Covid-19 Information - Sep - Nov 2020
- - Drive-Through Food and Toy Drive Set for Dec. 12
- - Some Library Services altered due to new COVID-19 restrictions
- - Applications for new Restaurant Outdoor Dining Grant Program available starting Nov. 20
- - Indoor gyms are closed per State’s most restrictive tier but outdoor activities remain open
- - County moves to most restrictive tier as COVID-19 cases surge
- - Avoid COVID-19 scammers
- - Help County prepare for future COVID-19 vaccine by taking this survey
- - Play it Safe as playgrounds reopen
- - Library Services Expanding October 6
- - City working to safely reopen recreation facilities October 5 under state and local COVID-19 guidelines
- - Save the date for Drive-Through Flu Shot Clinic on Nov. 6
- - This year’s Walk Against Drugs will be held virtually with student contest
- - Restaurants, movie theaters and places of worship can resume indoor operations at reduced capacity
- - City Council meetings following State mandate
- - New State legislation will protect tenants from eviction
- - New State Framework Provides Blueprint for OC Reopenings
- - Next Round of Grant Applications for Small Businesses
- - City sponsoring free Kids Factory Drop-In Distance Learning Program
- - Drive-Through Grocery Distribution Sept. 5
November 30, 2020
Drive-Through Food and Toy Drive Set for Dec. 12
The City of Mission Viejo is hosting a special Drive-Through Food and Toy Drive from 9-11 am on Saturday, December 12 to benefit members of our community and adopted Marine battalion.
The food drive will benefit South County Outreach, which works to prevent homelessness and hunger in the region. Because of COVID-19, the need for food pantry services has increased by 90 percent, and food inventory has decreased by 30 percent. Most-needed food items include oatmeal, pasta, hearty soups, cereal, dried beans, canned chicken, macaroni & cheese, canned beef stew; cereal, protein bars and dinner helpers.
New, unwrapped toys for all ages are also sought to make the holidays brighter for the City’s adopted Marines and their families.
With COVID-19 protocols in place, the Drive-Through event will allow folks to drive up, pop their trunks and City staff members will collect the items.
The Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center is at 24932 Veterans Way. For more information, contact RCS@cityofmissionviejo.org or 949-470-3043.
November 19, 2020
Some Library Services altered due to new COVID-19 restrictions
A surge in COVID-19 cases around the state forcing the County’s move to the purple tier has resulted in some changes for library services.
Beginning November 24, curbside pickup is available from noon to 5 pm Tuesday through Saturday. The Library will be open by appointment from noon to 8 pm Tuesday and Thursday and from noon to 5 pm on Saturday, closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Please use curbside service or make an appointment to pick up your holds. Due to the increased restrictions, no building entry is allowed without an appointment.
Library appointments will continue in accordance with state building capacity guidelines. To book an appointment, visit: https://cmvl.as.me/schedule.php If you have any questions about these changes, contact 949-830-7100, ext. 5105 or libreference@cityofmissionviejo.org.
| Sun | CLOSED |
| Mon | CLOSED |
| Tues |
noon - 5pm curbside noon - 8pm appointments |
| Wed | noon - 5pm curbside |
| Thurs |
noon - 5pm curbside noon - 8pm appointments |
| Fri | noon - 5pm curbside |
| Sat |
noon- 5pm curbside noon- 5pm appointments |
November 19, 2020
Applications for new Restaurant Outdoor Dining Grant Program available starting Nov. 20
In response to Orange County moving back to the most restrictive tier, the County is launching the OC Restaurant Outdoor Dining Grant Program to support local restaurants providing outdoor dining as required by the State’s COVID-19 purple tier guidelines.
The OC Restaurant Outdoor Dining Grant Program will award $1,000 grants to 1,000 eligible restaurants through CARES Act federal funding. These much-needed dollars are meant to help alleviate financial hardships local restaurants are facing due to additional restrictions.
Awardees must use the funding solely to purchase outdoor heaters/warmers, lighting or canopies and tents to provide for outdoor dining. Restaurants are required to submit an application on the County’s website to be considered for the grant funding. Eligible applications will be funded on a first-come, first-served basis, and incomplete applications will be automatically disqualified.
Due to the overwhelming response of previous County business grant programs, restaurants are strongly encouraged to review the program criteria and gather required documentation in advance, which can be found at this link.
Applications open at 9 am on Friday, November 20.
November 17, 2020
Indoor gyms are closed per State’s most restrictive tier but outdoor activities remain open
With the coronavirus forcing Orange County back into the purple tier – the most restrictive tier – the City’s gyms at the Montanoso and Sierra Recreation Centers are closed until further notice.
