COVID-19 Information - July 2020
- 07-31-20 - County announces round 2 of funding to support small businesses impacted by COVID-19
- 07-30-20 - City assisting businesses, restaurants during pandemic and other news
- 07-28-20 - Back-to-School Supply Drive will help Mission Viejo elementary schools
- 07-21-20 - New State guidelines for personal care services
- 07-20-20 - Photographs characterizing impact of pandemic sought for Local History Archive
- - Schools required to return in the fall 100 percent online
- - Artist and students offering free graphic design support for local businesses
- 07-15-20 - COVID-19 Testing at Super Site now available
- 07-13-20 - Governor orders more closures as COVID-19 cases spike
- 07-08-20 - Small Business Relief Program Extended to July 19
- 07-07-20 - With COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations on the rise, Council and Committee meetings will continue to be held virtually
- 07-02-20 - COVID-19 Diaper Drive-Through to help families in need July 11 and 25
- - Fireworks show canceled in Mission Viejo per Governor’s recommendation
- - Bars, indoor operations at restaurants ordered closed
July 31, 2020
County announces round 2 of funding to support small businesses impacted by COVID-19
In partnership with the Orange County Workforce Development Board (OCWDB), the County of Orange is launching the second round of funding for the OCWDB COVID-19 Layoff Aversion Support Program.
Through the OCWDB COVID-19 Layoff Aversion Support Program, eligible businesses can receive up to $10,000 in grant funds. This funding is intended to help local small businesses mitigate layoffs and adhere to “social distancing” provisions established by state and federal public health entities.
The first round originally announced in May awarded about $444,000 of the $700,000 in Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds received from the California Employment Development Division (EDD), leaving OCWDB approximately $256,000 to award in this upcoming second round to support local small businesses impacted by COVID-19.
Businesses must submit an application on the Orange County Workforce Solutions website at ocworkforcesolutions.com to be considered for the grant funding. Eligible applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis until all available funds have been committed.
Due to the overwhelming response to the first round of funding, businesses are strongly encouraged to review the application requirements and process in advance. Applications open at 9 am August 3 and close on August 6 at 5 pm or when the maximum number of applications are received, whichever comes first. First-round funding was allocated within an hour of the application going live, and a similar level of interest is anticipated in the second funding round.
To be eligible for this grant funding, businesses must be in Orange County, have a workforce of 500 or fewer employees, and be up to date on Unemployment Insurance (UI) taxes and in good standing with the State of California. Other general criteria employers must meet to be considered for local funding include:
- Priority consideration will be given to Small Businesses located within the Orange County Workforce System.
- Can only apply for one-site or location in Orange County
- Only one application may be submitted per organization
- Must pay employees minimum wage or more
- Must use the funds to help avert imminent layoffs or furloughs as a result of the COVID-19 economic crisis
- Must be able to demonstrate a need for layoff aversion support due to the impacts of COVID-19
- Must be able to enter into an agreement with Orange County that includes the conditions outlined in the application
- Must be able to complete quarterly reports for up to one year after the award
Businesses can visit the Orange County Work Force Solutions website for full details on eligibility requirements for the Layoff Aversion Support Program including allowable activities and prohibited costs.
For more information on Orange County One-Stop Centers, visit ocworkforcesolutions.com or call the Economic and Business Recovery Call Center at 714-480-6500.
July 30, 2020
City assisting businesses, restaurants during pandemic and other news
In an effort to support local businesses and restaurants during the pandemic, the City is granting Temporary Use Permits (TUP) for the use of portions of shopping center parking and common areas to allow for increased outdoor dining and other commercial-related activities.
Restaurants and property owners can obtain a TUP by contacting the Community Development Department at cd@cityofmissionviejo.org or 949-470-3053. The program is free. City permits are issued when the appropriate health and safety guidelines are in place. Some Mission Viejo eateries that obtained TUPs for outdoor dining include Hacienda La Joya, Broken Yolk, Koko Sushi and Don Gustavo’s Restaurant.
As California reopens, every business must create a safer, low-risk environment. Business owners must follow the State’s recent to protect workers and customers. Along with outdoor dining, there are guidelines for and other personal care services such as .
In other business news, Ziggi’s Coffee opened its first California location in Mission Viejo at 27525 Puerta Real, Ste. 500. The new café serves up a wide array of drinks ranging from traditional and specialty coffee favorites to frozen blenders and fruit smoothies.
The business started as a small coffee shop in downtown Longmont, Colorado in 2004 and has grown to multiple drive-through and coffeehouse locations across the country. For more information, visit https://www.ziggiscoffee.com.
July 28, 2020
Back-to-School Supply Drive will help Mission Viejo elementary schools
In an effort to help our local elementary schools facing funding deficits escalated by the COVID-19 crisis, the City of Mission Viejo and PKSA Karate are teaming up to host a Back-to-School Supply Drive through August 18.
