UPDATED: March 13, 2020
The City of Brea values the safety and wellness of the entire community. Since the County of Orange declared a local health emergency on February 26, 2020, City officials have been closely monitoring the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak. To date, there are no presumptive nor confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Brea.
On March 11, Governor Newsom and the California Department of Public Health issued a new statewide policy for public gatherings. The guidelines call for modifying or postponing non-essential gatherings of 250 or more people through at least March 31 to help stem the spread of COVID-19 across the state.
Given the new guidelines from the state, and ongoing advice from Orange County Public Health officials and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the City of Brea has taken the following steps to help maintain a safe environment for both the community and staff.
- Evaluating the cancellation or postponement of City events involving more than 250 people for the next 30 days.
- The City’s Spring Craft Boutique, scheduled for March 20 and 21, has been cancelled.
- The Teen Zone’s Friday Night Dance, scheduled for March 27, has been cancelled.
- City events and programs scheduled in April and beyond are currently being evaluated and are subject to change.
- City Hall, the Brea Community Center, and other City programs and facilities remain open and are following best practices to maintain a healthy environment for all visitors and staff.
- Hand sanitizers are available at all City facility front counters for the use of visitors and staff.
- The Brea Senior Center will focus on its essential services: the nutrition program, case management and home-delivered meals. Other programs held at the center are still being evaluated and are subject to change.
- Public Safety personnel have existing protocols in place to respond to any virus exposure and have implemented additional protective measures to ensure their protection as well as the public’s.
The present situation with COVID-19 is unprecedented. The decision to cancel City-sponsored events is consistent with what appears to be emerging as the “best practice” and the manner in which other cities, along with other public and private institutions throughout the state, are doing in response to COVID-19 public health concerns. The present strategy is to limit the opportunity for people to come into contact with one another, so as to limit the extent of which the COVID-19 virus can spread. This is a rapidly evolving situation; the City will continue to provide updates as we have new information to share. The City will also continue to work closely with its community partners, including the Brea Olinda Unified School District, to be prepared and best able to respond.
As a reminder, the community is encouraged to practice good health hygiene to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other illnesses. Please take the following everyday preventive actions, listed below:
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Individuals should stay home when they are sick.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
For questions, please call the Health Care Agency of Orange County at 800-564-8448 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.