December 2, 2020
COVID-19 Testing Encouraged
The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) launched a new advertising campaign “Who Should You Get Tested For?” With the holidays upon us, HCA reminds residents to protect themselves, loved ones and neighbors. People need to remember to wear a face covering, wash their hands often, stay at least six feet apart, and get a COVID-19 test.

Orange County has several options for people who can’t get a COVID-19 test from their health care provider. 

  • The OC Super Sites in Anaheim and Costa Mesa offer free flu and COVID-19 tests with one-swab testing. 
  • OptumServe (State) test sites in Buena Park, Orange and Santa Ana offer free COVID-19 tests for symptomatic and asymptomatic essential workers and residents who think they may have been exposed to the virus. 
  • At-home saliva-based COVID-19 test kits were launched by HCA this week, in partnership with Ambry Genetics.

For a full list all available County testing options, please visit www.ochealthinfo.com/covidtest.
Everyone Needs to Get a Flu Shot
The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) urges everyone to get a flu shot because influenza and COVID-19 cases will both happen in the fall and winter months. Below are a few ways to get the flu shot:

Ask your doctor
If you have health insurance, you can get a flu shot from your medical provider. It is usually free. Ask your doctor about it.

Find a clinic
Click here for the list of local clinics offering the flu shot.

Go to a pharmacy
Visit the Health Map Vaccine Finder to find a pharmacy where you can get flu shots. Check with your health insurance to see if it’s covered.

Visit the HCA Flu Clinic
If you don’t have a doctor or health insurance, you can get a free flu shot from the HCA Flu Clinic by making an appointment at 1-800-914-4887.
The Public Health Services Family Health Clinic offers free flu shots at 1725 W. 17th Street in Santa Ana, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. (It is closed from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.) Appointments are required. To make an appointment, call 1-800-914-4887. Flu shots are subject to availability. The Flu Mist is not available at this location. Visit vaccinefinder.org for a location offering Flu Mist.

To learn about the similarities and differences between flu and COVID-19 click here.
Use of Temporary Structures for Outdoor
Business Operations
California’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy has set limitations on indoor operations related to the prevention of transmission of COVID-19.

The California Department of Public Health released guidance for the use of temporary structures for outdoor business operations. The guidance defines outdoor operations, such as those that are conducted under a tent, canopy, or other sun shelter; there are many details to determine whether outdoor operations will qualify. For detailed information, click here.
 
These requirements apply to a number of sectors including restaurants, bars, breweries, distilleries, gyms, fitness centers, museums, places of worship, family entertainment centers, and cardrooms due to features of the businesses and the behaviors that occur within them.
COVID-Friendly Connections with Senior Residents
Upcoming Webinar in the Community
CalOptima Community Alliances Forum
CalOptima Regulatory Alerts
Due to the rapidly changing situation surrounding COVID-19, CalOptima is posting a roundup of federal/state rules, guidance and news related to COVID-19. It will be updated frequently.
 
Below are the recent COVID-19 Regulatory Highlights:

  • CDPH SNF Conference Call Notification – Weekly COVID-19 Update Call Notes (posted 11/23/20)
  • CDPH LHD Conference Call Notification – Weekly COVID-19 Update Call Notes (posted 11/19/20)

Providers and other health care professionals with questions can contact CalOptima Provider Relations by phone at 714-246-8600 or email at providerservices@caloptima.org.
How to Contact CalOptima During the COVID-19 Pandemic
CalOptima Customer Service remains ready to respond to member needs. Members can call Customer Service from the safety of their home, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We have staff who speak their language.

  • Medi-Cal toll-free: 1-888-587-8088
  • OneCare Connect toll-free: 1-855-705-8823
  • OneCare toll-free: 1-877-412-2734
  • TTY 711
  • PACE: 1-714-468-1100; toll-free: 1-855-785-2584
  • PACE TTY: 1-714-468-1063

Our buildings are closed to members but we are continuing to serve our members through our Customer Service phone lines, as we adhere to guidelines to reduce the possibility of COVID-19 transmission.

CalOptima
505 City Parkway West
Orange, CA 92868
 
Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
13300 Garden Grove Blvd.
Garden Grove, CA 92843
 
County Community Service Center
Limited community partners are providing services on-site. CalOptima services are being provided remotely to ensure the safety of our members and employees.
15496 Magnolia Street, Suite 111
Westminster, CA 92610

For CalOptima specific updates on COVID-19, please visit our home page at www.caloptima.org.

National information can be found on the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC) website at www.coronavirus.gov and local information can be found at the Orange County Health Care Agency (OC HCA) website at www.occovid19.ochealthinfo.com.
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