April 24, 2020 - Governor Newsom announces use of FEMA funds to offer restaurant delivered meals to seniors and those at high risk for COVID-19.
The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) issued guidance for the Emergency Feeding Program which outlines program eligibility, funding ratios of 75% FEMA, 19% State and 6% local, and reimbursement rates for restaurants by meal. Currently, funding for this program will be available from April 24, 2020, through May 10, 2020.
In addition to other criteria that must be met, individuals receiving meals through other federally funded nutrition assistance programs such as CalFresh or Meals on Wheels are not eligible for this program. Additionally, restaurants that already participate in the CalFresh Restaurant Meals Program are not eligible to participate in this new program.
Those interested in receiving meals, or restaurants that want to participate should contact OC Community Resources at 714-480-6450.
April 21, 2020 - Certain Employees at Some Essential Businesses Must Wear Face Coverings Effective Friday, April 24
Effective at 12 a.m. on Friday, April 24, 2020, all employees of any grocery store, pharmacy/drug store, convenience store, gas station, restaurant, food preparation establishment, or retail store in Orange County who may have contact with the public must wear a cloth face covering while at work.
The Orange County Board of Supervisors today approved the directive from Vice Chairman Andrew Do, First District Supervisor, pursuant to Government Code section 8634 that will apply countywide.
Employees must comply with this regulation for the health and safety of all in the community as it is enforceable by law enforcement per Government Code section 8665.
Though the regulation issued by the Board today does not apply to customers, County Health Officer Dr. Nichole Quick continues to strongly encourage residents to wear face coverings while engaged in essential activities outside the home. “Residents can make their own face coverings at home from a variety of materials and should refrain from purchasing personal protective equipment that is critical and in short supply for our healthcare workers, such as N95 and surgical masks,” said Dr. Quick.
If a city has a more restrictive rule regarding face coverings, the more restrictive rule will apply to its jurisdiction.
For more information about COVID-19, please visit www.ochealthinfo.com/novelcoronavirus.
OC Health Care Agency Announces Launch of the OC COVID-19 Testing Network
The Network coordinates and expands testing across Orange County to create a safety net for any community member who is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms but is unable to receive testing through a health care provider.
The PCR test identifies if someone is currently infected from a sample taken with a swab. It is not a blood test, nor does it test for antibodies. Residents with symptoms of COVID-19, which generally include fever, cough, and shortness of breath, should first contact their medical provider to get guidance on testing and care. Individuals who are unable to be tested by their provider may schedule an appointment at any Network test site to receive a medical screening and test. Initial locations include:
- AltaMed Medical Group, Anaheim
- AltaMed Medical Group, Santa Ana/Bristol
- Nhan Hoa Comprehensive Health Care Clinic, Garden Grove
- UCI Health, multiple locations
A continually-updated list of test sites, with information on scheduling and the appointment process, can be found at www.ochealthinfo.com/novelcoronavirus (click on COVID-19 Testing and Screening) or by calling the HCA’s Health Referral Line at 1(800) 564-8448.
April 13, 2020 - COUNTY HEALTH OFFICER REMINDS RESIDENTS TO CALL 9-1-1 IN AN EMERGENCY
County Health Officer Dr. Nichole Quick reminds Orange County residents that individuals experiencing symptoms of a medical emergency need to seek immediate health care or call 9-1-1.
Seek immediate medical attention, call 9-1-1 or go to an emergency room if you or a household member experiences any of the following:
- Wheezing, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- Displaced or open wound fractures
- Fainting
- Sudden numbness or weakness
- Bleeding that cannot be stopped
- Abdominal pain - especially intense localized pain
- Fever with convulsions or any fever in children under 3 months
- Confusion or changes in mental status
- Coughing or vomiting blood
- Severe headache or head injury, especially if the individual is on aspirin or blood thinners
- Blood in the urine, or bloody diarrhea
- Sudden inability to speak, see, walk or move
April 9, 2020 - ORANGE COUNTY HEALTH OFFICER ISSUES FACE COVERING RECOMMENDATION FOR ESSENTIAL BUSINESSES
County of Orange Health Officer Dr. Nichole Quick today issued a recommendation strongly encouraging all employees at essential businesses to wear a face-covering while at work and all residents engaged in essential activities outside the home to do the same.
The recommendation is in line with guidance issued by the California Department of Public Health on April 1 and is intended to help slow the spread of COVID-19 by those who are asymptomatic.
"Residents can make their own face coverings at home from a variety of materials and should refrain from purchasing personal protective equipment that is critical and in short supply for our healthcare workers, such as N95 and surgical masks," said Dr. Quick.
A face covering is material that covers the nose and mouth. It can be secured to the head with ties or straps, or simply wrapped around the lower face. Face coverings may be factory-made, as well as folded or sewn, and can be improvised using household items like scarfs, T-shirts, sweatshirts or towels.
"Face coverings are an additional tool that may help protect staff and patrons from COVID-19, but they are not a substitute for proven protective measures like frequent hand washing, keeping your hands away from your face, practicing social distancing and staying home," said Dr. Quick.
In addition, effective immediately, all essential businesses as identified by the State of California (list available at www.covid19.ca.gov/img/EssentialCriticalInfrastructureWorkers.pdf) should maintain a healthy work environment as recommended by CDC’s Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/guidance-business-response.html.
