Umatilla County now has two dozen positive cases of COVID-19 or coronavirus after the announcement that two more people have tested positive.
Umatilla County Public Health (UCo Health) officials say they have been in contact with these individuals and their families. One of these individuals has been identified as close contact of a confirmed case, while the other individual has no connection to a previously reported case. Both of these individuals are self-isolating and recovering at home. Health officials are reaching out to all identified close contacts of these individuals to provide education and guidance.
UCo Health said today that 12 of the previously reported cases 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 is currently hospitalized. There have been no reported deaths due to COVID-19 in Umatilla County.
“We encourage healthy individuals to continue essential functions for the health and safety of your families and communities,” said UCo Health Director Joseph Fiumara. “Avoid non-essential trips outside of the home and practice social distancing by maintaining six feet of distance between individuals when it is necessary to go out. To minimize the spread of COVID-19 between communities, we strongly encourage all residents to utilize essential services within the communities where they live. 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.”
Earlier this 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.
