Umatilla County Public Health (UCo Health) is reporting today that the Center for Disease Control (CDC) has officially confirmed COVID-19 infection in the presumptive positive case reported in Umatilla County on March 3, and that a second presumptive positive case for the coronavirus has been reported in Umatilla County.
This individual was in prolonged close contact with the first case and is recovering without requiring hospitalization. In keeping with testing guidelines, this sample will now be sent to CDC for official confirmation. UCo Health is continuing to monitor the COVID-19 situation as it evolves and is checking in daily with those being monitored due to close contact with the presumptive cases.
The person who first tested positive is recovering well and no longer needs hospitalization.
The Oregon Health Authority is also reporting three additional presumptive cases of the coronavirus – one each in Polk, Marion and Deschutes counties.
UCo Health is reminding the public that it is still the middle of a severe cold and flu season and as such, every individual with flu-like symptoms does not need to be tested for COVID-19. Medical providers will screen individuals with respiratory symptoms to rule out other potential causes such as pneumonia or influenza.
Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and UCo Health continue to recommend all people in Oregon take everyday precautions to prevent the spread of many respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19 and influenza:
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
- Face masks are not recommended for individuals who are not sick
- Clean and disinfect surfaces that are often touched
- If you are sick, please stay home until recovered
- Take care of your health overall. Staying current on your vaccinations, including flu vaccine, eating well and exercising all help your body stay resilient
- Consult CDC’s travel website for any travel advisories and steps to protect yourself if you plan to travel outside of the U.S.
Umatilla County residents are encouraged to call 211 with questions regarding COVID-19.
Anyone exhibiting symptoms such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath, should call their primary care provider first in order to discuss the next steps. Do not go to urgent care, doctor’s offices or the hospital with these symptoms without calling a care provider first. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.
For more information, refer to the Oregon Health Authority website.