The indoor closure does not impact our outdoor amenities such as courts and pools. As the safety of our patrons and staff is paramount, we will continue to frequently clean amenities and encourage patrons to follow State and County social distancing guidelines as well as our City’s facility use guidelines.
See facility schedules at these links:
November 16, 2020
County moves to most restrictive tier as COVID-19 cases surge
With a surge in COVID-19 cases around the state, Orange County has moved to the Purple Tier.
With Orange County back in the most restrictive tier, shopping centers will have to reduce capacity to 25%. Museums, zoos, places of worship, movie theaters and fitness centers in Orange County, which had been allowed to open indoors at one-quarter capacity, will now have to operate outdoors only again. Impacted industries and activities in Orange County will have 24 hours in which to comply with this action and make necessary modifications.
See the County's full press release, the Governor’s press release and find the status of other activities in the county.
November 10, 2020
Avoid COVID-19 scammers
With the coronavirus running rampant throughout the world, crooks are using the pandemic to scam innocent people. Be sure you take the proper precautions to avoid being scammed. Here are some tips that can help.
- Learn how to tell the difference between a real contact tracer and a scammer. Legitimate tracers need health information, not money or personal financial information.
- Don’t respond to texts, emails or calls about checks from the government. Here’s what you need to know.
- Ignore offers for vaccinations and home test kits. Scammers are selling products to treat or prevent COVID-19 without proof that they work.
- Be wary of ads for test kits. Most test kits being advertised have not been approved by the FDA and aren’t necessarily accurate.
- Hang up on robocalls. Scammers are using illegal robocalls to pitch everything from low-priced health insurance to work-at-home schemes.
- Watch for emails claiming to be from the CDC or WHO. Use sites like coronavirus.gov and www.cdc.gov to get the latest information. Never click on links from sources you don’t know.
- Always do your homework when it comes to donations. Never donate in cash, by gift card or by wiring money.
October 20, 2020
Help County prepare for future COVID-19 vaccine by taking this survey
In preparation for a future COVID-19 vaccine, the Orange County Health Care Agency is conducting a brief survey to gauge community input. The results of the online survey, which is available in multiple languages, will help the Health Care Agency better plan for distributing the vaccine when it becomes available.
October 1, 2020
Play it Safe as playgrounds reopen
The City of Mission Viejo is in the process of reopening its playgrounds after the California Department of Public Health issued new directives for playground use.
In order to use the playgrounds, visitors must always comply with certain requirements such as wearing a mask (age 2 and older); maintaining physical distance; abstaining from bringing food or drinks; and planning your visits at the park to avoid crowds.
You can find the detailed information and requirements from the State at this link.
September 28, 2020
Library Services Expanding October 6
The Mission Viejo Library is reopening to the public by appointment on Tuesday, October 6. Patrons can make a reservation at https://cmvl.as.me one week in advance. Reservations are good for an hour, and a single reservation can include a family unit.
Patrons with appointments can obtain library cards, pick-up holds, browse the collection, check out new materials, get reference help and retrieve remote printing. Other services – including use of the study room, public computers as well as seating – will be phased in later in accordance with State COVID-19 guidelines.
Service days and hours will also expand on October 6 to the following:
Tuesday Noon - 8 pm open by appointment only
Wednesday Noon - 5 pm curbside service only
Thursday Noon - 8 pm open by appointment only
Friday Noon - 5 pm curbside service only
Saturday Noon - 5 pm open by appointment only
With the reopening plans, please note that curbside service will ONLY be offered on Wednesday and Friday.
Masks and social distancing will be required while in the library. If you need an accommodation, contact 949-830-7100, ext. 5105 before your appointment time, so we can better serve you. We are excited to safely bring back our patrons to the library! For more information, email libreference@cityofmissionviejo.org.
September 24, 2020
City working to safely reopen recreation facilities October 5 under state and local COVID-19 guidelines
The City’s Montanoso and Sierra Recreation Centers are gearing up to reopen to the public on October 5 in accordance with the recently issued state guidelines.
The City of Mission Viejo continues to follow evolving state and local guidelines under the statewide emergency order and has been proactively modifying reopening plans to comply with the new guidelines to ensure patrons remain safe. In anticipation of the October 5 reopening date, the City updated its custodial agreements, staffing schedules and safety measures to welcome members back.
The facilities will reopen with COVID-19 procedures and modified operating hours listed at this link. Along with the modified hours, the gyms will close periodically during the day for additional equipment cleaning on top of the increased sanitizing that City staff will conduct each hour.
