Umatilla County Announces Response to Big Spike in COVID-19 Cases

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COVID-19 cases in Umatilla County are rapidly rising. Last week there were 352 cases of COVID-19 – a fourfold increase in cases from the week prior. This week there have been over 850 cases thus far, which is the highest case number week in the coronavirus pandemic for Umatilla County.

In response Umatilla County health (UCo Health) will now implement surveillance strategies of COVID-19 in the community and move away from individual investigation and contact tracing calls to focus on investigating outbreaks in high-risk settings.

UCo Health will continue to collect reports of COVID-19 in Umatilla County and report data regarding disease prevalence through the Regional COVID-19 Data Dashboard. UCo Health encourages anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 through laboratory or at home testing to stay home for five days from the start of symptoms or test date, whichever is earlier.

Anyone who knows they have been in contact with COVID-19 and they are not up-to-date on the COVID-19 vaccination series should stay home for five days from their last known exposure to a COVID-19 positive individual. More information on COVID-19 quarantine and isolation can be found the health department’s website and CDC websites.

Individuals in need of additional support and education regarding their COVID-19 illness or exposure may reach out to the health department by calling 541-278-6290. If you are positive with COVID-19 you may also “opt into” an online mobile-friendly survey that will be coming soon and be accessible through the health department’s website when it is live.

Vaccination remains the best way to prevent severe illness and hospitalization from COVID-19. You can find information regarding where the COVID-19 vaccine is available on the county’s website. It is imperative that any person who is exhibiting symptoms of respiratory illness stay home. Call your primary care provider first to discuss the next steps. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911. COVID-19 does not target people of any certain race, ethnicity, country of origin or geographic location. Increased community spread of COVID-19 can occur anywhere in Umatilla County at any time.

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