November 18, 2020
COVID-19 County of Orange and Tier Status Update
As of November 16, under order of Governor Newsom and the California Department of Public Health, the County of Orange was moved into the Purple Tier, the state’s most restrictive tier. The state made this directive to address the significant increase in the number of lab confirmed COVID-19 cases and protect the state’s health care system. Impacted industries and activities in Orange County will have 24 hours in which to comply with this action and make necessary modifications.

The Blueprint for a Safer Economy for business sectors re-opening was unveiled by Governor Newsom on August 28, 2020, which includes a color-coded, tiered system that uses three metrics to measure COVID-19 infections: spread rate, test positivity percentage and a health equality metric.

To read the state’s press release click here. To read the County's press release click here.
California, Oregon and Washington
Issue Travel Advisories
As COVID-19 cases continue to increase across the country, California Governor Gavin Newsom issued a travel advisory to help slow the spread of the virus.

Travel advisory for non-essential travel

  • Persons arriving in California from other states or countries, including returning California residents, should practice self-quarantine for 14 days after arrival. These persons should limit their interactions to their immediate household. This recommendation does not apply to individuals who cross state or country borders for essential travel.
 
  • Californians are encouraged to stay home or in their region and avoid non-essential travel to other states or countries. Avoiding travel can reduce the risk of virus transmission and bringing the virus back to California.
State Board of Education Approves
Shorter Standardized Tests
On November 6, the California State Board of Education unanimously voted to adopt a shortened version of the Smarter Balanced standardized tests in English language arts and mathematics, creating a path for collecting critical student data amidst COVID-19 uncertainties.

The shorter assessments will reduce student testing time, which now takes from seven to eight hours in total. Guidance regarding test administration will include flexible options to meet the unique contexts of each district or school.
The tests will cover all academic standards, which describe what students should know and be able to do at each grade level. Spring testing will provide the first statewide snapshot of the impact of COVID-19 on student learning.

Click here to read the full news release.
COVID-Friendly Connections with Senior Residents
A Deeper Look at Community Needs
According to 211OC Data
211OC published a comprehensive report to share the economic impact COVID-19 has had on the community during the global pandemic. Click here to download the Community Needs 6 Month COVID-19 report.
Orange County Bikeways Map 
To help keep riders safe and informed, OCTA recently updated its comprehensive OC Bikeways Map.

Prepared in collaboration with many of the cities depicted, the map clearly indicates the four classes of bikeways as well as their elevations. Such information makes it easy for cyclists to decide what challenges they want to tackle during their outings.

In addition, the map includes useful safety tips and advice for taking bikes on Metrolink trains and OC buses. To access safety tips and advice relevant to COVID-19 safety guidelines for riding the bus click here.
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 News Release: State Officials Announce Latest COVID-19 Facts (posted 11/12/20 through 11/5/20)
  • CDPH LHD Conference Call Notification – Weekly COVID-19 Update Call Notes (posted 11/12/20)
  • CDPH SNF Conference Call Notification — Weekly COVID-19 Update Call Notes (posted 11/9/20)

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: 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 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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