Dec. 23: Umatilla County Health Reports 55th COVID-Related Death

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Umatilla County Health today reported the 55th county resident has died from coronavirus.

Umatilla County’s 55th death with COVID-19 is a 75-year-old male who tested positive Dec. 17 and died Dec. 21 at Providence St. Mary Medical Center in Walla Walla, Wash. This individual had underlying medical conditions.

The health department also reported today 33 new cases of COVID-19 – down 16 from Tuesday.

Today’s numbers bring the county’s overall total to 5,099. There are currently 268 presumed cases of coronavirus – up three from Tuesday.

More details are available on the county’s COVID-19 dashboard.

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.