Dr. Clayton Chau, the Director of the Orange County Health Agency, has announced plans to resign from his position within the agency, Irvine Weekly has confirmed. Chau said his resignation will take effect on June 1. 

Joining the agency in August 2020, Chau was selected for the role after former Orange County Health Officer Nichole Quick resigned from the position after receiving backlash regarding COVID-19 restrictions. 

In a message provided to Irvine Weekly, Chau said it was time “to take a break.” Chau also emphasized that the agency has a strong contingency plan moving forward in his absence. 

“Although I feel sad about leaving, the time is right. It is time for me to take a break. I’m leaving the OC Health Care Agency (HCA) with a strong leadership team and in very capable hands. I have no doubt leadership will continue with the vision we’ve set out for the HCA,” Chau wrote.  

“We have a concrete plan to continue serving the community after the official COVID State of Emergency ends for guiding our community. The HCA staff and public health workers stepped up and worked very hard during the pandemic resulting in a solid infrastructure that includes community partners, providers, leadership from academic institutions/Faith based institutions/businesses, and collaborators coming together from across Orange County.” 

He continued: 

“We aimed our efforts high; toward serving the whole community and driving equity to protect our most vulnerable populations. I’m proud of the work we accomplished together. I look forward to seeing the HCA continue working closely with the community and coming together for a greater cause.”

Under Chau’s leadership the Orange County Health Agency helped vaccinate more than 2 million Orange County residents during the pandemic. 

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