Umatilla County Health today reported one new death from coronavirus and 28 new confirmed cases.
Umatilla County’s 33rd COVID-19 death is an 85-year-old male who tested positive Aug. 3 and died Aug. 12 at Regency Hermiston Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. This individual had underlying conditions.
The 28 new cases reported today by Umatilla County Health officials brings the county’s total thus far to 2,233.
There are 134 presumed cases of coronavirus in the county. Ten people are currently hospitalized.
The Oregon Health Authority reported on Wednesday that an outbreak of 29 cases of COVID-19 has been reported at Good Shepherd Health Care System in Hermiston. The outbreak investigation started on July 16, but the initial case count was below the threshold for public disclosure.
In Oregon, daily cases of COVID-19 declined slightly during the week of Monday, Aug. 3 through Sunday Aug. 9, according to the COVID-19 Weekly Report, released Wednesday. There were 2,122 new cases that week, a slight drop from the previous week’s tally of 2,278. Twenty-nine deaths were reported, a drop from 39 the previous week.
The percentage of positive tests also decreased to 5.4 percent, and hospitalizations have plateaued. The age group most affected by the virus remains 20-29, although the elderly remain the hardest hit age group. Persons 80 or older account for nearly half of all those hospitalized.
Most cases continue to be sporadic, meaning there is no known source, which is an indication the virus is widespread.
Umatilla County officials reiterated their advice to residents to take precautions against the spread of coronvirus:
It is imperative that any person who is exhibiting symptoms of respiratory illness stay home. UCo Health continues to discover instances where individuals are continuing to work while sick. Now, more than ever, it is important for businesses to ensure that employees are not coming to work sick. Employees may feel internal and external pressure to work through mild illness. Businesses are encouraged to develop flexible leave policies to support employees who become ill and establish procedures for sending employees who are not feeling well 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, diarrhea, etc.) have resolved.
