May 10: Second Coronavirus Death Reported in Umatilla County

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The first death from coronavirus has been reported in Umatilla County today.

Umatilla County Health (UCo Health) reported on Sunday the second death in the county from coronavirus.

Umatilla County’s second COVID-19 death is a 64 year-old male who tested positive April 29 at Kadlec Medical Center in Richland, Wash., and died Saturday, May 9 at Providence St Mary Medical Center in Walla Walla, Wash.. This individual had underlying health conditions.

The first death in Umatilla County was a 76-year-old woman who also had underlying health conditions.

As of Friday, there have been 83 positive tests for coronavirus in Umatilla County.

UCo Health encourages Umatilla County residents to continue to prioritize your physical and mental health during this time. Watch for common signs of distress (e.g. changes in appetite, difficulty concentrating, difficulty sleeping, worsening of chronic health problems, increased use of tobacco, alcohol or other drugs, etc.) and seek help if needed (you can contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-985-5990). During this time, it is very important to continue to minimize and/or eliminate large gatherings. Please remember to remain at least six feet away from others.

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.