Umatilla County Health today reported two more deaths from coronavirus – the 37th and 38th in the county.
Umatilla County’s 37th death is a 73-year-old male who tested positive Aug. 9 and died Aug. 26 at Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland, Wash.
Umatilla County’s 38th COVID-19 death is a 54-year-old male who tested positive Aug. 23 and died Aug. 26 at St. Anthony Hospital in Pendleton.
Health officials also today reported 14 new confirmed cases of coronavirus, bringing the county’s overall total to 2,461.
There are 142 presumed cases of coronavirus in the county. Eight people are currently hospitalized.
On Wednesday, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) released its weekly statewide report. The report showed a 13 percent drop in daily cases for the week of Aug. 16 to Aug. 23. OHA recorded 1,704 new cases of COVID-19 — down from previous week’s tally of 1,963.
Slightly fewer Oregonians were tested for the week, which had a total of 24,177 people tested. That total includes testing done at all locations including commercial non-hospital-based laboratories, hospital laboratories and Oregon State Public Health Laboratory.
The rate of positive tests also declined to 5.1 percent from 5.4 percent.
The age group most affected by the virus remains 20-29, although the elderly remain the hardest hit age group. COVID-19 hospitalization and death rates increase with age; almost half of the 420 deaths have been among people 80 or older, and 75 percent in people 70 and older.
Umatilla County officials reiterated their advice to residents to take precautions against the spread of COVID-19:
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.
