Umatilla County Health today reported another death from coronavirus – the 28th person to die from the virus.
Umatilla County’s 28th COVID-19 death is a 94-year-old male who tested positive July 16 and died Aug. 4 at Regency Hermiston Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. This individual had underlying conditions.
County health officials today also reported 60 new confirmed cases of coronavirus, bringing the county’s total thus far to 2,076.
There are 106 presumed cases of coronavirus in the county. Nine people are currently hospitalized.
On Wednesday, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) released its COVID-19 Weekly Report, which stated that during the week of July 27 through Aug. 2, OHA recorded 2,278 new cases of COVID-19 infection — up slightly from last week’s tally of 2,241. In addition, 39 Oregonians were reported to have died, up from last week’s toll of 27.
The percentage of tests positive increased from 5.1 percent to 6.4 percent, and hospitalizations rose to 141, up from the previous week’s 127.
The report reveals that the age group with the highest incidence of reported infection continues to be 20-29-year-olds, with rates decreasing in subsequent decades of life. Most cases continue to be “sporadic,” meaning that no source for the case was identified.
Also on Wednesday, OHA reported on three outbreaks that have 20 or more cases. The case counts include all cases linked to each outbreak, which may include household members and other close contacts to a worker. State and county public health officials are working with these organizations to address the outbreaks and protect the health of workers.
An outbreak of 27 cases of COVID-19 has been reported at Walmart in Hermiston. The outbreak investigation started on July 9, but the initial case count was below the threshold for public disclosure. The store closed down from July 31-Aug. 2.
An outbreak of 20 cases of COVID-19 has been reported at the OR1 Construction site in Multnomah County. The outbreak investigation started on July 8, but the initial case count was below the threshold for public disclosure.
An outbreak of COVID-19 has been reported at the Lamb Weston facilities in Boardman. The Lamb Weston West location has 21 cases, the Lamb Weston East location has 31 cases and the Lamb Weston Packing Center has 22 cases. The outbreak investigation started on July 1, but the initial case count was below the threshold for public disclosure.
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.
As Gov. Kate Brown lifts restrictions on activities and businesses, it’s important to remember that health and hygiene advice that slows the spread of COVID-19 still applies:
- Stay home if you are sick. If you develop symptoms while in public, return home and self-isolate immediately. Contact your health care provider if you need medical attention.
- People who are at risk for severe complications (over age 60 or have underlying medical conditions) should stay home even if you feel well.
- Practice good hand hygiene with frequent handwashing for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer (60-95% alcohol content).
- Cover coughs/sneezes with your elbow or a tissue and avoid touching your face.
- Practice physical distancing of at least six feet between you and people you do not live with.
- Use cloth, paper or disposable face coverings in public.
- Stay close to home. Avoid overnight trips and other non-essential travel, including recreational day trips to destinations outside the community where you live.
