% of new cases in the past week; Santa Ana has generated about 30% of new cases.
Nearly 53,000 of the county’s 3.2 million people have been tested to date.
— Katie Murar
—
May 8, 2:50 PM
HEALTHCARE
While average daily coronavirus cases on a weekly basis surpassed 100 once again, cases for the preceding seven days declined Friday for the second day in a row, with 103 cases reported each day for the week ending May 8.
The figure is up slightly from 98 for the week ending May 1, and 50 for the week ending April 24.
Hospitalizations are also on the rise, with 189 average daily hospitalizations for the week ending May 7, up from 170 for the week ending April 30. There has been a decrease in ICU patients in the past two weeks, from 65 to 64 for the week ending May 7. The county tracks data from 25 hospitals totaling 5,903 beds, including 1,024 recently added to account for COVID-19.
There were 153 new cases reported Friday and 5 new deaths, bringing the total to 71, including 16 senior housing residents.
There are 3,240 total cases in OC including 251 inmates at jails in Santa Ana and Orange, and 316 from senior housing facilities.
North of 46,400 people have been tested to date.
— Katie Murar
—
May 8, 2:45 PM
RETAIL
Irvine retailer Tilly’s Inc. (NYSE: TLYS) said it will begin opening some stores, roughly 26, at the end of next week as it updated investors Friday on its business. The 26 stores slated for reopening are located in Arizona, Utah, Florida and Texas.
Uncertainty on the timeline for openings of the bulk of the store fleet in California remains. Some 40% of the company’s stores are located in the state, with those doors pulling in about half of the company’s brick-and-mortar revenue last year.
Revenue across physical stores and digital for the retailer slumped 40.7% during its first quarter ended May 2 to $77.3 million.
— Kari Hamanaka
—
May 7, 3 PM
GOVERNMENT
California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced more specific guidelines for businesses as the state begins to slowly lift a stay-at-home order that’s been in effect for nearly two months now.
The industry-specific guides, available on the state’s Resilience Roadmap site, reiterate many of the protocols that have been in place for several weeks now, including frequent handwashing and social distancing.
Sectors such as manufacturing, logistics and retail (for curbside service only) are set to resume operations beginning Friday.
The business guidelines can be found by clicking here.
— Kari Hamanaka
—
May 7, 2:30 PM
HEALTHCARE
Coronavirus cases in Orange County continue to increase with 104 reported each day on average in the past week, up from 80 and 56 from the two preceding weeks.
Weekly data suggested the county had experienced a dip in new cases for more than a week before they started to climb once more due to new increases from inland cities, as coastal cities that initially saw high per capita increases have been on the decline.
Anaheim, which represents about 10% of the county’s total population, represented 15% of new cases in the past week, while Santa Ana, Orange and Garden Grove also represent hot spots for new cases.
Hospitalizations are also on the rise, with 188 average daily hospitalizations for the week ending May 6, up from 165 for the week ending April 29. There has been a decrease in ICU patients in the past two weeks, from 65 to 62 for the week ending May 6. The county tracks data from 25 hospitals totaling 5,903 beds, including 1,024 recently added to account for COVID-19.
There are 3,092 total cases and 66 deaths to date in Orange County; north of 43,400 people have been tested to date. About two-thirds of the county’s deaths have happened in the past three weeks; 21 have occurred in the past seven days.
— Katie Murar
—
May 7, 2:30 PM
RESTAURANTS
BJ’s Restaurants Inc. (Nasdaq: BJRI) reported first-quarter results, missing consensus estimates on both revenue and earnings as the coronavirus tamped down on performance. The chain is slowly reopening locations in line with restriction lifts in individual states, with about 27% of its doors’ dining rooms now open to handle a limited number of guests.
Despite the tough quarter, the company is steadfast on a longer term plan to grow the chain to at least 425 restaurants nationally.
— Kari Hamanaka
—
May 6, 3:45 PM
HEALTHCARE
Average coronavirus cases reported daily for the preceding seven days surpassed 100 for the third day in a row, with 110 average cases reported for the week ending May 6, the highest to date.
It’s up from 71 cases reported the following week, and 54 for the week ending April 22.
Anaheim continues to represent the largest increases in cases with 18 average daily cases reported in the past week, while cases in Santa Ana reflect a decrease after the county pulled out cases reported Orange County jails and moved it to the “other” category, which has 218 cases.
Testing figures have also increased, with 1,240 people tested each day on average in the past week; up from 1,179 tests the week prior.
Hospitalizations are also on the rise, with 189 average daily hospitalizations for the week ending May 5, up from 161 for the week ending April 28. There has been a decrease in ICU patients in the past two weeks, from 65 to 61 for the week ending May 5. The county tracks data from 25 hospitals totaling 5,903 beds, including 1,024 recently added to account for COVID-19.
There are about 3,000 total cases and 65 deaths to date in Orange County; north of 39,000 people have been tested to date.
— Katie Murar
—
May 6, 3:05 PM
TECHNOLOGY/FINANCE
Data analytics software maker Alteryx Inc. in Irvine said the coronavirus pandemic will hit its current quarter sales and it withdrew guidance for the year in a quarterly report today. It said revenue in this period will be between $91 million and $95 million, below analyst expectations of $108 million. Shares fell in after-hours trading.
— Kevin Costelloe
—
May 5, 3:15 PM
HEALTHCARE
Coronavirus cases in Orange County continue to increase with 106 reported each day on average in the past week, up from 66 and 56 from the two preceding weeks.
Weekly data suggested the county had experienced a dip in new cases for more than a week before they started to climb once more due to new increases from inland cities, predominately Santa Ana and Anaheim, as cities that initially saw high per capita increases have been on the decline (see graph).
Anaheim and Santa Ana, which have a combined population of nearly 700,000, have reported 257 new cases in the past week; Laguna Beach and Newport Beach, with a total population of about 111,000, have reported just 8 new cases in the past week.
Other emerging hotspots are Orange and Garden Grove, which have reported 50 and 53 new cases in the past week.
Hospitalizations are also on the rise, with 187 average daily hospitalizations for the week ending May 4, up from 159 for the week ending April 27. There has been a decrease in ICU patients in the past two weeks, from 66 to 61 for the week ending May 4. The county tracks data from 25 hospitals totaling 5,903 beds, including 1,024 recently added to account for COVID-19.
There are 2,873 total cases and 61 deaths to date in Orange County; north of 39,000 people have been tested to date.
— Katie Murar
—
May 5, 3:00 PM
TOURISM
Walt Disney Co.’s parks and resorts unit reported a 58% drop in operating income for the second quarter ending March 28 as impacts of the coronavirus pandemic took hold at international and domestic parks, including Disneyland Resort in Anaheim.
Revenue for the segment dropped 10% to $5.5 billion, while total revenue for the Burbank-based entertainment company rose 21% to $18 billion.
Disneyland Resort, OC’s largest employer with 32,000 workers, has been closed since March 14; a reopening date hasn’t been publicly set.
— Katie Murar
—
May 5, 2:00
TECHNOLOGY
Irvine-based Blizzard Entertainment’s parent company saw an increase in first-quarter profit, aided by more people gaming at home during the coronavirus pandemic. Activision Blizzard (Nasdaq: ATVI) net revenue declined but beat the company’s projections; net income rose 13% and handily beat analyst estimates.
— Kevin Costelloe
—
May 4, 5:00 PM
RESTAURANTS
Del Taco Restaurants Inc. (Nasdaq: TACO) is looking ahead and sees its value and positioning as a QSR a boon with social distancing and contactless protocols to remain in place for the next several months.
The company delivered its COVID-19 business update alongside its results for its first quarter ended March 24. The company ended the quarter with revenue of $109.8 million and an adjusted net loss of $300,000.
