On December 17, 2021, the OC Health Care Agency Reports the first Omicron COVID-19 variant case in Orange County. The adult male resident of Orange County is fully vaccinated and experienced mild illness. The illness occurred following domestic travel outside California. The OC Health Care Agency is following up on any close contacts.
Recommended precautions include:
- Getting your vaccine and booster shot: Residents who are not yet fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or are eligible for their booster dose should access the most convenient option available to them to get their shot. For more information on where to go for a vaccine, visit COVIDVaccinefacts.com and click on “Find a COVID-19 Vaccine”.
- Getting tested after returning from travel: Regardless of vaccination status, those returning from travel over the holidays are strongly encouraged to get a COVID test 3-5 days after travel. Self-collection, at-home COVID-19 test kits are being distributed to travelers at John Wayne Airport in Terminals A and C and are available at no cost by visiting www.ochealthinfo.com/covidtest.
- Wearing a mask: Slow the spread of COVID-19 by wearing a mask over your nose and mouth when you are indoors in public settings, in crowded outdoor settings, or in close contact with others who may not be unvaccinated or higher risk of getting sick with COVID-19 (such as the elderly, infants and immunocompromised). Masks are currently required to be worn in all indoor public settings, regardless of vaccine status.
- Adhere to all other COVID-19 safety precautions: Limit large and indoor gatherings, keep a safe distance from others who may be unvaccinated, wash and sanitize your hands often and thoroughly, regularly self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms and stay home if you are sick.
For more information on COVID-19 information and resources, including case counts, vaccination and testing in Orange County, visit ochealthinfo.com/covid.
State Updates Guidance on Indoor Masking, Testing for Mega Events and Testing Due to Travel
As of December 14, 2021 in response to rising cases and hospitalizations statewide due to COVID-19 and to slow the spread of the Delta and Omicron variants, the California Department of Public Health has issued the following updated guidance:
- Universal Indoor Masking: Masks are required to be worn in all indoor public settings, regardless of vaccine status, between December 15, 2021 through January 15, 2022.
- Testing for Mega Events: Individuals attending Mega Events (indoor crowds of 1,000 or more, or outdoor crowds of 10,000 or more) must provide proof of vaccination, a negative antigen test within one day of the event, or a negative PCR test within two days prior to entry into the event, facility or venue.
- Travel Advisory: All travelers arriving in and returning to California from other states or countries are recommended to test for COVID-19 3-5 days after arrival, regardless of vaccination status.
The indoor masking requirement will go into effect beginning December 15, 2021, and the State will make further recommendations after January 15, 2022.