City releases latest information on COVID-19 - March 18
The Orange County Public Health Care Agency on March 17 issued an Emergency Public Health Order banning all public and private gatherings in Orange County effective through March 31 to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
City officials released a statement on March 18 to address several issues to help Fountain Valley residents and businesses understand what the health order covers.
First, officials said, the order is not a lockdown. In fact, it is important, officials said, for all Orange County businesses to remain open while practicing social distancing.
You can view the county Health Care Agency-issued health order at www.fountainvalley.org, as week as at www.ochealthinfo.com.
Regarding retail beverage service venues: Bars, wineries, breweries and pubs should be closed, except for venues that are currently authorized to provide the sale of beer and wine to be consumed off premises.
Restaurants/cafeterias: Restaurants should be closed for in-restaurant seated dining and should be open only to drive-thru or other pick-up/delivery options.
Grocery stores and charitable food distribution sites: City officials said the food distribution chain is critical to the public’s health. Grocery stores and charitable food distribution sites should remain fully open and operational.
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On March 17, the Fountain Valley City Council declared a Local Emergency. This declaration is a proactive administrative action that allows the city to promptly take the actions necessary to protect public health, safety and welfare within the city, and also allows for future reimbursement by the county, state and federal governments, officials said.
As a precaution to reduce community spread of coronavirus, the city has implemented temporary changes to city operations. City Hall and all city facilities are closed to the public through March 31. However, city operations will continue with available staff. City staff will continue to provide services by phone, email and through the web.
For questions about general city services, call (714) 593-4400 during regular business hours or visit www.fountainvalley.org.
The Fountain Valley Police Department will maintain essential public safety services, and residents are asked to contact the Police Department by phone at (714) 593-4485 and email at fvpdinfo@fountainvalley.org.
For general information about COVID-19, call the OC Health Care Agency’s Health Referral Line at (800) 564-8448, visit www.ochealthinfo.com/novelcoronavirus, or follow the HCA on Facebook (@ochealthinfo) and Twitter (@ochealth).
For questions regarding the county health orders, contact the County of Orange Public Information Hotline at (714) 628-7085. Officials ask that you do not call 9-1-1 unless it is an emergency.
The city is following guidance from federal, state and county authorities. Officials remind residents that the situation is fluid and subject to change.