— Kari Hamanaka
—
May 4, 3:45 PM
HEALTHCARE
Coronavirus cases in Orange County continue to rise, with 102 reported each day on average in the past week, up from 65 for the week ending April 27.
Weekly data suggested the county had experienced a dip in new cases for more than a week before they started to climb once more due to new increases from inland cities, as well as an increase in testing conducted by HCA’s public health lab and local commercial testing labs.
Anaheim and Santa Ana had 33 new cases reported each day on average in the past week, making up about one-third of the county total.
The cities of Garden Grove and Orange also saw sharp increases in new cases in the past week, with 14 cases reported on average each day for the two cities.
More than 1,500 people were tested each day on average last week, up from the 1,083 for the week prior.
There are 2,819 COVID-19 cases in OC to date, with 37,050 tests done as of Monday.
— Katie Murar
—
May 4, 1 PM
GOVERNMENT
Gov. Gavin Newsom said Monday the state would begin a gradual lift of restrictions on business operations later this week. The state is moving into phase two of a multi-stage approach to reopening the state. The lift, effective Friday, allows retailers offering curbside service, manufacturing and logistics companies to reopen Friday. Malls and restaurant dining rooms are to remain closed, along with offices where workers are able to work from home.
— Kari Hamanaka
—
May 1, 2:30 PM
HEALTHCARE
Testing figures for coronavirus in Orange County once again reached a new high, with 1,720 people tested each day on average for the past week, more than double the previous high set the week prior.
There have been nearly 100 new coronavirus cases reported each day on average for the week ending May 1, also more than double the 50 reported cases for the week ending April 24.
Anaheim and Santa Ana represented half of new daily cases on average in the past week.
Average daily hospitalizations for the week ending May 1 was 170, up from 149 for the week ending April 24. There are currently 181 cases hospitalized including 61 in intensive care units, based on data from 23 OC hospitals. The county tracks data from 25 hospitals totaling 5,903 beds, including 1,024 recently added to account for COVID-19.
There are 2,537 COVID-19 cases in OC to date, with 34,128 tests done as of Friday.
— Katie Murar
—
May 1, 1:45 PM
RESTAURANTS
BJ’s Restaurants Inc. (Nasdaq: BJRI) said it raised $70 million from Act III Holdings LLC and T. Rowe Price Associates, bolstering the company’s liquidity as it looks to slowly reopen restaurants in states were stay-at-home orders have lifted.
BJ’s CEO Greg Trojan in a statement called the capital, “invaluable as we re-open our dining rooms.”
— Kari Hamanaka
—
April 30, 4:15 PM
HEALTHCARE
Coronavirus cases continue to spike alongside sharp increases in testing figures.
There have been 84 cases reported each day on average in Orange County in the past week, up from 56 for the week ending April 23. Testing figures have more than doubled over that time period, with 1,500 people tested each day on average last week, up from the 700 for the week prior.
Anaheim and Santa Ana, which represent about 20% of the county’s population, represented more than a third average daily cases reported in the past week.
Weekly data suggested the county had experienced a dip in new cases for more than a week before they started to climb once more due to new increases from inland cities, as well as an increase in testing conducted by HCA’s public health lab and local commercial testing labs.
There are 2,393 COVID-19 cases in OC to date, with 31,500 tests done as of Thursday.
— Katie Murar
—
April 30, 3:30 PM
HEALTHCARE
KPC Health in Santa Ana said it will reopen four OC hospitals, in line with state and federal guidelines for going back to work. The four are in Orange, Santa Ana and Anaheim and produce about $367 million in annual net patient revenue. KPC Health said it expects growth in general healthcare as the sites reopen.
— A. Leigh Corbett
—
April 30, 1:00 PM
HEALTHCARE
UCI Medical Center in Orange will be one of three Calif. sites for clinical trials of a drug to treat the coronavirus. Gilead Sciences in San Dimas makes remdesivir, originally developed to treat the Ebola outbreak and now thought to hold promise for COVID-19. The FDA and White House health advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci have said publicly the drug could be helpful.
— A. Leigh Corbett
—
April 30, 12:30 PM
HEALTHCARE
A device cleared by the FDA in 2019 to help diagnose respiratory illness could help COVID-19 patients. Device maker MediPines Corp. in Newport Beach has released guidelines on using its AGM-100, currently approved for some respiratory diagnostic needs, to check for severity of coronavirus symptoms by tracking oxygen saturation levels.
— A. Leigh Corbett
—
April 30, 12:00 PM
HEALTHCARE
MemorialCare is testing its South County health system members at the site of the now-closed Saddleback Memorial San Clemente Hospital site. The facility closed in 2016. Testing for its patients with a prescription for the procedure takes place weekdays.
— A. Leigh Corbett
—
April 29, 4:00 PM
HEALTHCARE
Coronavirus cases continue to spike alongside sharp increases in testing figures, with Anaheim and Santa Ana representing nearly half of average daily cases reported in the past week.
Average daily increases for the county in the past week was 73, up from 54 for the week ending April 22.
Weekly data suggested the county had experienced a dip in new cases for more than a week before they started to climb once more due to new increases from inland cities, as well as an increase in testing conducted by HCA’s public health lab and local commercial testing labs.
Nearly 1,400 people have been tested each day on average in the past week; that’s more than twice the previous high of 691 reached last week, in the seven days ending April 22.
There are 2,252 COVID-19 cases in OC to date, with almost 30,000 tests done as of Wednesday.
— Kate Murar
—
April 29, 1:40 PM
TECHNOLOGY
Alteryx (NYSE: AYX) will hold its May 20 annual meeting virtually the company said. The data analytics software maker traded recently at a $7.5 billion market cap.
Several OC public companies, including its largest, Edwards Lifesciences Corp. (NYSE: EW) plan to hold annual meetings in similar fashion.
— Kevin Costelloe
—
April 29, 1:30 PM
AUTOMAKERS
Ford Motor Co. confirmed its luxury badge Lincoln would not be moving forward with plans to build an electric vehicle on Rivian Automotive’s platform. Rivian, which has a sizable R&D; footprint in Irvine, was to supply its skateboard-like platform for the project.
— Kari Hamanaka
—
April 29, 12:30 PM
AEROSPACE/JOBS
Panasonic Avionics will lay off about 10% of its roughly 2,000 workers in Lake Forest, according to state filings. The WARN item said the permanent cuts take effect this month. The OC jobless rate is expected to rise over the next several months, according to research by California State University-Fullerton economists.
— Kevin Costelloe
—
April 28, 7:30 PM
PUBLIC POLICY
The Orange County Board of Supervisors approved a set of guidelines for businesses as the state readies for a phased approach to reopening. The guidelines encourage practices such as social distancing, temperature checks prior to shift starts and frequent handwashing for workers interfacing with the public.
Gov. Gavin Newsom revealed on Tuesday a four-stage approach to lifting the state’s March 19 stay-at-home order. The plan has the state currently in stage one with low-risk businesses set to reopen first in stage two. Large-scale public gatherings, such as concerts and sporting events with live audiences, will be the last to re-open under the plan.
— Kari Hamanaka
—
April 28, 4:00 PM
HEALTHCARE
Coronavirus case increases continue to be led by Santa Ana and Anaheim, which have represented nearly half of average daily cases reported in the past week.
Weekly data suggested the county had experienced a dip in new cases for more than a week before they started to climb once more due to new increases from inland cities, predominately Santa Ana and Anaheim.
Average daily increases for the county in the past week was 68, up from 56 for the week ending April 21.
Testing figures continue to show increases, with with 1,179 people tested each day on average, up from 644 for the prior week, and 524 for the week ending April 14.
There are 2,151 COVID-19 cases in OC to date, with 27,737 tests done as of Tuesday.
