Author: Tara Micka

PRESS RELEASE

Baker County has been notified of three new confirmed cases of Coronavirus in the county. The Baker County Health Department is working on case investigation and contact tracing for each of the new cases. Baker County now has a total of 4 cases.

Baker County Public Health Officer Dr. Lamb says, “While additional cases were not unexpected, this is a good reminder to isolate yourself at home if you become sick with a fever or cough to help prevent the spread of illness. If you are not sick you can still help prevent the spread by practicing social distancing, wearing a mask or face shield, and good hand hygiene. Following these guidelines helps protect the whole community.”

The Baker County Health Department is using their contract tracing team to identify anyone who may have come in close contact with the individuals who tested positive in the last 14 days. If you are identified as someone who was a close contact and may be at risk for COVID-19, you will be notified. Please support the Health Department’s contact tracing efforts by having voicemail available in the event you cannot answer. As required by law, the Health Department protects individual privacy while investigating cases.

Any individual who tests positive for COVID-19 is asked to isolate at home for 14 days to prevent spread of the illness to other people in the community. With the public health investigation ongoing, you can reduce your risk of contracting the virus by wearing face coverings in public, maintaining 6 feet of distance between yourself and others, and washing your hands regularly. People who have mild signs of COVID-19 should stay home, unless the signs of illness are serious enough they would normally seek health care. Call your healthcare provider before going in to make a plan for how to be seen, while also avoiding the spread of the illness to others. Signs of COVID-19 include fever, cough and difficulty breathing. For a full list of symptoms and when to seek emergency medical attention visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html.

PRESS RELEASE

Today, Governor Kate Brown announced that Oregonians statewide will be required to wear face coverings in indoor public spaces beginning this Wednesday, July 1. The guidance applies to businesses and members of the public visiting indoor public spaces. If you own or manage a local business or other organization and need help complying with the mask requirement, please contact the Baker County Business Group, 541-523-2015.

The press release from Governor Brown’s office can be read here: https://www.oregon.gov/newsroom/Pages/NewsDetail.aspx?newsid=36869

PRESS RELEASE

Union County announced another 119 positive test results for COVID-19, bringing the total number of cases there to 240 as of today. A number of the cases have been associated with the Lighthouse Pentecostal Church in Island City. Case investigations and contact tracing are underway, and the Union County Center for Human Development public health will provide updates as more information becomes available.

The Baker County Health Department says the best way you can ensure you’re informed if you are identified as a close contact of someone with COVID-19 is to have your voicemail box set up and accessible (not full), and return calls from your local health department. Contact tracers will help anyone who has been identified as a contact understand how to prevent the spread of COVID-19, how to care for themselves or others if they develop symptoms, and connect with resources in the community. The Oregon Health Authority has provided a reminder that contact tracers will never ask for information such as your social security number, bank account or credit card information, or immigration status, so if a caller were to ask for that information, hang up immediately.

Baker County currently has one confirmed case from May 6th and 343 negative tests. Testing continues to be done in Baker County through primary care providers. Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, new confusion or difficulty to arouse, blue lips or face, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, persistent pain or pressure in the chest. Please consult your medical provider for any symptoms that are severe or concerning to you. Call 911 in case of emergency. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.

To reduce the risk of exposure and spread of the virus, the Baker County Health Department reminds everyone to remain diligent and observe these recommendations:

● Limit social and recreational activities where social distancing cannot be maintained.
● Stay at least 6 feet from others and use face coverings in public settings.
● Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, rather than into your hands.
● Avoid touching your eyes, nose, mouth or face.
● Clean your hands regularly and thoroughly with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if you can’t wash your hands.
● If you’re sick, isolate yourself until 72 hours after both fever and cough have gone away without the use of fever-reducing medicine.

Limiting the spread of the virus is important for protecting the health of our community, especially our most vulnerable, as well as protecting businesses that have been able to reopen or expand services under Phase 2.