Nearly 9,000 new COVID-19 cases were recorded in Orange County, California, during the past few days, including 25 deaths. The Orange County Health Care Agency reported 8,990 new positive tests between Jan. 2 and Jan. 4 at 12 p.m. It says 500 patients are currently in the intensive care unit (ICU). As the COVID-19 surge continues and patients fill Orange County hospitals, officials and hospital staff are asking for help from county residents. “As is the case with hospitals across our county and the entire country, we are seeing a tremendous increase in COVID patients and hospital occupancy,” Debra Culver, MemorialCare Orange County hospitals spokesperson, told The Epoch Times by email. “We urge our community to consistently follow spread-prevention measures by wearing a mask, practicing physical distancing, washing hands frequently and avoiding social gatherings.” In order to combat fatigue for its hospital workers, MemorialCare offers a wealth of free resources …