— Katie Murar
—
April 28, 12:10 PM
TECHNOLOGY/FINANCE
CalAmp Corp. returned a $10 million SBA loan secured under the federal Paycheck Protection Program. The telematics software maker said new Treasury Dept. guidance suggested publicly traded firms might no longer qualify for the coronavirus pandemic support funding,
— Kevin Costelloe
—
April 28, 10:10 AM
RESTAURANTS
Software maker Restaurant365 said its free lending help can help restaurant businesses gain access to capital. It works with a Utah-based lending platform to find sources and navigate programs, including, it said, the second round of SBA funding flowing from the coronavirus pandemic.
— Jessie Yount
—
April 28, 9:40 AM
CHEMICALS
American Vanguard Corp. (NYSE: AVD) in Newport Beach revised a credit facility with Bank of the West and other lenders, giving it financial maneuverability as the coronavirus pandemic affects global operations. The chemicals maker expects a 4% dip in worldwide sales when it reports results May 11. Its recent market cap was about $454 million.
— Paul Hughes
—
April 28, 8:40 AM
RETAIL
The parent to Costa Mesa-based Vans Inc. said it would continue paying store employees in North America pay through May 30. VF Corp. (NYSE: VFC) of Denver also said its distribution center workers in the U.S. and Canada would see pay boosts through July.
The apparel conglomerate, with a recent market cap of $23 billion, said it’s ‘cautiously optimistic’ as it looks ahead to the reopening stores.
— Kari Hamanaka
—
April 27, 3:00 PM
HEALTHCARE
Testing for coronavirus in Orange County has spiked in the past week, with 1,083 people tested each day on average, up from 656 for the prior week, and 527 for the week ending April 13.
Average daily coronavirus cases have also spiked, with 68 reported each day in the past week, up from 56 for the week ending April 20.
Case increases in the past week are led by Santa Ana, which had an average of 20 cases reported each day; and Anaheim, with an average of 12 cases reported each day. The two cities make up about 20% of the county’s population, and nearly half of new cases in the past week.
There are 2,126 COVID-19 cases in OC to date, with 26,347 tests done as of Monday.
— Katie Murar
—
April 27, 1:50 PM
FINANCE
Seven OC public companies sought $35 million in SBA loans under stimulus packages to support small businesses during the coronavirus pandemic. The Treasury Dept. has in guidance on receiving funds asked companies with other sources of financing to give the money back.
— Kevin Costelloe
—
April 27, 11:30 AM
TOURISM
Cancelation of this summer’s Orange County Fair is expected to result in an economic impact loss of up to $350 million, the event’s board said Monday.
The event brings nearly 1.3 million visitors a year—about 30% of the OC Fair & Event Center’s 4.3 million overall annual total across 150 events—and employs more than 13,000 part-time workers.
— Katie Murar
—
April 24, 3:30 PM
HEALTHCARE
Weekly figures for new coronavirus cases in Orange County once again dipped slightly lower, with 51 average cases reported each day in the past week.
While case jumps in cities like Anaheim, Santa Ana and Huntington Beach have resulted in higher average daily cases for the county in the past several days, cities that initially saw high per capita increases have been on the decline, like Newport and Laguna Beach.
— Katie Murar
—
April 24, 12 PM
FINANCE
President Trump signed off on a $484 billion coronavirus relief package Friday. Some $310 billion of the aid will replenish the Paycheck Protection Program. Hospitals, COVID-19 testing and community banks will also benefit from this latest stimulus.
— Kari Hamanaka
—
April 24, 8:30 AM
RESTAURANTS
Del Taco Restaurants Inc. (Nasdaq: TACO) executives have agreed to salary reductions. That includes a 20% reduction for CEO and President John Cappasola and 15% for the company’s CFO and COO.
The declines in comparable sales for BJ’s Restaurants Inc. (Nasdaq: BJRI) continue to be steep but the peak was reached for the week ended March 24 when same-store sales were down 82%. Comparable sales were down 70% for the week ended April 21.
— Kari Hamanaka
—
April 23, 4:00 PM
HEALTHCARE
Orange County had 59 new coronavirus cases reported each day on average in the past week, up from 51 for the week ending April 16.
The county had about 1,830 cases as of Thursday, with nearly 21,000 people receiving tests.
— Katie Murar
—
April 23, 3:30 PM
RESTAURANTS
BJ’s Restaurants Inc. (Nasdaq: BJRI) of Huntington Beach filed a shelf offering with the Securities & Exchange Commission Thursday. The prospectus noted 125 million in authorized common stock and 5 million in authorized preferred stock.
— Kari Hamanaka
—
April 23, 2:55 PM
HEALTHCARE
Dental laser maker Biolase Inc. (Nasdaq: BIOL) said it needs the $3 million SBA loan it received as part of a pandemic relief package but the U.S. Treasury Dept. has asked public companies to return their loans (see item below) by May 7.
— A. Leigh Corbett
—
April 23, 2:30 PM
FINANCE
The Treasury Department updated its guidelines for the Paycheck Protection Program Thursday. More specifically, it addressed concerns that had been brewing in more recent days about the publicly-traded companies approved for loans under the program, now stating it is unlikely most public firms qualify to receive the aid. The updated guideline also sets out a May 7 deadline for which PPP loans to public companies are to be returned.
— Kari Hamanaka
—
April 23, 10:30 AM
PHILANTHROPY
Irvine non-profit Working Wardrobes has begun offering some of its workshops through webinars as it switches to more video aid in response to the pandemic.
Elsewhere, Irvine-based Golden State Foods and its non-profit GSF Foundation said it was rallying its regional divisions to focus on giving back at the local level.
— Kari Hamanaka
—
April 22, 4:15 PM
HEALTHCARE
Last week’s trend in which Orange County’s coronavirus curve started to bend downward has become more of a plateau, as cities that had fewer reported cases are seeing increases, while those with early per capita increases, like Newport Beach and Laguna Beach, have been on the decline.
Anaheim, Santa Ana and Huntington Beach generated the largest increases in the past week.
— Katie Murar
—
April 22, 3:15 PM
RESTAURANTS/FINANCE
Irvine-based restaurant operator Kura Sushi USA Inc. said it would be returning $5.98 million provided through the Paycheck Protection Program. The company said in a filing with the Securities &Exchange; Commission it hadn’t used any of the funding.
— Kari Hamanaka
—
April 22, 12:25 PM
JOBS
CSUF economists Anil Puri and Mira Farka said local unemployment could hit 17% and not decline to pre-pandemic levels until 2022. Unemployment in the second quarter, which ends June 30, will average 11.5%, their report said.
— Kevin Costelloe
—
April 22, 10:15 AM
TOURISM
New impacts of coronavirus on Orange County’s airport have begun to emerge, with John Wayne Airport reporting a 63% drop in passengers last month to 338,000.
— Katie Murar
—
April 22, 9:25 AM
APPAREL
Lake Forest collegiate and resort apparel company Uscape Apparel rolled out a new collection to benefit food banks amid the pandemic. All proceeds from the company’s Team Human collection will benefit food banks and the non-profit Feeding America. The pieces can be found at teamhumanu.com
— Kari Hamanaka
—
April 20, 3:30 PM
PUBLIC HEALTH
The Orange County Board of Supervisors passed a rule Tuesday during a special meeting that requires cloth face coverings for workers interacting with the general public. The rule would impact employees at groceries, retail stores, pharmacies and gas stations among other businesses. The rule goes into effect Friday.
— Kari Hamanaka
—
April 20, 3:30 PM
TOURISM
Visit Anaheim said it has rebooked some events and signed new business that represents more than $475 million in local economic impact over the next several years.
The 10 bookings were aided by a $6.5 million grant to the group last month, part of the city of Anaheim’s $15 million Community and Economic Recovery Plan.
