A third Umatilla County resident has died from coronavirus. Meanwhile, Umatilla County Health (UCo Health) is reporting six new cases.
UCo Health reported today that a 70-year-old female died on Saturday at Good Shepherd Medical Center. The individual, who had underlying health conditions, had tested positive COVID-19 on May 4.
The six new coronavirus cases in Umatilla County being reported today bring the current total of confirmed cases to 99.
Umatilla County Health (UCo Health) today reported three new positives tests for coronavirus. UCo Health is in contact with the individuals and is conducting intensive contact investigations in accordance with Oregon Health Authority (OHA) investigative guidelines. One of the individuals has been identified as close contacts of a confirmed case. All three are self-isolating and one is hospitalized.
There are now three presumptive cases. A presumptive case is someone who does not have a positive PCR test – a “Polymerase Chain Reaction” that confirms if a person has COVID-19 – but is showing symptoms and has had close contact with a confirmed case. If they later test positive by PCR, those will be re-categorized as confirmed cases.
Of the 99 who have tested positive, 76 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.
As Gov. Kate Brown starts slowly lifting 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 sixty or have underlying medical conditions) should stay home even if you feel well.
- Practice good hand hygiene with frequent handwashing for at least twenty 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.
