July 8, 2020
State Closed Several Business Sectors in Orange County
On July 1, the California Department of Public Health required counties on the County Monitoring List for three consecutive days or more to close indoor operations — while allowing outdoor operations with appropriate modifications, including physical distancing and face coverings — for the following sectors:

  • Dine-in restaurants
  • Wineries and tasting rooms
  • Movie theaters
  • Family entertainment centers
  • Zoos and museums
  • Cardrooms

All industry or sector guidance documents that have been issued to date, including all infectious control measures outlined in those guidance documents, apply in outdoor settings, and must be adhered to. 

In addition, all brewpubs, breweries, bars, and pubs must close indoor and outdoor operations in those counties. 

Orange County was on the monitoring list for at least 3 consecutive days and on July 3, the County of Orange issued an order consistent with the state guidance. The closures will remain in effect until at least July 22 and may be extended further by the County Health Officer. It does not apply to outdoor or pick-up operations of the above sectors, as long as the business operates in accordance with its respective industry or sector guidance, including physical distancing and face coverings.

The County’s order does not authorize the reopening of concert, performance or entertainment venues.

For more details about the State’s guidance, click here . To read the amended health orders by the County Health Officer, click here .
'Could it be COVID'
Orange County residents with COVID-19 symptoms such as cough, difficulty breathing, fever, chills and more, can receive  free COVID-19 testing in OC . Recent county statistics indicate  39% of people testing positive for the disease are Hispanic, 43% are multiple races or unknown,17% are white and 8% are Asian.

How does an OC resident schedule a test within the network?

  1. If a resident has COVID-19 symptoms — fever, cough, shortness of breath, among other possible symptoms as identified by the CDC — they should call their medical provider first.
  2. If the resident does not have a medical provider or their medical provider is unable to provide testing, they can call the nearest Testing Network found at ochealthinfo.com/covidtest or by calling the HCA’s Health Referral line at 800‑564‑8448.
  3. Residents MUST make an appointment for testing with one of the clinics listed on the website to assure that they are eligible and that the test is available at that site. The county, like jurisdictions nationwide, is still facing challenges in obtaining testing supplies and personal protection equipment.
  4. The resident will receive a medical assessment before being tested and will be tested if they have symptoms of the disease.
  5. There is no out-of-pocket cost. If they have insurance, it may be billed but they will not have any copay. If they do not have insurance, there is no charge.

To learn more or to make an appointment, call 800‑564‑8448 or visit  www.ochealthinfo.com/covidtest . Click  here   for a list of testing sites.
Job Seekers Can Borrow Loaner Laptops and Hot Spots Through the County
Laptops and hot spots can be borrowed for free by job seekers at the Orange County (OC) One-Stop Center in Garden Grove. The County of Orange Community Investment Division has 25 laptops and hotspots to increase Orange County residents’ access to workforce development programs and services offered during this critical period.

To borrow a laptop and hotspot, job seekers can contact the OC Economic and Business Recovery Call Center at 714-480-6500 and complete a phone application. For more information about the loaner laptops click here .
July 31 Is New Deadline for County of Orange District 1 Small Business Relief
Businesses and non-profits located within Orange County’s District 1 that have been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic are encouraged to apply for a grant of up to $10,000 from the County of Orange. The new deadline to apply is Friday, July 31.

Click  here  to learn about the application process.
DHCS Launched Medi-Nurse Advice Line
California has made medically necessary COVID-19 testing ​FREE in California, even for people who do not have insurance, regardless of documentation status.​ The Medi-Nurse line number is 877-409-9052. Click here for details.
DHCS Announces Funding Opportunities for Behavioral Health Telehealth Infrastructure Improvement Activities
The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) is using federal grant funding provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to support behavioral health telehealth infrastructure improvement activities due to the impact of COVID-19.
 
There are two individual funding opportunities:
  1. Substance Use Disorder Telehealth Activities
  2. Mental Health Telehealth Activities
 
Eligible organizations are those that provide direct treatment and recovery support services and must be a nonprofit substance use disorder and/or mental health provider licensed and/or certified by DHCS as of July 1, 2020 (for substance use disorder or mental health telehealth activities, depending on funding opportunity applied for).

This includes the following licenses and/or certifications:

  • Substance Use Disorder
  • Narcotic Treatment Program (NTP) License
  • Driving Under the Influence (DUI) License
  • Adult Residential Treatment Facilities
  • Alcohol and Drug Certification
  • Intensive Outpatient Certification
  • Partial Hospitalization Certification
  • Adolescent Residential Treatment Facility Certification
  • Drug Medi-Cal Certification

  • Mental Health
  • Psychiatric Health Facilities (PHFs)
  • Mental Health Rehabilitation Centers (MHRCs)
  • Crisis Stabilization Units (CSUs)
  • Outpatient Clinics
  • Short Term Residential Therapeutic Program (STRTP)
  • Children’s Crisis Residential Program (CCRP)
  • Social Rehabilitation Program (SRP)
  • Community Treatment Facility (CTF)
  • Skilled Nursing Facilities with Special Treatment (SNF/STP)

Entities must have a current contract with the County Behavioral Health Department and currently serve ‘safety net’ clients. Funding can only be used for provider telehealth development, enhancement and/or expansion.

The Center at Sierra Health Foundation will assist DHCS with the administration of these federal grant funds. Applications are due August 3, 2020, by 1 p.m. PDT. For details, visit the Center at Sierra Health Foundation’s website or email centergrants@shfcenter.org .
Communicating with Deaf and Hard of Hearing People
Communicating while wearing a face covering can be difficult for the deaf or hard of hearing. Take a moment to learn some tips that can help you and anyone you meet who faces these challenges. 
Contactless Pickup at Orange County Public Libraries
The Orange County Public Libraries (OCPL) continues contactless curbside pickup for library cardholders, Tuesday through Friday from Noon to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The OCPL is also offering virtual services which are available 24/7 by clicking here . 
Upcoming Webinars in the Community
Orange County Advocate & Beneficiary Virtual Resource Fair on July 28 at 10 a.m.
Understanding the COVID-19 Threat in Board & Care Homes on July 15 at 9:30 a.m.
CalOptima Regulatory Highlights
Due to the rapidly changing situation surrounding COVID-19, CalOptima is posting a round-up of federal/state rules, guidance and news related to COVID-19. It will be updated frequently, as we receive information from our regulatory agencies.
 
Below is the recent COVID-19 Regulatory Highlight:

  • CDPH News Release: California Calls on Laboratories to Speed Up Test Processing for Most At-Risk Groups (posted 7/6/20)
  • CMS Announces Plans to End the Blanket Waiver Requiring Nursing Homes to Submit Staffing Data (posted 6/26/20)

For Regulatory highlights prior to June 26, 2020, please visit the Providers section of our website at:  www.caloptima.org/en/Features/COVID-19/ProviderCommunication.aspx

Providers and other health care professionals with questions can contact the Provider Relations department by phone at 714-246-8600 or email at   providerservices@caloptima.org .
CalOptima Provider Alerts
Below is the recent Provider Alert:

  • Orange County COVID-19 Testing Sites Available To CCN Providers (posted 7/7/20)
  • CCN Prior Authorization Extension Due to COVID-19 (posted 7/2/20)

For Provider updates prior to July 2, 2020, please visit the Providers section of our website at:  www.caloptima.org/en/Features/COVID-19/ProviderCommunication.aspx
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 at 1-714-468-1100 or toll-free at 1-855-785-2584
  • PACE TTY users can call toll-free at 1-714-468-1063

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

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
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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