— Katie Murar
—
April 21, 3:30 PM
HEALTHCARE
There have been58 new coronavirus cases reported each day on average over the past week, up slightly from 53 for the week ending April 14.
The figure is down slightly from two weeks ago, when 60 new cases were reported on average for the week ending April 7.
— Katie Murar
—
April 21, 1:25 PM
EDUCATION
California State University-Fullerton plans to begin its fall semester online and has asked faculty to prepare for this. The university, which serves about 40,000 students, said it could transition to in-person classes later in the semester.
— Jessie Yount
—
April 21, 10:25 AM
RESTAURANTS
The National Restaurant Association is pushing for lawmakers to create a $240 billion grant program that would directly assist restaurateurs impacted by the pandemic’s hit to business operations. The association reported payrolls cut nationally by two-thirds, which equates to 8 million jobs. It also said a survey of 6,500 operators indicated 60% said existing federal aid programs would not be enough to maintain payrolls.
— Kari Hamanaka
—
April 21, 9:05 AM
PHILANTHROPY
Tilly’s Life Center, the Irvine non-profit started by retailer Tilly’s Inc. (NYSE: TLYS) co-founder Tilly Levine, has launched a virtual classroom. The 12-session program was created for teens and focuses on social and emotional awareness.
— Kari Hamanaka
—
April 21, 8:30 AM
APPAREL/RETAIL
The parent to Costa Mesa-based Vans Inc. revealed preliminary results for its fiscal year ended March 28. VF Corp. (NYSE: VFC) of Denver reported revenue off from a previous projection as the company also said it was looking to raise capital through a senior note offering.
— Kari Hamanaka
—
April 20, 3:55 PM
EDUCATION
CSUF officials said they expect the school to lose $18.4 million in revenue and from refunds due to the coronavirus pandemic. The university is one of California’s largest, with some 40,000 students.
— Jessie Yount
—
April 20, 3:30 PM
HEALTHCARE
There have been 59 new coronavirus cases reported each day on average over the past week, up slightly from 56 for the week ending April 13.
The figure is down slightly from two weeks ago, when 60 new cases were reported on average for the week ending April 6.
— Katie Murar
—
April 20, 2:30 PM
GOVERNMENT
Brian Niccol and Emile Haddadhave been named to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s state task force addressing economic impact of the coronavirus.
They’re among 80 members of the advisory group that will meet to “develop actions government and businesses can take to help Californians recover as fast as safely possible from the COVID-19 induced recession”
— Katie Murar
—
April 20, 10:30 AM
AUTOMOTIVE
Kia Motors America Inc. said it re-tooled a portion of its Georgia factory to make face shields. The Irvine-based automaker said the facility is capable of producing some 200,000 masks monthly. It’s paying company volunteers to assemble the face coverings.
— Kari Hamanaka
—
April 20, 10:15 AM
EDUCATION
OC universities and community colleges will get at least $168 million for student aid and coronavirus-related needs such as distance learning. Funds are available as part of $1.7 billion coming to the state via the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
— Jessie Yount
—
April 20, 10:00 AM
HEALTHCARE
Sunday marked the seventh day in a row that the trailing seven days represented a decrease in new cases over the preceding week; 54 new coronavirus cases were reported each day on average, down from the 62 average daily cases reported for the week ending April 12.
— Katie Murar
—
April 17, 15:50 PM
HEALTHCARE
Newport Beach-based Evolus Inc. reported job and expense cuts, temporary pay reductions for executives and board members, and the delay of a new product launch in Europe, according to an SEC filing Wednesday. The aesthetics medicine maker said it had about $100 million in cash or cash equivalents as of March 31.
— A. Leigh Corbett
—
April 17, 2:10 PM
APPAREL
Apparel basics makerAST Sportswear Inc. will hold a drive-thru face mask giveaway Saturday from 10 AM to 2 PM. The company, which has been manufacturing face masks for hospital workers and first responders, said it will give away non-medical grade masks to the first 5,000 cars at the company’s Brea headquarters located at 2701 E. Imperial Highway.
— Kari Hamanaka
—
April 17, 1:35 PM
HEALTHCARE
In the past week, there were 54 new coronavirus cases reported each day on average in Orange County, marking the fifth day in a row that the trailing seven days represented a decrease in new cases over the preceding week. The figure is down from the 60 average daily cases reported for the week ending April 10.
— Katie Murar
—
April 17, 12:20 PM
EDUCATION
The University of California campuses and medical centers took a $558 million hit in March due to the coronavirus pandemic, UC President Janet Napolitano said in a letter to Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Canceled housing and dining contracts, and costs related to cleaning and distance learning accounted for $310 million; the remaining $248 million came from UC’s health system, including cancelled elective procedures and COVID-19 preparedness and treatments.
— Jessie Yount
—
April 17, 12:05 PM
TECHNOLOGY
French aerospace giant Safran Group laid off 83 employees and furloughed other employees at sites in Garden Grove, Brea, Cypress and Huntington Beach. Units affected make products related to in-flight entertainment, interiors, on-board water and waste management, safety equipment, fans and other components. Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, Huntington Beach-based Safran had about 2,800 OC employees.
— Kevin Costelloe
—
April 17, 10:10 AM
JOBS
The county lost more than 13,000 jobs in March and its unemployment rate jumped to 3.6%. The state Economic Development Department said March numbers “predated many coronavirus-related business and school closures in the second half of the month, which means not all COVID-19 job impacts have been measured.
“We cannot quantify the effects of the pandemic on the job market in March, the state agency said.
— Peter J. Brennan
—
April 17, 9:55 AM
TECHNOLOGY
Veritone Inc. (Nasdaq: VERI) got $6.5 million in SBA loans under a new federal program to help small businesses during the coronavirus pandemic. Sunwest Bank lent the funds, which under certain conditions, including no layoffs as a result of COVID-19, do not have to be repaid. Loans are backed by the U.S. SBA.
— Kevin Costelloe
—
April 17, 9:40 AM
RESTAURANTS
Huntington Beach-based BJ’s Restaurants Inc. (Nasdaq: BJRI) said in an SEC filing its CEO and other executives will take a 20% pay cut, with additional salary reductions for workers being paid $100,000 or more. The company also disclosed additional furloughs in the amount of about 200 restaurant managers and 40 headquarters workers. The company has also temporarily shuttered four of its restaurants.
— Kari Hamanaka
—
April 16, 4:25 PM
SERVICES
Anaheim-based Willdan Group (Nasdaq: WLDN) will furlough about 21% of its employees due to economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic and governor shutdown orders in New York and California. The engineering and consulting firm employed 1,451 as of Dec. 31.
The firm is freezing non-critical expenses, cutting some salaries, and withdrew its 2020 guidance. It’s scheduled to report results May 7.
Willdan said its financial position “remains strong, citing $16 million of net cash balance and $56 million in borrowing capacity as of April 14.
— Peter J. Brennan
—
April 16, 1:45 PM
HEALTHCARE
In the past week, there were 51 new coronavirus cases reported each day on average in Orange County, marking the fourth day in a row that the trailing seven days represented a decrease in new cases over the preceding week.
The figure is down from the 60 average daily cases reported for the week ending April 9.
— Katie Murar
—
April 16, 1:20 PM
EDUCATION
Chapman University said it lost $13.5 million in revenue for student refunds as COVID-19 disrupted the spring semester. Chapman’s endowment was more than $400 million prior to refunds and its net worth remains above $1 billion. If in-person classes don’t resume in the fall, the university estimated it could lose up to $90 million.
— Jessie Yount
—
April 16, 11:50 AM
SERVICES
Costa Mesa-based Automotive Club of Southern California will refund $125 million in premiums to auto insurance policyholders because of reduced driving and other effects of COVID-19 and work and travel reductions. It also will offer free roadside assistance services for health workers and first responders, along with a $1 million donation to United Way.
