COVID-19 NEWS
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County strengthens public safety orders New restrictions for gatherings and essential businesses by Kimberly Rivers
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kimberly@vcreporter.com
n April 9, Ventura County Public Health Officer Robert Levin issued an order adding new requirements to orders previously issued in March aimed at protecting public health amidst the novel coronavirus pandemic. The order was in effect when issued and is effective until April 19, unless rescinded or extended by Levin. “We cannot underestimate COVID-19, a virus that knows no boundaries, infects people of all ages, and can cause significant illness and death, particularly among people who are elderly or who have underlying serious health conditions,” said Dr. Levin in a written statement issued with the order. “The Stay Well At Home Order has
been updated to further help save lives and protect our community.”
New restrictions for gatherings The order clarifies that “All gatherings are prohibited.” A gathering is defined as “public and private gatherings of two or more persons” who live in different homes. Gatherings larger than two people are only allowed “for the limited purposes of operating an essential business or to perform essential governmental functions or services.” The order allows “no more than seven people” who are “staff of organizations or associations” to “gather for the sole purpose of preparing and facilitating live-stream.” The order clarifies that members of larger families or households are “permitted to engage in essential
travel or essential activities together.” In the event of graveside funeral services, “gatherings of 10 or fewer persons are permitted.”
Long-term care facilities The public health order states that “Seniors confined together in a Long-Term Care Facility are at particular risk. An outbreak there might result in numerous deaths.” For that reason Levin advises that COVID19 positive patients at long term care facilities be moved to hospitals.
Instructions for essential businesses The order also requires that all essential businesses prepare and by April 12 post near the entrance a
“Social Distancing Protocol” for all locations where employees or the public will visit. The protocol must be easily visible and provided to all employees. Evidence of implementation must be provided to any enforcement agency “upon demand.” The protocol must include plans for how the number of people entering, waiting in line and working will maintain a minimum six-foot distance from others and how the business will provide means to sanitize hands in appropriate place. Businesses must ensure that employees who have a cough or fever are not to come to work or enter the business. Other restrictions for essential businesses include: • Bicycle repair and supply shops may only sell bicycles online when “all bicycles are delivered to a place of residence or essential business.”
COVID News and Updates by Kimberly Rivers kimberly@vcreporter.com
Insurance companies ordered to refund premiums
On April 13, California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara issued orders that require insurance companies, including those providing personal auto insurance, to issue appropriate refunds of premiums for March and April if the insured driver was impacted by the stay at home orders. “With Californians driving fewer miles and many businesses closed due to the COVID-19 emergency, consumers need relief from premiums that no longer reflect their present-day risk of accident or loss,” said Lara. “Today’s mandatory action will put money back in people’s pockets when they need it most.” The order will extend through May if shelter in place orders continue. A separate order extends insurance coverage for those with expired driver’s licenses and vehicle registration. Insurance types included in the order are: private passenger automobile, commercial automobile, workers compensation, commercial multi-peril, commercial liability and medical malpractice. The order also states that it includes “any other 6— — April 16, 2020
insurance where the risk of loss has fallen,” due to the pandemic. Insurance companies must “provide a premium credit, reduction, return of premium,” or other appropriate adjustment “as soon as possible” and no later than August 2020. Lara has previously requested a 60-day grace period to avoid cancellations of policies due to nonpayment. View the order online at www. insurance.ca.gov/0400-news/0100press-releases/2020/upload/ nr038AutoPremiumRefundsCOVID04132020.pdf.
County’s first blood plasma donation
On April 8, Dwight Everett of Camarillo became the first “convalescent plasma” donor in the county. He thinks he caught the novel coronavirus while on a cruise ship, he tested positive, then received and tested negative for the virus on March 14. “Individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 may have immune-boosting antibodies in their plasma; that plasma — called ‘convalescent plasma — could be used to treat critically ill COVID19 patients,” explained Dr. Lynn Jeffers, chief medical officer at St. John’s Pleasant Valley Hospital. Everett’s plasma was used to treat a patient at SJPV.
The plasma donation took place at the Ventura office of Vitalant, a nonprofit network of blood donation locations. Vitalant is working across Ventura County with multiple hospitals to identify qualified donors and collect plasma to treat COVID-19 patients. All donors must be evaluated and cleared by a physician. For information on registering to donate plasma visit: www.vcemergency. com/donate/plasma.
One-stop 211 service All Ventura County residents can dial 2-1-1 to be connected to a wide array of services and information. Many resources are available, from financial assistance to meal deliveries for homebound seniors to help for those at risk from domestic violence. 211 Ventura County is part of Interface Children and Family Services. Since March 5, there have been over 15,182 calls fielded by the service. Another 33,274 people were connected to resources through the organization’s texting program. “Besides our staff, we have over 50 volunteers assisting now, including 30 employees of Boys and Girls Club from three clubs closed due to COVID-19,” said Erik Sternad, executive director of Interface. Calls range from people having anxiety about the virus, seniors needing food, people losing jobs
and complaints from renters about landlords seeking early rent payments. People who call are connected to resources which include “telemedicine” services, including mental health support. Domestic violence help, human trafficking prevention and youth crisis services are all continuing through both virtual help and the shelters operated by Interface, which are still open. Direct numbers for specific help and support: 24-hour Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-800636-6738 24-hour Youth or Housing Crisis Hotline: 805-469-5882 Mental Health Intake Line (Mon-Fri. 8am-5pm): 805-485-6114 ext. 662
Crisis calls increase Oxnard-based Coalition for Family Harmony reports a 10 to 15 percent increase in calls to its hotline for victims of domestic abuse and violence since stay-at-home orders were issued. “Financial and emotional stresses are taking a toll. Victims are calling our hotline, fearful about staying in their home with an abuser but also worried about leaving and possibly being exposed to COVID-19,” says Dr. Caroline Prijatel-Sutton, Coalition For Family Harmony executive director. “They are in desperate sit-
• Residential real estate services, including renting, leasing and home sales, may engage in activities “provided that appointments and other residential viewings must only occur virtually.” If virtual viewing is not possible, it must be “by appointment with no more than two visitors at a time, both of whom must” live together, joined by the agent/owner showing the unit. “In-person visits are not allowed when the occupant is present in the residence.” • Auto sellers may only sell online “provided that all vehicles are delivered to a place of residence or essential business.” Read the entire order online, access the business protocol form and view the guidance for long term care facilities at: www.vcemergency.com/ newsroom.
uations.” The Coalition offers individual and group counseling sessions, operates a 24/7 bilingual hotline (800300-2181) and can help develop a plan to exit a dangerous situation. When that is not possible, it will also offer plans on how to be safe, and how to call the police if needed. Call 805-983-6014 for questions regarding services or visit www. TheCoalition.org
Ojai Valley School donates food
Ojai Valley School, a private school, has donated food from the OVS kitchen to HELP of Ojai, a nonprofit organization supporting seniors and others in need in the Ojai Valley. The food will be part of HELP of Ojai’s program delivering 180 meals each day to seniors who are unable to get to grocery stores, or for whom it is unsafe to do so.
County accepting waivers for property tax payments Beginning April 11, Steven Hintz, Ventura County Treasurer-Tax Collector, will be accepting waiver applications for “late-payment penalties and fees” for the second payment of 2019-20 secured property tax bills.
