There are now 30 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Umatilla County after the latest positive test.
Umatilla County Health (UCo Health) reported today that a new positive test has come back from the lab.
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.
Of the 30 who have been diagnosed in the county, 17 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. There have been no deaths due to the virus.
UCo Health officials are urging residents to adhere to the “Stay Home Save Lives” order from Gov. Kate Brown. Maintain social distancing, stay home unless absolutely necessary and help fight the spread with proper hand-washing and hygiene techniques. Those individuals whose employment is considered essential to community infrastructure (healthcare, law enforcement, public safety, grocery stores, pharmacies, convenience stores, restaurants, transportation, public works, etc.) should continue reporting to work as long as they have no respiratory symptoms, including fever. If you are sick, stay home. 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.
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.
UCo Health offers the following ideas to stay connected:
- Use text messaging: Reach out to people individually or create a group chat where you can discuss things together.
- Make phone calls a regular part of your relationships.
- If you can, try video calls using services such as Skype, FaceTime or WhatsApp.
- Send letters or emails to share your feelings and let people know you are thinking about them.
- Ask others how they are doing and how they are taking care of themselves.
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.