— Jessie Yount
—
April 16, 11:20 AM
FINANCE
Impac Mortgage Holdings (NYSE: IMH) hastemporarily halted its lending activity due to market uncertainty, and “to de-risk and to protect liquidity during this unprecedented time.;
The Irvine-based firm separately also said Orange County investor Richard Pickup is stepping down from the board of directors.
— Katie Murar
—
April 16, 9:10 AM
FINANCE
The Small Business Administration said it is no longer accepting new applications for coronavirus-related funding, with the $376 billion appropriated to support small businesses through the pandemic officially run out. Lawmakers are now working out the details of another funding injection.
— Kari Hamanaka
—
April 15, 3:00 PM
HEALTHCARE
Orange County’s coronavirus figures continue to trend down on a weekly basis.
Wednesdaymarked the third day in a row that the trailing seven days represented a decrease in new cases over the preceding week.
In the past week, there have been 53 new cases each day on average, down from the 58 cases per day for the week ending April 8.
— Katie Murar
—
April 15, 1:15 PM
AUTOMOTIVE
Irvine-based Mazda North American Operations said it will offer healthcare workers complementary oil changes beginning Thursday. The program, dubbed Essential Car Care, is not limited to Mazda vehicles and will be offered across the automaker’s participating dealers nationally.
The carmaker expects to spend $5 million at minimum on the initiative.
— Kari Hamanaka
—
April 15, 10:45 a.m.
TOURISM
Disneyland Resort isin negotiations on furlough agreements for union employees, which represent most of the company’s 32,000 worker count.
The company, the largest employer in Orange County, will furlough nonessential employees as a result of the “devastating impact; of COVID-19, beginning this Sunday, April 19.
— Katie Murar
—
April 15, 10:30 AM
HEALTHCARE
Biomerica Inc. reported a slight decline in quarterly revenue and a slightly larger expansion of its net loss. The numbers don’t include results from its new test that could help mark antibodies to COVID-19 in a person’s blood, suggesting possible immunity.
Shares in the diagnostic test maker traded higher at midday in a down market.
The Business Journalprofiled the company in its Monday, April 13 print edition.
— A. Leigh Corbett
—
April 15, 10:16 AM
SERVICES
Collector’s Universe (Nasdaq: CLCT) said it has access to about $37 million in cash and credit as it rides out the coronavirus pandemic. The collectibles authenticator has seen increases in some of its authentication work, primarily among dealers and higher-end collectors who could be seeking liquidity from their assets.
— Paul Hughes
—
April 14, 3:00 PM
HEALTHCARE
The number of new coronavirus cases in Orange County continue to appear lower than previous days, with 23 cases reported Tuesday, following just nine new cases reported yesterday.
Today is the second day that the trailing seven days represented a decrease in new cases over the preceding week, furthering the notion that Orange County has reached its peak.
— Katie Murar
—
April 14, 8:55 AM
TECHNOLOGY
Skyworks Solutions said preliminary quarterly results are in the range of its lowered expectations, issued in early March, and it suspended production through April at its Mexicali manufacturing plant at the direction of the government there. Its shares were trading about 3% higher Tuesday.
— Kevin Costelloe
—
April 14, 7:20 AM
AUTOMAKERS
Fountain Valley-based Hyundai Motor America Inc. increased its grants helping fund drive-thru COVID-19 testing at hospitals. The automaker said it donated some $4 million through its Hyundai Hope On Wheels non-profit to help fund testing at some 22 hospitals. That’s in addition to a donation of 65,000 COVID-19 tests to U.S. hospitals.
— Kari Hamanaka
—
April 13, 2:55 PM
HEALTHCARE
Nine new COVID-19 cases were reported in Orange County Monday. It’s the first time that the trailing seven days represented a decrease in new cases over the preceding week.
There are 1,283 cumulative coronavirus cases in Orange County to date.
Dr. Nichole Quick of the Orange County Health Care Agency saidthere aren’t specific factors that contributed to the relatively low case number, such as technical complications or a dip in testing figures.
— Katie Murar
—
April 13, 1:25 PM
HEALTHCARE
The Orange County Health Care Agency said Monday there have been 1,283 cases of coronavirus in the county, up nine from yesterday. There have been 19 deaths total, with none reported Monday.
The increase is the lowest one-day total since mid-March.
— Katie Murar
April 13, 11:35 AM
HEALTHCARE
Advanced Sterilization Products in Irvine got FDA approval on a decontamination process for medical-grade N95 face masks. The company said 6,300 machines can each sterilize nearly 500 masks a day. The process converts converts a gas to a plasma to clean the masks.
— A. Leigh Corbett
—
April 12, 9:15 AM
HEALTHCARE
The Orange County Health Care Agency said Sunday there have been 1,277 cases of coronavirus in the county, up 57 from yesterday. There have been 19 deaths total, with one reported Sunday.
About 13,500 people have been tested by HCA’s public health lab and local commercial testing labs, including a bit less than 250 test reports added yesterday.
Average daily case counts have been trending up over the past three weeks.
— Katie Murar
—
April 11, 5:30 PM
HEALTHCARE
The Orange County Health Care Agency said Saturday there have been 1,221 cases of coronavirus in the county, up 85 from yesterday. There have been 18 deaths total, with one reported Saturday.
About 13,300 people have been tested by HCA’s public health lab and local commercial testing labs, including a bit more than 400 test reports added today.
Average daily case counts have been trending up over the past three weeks.
— Katie Murar
—
April 10, 1:30 PM
HEALTHCARE
The Orange County Health Care Agency said Friday there have been 1,138 cases of coronavirus in the county, up 62 from yesterday. There have been 17 deaths total, with none reported Friday.
About 12,900 people have been tested by HCA’s public health lab and local commercial testing labs, including about 630 test reports added today.
— Katie Murar
—
April 9, 4:30 PM
EDUCATION, GIVING
Chapman University students and faculty, and Lake Forest-based MatterHackers, are making 3D printed face shields for local healthcare workers. More than 1,000 have been delivered so far.
Boeing Corp. in Huntington Beach is also 3D printing such masks.
— Jessie Yount
—
April 9, 3:55 PM
HEALTHCARE
The Orange County Health Care Agency said Thursday there have been 1,079 cases of coronavirus in the county, an increase of 67 over yesterday. There have been 17 deaths total, with none reported Thursday.
Weekly case counts have risen but the rate has slowed.
About 12,200 people have been tested by HCA’s public health lab and local commercial testing labs, including 450 test reports added today.
— Katie Murar
April 9, 3:30 PM
RETAIL
Irvine-based Boot Barn Holdings Inc. outlined measures being taken in response to the pandemic. These include a temporary 50% salary reduction for President and CEO James Conroy and a 25% reduction for senior executives. About 40% of its employees in stores, distribution centers and the main office have been furloughed.
The pandemic is expected to have a “material adverse impact” on financial results, Boot Barn said in an SEC filing. Its guidance for the year and quarter ended March 28 have been withdrawn as a result.
— Kari Hamanaka
—
April 9, 1:45 PM
TECHNOLOGY, TOURISM
Blizzard Entertainment said on its website the future of this year’ BlizzCon is uncertain and it may not have an answer for several months. The annual fan fest aimed at gamers draws tens of thousands to Anaheim Convention Center in late October.
— Kevin Costelloe
—
April 9, 12:30 PM
EDUCATION, RESEARCH
Chapman President Emeritus James Doti, writing on COVID-19, reviews and analyzes the data and offers a call for good planning and action.
— OCBJ Staff
—
April 9, 9:30 AM
RESTAURANTS
El Pollo Loco Holdings Inc. shares popped 25% on a business update for the Costa Mesa-based chain. Same-store sales for the quarter ended March 25 were off 1.5%. The company said it drew down on the remainder of a $150 million revolver, adding $34.5 million to its cash on hand.
