August 27, 2020
Correction: On August 26 in a story about the County of Orange adding a second testing supersite, we erroneously reported who can be tested. Testing is for people who live in Orange County, not work in Orange County. CalOptima regrets the error.
County of Orange Adds Second Testing Supersite

Starting on Wednesday, August 26, Orange County will open a second drive-thru supersite that will operate Monday through Friday from 7 a.m.–3 p.m. at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa.
 
Testing is available to people who live in Orange County at no-cost. To be tested, you must meet Public Health priorities for testing and cannot get a test through your medical provider or doctor. 
 
  • People with symptoms
  • Close contacts with people known to have COVID-19
  • Health care workers, first responders
  • Residents and employees of congregate living facilities
  • Essential workers (grocery store, food supply, utility workers, public employees and teachers)

Appointments are required. Questions can be directed to 360 Clinic representatives at 800-446-8888. For more details about testing as well as other testing sites across Orange County visit the OC Health Care Agency Testing Network.
Orange County Removed from State’s Monitoring List
On Sunday, August 23 Orange County was removed from the state’s coronavirus watchlist. The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) added a countdown clock to the data dashboard so the public can track how many days the County has been off the monitoring list.

Once Orange County has been off of the monitoring list for 14 consecutive days, schools can begin to re-open, all in-person instruction can resume and, with the approval from state health officials, additional businesses can re-open.
On August 19, the Department of Public Health notified the OC Health Care Agency (HCA) the first batch of elementary school waivers were approved, allowing the schools to resume in-person instruction. To learn more about a school waiver process click here and for a school’s waiver approval status click here. 
Returning to the Dentist During COVID-19
Medi-Cal dentists are ready to provide dental care.

Please call your dentist to schedule a visit if you need:

  • Any dental care (regular check ups and cleaning
  • Stopped the care you need
  • Have a dental emergency.
If you cannot reach your dentist or they are closed, call the Medi-Cal Dental Telephone Service Center at 1-800-322-6384 or TTY 1-800-735-2922 to get help finding a dentist. The Telephone Service Center is open between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

For more information visit https://smilecalifornia.org/
Positive Vibes Campaign
The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) launched a new public service campaign designed to save lives by spreading positive vibes throughout the community instead of spreading COVID-19. OC HCA is sponsoring KFI-AM 640’s Gary and Shannon Show at 11:50 a.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays to spread positive vibes.

Gary and Shannon will interview local celebrities who represent different parts of OC culture that people know and love, to spread life-saving messages about basic COVID-19 safety in a positive, feel-good way. Interviews will start on August 24. For the full radio schedule visit the OC HCA’s Spread Positive Vibes webpage.
COVID-19: Slow the Spread
Orange County Counts: 2020 Census
Respond to the 2020 Census today to help make sure your community does not miss out on funding and representation for the next 10 years. Learn more and complete your form at 2020CENSUS.GOV. 
Find Grants Offered by California State Agencies
The California Grants Portal (a project by the California State Library) is a single destination to find all grants and loans offered on a competitive or first-come basis by California state agencies. For a list of frequently asked questions click here.
California Drug Take-Back Program
To help safely dispose of medicines that are unused, unneeded or expired there will be more than 300 locations participating in California’s Drug Take-Back Program. Collection bins will be located at Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Pavilions and other pharmacies. Click here to find a bin.

To expand consumer access, partners include Albertsons, Inmar Intelligence, California Product Stewardship Council (CPSC) and the National Stewardship Action Council (NSAC). For a map of locations and frequently asked questions, visit www.takebackdrugs.org.
Protecting Your Pets During COVID-19 
There is a small risk that people with COVID-19 could spread the virus to animals. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that pet owners limit their pet’s interaction with people outside their household.

  • Keep cats indoors when possible and do not let them roam freely outside.
  • Walk dogs on a leash at least 6 feet away from others.
  • Avoid public places where a large number of people gather.
  • Do not put a mask on pets. Masks could harm your pet.

For a list of frequently asked questions about caring for pets during the pandemic, click here.
Get Emergency Notifications
Register for AlertOC notifications at www.AlertOC.org.
CalOptima Provider and Regulatory Alerts
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.
 
For Provider Alerts prior to August 8 and Regulatory Alerts prior to August 11 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.
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
Limited community partners are providing services on-site. CalOptima services are being provided remotely to ensure the safety of our members
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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