“With Orange County’s move into the red tier giving us the opportunity to reopen our recreation facilities with proper COVID-19 procedures and safety measures in place, we are excited about our members returning and complementing their health, wellness and fitness goals,†said Recreation and Community Services Director Mark Nix.
September 10, 2020
Save the date for Drive-Through Flu Shot Clinic on Nov. 6
The City of Mission Viejo will host a Drive-Through Flu Shot Clinic in the parking lot of the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center on Friday, November 6.
While supplies last, the vaccine from the Orange County Health Care Agency will be available to folks 18 and older from 10 am to 2 pm. Participants will be required to wear a face mask.
The flu shots are free, but donations are welcome to benefit the City’s senior services. Mission Hospital is sponsoring the event along with Monarch Health Care and MemorialCare.
For more information, call 949-470-3062.
September 9, 2020
This year’s Walk Against Drugs will be held virtually with student contest
With current health directives and to keep our community safe during the pandemic, this year’s Walk Against Drugs will be held virtually on Saturday, October 17 at 8 a.m. – with a contest designed to help students be more successful in school. The annual Walk Against Drugs is a collaboration of local businesses, school districts, the City of Mission Viejo and Orange County Sheriff’s Department.
Contest prizes include school supplies and equipment to assist with distance learning. Any Mission Viejo student (K-12) can participate by submitting a photo of him or her holding a drawing or message depicting making healthy choices and staying drug, alcohol and tobacco free. Each grade category will have first though fourth-place winners. First-place winners will receive an iPad or Chromebook; second-place winners will receive a headset; with third and fourth-place winners receiving gift cards for school supplies.
Criteria for students submitting images:
- The student contest runs from 8 am Thursday, September 10 to 8 am Monday, September 21.
- All Mission Viejo students (K-12) can participate by submitting a photo of them holding a drawing or message on how they make healthy choices and stay drug, alcohol and tobacco free. They should wear red to display their Red Ribbon spirit, be creative and have a parent’s permission to enter. Think of your commitment to making healthy choices and how you can pledge to continue a healthful lifestyle.
- Students can enter by visiting https://cityofmissionviejo.org/walk-against-drugs-2020
- Must agree to terms and conditions on website form.
The winners will be contacted by Mission Viejo Police Services to coordinate the delivery of prizes.
For more information, contact 949-470-8433 or crimeprevention@cityofmissionviejo.org.
September 8, 2020
Restaurants, movie theaters and places of worship can resume indoor operations at reduced capacity
The County of Orange today moved from the Purple Tier to the Red Tier as a part of Governor Newsom’s Blue Print for a Safer Economy – allowing certain business sectors to reopen immediately and businesses to expand their operations with certain restrictions.
Here is a list of some activities and businesses now reopened and/or expanded today:
- May reopen for indoor dining with modifications
- Capacity must be limited to 25 percent or 100 people, whichever is less
- Must close every night by 10 pm
- Can reopen indoors with modifications
- Indoor activities must be limited to 25 percent of capacity or 100 people, whichever is less
- Can reopen with modifications
- Indoor capacity must be limited to 50 percent for shopping malls, destination shopping centers, and swap meets
- Common areas are closed
- Reduced capacity shopping center food courts (see Restaurants guidelines for more details)
- May reopen with modifications
- Retail capacity must be limited to 50 percent
- May reopen indoors with modifications
Personal Care Services (nail salons, body waxing, tattoo parlors, piercing studios, skin care & cosmetology, and massage services)
- Can reopen indoors with modifications
- May reopen indoors with modifications
- Capacity must be limited to 10 percent
- May reopen with modifications
- Capacity must be limited to 25 percent or 100 people, whichever is less
- May reopen outdoor only with modifications for activities such as go-kart racing, mini golf, and batting cages
- Can be open outdoors only with modifications
- May reopen indoors with modifications
- Indoor activities must be limited to 25 percent of capacity
For more information and the latest status, search for a business or activity by visiting https://covid19.ca.gov/safer-economy.
September 3, 2020
City Council meetings following State mandate
With the Governor's mandate of keeping public buildings closed and Orange County's “purple tier†(worst) designation for COVID-19, the City of Mission Viejo will continue hosting City Council meetings virtually.
Holding the meetings virtually follows State mandates and is out of an abundance of caution and concern for public health and safety.
The meetings will resume in-person when the Governor’s mandate is lifted and all COVID-19 safety protocols are in place.
The next City Council meeting begins at 6 pm on September 8. Visit this link for more information and to tune in. The meetings are also broadcast live on Mission Viejo Television, available in the City on COX Channel 30 and AT&T U-verse Channel 99.
