The first death from coronavirus has been reported in Umatilla County today.
Umatilla County Health (UCo Health) reported that a 76-year-old female died on Thursday at Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland, Wash. She tested positive for coronavirus on April 14. According to the county, she had underlying health conditions.
UCo Health released the following statement:
This is an incredibly sad announcement and one that we had hoped not to make in Umatilla County. We encourage everyone to be respectful as a family in our community grieves. If you are in need of support during this difficult time, please contact Lifeways at 866-343-4473.
UCo Health also reported three new positive cases of COVID-19 in Umatilla County, bringing the total number of reported COVID-19 cases in Umatilla County to 59. County health officials are in contact with these individuals and are conducting intensive contact investigations in accordance with Oregon Health Authority (OHA) investigative guidelines. Two individuals have been identified as close contacts of a confirmed case. All of these individuals are self-isolating and recovering at home.
Of the 59 who have tested positive, 26 have recovered and one remains hospitalized.
Individuals are considered recovered when they have been free from symptoms including fever, cough, shortness of breath and diarrhea for 72 hours.
In Morrow County, there are six confirmed cases of COVID-19.
In Oregon, 56,032 tests have been conducted with a total of 2,510 coming back positive.
UCo Health officials are urging residents to adhere to the “Stay Home Save Lives” order from Gov. Kate Brown. Maintain social distancing, stay home unless absolutely necessary and help fight the spread with proper hand-washing and hygiene techniques. 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. 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.
In conjunction with Oregon Health Authority guidance, employers are asked to support employee time off for recovery and to send visibly ill employees home.
Recently, 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.