— Kari Hamanaka
—
April 8, 3:30 PM
HEALTHCARE
The Orange County Health Care Agency said Wednesday there have been 1,016 cases of coronavirus in the county, an increase of 91 over yesterday. There have been 17 deaths total, including two on Wednesday.
About 11,800 people have been tested by HCA’s public health lab and local commercial testing labs, including 400 test reports added today.
— Katie Murar
—
April 8, 3:15 PM
TECHNOLOGY
Data analytics software maker Alteryx Inc. (NYSE: AYX) could make its May 20 annual shareholder meeting a virtual affair but for now has scheduled an in-person gathering near its Park Place HQ. Chief Executive Dean Stoecker said the company is balancing shareholder health and travel planning, as well as public health guidelines.
— Kevin Costelloe
—
April 8, 3:00 PM
HEALTHCARE
Medical facility REIT Healthpeak Properties Inc. (NYSE: PEAK) in Irvine gave additional information on its operations, including current future effects of the coronavirus on its business.
It said two weeks ago it had $3.3 billion in liquidity and could see delays in previously announced deals. In its comments today, Healthpeak said its senior housing segment is the most likely to see negative results of the pandemic. Life sciences and medical offices in some cases are brighter spots.
— A. Leigh Corbett
—
April 8, 2:00 PM
HEALTHCARE
BioPhotas Inc. in Anaheim has designed a medical face shield it plans to produce; the company typically makes devices to treat, prevent or heal pain, wrinkles, acne and wounds. Direct-to-consumer sales are higher; revenue from professional sales, such as at clinics, are down. The company is getting creative with ways of serving clients and generating revenue and says it’s still hiring workers, though most current employees work from home these days.
— Jessie Yount
—
April 8, 11:00 AM
EDUCATION, FUNDING
The research arm of the UC Office of the President has made $2 million in seed funding available to researchers and scientists for short-term, impact projects related to COVID-19. Individual grants of up to $25,000 are available.
— Jessie Yount
—
April 8, 10:30 AM
HEALTHCARE
PharmaCyte Biotech Inc. licensed technology from China-based Hai Kang Life Corp. Ltd. to develop coronavirus test kits. PharmaCyte will pay Hai King monthly fees, as well as 10% of net sales if a product comes to market.
— A. Leigh Corbett
—
April 8, 9:45 AM
REAL ESTATE
Foundation Building Materials (NYSE: FBM) expects a sales bump in the first quarter and declines after, as a result of the coronavirus work stoppage. It borrowed $120 million, from its credit line, to bolster its cash position.
— Katie Murar
—
April 8, 9:00 AM
AUTOMOTIVE
Irvine automaker Kia Motors America Inc. has extended the warranties for vehicle owners. Consumers with warranties set to expire between March and May now have until June 30 to have their vehicles serviced in light of the virus.
— Kari Hamanaka
—
April 8, 8:15 AM
MANUFACTURING
Count Smart Cups LLC among the growing list of local manufacturers using their production facilities to produce in-demand PPE and other low-supply items. The Mission Viejo beverage maker said it had switched most of its production to making hand sanitizer.
— Kari Hamanaka
—
April 7, 2:25 PM
HEALTHCARE
The Orange County Health Care Agency said Tuesday there have been 931 cases of coronavirus in the county, with 15 deaths total. This is up by 49 compared with Monday.
One new death was reported Tuesday after no new deaths Sunday or Monday. Three citiesIrvine, Newport Beach, Anaheimcombined for 252 of the 882 cases. Ten new cases were reported Tuesday for the three cities combined; the three have about 27% of all cases.
Nearly 11,300 people have been tested by HCA’s public health lab and local commercial testing labs, including 800 test reports added today.
— Katie Murar
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April 7, 2:15 PM
SCHOOLS, GIVING
Two JSerra Catholic High School figure skaters are sewing nonmedical protective masks for people to use during the coronavirus pandemic. Lleyden Collins and Morgan Horvath sew and deliver free masks based on need. Collins is the creative, Horvath handles deliveries since, “I’m old enough to drive.;
— A. Leigh Corbett
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April 7, 1:30 PM
RESTAURANTS
Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. (NYSE: CMG) said it launched a new e-gift card design aimed at benefiting healthcare workers. The company said it will donate 10% from sales of the specially designed card to Direct Relief, which delivers PPE to hospital and medical office employees.
— Kari Hamanaka
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April 7, 10:45 AM
FOOD
West Coast Prime Meats in Brea lost 80% of its clients and 60% of its staff to COVID-19 effects, then pivoted to ecommerce, curbside pickup, and a home delivery test. The company distributes beef to higher-end restaurants
It was the ninth-fastest growing large private company in OC over two years, up 49% to $157 million in annual sales and 240 workers, at the end of 2019.
West Coast co-founders Craig Nickoloff and Bill Hustedt also started and sold the Claim Jumper chain.
— Paul Hughes
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April 7, 10:05 AM
APPAREL
VF Corp. (NYSE: VFC), the parent to Costa Mesa-based Vans Inc., reiterated to investors Tuesday it will continue paying its office and store workers in North America through May 3. Stores employees in the EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) region will continue being paid their full pay, while office workers are receiving at least 95% of their pay.
Meanwhile, workers in Asia Pacific continue to receive their regular pay, with most stores having resumed operations.
— Kari Hamanaka
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April 7, 9:40 AM
RESTAURANTS
Yard House USA Inc. parent Darden Restaurants Inc. said it struck a $270 million term loan agreement, bringing its cash reserves to over $1 billion. The company continues to keep about 99 percent of its restaurants open on a to-go basis.
— Kari Hamanaka
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April 6, 4:25 PM
MEETINGS, EVENTS
San Juan Capistrano trade show and event organizer Emerald Holding Inc. updated investors Monday on its business in light of the pandemic. The company said it ended the first quarter with $150 million in cash, is relying on event cancellation insurance to offset losses and is carefully managing expenses.
The company’s so far seen 14 events postponed and 23 events cancelled, equating to about $128 million of 2019 revenue.
— Kari Hamanaka
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April 6, 2:25 PM
RESTAURANTS
BJ’s Restaurants Inc. said it has temporarily laid off about 16,000 of its restaurant employees as a result of the impact to business from COVID-19. The workers, who were paid accrued vacation and sick time or emergency paid time off, are expected to be brought back to the company once sales recover. The company, with some 209 restaurants, also said it is not paying April rent on its buildings and is talking to landlords about future rent obligations.
— Kari Hamanaka
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April 6, 12:15 PM
HEALTHCARE
The Orange County Health Care Agency said Monday there have been 882 cases of coronavirus in the county, with 14 deaths total.
No new deaths were reported either Sunday or Monday; one was reported Saturday. Three citiesIrvine, Newport Beach, Anaheimcombined for 242 of the 882 cases. The three have held steady the last two weeks with just under 30% of all cases.
Nearly 10,500 people have been tested by HCA’s public health lab and local commercial testing labs.
— Katie Murar
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April 5, 7:55 PM
HEALTHCARE
The Orange County Health Care Agency said Sunday there have been 834 cases of coronavirus in the county, with 14 deaths total.
No new deaths were reported Sunday; one was reported Saturday. Three citiesIrvine, Newport Beach, Anaheimcombined for 227 of the 834 cases.
Nearly 10,000 people have been tested by HCA’s public health lab and local commercial testing labs.
— Katie Murar
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April 3, 3:10 PM
HEALTHCARE
The Orange County Health Care Agency said Friday there have been 711 cases of coronavirus in the county, with 13 deaths total.
No new deaths were reported Friday; three cities—Irvine, Newport Beach, Anaheim—combined for 199 of the 711 cases.
Nearly 8,700 people have been tested by HCA’s public health lab and local commercial testing labs.