With schools unsure when children can return to the classroom, planning for the school year has become exceedingly difficult for administrators and teachers. When kids do finally return to school, they won’t be able to share anything.
The most-needed supplies include #2 pencils, markers, crayons, colored pencils, child-safe scissors, glue sticks, folder with pockets and single-subject notebooks. Drop off your donations from 8 am to 4 pm weekdays at the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center, 24932 Veterans Way, and Monday through Thursday from 4-7 pm at PKSA Karate, 25290 Marguerite Parkway, Suite A.
For more information, contact 949-470-3062 or rcs@cityofmissionviejo.org.
July 21, 2020
New State guidelines for personal care services
As California reopens, every business must create a safer, low-risk environment. If you own or manage a business, follow the recent to protect your workers and customers.
The State released direction this week for services that can be provided outdoors – like hair, nail and massage services – in counties, including Orange County, which have been on the State’s Monitoring List for three consecutive days. This follows the for outdoor dining that was released earlier this month.
For more information, contact CD@cityofmissionviejo.org.
July 20, 2020
Photographs characterizing impact of pandemic sought for Local History Archive
Ever wonder what future generations will learn about the COVID-19 pandemic? Now’s your chance to capture this defining and challenging moment in history. The Mission Viejo Library and Cultural Arts department is documenting the pandemic and its effect on our community for our local history COVID-19 archive.
We are seeking photographs, images, artwork or other visual records that characterize the impact of the pandemic. These can include affected places like closed shopping centers, restaurants, schools; ways in which daily life has changed such as wearing masks, social distancing; as well as programs and events that are specific to the pandemic.
“As we live through this historic time, your contributions to the archive will help future researchers more fully understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our community,” said Library Manager Sarah Stimson.
Submit your visual records at .
July 17, 2020
Schools required to return in the fall 100 percent online
With Governor Gavin Newsom’s announcement today that all schools in Orange County will be required to open the 2020-21 school year via online only, school districts throughout the County are gearing up to offer 100 percent virtual instruction next month.
“If and when the Governor lifts the order, the plans we have developed over the last three months will allow us to quickly adapt to reopening our classrooms and campuses,” said Capistrano Unified School District Superintendent Kirsten Vital.
Newsom’s announcement today applies to all public and private schools in Orange County.
“To reiterate, as a result of the orders released today by the Governor, Saddleback Unified School District (SVUSD) will be required to open in full distance learning if Orange County is still on the (state’s) monitoring list for 14 consecutive days,” said Superintendent Crystal Turner. “We are currently assessing these multiple new directives and their impact on how instruction will resume on August 17.”
July 17, 2020
Artist and students offering free graphic design support for local businesses
To help businesses during the pandemic, artist and instructor Fernando Del Rosario is offering free graphic design support to small local businesses.
Fernando, a creative director, artist and teacher, teamed up with his visual arts students from Cal State University, Fullerton to provide free creative services to local and small businesses struggling through the pandemic. This past semester, Fernando and his talented students assisted 11 different companies, businesses and organizations by creating content they could upload on their social media platforms.
“Through their efforts, my students created and designed much-needed advertising and marketing materials to help ensure businesses continue to stay open,” Fernando said. “In return, my students received the experience of applying their skills to real-world scenarios. In most instances, we created several weeks-worth of free content to use – from store hours and gift certificate promotions to brand awareness and simple communications to stay connected with their customers.”
Businesses interested in obtaining free graphic design services should visit www.conceptzombie.com/creativeaid.
July 15, 2020
COVID-19 Testing at Super Site now available
Coronavirus testing is now available through an appointment-based drive-through site at the Anaheim Convention Center that can serve more than 1,000 people per day.
Free testing is available to Orange County residents who meet public health priorities for testing and cannot get a test through their doctor. (Please contact your provider first.)
The test offered at this site – PCR test – will show if someone is currently infected with COVID-19 and may be contagious.
Appointments are required and available from 8 am to 4 pm Wednesday to Sunday.
For more information and to make a reservation, visit .
July 13, 2020
Governor orders more closures as COVID-19 cases spike
As COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continue to increase, Governor Gavin Newsom today announced additional closures – effective immediately – across the state and for counties on the watch list.
In Orange County, dine-in restaurants, wineries and tasting rooms, fitness centers, worship services, offices for non-essential sectors, personal care services (like nail salons, body waxing and tattoo parlors), hair salons and barbershops and malls must close. Additionally, bars, brewpubs, breweries and pubs must close all operations both indoor and outdoor statewide.
Orange County has seen a COVID-19 case spike in recent weeks. As of today's reporting, the region’s totals bumped up to 25,255 confirmed infections and 424 deaths.
“This virus is not going away anytime soon,” Gov. Newsom said during a press conference. “I hope all of us recognize that if we were still connected to some notion that somehow when it gets warm it’s going to go away or somehow it’s going to take summer months or weekends off — this virus has done neither.”
