Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team - Daily Update - November 26, 2020 (Photo) - 11/26/20

Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the agencies that make up the DCCRT

JOINT INFORMATION CENTER PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – November 26, 2020

DOUGLAS COUNTY COVID-19 RESPONSE TEAM - DAILY UPDATE

 

(Douglas County, Ore.)  Douglas County COVID-19 Test Results:  Happy Thanksgiving from everyone at the Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team.  We wish you and your family a safe and healthy Thanksgiving day holiday.  Today, we are thankful that we continue to see our hospital admissions going down, as patients are able to go home or be released to a care facility.  Again, a big round of thanks to ALL our health care workers for the tireless work they do day in and day out in providing care and compassion to those in need.  As of 12:00 pm today, Thursday, November 26, 2020, there are TWENTY-FIVE (25) people with new positive test results since our noon case update yesterday*.  The total number of cases (people with positive test results and presumptive) in Douglas County is now at 907*.  Currently, there are THIRTEEN (13) Douglas County COVID-19 patients that are being hospitalized locally.  Our Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, under the direction of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Public Health Officer and Douglas Public Health Network continue to devote all resources available to our local COVID efforts.

 

Douglas County, OR - COVID-19 - Case Update
Date	Sunday, November 22, 2020	Monday, November 23, 2020	Tuesday, November 24, 2020	Wednesday, November 25, 2020	Thanksgiving Day Thursday, November 26, 2020
Total COVID-19 Cases	807	822	858	887	907
People with Positive PCR or Antigen Test Results	741	756	792	820	840
Presumptive	66	66	66	67	67
Total Currently Hospitalized	20	20	19	15	13
Total Currently in Isolation	261	251	237	255	234
Total COVID-19 Related Deaths	15	17	17	17	17
Total Negative Test Results	18,247	18,356	18,479	18,526	18,540

*Our daily update includes the total number of cases in Douglas County, which combines people with positive test results and presumptives. We provide a breakout of the people with positive test results and presumptives in the chart above. Please note there will be times when a presumptive will move to a positive test result, and our total case number will not change because the case has already been counted, instead you will see an adjustment to our breakout numbers for positive test results and presumptives.

 

Local Cases Being Supported in Isolation and Quarantine

Currently, DPHN is supporting 234 cases in isolation, as well as another 453 contacts in quarantine in Douglas County.  Isolation is recommended for confirmed and presumptive cases, quarantine is recommended for contacts of confirmed or presumptive cases.  Currently, staff is supporting an astounding 687 total contacts in isolation or quarantine.  This number represents a snapshot of the significant amount of work being done by our county and Douglas Public Health Network to help control the spread of COVID-19.

 

Series: Reason #4 Why Covid-19 Is Spreading Locally

Today, we want to talk about group gatherings.  So, as a part of our series on the reasons behind our local outbreaks, we have reason #4, social group gatherings.  Again, as a reminder, our reason series announcements are in no particular order, as we want to provide information about why we are seeing a huge surge in local cases.  Over the last three days we have talked about reasons for our local outbreaks, they included unsafe or unprotected birthday parties, church gatherings and people going to work or social events when they are sick.  Today, we will talk about reason #4, group gatherings.  These include in-person poker game nights, club meetings, professional association luncheons, committee planning sessions and holiday gift exchanges.  We have had cases linked to all of these kinds of social gatherings locally.  We have mentioned these types of actions on numerous occasions in our updates, but people are still not taking our advice.  Because COVID-19 is spread through person-to-person contact, we wanted to stress the importance of protecting yourself and others you care about.  Right now we need everyone to think about the risk factors associated with these types of activities.  How would you feel if you were responsible for passing this virus onto someone that you love, that might not be able to fight off the disease?  Please limit your interactions with others, opt for online options, virtual luncheons or meetings, remote working, and stay home if you are sick.  Please be safe in all you do, not just for yourself, but for the health and safety of others, especially those that already have a compromised immune system. 

 

Especially During the Holiday Season - You Are the Key to Controlling the Spread of COVID!

