Umatilla County Health (UCo Health) today reported six new cases of coronavirus, bringing the county’s total to 83 positive tests.
UCo Health is 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 83 who have tested positive, 51 have recovered and two remain hospitalized. There has been one death in the county due to coronavirus.
Individuals are considered recovered when they have been free from symptoms including fever, cough, shortness of breath and diarrhea for 72 hours.
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.
UCo Health encourages Umatilla County residents to continue to prioritize your physical and mental health during this time:
- Create and maintain a routine and schedule for yourself and your family
- Stay connected with friends on loved ones who are not members of your immediate household via the phone or internet
- Take care of your physical health by eating well, exercising and doing activities that you take pleasure in
- Take breaks from reading or watching coverage about COVID-19. While we all need to stay informed, it can be upsetting to hear about the crisis and see images repeatedly. Balance information with activities you enjoy
- 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)
- Limit alcohol to stay healthy and keep your immune system strong
- Quit smoking and vaping. Initial research shows that people who smoke may be more likely to develop serious complications from COVID-19. If you’d like to quit, free help is available at 1-800-QUIT-NOW or www.quitnow.net/oregon
- Stay home and travel only for essential activities that cannot be conducted remotely
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.