See the complete list of closures on the State’s website at https://covid19.ca.gov/.
July 8, 2020
Small Business Relief Program Extended to July 19
The deadline to apply for grant money for small businesses and organizations was extended again to 5 pm on Sunday, July 19.
The Small Business Grant Relief Program supports small businesses and organizations impacted by COVID-19. Applications for grants up to $10,000 will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis (within each city's allocation).
July 7, 2020
With COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations on the rise, Council and Committee meetings will continue to be held virtually
As a result of the rapidly increasing number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations and resulting orders and direction from the Governor of the State of California and Orange County Health Care Agency, the City of Mission Viejo will continue to host City Council and Planning and Transportation meetings virtually.
On July 1, Governor Gavin Newsom sent a letter urging all California cities to take every possible measure to help contain the deadly COVID-19 disease, which has continued to spike in the County. In fact, 1,028 new positive cases were reported in Orange County as of July 6. The California Department of Health reports 792 hospitalized patients in the last 14 days (suspected and positive) in 33 hospitals across the county as of Monday.
The City’s virtual meetings fall in line with several other cities like Irvine and Aliso Viejo, which do not permit physical public access due to the coronavirus outbreak.
“Unfortunately, we have seen a recent increase in COVID-19 cases, including a concerning increase in hospitalizations,” Governor Newsom said. “Everyone in the state must accept and continue to uphold their individual responsibility to help defeat this pandemic. When those responsibilities are disregarded, state and local governments must take action to protect their residents.”
The City continues to implement strict COVID-19 protocols, closures, social distancing and other measures pursuant to public health orders and directives to flatten the curve and keep residents safe. However, with the growing number of people not socially distancing or wearing face coverings as illustrated at recent rallies, beaches and public gatherings throughout the County and State – causing subsequent surges in COVID-19 cases – the City must take extraordinary precautions to protect residents. Residents should wear face coverings, practice social distancing, stay home when sick and wash hands and use sanitizer often.
“We are all anxious to return to the Council Chamber to conduct our City’s business, but it is prudent to wait a little longer until the spike in infections subsides to keep everyone safe,” said Mayor Brian Goodell.
Orange County Supervisor Lisa Bartlett also said in a newsletter this week, “This virus is not going away anytime soon, so the best thing we can do is continue to exercise good judgment and take precautionary measures.”
People can still email their public comments for the Council’s July 14 meeting to cityclerk@cityofmissionviejo.org. To provide public comments for the Planning and Transportation Commission’s July 13 meeting, email cd@cityofmissionviejo.org.
July 2, 2020
COVID-19 Diaper Drive-Through to help families in need July 11 and 25
The City is seeking donations of diapers and baby wipes through the Drive-Through Food Assistance Programs of Families Forward and Family Assistance Ministries.
You can help families in need during this COVID-19 crisis by dropping off diapers in sizes 3, 4, 5 and 6 and wipes from 9-11 am on Saturday, July 11 and July 25 at the Norman P. Murray Community Center.
For this drop-and-go event, please remain in your vehicle and place donations in the trunk of your vehicle.
The drop-off location is near the OCTA bus turnaround at 24932 Veterans Way. For more information, contact lmcdonald@cityofmissionviejo.org or 949-470-8412.
July 1, 2020
Fireworks show canceled in Mission Viejo per Governor’s recommendation
Today, Governor Gavin Newsom announced a strong recommendation to eliminate holiday social gatherings in response to the ever-increasing spike in COVID-19 hospitalizations. This is mirrored by cancellations across Southern California, all intended to preserve public health, safety and welfare. Notably, other Orange County cities canceling their firework shows include; Dana Point, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Hills, Aliso Viejo and others.
We will adhere with State and County guidelines so as to help slow the spread of COVID-19 hospitalizations. To protect the community, the Mission Viejo Activities Committee and City of Mission Viejo are implementing the City Disaster Directors order to cancel the July 4th fireworks show.
The show was originally scheduled to take place with social distancing, restricted access and recommendations for residents to view the show from home or street side.
However, with the continued spike in coronavirus cases and to ensure the health and safety of the community, the fireworks show will be cancelled in respect to the Governor’s recommendation.
July 1, 2020
Bars, indoor operations at restaurants ordered closed
All bars are ordered closed, and indoor operations at restaurants, wineries and tasting rooms are suspended throughout the state for at least three weeks due to the increasing number of COVID-19 cases.
The County and Governor Gavin Newsom made separate orders to help slow the spread of the coronavirus.
“This doesn’t mean restaurants shut down,” Gov. Newsom said in a news conference.
The governor’s orders affect 19 counties throughout the state, including Orange County, Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino.
The County of Orange continues to monitor the spread of COVID-19 cases and has recently updated the HCA’s Novel Coronavirus website with additional information for residents.