It is no secret that the key to stopping the continued spread of the coronavirus is, YOU, our residents, our families, our communities and our businesses.  Prevention is the best medicine, and not just to help stop the spread of COVID, but for your overall health and wellbeing as well.  If each and every individual in our county would make a real concerted effort to implement prevention measures into their daily routine, we could see a huge decrease in our COVID case numbers.  Check out the COVID-19 incubation timeline that Douglas Public Health Network.  As you can see, COVID-19 doesn’t take a holiday, so be careful.  If you are exposed to COVID-19, even if you test negative, stay in quarantine for the 14 days.  Jane unwittingly exposed 17 family members that now could expose other family, friends and coworkers and the domino effect of a COVID-19 outbreak begins.  We need each and everyone one of our residents to take steps to minimize the spread of germs and contagions.  You can help by staying home this holiday season, keeping gatherings to just your household, maintaining healthier eating habits; incorporate exercise and cleaning routines; being cautious and keeping distance from others; making modifications to how you socialize with others; choosing no contact deliveries and services; and staying home if you are sick.  The suggestions we make and the guidelines presented by public health are not just for your health and safety, but for the health and safety of everyone, including our kids, our grandparents, our coworkers, our first responders, our teachers and our businesses.  We know we sound like a broken record, but our primary focus is to do everything we can to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of our residents.  Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, Douglas County Public Health Official, urges residents to stay home when they are sick to help protect others from getting sick and spreading disease.  This means not only staying home from work and school, but also staying home from all other activities and social events.  Please, if you are sick, even if you just have a runny nose or stuffy head, do not got to work or attend gatherings, church, parties, events, weddings, game nights, prayer groups, or go work out at the gym and expose others to your illness.

 

Tips to Help Stop the Spread of COVID

• Make a habit of washing and sanitizing your hands, regularly.  That means washing after you eat, if you touch new surfaces, go to the bathroom, open a door, go to the store, go to the post office or after a meeting.  Also try and avoid touching your face as much as possible. 
• Please wear a mask when you are around others not from your household.  Not just for your protection, but for the protection of others. 
• Stay at least six feet apart from anyone that is not from your immediate household.  This means paying attention to the distance stickers at the store, the bank, at restaurants and at businesses.  Please be respectful, kind and polite, by giving people ample space.
• Stay home from work, school and play if you are sick.  This includes not running errands or going shopping or inviting visitors to your home.  If you need help, reach out to friends, family or utilize an app or businesses that offer no contact deliveries or services.
• Minimize travel, especially out of the state and limit visitors to your home. 
• Minimize attending social gatherings or going places where there are large groups of people.

 

The DCCRT team, under the direction of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, along with Dr. Dannenhoffer and Douglas Public Health Network encourage residents to make prevention measures a part of their everyday routines. 

 

Getting Tested & Testing Clinics

The next drive-through testing clinic will be Friday, November 27, 2020, in Roseburg.   As a reminder, if you are having symptoms of COVID-19 including cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches and pains, diarrhea, sore throat or decreased sense of smell and taste, talk to your health care provider about being tested for COVID-19.  Patients without a Primary Care Provider, that are looking for a COVID-19 test should contact the Sutherlin Aviva Health Clinic at (541) 459-3788. The first drive-through testing site was piloted in the county on March 17, 2020, there have been 1964 people tested in 92 drive-through clinics, while additional testing continues in hospitals, urgent cares and clinics. The drive-through clinics are led by DPHN, in conjunction with partner agencies including; Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Public Works, local volunteers and local health professionals.

 

Oregon COVID-19 Case Update

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reports new cases once a day on their website at www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus. OHA also releases a daily situation status report and a weekly report that details the overall picture of the COVID-19 outbreak within our state.  The daily report details positive and presumptive cases, as well as deaths by county and statewide, while the weekly report is more in depth and includes statistical data related the severity of cases by age, gender, zip codes, ethnicity, as well as information on workplace and senior care facility outbreaks in Oregon. Find additional information on the state or Federal COVID-19 response go to Oregon Health Authority, Centers for Disease Control, and 211Info.