April 6, 2020 - City Manager issues additional Executive Orders to protect public health in the City of Rancho Santa Margarita.
March 31, 2020 - City Manager issues additional Executive Orders to protect public health in the City of Rancho Santa Margarita.
Small Business Assistance Resources - To assist local businesses through the rapidly changing economic changes brought by the coronavirus health pandemic, the City has created a dedicated web page for information and reference.
March 26, 2020 - Rancho Santa Margarita Restaurant Guide - In the interest of maintaining social distancing and helping to slow the spread of coronavirus, the City has compiled a list of local restaurants offering pick-up, take-out, online and other services.
March 25, 2020 - SAMLARC Parks & Facility Closure Status - Based on recommendations and requirements from public health officials, the following actions take effect on March 25, 2020, related to SAMLARC Park Facilities and remain in effect through the Coronavirus period.
ORANGE COUNTY COMMUNITY SERVICES EXTENDS CALL CENTER HOURS
Effective today, Orange County Community Services will expand call center hours to meet the needs of seniors, veterans, business owners and the unemployed affected by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Orange County Community Services oversees the Orange County Veterans Service Office, Office on Aging and Community Investment Division programs.
Call Center operators will be available to take calls at (714) 480-6450 during the following extended hours of operation:
• Weekdays (Monday – Friday) from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Call Center is staffed and operated by caring, skilled, bilingual and bicultural information assistance professionals who can assess situations and offer resources tailored to meet individual needs. The Call Center has translation available in over 240 languages.
For additional information on programs, please visit www.occommunityservices.org.
For general information about COVID-19, please call the OC Health Care Agency’s (HCA) Health Referral Line at (800) 564-8448, visit http://www.ochealthinfo.com/novelcoronavirus, or follow the HCA on Facebook (@ochealthinfo) and Twitter (@ochealth).
For non-medical questions, contact the County of Orange Public Information Hotline at (714) 628-7085.
March 23, 2020 - The Rancho Santa Margarita City Council voted unanimously today at a Special Meeting to ratify the Proclamation declaring a state of local emergency issued last week by the City Manager. This Proclamation helps our Emergency Services personnel secure vital supplies, funding, and assistance with the ongoing Coronavirus health crisis.
View Mayor McGirr’s address to the community on YouTube regarding the City’s actions to navigate the COVID-19 public health crisis.
Read the full Press Release here.
March 19, 2020 - Governor Issues Stay at Home Order
Governor Gavin Newsom on Thursday, March 19, issued a statewide stay at home order. The order includes exceptions for essential services.
Please see the informative Frequently Asked Questions document provided by the Orange County Health Care Agency regarding yesterday’s amended order.
Closures: the City’s Dog Park and Skate Park are closed until further notice in the interest of public health and safety.
March 18, 2020 - The Orange County Health Care Agency today issued a revised order regarding the order issued on 3/17/2020:
AMENDED ORDER AND GUIDANCE OF THE ORANGE COUNTY HEALTH OFFICER [REVISED 3/18/2020]
The City of Rancho Santa Margarita provides animal care and sheltering through a contract agreement with Mission Viejo Animal Services Center. The facility is currently closed to the public through March 31st but is continuing essential services. Dedicated staff will continue to care for the animals, and animal services officers will continue to patrol the communities and respond to stray animals and public safety functions. Contact the center via animalinfo@cityofmissionviejo.org or by phone (949-470-3045) during normal business hours for assistance. Use this link for additional information on the shelter closure.
March 17, 2020 - The City of Rancho Santa Margarita continues to monitor and follow further evaluated upon information and guidance provided by the California Department of Public Health and the Orange County Health Care Agency.
Effective immediately, the City of Rancho Santa Margarita is modifying or suspending certain services in accordance with today’s order of the Orange County Health Officer. We appreciate your patience with the implementation of temporary changes to City operations and services as we work together to combat the spread of the Coronavirus.
City Hall Modified Services Schedule
Orange County Health Order Issued March 17, 2020
March 16, 2020 - In order for the City to promptly address, prepare for and take the actions necessary to protect public health, safety, and welfare within the City, and to allow the City to access potential reimbursement by the county, state, and federal governments, the City of Rancho Santa Margarita has proclaimed a local emergency.
Residents and businesses within the City are experiencing extreme impacts from county, state and federal recommendations and guidelines as they respond to the COVID-19 health crisis. This health crisis is affecting every aspect of daily lives, and is anticipated to exhaust the available health and public safety resources, both locally and regionally. Cities throughout Orange County, the County of Orange, the State of California and the Federal Government have all proclaimed States of Emergency, demonstrating the magnitude of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Proclamation 20-03-16-01
March 13, 2020 - The City of Rancho Santa Margarita continues to receive updates from the Orange County Health Agency and monitor the COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) situation.
To do our part in helping to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus, and in coordination with recent health guidelines, the City of Rancho Santa Margarita is suspending senior services at the Bell Tower Regional Community Center effective immediately through the end of March. All other programming and activities, including the Boys and Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley, at the Bell Tower Regional Community Center, will be suspended and/or canceled beginning Monday, March 16, 2020, through the end of March.
March 12, 2020 - In order to better protect public health and help slow the spread of COVID-19, on March 12th, 2020, Governor Newsom and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued an updated policy on public gatherings. That policy states that public gatherings of 250 people or more should be postponed or canceled. This guidance remains in effect for at least the month of March 2020.