In a shift to the state-mandated regional stay-at-home orders, playgrounds in Orange County have been given approval to reopen. This modification comes as Orange County reported its highest daily number of positive COVID-19 cases since the pandemic began.

On Wednesday, Dec. 9, the Orange County Health Care Agency reported 2,613 new COVID-19 cases, with zero reported deaths. Adding to the record number of cases, the county’s intensive care unit capacity has fallen below 10 percent.

The city of Irvine announced the changes to the state’s regulations regarding the reopening of Orange County playgrounds in a Tweet on Wednesday, Dec. 9.

“New State guidance allows playgrounds to reopen under the regional stay-at-home order. We’re in the process of removing signage & reopening playgrounds. Please follow health guidelines,” a portion of the Tweet read.

On Dec. 6, California Governor Gavin Newsom issued a state-mandated regional stay-at-home order for California, amid the surge of COVID-19 across the state. Primarily, Newsom’s newest order targets regions where the intensive care units fall below 15 percent capacity.

Wednesday’s announcement comes as a reversal to the original lock-down regulations. The state had previously closed indoor activities in movie theaters, barbershops and hair salons. While schools were allowed to remain open with waivers, the state closed playgrounds. Youth sports were also allowed to continue, but without organized tournaments or games.

The three-week order, which places a ban on non-essential travel, is set to expire on Dec. 27. The order also requires the closure of indoor and outdoor dining. However, there has been major pushback from restaurant owners in Orange County.

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that California secured more than 327,000 COVID-19 vaccines, with a possibility of acquiring 2.15 million doses by the end of December.

Newsom detailed the plans for the vaccine, saying they will be distributed in three phases, with doses being prioritized by groups such as critical health care workers and long-term care residents.

While this initial test run will be distributed to roughly 163,000 people, when considering the 327,000 vaccines must be given in two doses, Newsom said that there will be more coming to California in January, February and March.

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting Irvine Weekly and our advertisers.