 

Oregon COVID-19 Presumptive

OHA expanded their reporting for COVID-19 case management to now include presumptive COVID-19 cases in their total case number.  DPHN is reporting the number of people with new positive test results and any new presumptives and uses the OHA’s definition of presumptive as having had close contact with a known, confirmed COVID-19 case, showing symptoms and not yet having a positive nasal swab/PCR or antigen test for COVID-19.  Testing continues, as DPHN has been holding 2-3 clinics a week and hospitals, urgent cares and clinics continue to test.  DPHN continues their epidemiologic investigations, identifying individuals who may have had close contact with individuals that have tested positive for COVID-19, advising and supporting quarantine and isolation.

 

OHA Reporting and Definition for Recovered

As per the Oregon Health Authority COVID-19 Investigative Guidelines, the number of recovered cases is no longer being assessed or reported by OHA.  Up until May 1st, 2020 recovery from COVID-19 was defined as being afebrile (not feverish), without the use of antipyretics (medicine to reduce a fever), and having resolution of cough, shortness of breath and diarrhea for at least 72 hours.  As more was learned about symptoms, recovery and contagious period, the definition of recovered changed.   Beginning May 1st, OHA stopped reporting recovered cases while also separating recovery from contagious or isolation period.  Many cases were no longer contagious, as they were outside of the contagious period, but still having lingering symptoms.  To be consistent with OHA and to adapt as we learn more about this new virus, we removed the column in our chart listing recovered cases.  At that point, we added the number of those in isolation, roughly indicating active or infectious cases of COVID-19 in Douglas County.

 

Facebook Live with Dr. Bob

Please join us Friday, November 27, 2020 at 4:00 pm for the next Facebook Live event with Dr. Bob. hosted by DPHN on the DPHN Facebook page.  Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Douglas County Public Health Officer will continue their normal schedule of Facebook “Live Q&A Updates” next week with both his Tuesday night at 6:00 pm and Friday night at 4:00 pm on the DPHN Facebook page.  Residents are still able to submit their COVID-19 questions to Dr. Bob during the live shows, but you can also email your questions to: ookquestions@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org">Facebookquestions@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org.  Dr. Bob and the DPHN team will do their best to respond to as many questions as they can during their weekly updates.

 

 

LOCAL COVID-19 INFORMATION

Stay Informed with Accurate Local Information

 

Stay up to date on COVID-19 in Douglas County on the Douglas County Government website or the DPHN website.  Your Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Public Health Officer, Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer, DPHN and the Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team (DCCRT) have been working hard to cooperatively provide accurate and timely information to Douglas County residents since March 8, 2020.  Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the agencies that make up the DCCRT. 

 

Douglas County Resource/COVID-19 Hotline: (541) 464-6550:

Douglas County Commissioners and Douglas Public Health Network have added a resource and referral service to the current COVID-19 hotline for Douglas County residents.  The added service will help residents get connected to resources and services due to the local wildfires.  Referral and resource information will be available about local emergency shelters, livestock and animal boarding options, donation locations, volunteer opportunities, welfare check referrals, food and water resources and help with health and wellness questions.  This is NOT the hotline for Fire Updates or Evacuation information.  Please contact or follow DFPA and DCSO for the most up-to-date wildfire information.  The Resource/COVID-19 Hotline is (541) 464-6550.  It is staffed from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, 7 days a week until further notice. 

 

Questions about Governor’s Statewide Rules?  If you have questions or need more information on statewide mandates, guidelines or rules, go to the Governor’s COVID-19 website at https://govstatus.egov.com/or-covid-19/ or call the Business Oregon's Navigator Hotline at (833) 604-0880.  For information on COVID-19 in other counties and around Oregon, call 211 or visit 211info. 

