A new test for coronavirus has come back positive in Umatilla County, bringing the latest total of people who have been diagnosed to 29.
Officials with Umatilla County Health (UCo Health) have been in contact with the latest person to be diagnosed and their family. Additionally, in accordance with Oregon Health Authority (OHA) investigative guidelines, officials are reaching out to all identified close contacts of this individual to provide education and guidance. This person has been in close contact with a previously reported case. The patient is self-isolating and recovering at home.
Sixteen of those who have been diagnosed in Umatilla County have recovered.
Individuals are considered recovered when they have been free from symptoms including fever, cough and shortness of breath for 72 hours.
One individual remains hospitalized.
Health officials say they are aware that residents may feel more anxiety during times of uncertainty. Social distancing can create or intensify mental health issues due to the decrease in daily human interaction. It is important during this time to maintain connections using interactive technology. This includes phone and video chat check-ins. Fear and worry are normal feelings that people experience during this time. It is important to take care of yourself and others.
In conjunction with Oregon Health Authority guidance, employers are asked to support employee time off for recovery and to send visibly ill employees home.
Last week the county released a map showing where the cases of coronavirus are occurring in Umatilla County.
Anyone who is exhibiting any symptoms of respiratory illness must stay home from work for 72 hours after all symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath, etc.) have resolved.
Officials say the county will continue to update its Umatilla County Public Health Facebook page as new information becomes available. County specific test result data is available on the county health website and will be updated Monday-Friday.
