(Voice of OC)
All public and private gatherings in Orange County will be prohibited under an emergency health order county officials said they plan to issue later Tuesday to slow the spread of coronavirus.
Bars and in-person dining at restaurants also are soon expected close to customers until further notice, starting at a time that has not yet been announced. It appeared that take-out and delivery of food would be allowed to continue, and officials emphasized that grocery stores will continue to remain open as the virus spreads, because food is essential for the public.
The move is modeled on moves by seven Bay Area counties, whose orders went into effect at midnight after they were issued….
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The dramatic move to limit contact between people is intended to dramatically limit the spread of coronavirus, which health experts have warned could kill up to 2 million Americans if measures such as social distancing are not put into effect.
The order is slated to be issued later on Tuesday by Dr. Nichole Quick, the county’s health officer, who has support from top county officials in issuing the order.
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Several county supervisors, such as Supervisor Don Wagner, publicly questioned Tuesday morning whether Quick should issue such a health order, pointing to the concerns it will generate.
Wagner questioned Gov. Gavin Newsom’s recent direction, criticizing the state capital saying, “they make it up as they go along in Sacramento.”
Richard Sanchez, director of the Orange County’s public health agency, responded by emphasizing health officials know that key action now is essential to limiting community spread of the virus.
