August 12, 2020
Social Services Agency Reduces Office Hours
The County of Orange Social Services Agency (SSA) public assistance operations will operate with modified office hours effective Monday, August 10, 2020. The Aliso Viejo, Anaheim, Garden Grove and Santa Ana Regional Centers will be open to the public Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to
1 p.m. The Cypress Regional Center (CRC) will be temporarily closed to the public until further notice. All other Social Services offices remain temporarily closed.

Go to SSA’s online portal or contact its Call Center to review existing case information, avoid long in-person wait times and help prevent the spread of illness.

  • Online at www.mybenefitscalwin.org for one application to apply for Medi-Cal, CalFresh, CalWORKS and General Relief
  • To apply only CalFresh benefits visit www.getcalfresh.org
  • To apply only Medi-Cal benefits visit www.coveredca.com
  • SSA’s Call Center is at 800-281-9799 and is open
  • Monday–Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. 
  • Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • To apply for In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) or for questions related to ongoing cases call 714-825-3000 or fax 714-825-3001 and is open
  • Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • If you suspect a child is at risk of abuse or neglect call the Child Abuse Reporting 24-hour hotline at 800-207-4464.
  • If you suspect a senior or dependent adult is at risk of abuse or neglect, call the Adult Protective Services 24-hour hotline at 800-451-5155.
State Releases Youth Sports Guidance
During COVID-19 Pandemic
The California Department of Public Health released guidance for youth sports activities, including school-based, club and recreational programs, to re-open during the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
All youth sports and physical education in Orange County must follow state guidance of physical distancing and safety protocols. Youth sports and physical education will be permitted only when the physical distancing of at least six feet can be maintained and a stable cohort such as a class is maintained. Activities should take place outside to the maximum extent practicable. Tournaments, events and competitions or any outdoor or indoor youth sports activities requiring close contact are not yet permitted under the state’s guidance.

Click here for the guidance document.
Distance Learning FAQs
The California Department of Education has released a new online resource for schools and districts with frequently asked questions (FAQs) about distance learning. The state says districts have flexibility to select the model that best fits their campuses and circumstances. The resource also has information on student absences, personal protective equipment, school meals, services for English learners and non-classroom-based charter schools.
OC Public Libraries Will Offer 10 Scholarships to Earn Online High School Diploma
OC Public Libraries will award up to 10 scholarships to qualified learners to earn an accredited high school diploma and a credentialed career certificate through the Career Online High School (COHS). COHS is part of an accredited, private online school district specifically designed to reengage adults into the education system and prepare them for entry into post-secondary career education or the workforce.

To be considered for the program, applicants must:

  • Be an adult aged 19 or over
  • Be a resident of Orange County
  • Have an OC Libraries account in good standing

Many students are able to graduate in as few as four to six months by transferring previously earned high school credits. For more details about the Career Online High School Program click here.
County Launches SafeDineOC Campaign for
Local Restaurants
To support local restaurants in preventing the spread of COVID-19, restaurants can apply for a $1,000 grant to cover masks, employee training, site reconfiguration, cleaning supplies and more. The SafeDineOC campaign is sponsored by the County of Orange and managed by the Orange County Business Council (OCBC).

The OCBC will handle intake and approval of all restaurant applications as well as disbursement of the $1,000 grants to restaurant owners. Learn more at SafeDineOC.com.
Keep Your Pets Safe 
CalOptima Regulatory Alert
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 HCF Conference Call Notification – Weekly COVID-19 Update Call Notes (posted 7/29/20)

For Regulatory highlights prior to July 29, 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  [email protected].
CalOptima Provider Alert
Below is the recent Provider Alert:

  • Orange County COVID-19 Testing Sites Available to CCN Providers (posted 8/6/20)

For Provider updates prior to August 6, 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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