— Katie Murar
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April 3, 2:45 PM
HOSPITALITY, TOURISM
John Wayne Airport said air traffic declined 60% in March compared with the same period last year. Airport Director Barry Rondinella said reduced traffic affects all aspects of airport operations. JWA could be in line to receive funds from the recent relief stimulus package.
— Katie Murar
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April 3, 1:15 PM
RESTAURANTS
Irvine-based smoothie and juice chain Juice It Up said it expects to continue waiving the royalty and marketing fees for its franchisees at least through the end of this month. The company began cutting the fees in mid-March in response to the pandemic’s impact on business operations.
— Kari Hamanaka
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April 3, 11:45 AM
EDUCATION
UCI Law students are doing more pro bono work amid the coronavirus crisis. About 30 have taken on new projects involving humanitarian parole requests; tracking city and county activity on homelessness and housing insecurity; and delivering legal documents to seniors.
— Jessie Yount
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April 3, 11:15 AM
APPAREL
Huntington Beach action sports apparel firm Boardriders Inc. announced a raft of measures taken in response to the pandemic, including furloughs, pay cuts, store closures and working from home. The company said it’s also now looking to preparing the business for the future, post-coronavirus.
— Kari Hamanaka
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April 2, 4:50 PM
TOURISM
Some Disneyland Resort employees will be furloughed after April 18 as part of a companywide move by Burbank-based Walt Disney Co. Workers will remain employees, eligible for healthcare and part of the benefits from the recent $2T relief stimulus package.
The Resort, with two parks, three hotels, and a retail shopping layout, is the largest employer in OC with about 35,000 workers.
— Katie Murar
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April 2, 4:35 PM
HEALTHCARE
The Orange County Health Care Agency said Thursday there are 656 cases of coronavirus in the county, with 13 deaths reported; nearly 7,800 people have been tested by HCA’s public health lab and local commercial testing labs.
Three cities—Irvine, Newport Beach, and Anaheim—combined for 185 cases.
— Katie Murar
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April 2, 4:25 PM
EDUCATION
UCI will pay staff with no furloughs due to the coronavirus through at least June 30, a letter from the office of the UC system’s president said. The missive applies to all 10 UC schools.
UCI is the second-largest employer in Orange County with about 24,700 workers.
— Jessie Yount
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April 2, 3:10 AM
HOSPITALITY
Anaheim Ducks owners Henry and Susan Samueli will pay all 2,100 part-time staff of their sports and event companies, though venues are closed. The commitment applies to the Ducks and an affiliated developmental league hockey team in San Diego; the Honda Center; a restaurant across the street from the venue; and sports facilities and ice rinks.
— Katie Murar
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April 2, 10:30 AM
ECONOMY
Half of OC companies plan to cut jobs due to the coronavirus pandemic and a business expectations’ index plunged from 92.9 in the first quarter to 22.7, according to a report by CSUF’s Woods Center. A reading of 50 or more indicates belief in future economic growth.
— Kevin Costelloe
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April 2, 9:30 AM
RESTAURANTS
Lake Forest fast food operator Del Taco Restaurants Inc. (Nasdaq: TACO) has padded its cash reserves with the draw down of $50 million from a revolving credit line. The chain’s cash on hand now totals more than $56 million. That, among several other actions taken in response to the pandemic, had President and CEO John D. Cappasola saying the company is “well positioned for both the near term and when this crisis is firmly behind us”
— Kari Hamanaka
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April 1, 3:50 PM
HEALTHCARE
The Orange County Health Care Agency said Wednesday there are 606 cases of coronavirus in the county, with 10 deaths reported; nearly 7,300 people have been tested by HCA’s public health lab and local commercial testing labs.
About a quarter of the 606 cases are in Irvine, Newport Beach, and Anaheim.
— Katie Murar
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April 1, 3:40 PM
HOSPITALITY
Disney Parks, Anaheim hotels, and the city of Anaheim are donating and delivering products to hospitals and individuals in the city, using the resort transit system, as well as through U.S. groups nationally, as part of coronavirus pandemic efforts.
— Katie Murar
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April 1, 12:25 PM
NONPROFITS
Goodwill of Orange County has asked that people hold on to their donations until the organization’s stores and drop-off centers re-open. The group has seen a number of drop-offs to unattended facilities, with some of those items then taken or damaged by the weather.
— Kari Hamanaka
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April 1, 12:15 PM
EDUCATION
Chapman, UCI, and CSUF have canceled spring graduation ceremonies; the events will find a place on the calendar but no firm dates were given.
— Jessie Yount
March 31, 4:25 PM
NONPROFITS
United Way has collected about $1.1 million to-date for its coronavirus work to support low-income individuals, families at imminent risk of homelessness and current homeless populations. Its top requests are coming for basics: housing, food, utilities.
— Jessie Yount
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March 31, 4:00 PM
HEALTHCARE
The Orange County Health Care Agency said Tuesday there are 502 cases of coronavirus in the county, with seven deaths reported; nearly 6,700 people have been tested by HCA’s public health lab and local commercial testing labs.
The three cities with the most cases are Irvine, Newport Beach, and Anaheim.
— Katie Murar
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March 31, 1:55 PM
FOOD
Anaheim-based Fresh n’ Lean is ramping up hiring to accommodate increased demand stemming from the stay-at-home order prompted by COVID-19. The company aims to bring on some 75 workers and is nearly halfway there.
— Kari Hamanaka
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March 30, 5:05 PM
RESTAURANTS, TECHNOLOGY
ShiftPixy Inc. (Nasdaq: PIXY) in Irvine warned of effects the coronavirus could have on its tech-based temp services to restaurants in an SEC filing that also noted its aim to sell up to $23.4 million in common shares and warrants.
Shares were down 10% in intraday trading and 5% more after hours to a $5.5 million market cap. The firm did a 1:40 reverse stock split in December.
— Kevin Costelloe
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March 30, 4:25 PM
HEALTHCARE
The Orange County Health Care Agency said Monday there are 464 cases of coronavirus in the county, with four deaths reported; nearly 5,500 people have been tested by HCA’s public health lab and local commercial testing labs.
The three cities with the most cases are Irvine, Newport Beach, and Anaheim.
— Katie Murar
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March 30, 4:15 PM
MANUFACTURING
Count Irvine-based Kia Motors America Inc., St. John Knits of Irvine and Brea-based AST Sportswear among the latest local companies to help boost inventories of face masks and gowns to hospitals, nursing homes and other facilities. The carmaker delivered 500 N95 masks to UCI Medical Center; St. John and AST, are using their manufacturing facilities to make supplies on site.
— Kari Hamanaka
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March 30, 12:05 PM
HEALTHCARE
Edwards Lifesciences Corp. is pausing new enrollmentsin some clinical trials for mitral and tricuspid valve replacement products.
— A. Leigh Corbett
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March 30, 9:20 AM
RESTAURANTS
Taco Bell Corp. CEO Mark King penned another letter to consumers onwork the chain is doing in response to the coronavirus. The chain is giving $1 million to No Kid Hungry and using its food truck fleet to feed essential workers this week and giving surplus food to food banks.
— Kari Hamanaka
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March 27, 5:50 PM
RETAIL
Irvine retailer Tilly’s Inc. (NYSE: TLYS) said it furloughed non-management store associates and some workers at corporate and in its distribution center. Co-founder Hezy Shaked is no longer taking a paycheck, CEO Ed Thomas won’t get one in April and will take a temporary pay cut after April. Other execs will also see salaries cut.
The retailer also said it borrowed $23.7 million from its credit facility, adding to its $122.4 million of cash on hand.
