With COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations breaking records – Orange County’s health officer appears to have grown frustrated by those who question the science behind public health guidelines -- and the pandemic itself.
The Board of Supervisors heard from dozens of residents who want them to end the local emergency and lift restrictions.
County Health Officer Dr. Clayton Chau made it very clear that the only thing that still works to help stop the spread of the virus is wearing masks and physical distancing. As for the pandemic itself he says, "We know why we have an increase in cases in this country. We are now surpassing 16 million people infected and over 300,000 people who have died from this virus. That is a fact. That number is not fake and the reason why we have an increase in cases is people are gathering and not following public health guidance," he says.
County officials pointed out that ending the local emergency would not change the fact that there remains one in effect statewide and any restrictions tied to it must be followed.
Meanwhile, Orange County is set to get its first shipment of the COVID-19 vaccine Wednesday.
