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| Volume 2 | Issue 1 |
January 7, 2021 |
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Keeping Our Community Safe
Dear Neighbor,
It is now clear that positive cases of COVID-19 and hospitalizations are surging in Orange County. We learned from our County Health Office this week that this winter surge will likely exceed what we saw this time last year.
I was saddened to learn yesterday that a child under the age of five died of complications related to COVID-19 (OC Health Press Release).
We must all continue to keep our communities and loved ones safe by getting vaccinated and tested. Please wear a mask indoors and when gathering with others outside your household, get vaccinated, get tested & stay home if you are not feeling well.
I encourage you to watch our most recent Community COVID-19 Update to hear the latest information.
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 https://www.facebook.com/SupervisorFoley/videos/3148875118676486??
Click Here to Watch
What remains a fact is that the majority of people hospitalized (87%) are not vaccinated and most of those who are vaccinated have underlying health conditions.
If you still need to get vaccinated or boosted please visit MyTurn.ca.gov or Othena.com, to schedule a vaccination appointment. See where vaccines are available near you here or by calling our COVID-19 hotline at (714) 834-2000.
Information about testing options can be found: Here
Any Orange County resident can order a free test online (no insurance required): Here
If you need additional assistance or to get tested or vaccinated, please call our office at (714) 834-3220.
Please stay safe and healthy. We are here to serve.
Be well,
 Katrina Foley
Supervisor
County of Orange
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Press Briefing: Recap
On Wednesday evening, I met with Dr. Chinsio-Kwong, Deputy Health Officer for OC Health Care Agency, and members of the press. We discussed the latest hospitalization and vaccination rates in Orange County, how/where/when to get tested, and how children can safely attend school.
Omicron is Surging in Our County & Testing Is In High Demand
 OC Fair Grounds. Photo Credit: Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register
This week we had record breaking 15,000+ cases reported in one day, which does not include those who are using rapid antigen tests at home. The good news is that many people are still getting vaccinated and taking their eligible family members for a booster shot. The state of California has extended the indoor mask recommendation through February 15th, due to the Omicron surge.
Young adults are driving new infections and the county's testing positivity rate has risen dramatically from 8.2% on December 31, 2021 to 16.2% on January 5th (and still climbing).
In light of this, the County of Orange Health Officer's Orders and Strong Recommendations Have Been Updated.
Everything You Need to Know...
- There are testing shortages and supply chain issues throughout the U.S. If you have mild symptoms, please follow the state's isolation and quarantine guidelines: Here
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If your symptoms are mild, you do not need to go to the emergency room and should call your doctor. However, if symptoms worsen or you have trouble breathing, get immediate medical care and contact your doctor.
- You can now get your Pfizer booster dose five months after becoming fully vaccinated, for everyone 12 and older.
- A third dose is also authorized for certain immunocompromised children 5 to 11, such as solid organ transplant recipients.
- 191,000 Rapid antigen tests arrived at Orange County schools this week, with more on their way, to help keep students safe: Here
- The FDA has authorized Pfizer-BioNTech's COVID-19 booster shot for 12- to 15-year-olds.
- If you are sick, test kits are available, for free (no insurance needed) through our county: Here
Get Vaccinated At These Locations
 Visit any of these District 2 testing sites!
"Getting boosted is a decision that I made to protect my health and the health of my family, friends, neighbors, staff, and my mother and 95-year-old grandmother. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to be fully vaccinated and boosted and encourage you to prioritize your health and do the same!" - Supervisor Katrina Foley
COVID Vaccination Rate
 78% of residents (5 and up) have been vaccinated.
Find out how many people are vaccinated in your city. Click Here!
"I want to extend a special thank you to each resident in Orange County that has made an effort to keep our communities safe by getting vaccinated." - Supervisor Katrina Foley
 Source: NYTimes
This week, I was at the Orange Coast College's COVID Vaccine Clinic. With the current surge in COVID cases, we have continued to vaccinate more than 500 patients weekly. I have seen more parents bringing their children in to get vaccinated, as families are concerned about their children going back to school.
I spoke with a Primary Care Physician at Hoag Hospital and was told that the hospital set up outside tents to examine COVID patients, seeing more than 70 patients and a wait time of over 7 hours. Please stay safe out there and visit any of the locations below to get vaccinated.
"We are seeing a surge in Omicron, however the symptoms don’t appear to be as severe what we have seen with the Delta Variant, especially among those who are vaccinated." - Dr. Fady Youssef, Cardiac Care Physician
Have a question or need to schedule your vaccination appointments, call the COVID-19 Hotline!
Why Should You Get Vaccinated?
- Unvaccinated people are 7.6 times more likely to get COVID-19.
- Unvaccinated people are 11.7 times more likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19 (data from November 25, 2021 to December 1, 2021).
- Unvaccinated people are 14.8 times more likely to die from COVID-19 (data from November 18, 2021 to November 24, 2021).
Source: California Department of Public Health, 2021
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Team Foley In The News This Week
 Supervisor Katrina Foley represents Orange County’s 2nd District, including Costa Mesa, Cypress, Huntington Beach, La Palma, Los Alamitos, Newport Beach, Seal Beach, Stanton, the unincorporated area of Rossmoor & portions of Buena Park and Fountain Valley (OC Board of Supervisors Photo, 2021)
Learn more about what's happening in your community and Supervisor Foley's efforts with District 2 initiatives.
- COVID-19 Test Demand Spikes in Orange County During Omicron Surge
Read More: Los Angeles Times
- Orange County Residents Must Wear Masks for Another Month Under State-Issued Mandate
Read More: Orange County Register
- Longer COVID-19 Testing Lines, Wait Times at ER Seen Across Southern California
Watch Now: CBS Los Angeles/ KCAL 9
- School Absences, Anger in OC as Hunt for COVID-19 Test Kits Turns Up Fruitless for Many
Read More: Voice of OC
- LA Health Officials Fear Further Surge of COVID Cases as Pediatric Hospital Stays Rise Across the US
Watch Now: CBS Los Angeles/KCAL 9
- 15,000+ New COVID Cases Reported in Orange County
Watch Now: CBS Los Angeles/KCAL 9
- A Busy 2021 for Orange County News and Politics
Read More: Orange County Register
- Looking for a COVID-19 Test? Many Others Are Too
Read More: Orange County Register
- Omicron Variant Surges As People Scramble for Tests
Read More: Spectrum News
- Free COVID-19 Testing Opens at OC Fairgrounds
Read More: Patch
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