FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts: Molly Nichelson
Public Information Manager, CEO
(714) 834-6203
ceocom@ocgov.com
Orange County Achieves First Week of Improved COVID-19 Metrics
State of California Requires Two Weeks Before County May Move to Red Tier
Santa Ana, Calif. (March 9, 2021) — On Tuesday, March 9, 2021, the State of California announced that Orange County (OC) has achieved one week of improved metrics according to the California Department of Public Health’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy, which takes a County’s seven-day adjusted case rate, the seven-day testing positivity rate and the health equity metric into consideration.
“Before Orange County can move to the Red Tier, we must meet certain benchmarks set by the State regarding daily case rate, positivity rate, and health equity rate for two consecutive weeks, which we’re on track to meet,” said Chairman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors Andrew Do, who represents the First District. “Thanks to the diligence of our residents and business operators, we’re on the cusp of moving to the Red Tier, but we must remember to not let our guard down and continue adhering to local health guidance.”
If local metrics hold steady or improve for another week, many local industries and activities will either be allowed to expand capacity or resume operations. The soonest OC could officially move from the Purple to the Red Tier is Wednesday, March 17, 2021.
“I want to thank our residents, businesses, County of Orange staff and our partners for the sacrifices they’ve made and dedication they’ve shown to protect and promote the health of our community,” said Vice Chairman Doug Chaffee, Fourth District. “Please continue to take precautions to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.”
“I encourage OC to visit the State’s Dimmer Framework at https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/CDPH%20Document%20Library/COVID-19/Dimmer-Framework-September_2020.pdf to help understand today for what we anticipate next week -- a small step towards reopening. Right now our residents, and especially our youth, deserve and need a full return to normal life. We must keep pushing towards that goal,” said Supervisor Donald P. Wagner, Third District.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) yesterday issued new guidance for those who have been vaccinated against COVID-19, which may be accessed here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated.html.
“While the CDC’s guidance is promising and provides clarity for those who have been fully vaccinated, we must continue our efforts to vaccinate anyone who wants a vaccine, with the goal of achieving herd immunity as soon as possible,” said Supervisor Lisa Bartlett, Fifth District. “In the meantime, I encourage residents and visitors alike to continue wearing masks, practice social distancing, wash hands frequently, and learn more about available opportunities to receive a vaccine at https://occovid19.ochealthinfo.com/covid-19-vaccine-distribution-channels.”
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