— Kari Hamanaka
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March 27,4:40 PM
NONPROFITS
Working Wardrobes founder and CEO Jerri Rosen said her Irvine non-profit’s been forced to lay off most of its staff following a “double whammy” set of events. The organization lost its headquarters in a February fire, followed now by the impact of the novel coronavirus outbreak on operations.
The cuts leave Working Wardrobes with a staff of 10. Events and workshops will move online for now.
— Kari Hamanaka
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March 27, 3:15 PM
HEALTHCARE
The Orange County Health Care Agency said Friday there are 321 cases of coronavirus in the county, with three deaths reported; nearly 4,100 people have been tested by HCA’s public health lab and local commercial testing labs.
Three heavily trafficked cities reported the highest number of cases: Irvine, with 33; Newport Beach, with 32; and Anaheim, with 28.
— Katie Murar
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March 27, 2:55 PM
TECHNOLOGY
Software maker Restaurant365 laid off staff and delayed a funding round as it anticipates slowdowns by restaurant industry clients. Cuts came at its Irvine headquarters and in Austin, Texas. The company will also delay a new funding round.
— Jessie Yount
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March 27, 2:15 PM
TOURISM
Disneyland Resort is closed indefinitely; workers will be paid through April 18. The layout, with two parks, three hotels and a retail district, is OC’s largest employer.
— Katie Murar
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March 27, 2:05 PM
NONPROFITS
Orange County Community Foundation and several other charities have launched a resilience fund’ and raised $2 million in 10 days. Donations are still coming in; grants will go to help those affected by COVID-19.
— Jessie Yount
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March 27, 12:40 PM
TOURISM
John Wayne Airport closed its air traffic control tower after an employee tested positive for the coronavirus. Regional air traffic controllers are landing planes at a rate about one-third of standard levels and one runway is also shut down.
— Kevin Costelloe
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March 27, 12:25 PM
RESTAURANTS
A bevy of local chefs and others in the food industry have banded together to offer deliveries to urgent care and ER workers. Participants span the county, including a cafe, bread makers, and a family farm.
To Help: Email dee.breakofdawn@gmail.com
— Kari Hamanaka
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March 27, 12:05 PM
HOSPITALITY
Local hotels closed by the virus are issuing temporary layoff notices to workers, a state WARN report said. About 650 jobs are affected so far, with about half from Hyatt Regency Orange County, in Garden Grove, about a mile from Disneyland Resort.
— Katie Murar
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March 26, 3:55 PM
HEALTHCARE
The Orange County Health Care Agency said Thursday there are 256 cases of coronavirus in the county, with one death reported; 3,605 people have been tested by HCA’s public health lab and local commercial testing labs.
More than half of cases are in people aged 18 to 49; the individual who died was a man in his 70s.
— Katie Murar
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March 26, 2:45 PM
MEDIA &EVENTS;
The Business Journal rescheduled three awards luncheons.
The Excellence in Entrepreneurship event will be Thursday, Aug. 20; the Women in Business honors is Wednesday, Sept. 9; the Family-Owned Business awards, will be Thursday, Nov. 19.
— Paul Hughes
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March 26, 12:45 PM
HEALTHCARE
Glaukos Corp. (NYSE: GKOS) issued an update on effects of the coronavirus on its business, including shorter manufacturing and assembly shifts and potential effects on its short-, near- and long-term results.
It withdrew annual guidance and said it had $183 million in cash and cash equivalents at year-end.
— A. Leigh Corbett
March 25, 4:05 PM
HEALTHCARE
The Orange County Health Care Agency said Wednesday there are 187 cases of coronavirus in the county, with the first death reported; 2,442 people have been tested by HCA’s public health lab and local commercial testing labs.
More than half of cases are in people aged 18 to 49; the individual who died was a man in his 70s.
— Katie Murar
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March 25, 3:40 PM
TOURISM
Two key Anaheim Convention Center are part of about 40 in coming months now cancelled as a result of the coronavirus. VidCon and WonderCon, part of a stable of entertainment-focused shows built up over the last several years in Anaheim, could be rescheduled for the fall.
— Katie Murar
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March 25, 9:55 PM
ARTS
Effects of the coronavirus are beginning to be felt further out, with the canceling of the remainder of the 2019-20 season of the Philharmonic Society of Orange County. The affected performances could be rescheduled in the future, the organization said.
— Kevin Costelloe
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March 24, 3:00 PM
HEALTHCARE
Orange County Health Care Agency’s public health lab and commercial labs have tested 2,159 people and confirmed 152 cases of coronavirus, with no deaths reported.
Two-thirds of cases are in people aged 18 to 49.
The agency provides text updates in partnership with Pasadena-based Everbridge Nixle, an emergency notifications and community engagement company.
— Katie Murar
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March 24, 11:00 AM
HEALTHCARE
Healthpeak Properties Inc. (NYSE: PEAK) expects slower construction and dispositions due to effects of the coronavirus. The healthcare REIT said liquidity at the end of the current quarter will be about $3.3 billion. A dozen patients at its facilities are sick or have died from the virus.
— A. Leigh Corbett
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March 24, 10:35 AM
RESTAURANTS
The founders of Wahoo’s Fish Taco reiterated the company remains open for business, with take-out and delivery options through Door Dash and Grubhub. “The crisis remains fluid, so we will adapt accordingly as more information comes out,” the company said in a statement.
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March 24, 10:00 AM
HOSPITALITY
Some 44 hotels have temporarily closed in Anaheim as a result of coronavirus’ effect on tourism. Close to 40 groups have also canceled or postponed their business with the city, about half of which was planned for the Anaheim Convention Center.
— Katie Murar
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March 23, 4:00 PM
RESTAURANTS
BJ’s Restaurants Inc. on Monday said it will draw on its $250 million credit line, delay or cancel restaurant openings, trim expenses, and defer or suspend dividend payments, including one scheduled for tomorrow, March 24. The moves come to address the impact of the novel coronavirus on the company’s business.
BJ’s has 209 restaurants in 29 states and systemwide revenue of about $1 billion a year. It’s the third-largest restaurant chain based here after Taco Bell Corp. and Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc.
— Kari Hamanaka
March 23, 3:45 PM
TOURISM
Five hotels in Laguna Beach with a total of about 350 rooms have temporarily closed due to low occupancy levels and for safety precautions. The hotels expect to reopen in April or May.
— Katie Murar
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March 23, 10:45 AM
APPAREL
Costa Mesa-based Vans Inc. parent VF Corp. (NYSE: VFC) will draw $1 billion on a credit line, idle its brick-and-mortar retail fleet, and withdraw fiscal 2020 guidance. VFC is based in Denver. Its brands include Timberland and Dickies.
— Kari Hamanaka
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March 23, 9:00 AM
RESTAURANTS
Restaurant operators including Habit Burger Grill and El Torito are calling on consumers to participate in The Great American Takeout. The campaign is aimed at ramping take-out and delivery orders to support businesses affected by the novel coronavirus pandemic, with the kick-off March 24.
— Kari Hamanaka
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March 21, 4:50 PM
APPAREL
Costa Mesa action sports apparel company Volcom LLC has had to furlough most of its staff, according to a report from industry trade Shop-Eat-Surf.Volcom, OC’s 10th largest apparel company, furloughed 75% of its U.S. team and all of its European staff, the report said. The company did not immediately respond to requests for comment from the Business Journal.
— Kari Hamanaka
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March 20, 10:30 AM
HEALTHCARE/TECHNOLOGY
Irvine business accelerator Octane rescheduled two health- and tech-related forums, from spring and early summer to late summer and early fall, in response to the coronavirus and an executive order from California Gov. Gavin Newsom.
— A. Leigh Corbett
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March 19, 10:30 PM
STATEWIDE
Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive stay-at-home order for Californians Thursday evening. Businesses such as gas stations, pharmacies, grocery and convenience stores, banks, laundromats or restaurants offering take out and delivery are exempt.
See related item here.