September 3, 2020
New State legislation will protect tenants from eviction
New State legislation will protect tenants across California from eviction and property owners from foreclosure due to the economic impacts of COVID-19.
Gov. Gavin Newsom on August 28 signed the legislation, which protects tenants from eviction (before Feb. 1, 2021) for non-payment of rent due to a coronavirus-related hardship occurring between March 4 – August 31. For such hardship accruing between September 1 and January 31, 2021, tenants must also pay at least 25 percent of the rent due to avoid eviction.
Tenants are still responsible for paying unpaid amounts to landlords, but those unpaid amounts can’t be the basis for an eviction. Landlords may begin to recover this debt on March 1, 2021. Landlords who do not follow the court evictions process will face increased penalties under the act.
To help rental owners comply with the numerous regulations included in the legislation, the California Apartment Association (CAA) launched a comprehensive website with numerous online resources to aid rental owners in navigating this new law. The website includes:
- Video overview of the bill
- Executive summary of the bill
- Comprehensive overview of the bill
- Different forms, notices, and agreements landlords need to use to comply with the bill
- Information on the income-eligibility provisions in the bill
For more information, visit the CAA website.
September 3, 2020
New State Framework Provides Blueprint for OC Reopenings
A new blueprint for business sector reopening was unveiled by Governor Gavin Newsom on August 28, which includes a color-coded tiered system that will use two metrics to measure the novel coronavirus: recent case rates and what share of tests are coming back positive. Along with the tiers, Gov. Newsom announced that hair salons and barbers could reopen to a limited 25 percent capacity in Orange County.
The tiers are designated by four colors: purple (widespread), red (substantial), orange (moderate) and yellow (minimal with the lowest restrictions). Orange County is currently in a blended purple/red tier. If trends hold, the County could soon bump down to the red tier.
The State’s Department of Public Health also changed its COVID-19 math. Now, case rates are tracked as averages of new cases per 100,000 residents over one week with a seven-day lag. The positivity rate is meant to provide an illustration of the numbers, independent of how many tests are administered. The new pandemic math is not just based on the number of tests but the percentage of people who test positive.
Counties must remain at each tier for a minimum of 21 days. The State’s new website, COVID19.ca.gov, will track the metrics, show an interactive map and list business sectors open by each county.
Businesses and residents can visit covid19.ca.gov/safer-economy/ to search by business or activity type to check current operational status.
September 2, 2020
Next Round of Grant Applications for Small Businesses
Small businesses facing immediate financial pressure during the pandemic can apply for LISC Small Business Relief Grants. The Round 6 application period is now open. Click here to apply. Applications are due before 9 pm on Monday, September 7.
Before completing the application, businesses should review the Grant Information and FAQ.
Please keep the following in mind:
- For business owners with multiple businesses, answer the survey based on your largest business.
- Each awardee is limited to one grant.
- Funding will be granted to qualified businesses and based on accurate and complete submission and verification of required documentation.
For more information, email smallbusinessgrants@lisc.org.
September 2, 2020
City sponsoring free Kids Factory Drop-In Distance Learning Program
To help our community during the pandemic, the City of Mission Viejo is sponsoring a free distance learning center for students on the Orchard Terrace outside of the Norman P. Murray Community Center.
The Kids Factory drop-in distance learning support program is designed for elementary school children in grades 1-6 in the Saddleback Valley and Capistrano Unified School Districts. The program provides students with the opportunity to access WIFI for distance learning in a supervised, outdoor environment while adhering to social distancing requirements.
Four sessions are available – Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8-11 am and 1-4 pm; and Tuesday and Thursday from 8-11 am or 1-4 pm. Participants must enroll online before attending and bring all necessary distance learning materials, fully charged equipment and snacks. SVUSD staff can provide basic technology support and assistance, which is not meant to replace the classroom teacher.
Registration is weekly and limited to one session per participant.
For more information, contact 949-460-2777 or communityservices@svusd.org.
September 1, 2020
Drive-Through Grocery Distribution Sept. 5
Fresh produce, dairy products, bread, protein and canned goods will be available to families in needs during a special Drive-Through Grocery Distribution from 9-11 am Saturday, September 5 at Newhart Middle School.
Saddleback Church and the City of Mission Viejo are teaming up to help keep local families stay healthy. Residents can drive through or walk through with a wagon, stroller or cart that will be filled up.
Newhart Middle School is located at 25001 Veterans Way. For more information, visit saddleback.com/getfood.
Additional COVID-19 information available here:
COVID-19 video messages are posted on YouTube.