 

Who Do You Contact to Report Compliance Issues with the Governor’s Statewide Rules?  Please do not call 911, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office or Douglas County Offices to report compliance issues with the Governor’s orders.  The Governor has directed the State offices for Oregon Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) and the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) to be the enforcement agencies responsible for ensuring restaurants, bars, and other businesses comply with COVID-related rules.  For more information or to report compliance issues contact:

OSHA: (800) 922-2689 or OSHA website or OLCC (503) 872-5000 or OLCC website

 

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Contact Tamara Howell, Public Information Officer, Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, (541) 670-2804 cell/(541) 957-4896 tjhowell@co.douglas.or.us

Contact Vanessa Becker, Public Information Officer, Douglas Public Health Network, (541) 817-6552 cell (541) 440-3571 vanessa@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org

Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team - Daily Update - November 25, 2020 (Photo) - 11/25/20

Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the agencies that make up the DCCRT

JOINT INFORMATION CENTER PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – November 25, 2020

DOUGLAS COUNTY COVID-19 RESPONSE TEAM - DAILY UPDATE

 

(Douglas County, Ore.)  Douglas County COVID-19 Test Results:  As of 12:00 pm today, Wednesday, November 25, 2020, there are TWENTY-EIGHT (28) people with new positive test results and ONE (1) presumptive since our noon case update yesterday*.  The total number of cases (people with positive test results and presumptive) in Douglas County is now at 887*.  Currently, there are FIFTEEN (15) Douglas County COVID-19 patients that are being hospitalized locally.  Our Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, under the direction of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Public Health Officer and Douglas Public Health Network continue to devote all resources available to our local COVID efforts.

 

A Time of Thanks for Mercy Medical Center and Health Care Workers

COVID-19 has been challenging time for everyone, but none more so than on our health care workers and health care facilities.  We wanted to take a moment, at this time of Thanksgiving to recognize all the doctors, nurses and staff at Mercy Medical Center for their dedication, commitment and hard work since COVID-19 descended on Oregon and arrived in Douglas County over eight months ago.  Despite COVID-19, our local, community hospital continues to provide and deliver the type of care you’d find in a much larger facility, and does so with a sense of pride, precaution and compassion for every patient, as well as their families.  During these uncertain times, Mercy has been fortunate to have access to sufficient supplies, treatment space, rapid testing capabilities, great community partners, amazing staff and increased infection control practices in order to treat not only COVID patients, but offer care for any patient needing treatment, critical services and surgery.  As a reminder, if you have been postponing necessary care, know that all of Mercy’s facilities are safer than they have ever been, and you do not need to wait any longer. Please be assured that the safety of patients and staff remains their top priority, as they continue to provide much needed care for our community.  Across the country as well as here in Douglas County, there’s been an outpouring of support and gratitude for our health care workers.  I hope you join me in continued support, trust and faith of our local health care workers.  Thank you Mercy for doing your part in keeping us safe and healthy here in Douglas County.

 

Douglas County, OR - COVID-19 - Case Update
Date	Saturday, November 21, 2020	Sunday, November 22, 2020	Monday, November 23, 2020	Tuesday, November 24, 2020	Today, Wednesday, November 25, 2020
Total COVID-19 Cases	795	807	822	858	887
People with Positive PCR or Antigen Test Results	729	741	756	792	820
Presumptive	66	66	66	66	67
Total Currently Hospitalized	15	20	20	19	15
Total Currently in Isolation	243	261	251	237	255
Total COVID-19 Related Deaths	15	15	17	17	17
Total Negative Test Results	18,167	18,247	18,356	18,479	18,526

*Our daily update includes the total number of cases in Douglas County, which combines people with positive test results and presumptives. We provide a breakout of the people with positive test results and presumptives in the chart above. Please note there will be times when a presumptive will move to a positive test result, and our total case number will not change because the case has already been counted, instead you will see an adjustment to our breakout numbers for positive test results and presumptives.

 

Local Cases Being Supported in Isolation and Quarantine

Currently, DPHN is supporting 255 cases in isolation, as well as another 428 contacts in quarantine in Douglas County.  Isolation is recommended for confirmed and presumptive cases, quarantine is recommended for contacts of confirmed or presumptive cases.  Currently, staff is supporting an astounding 683 total contacts in isolation or quarantine.  This number represents a snapshot of the significant amount of work being done by our county and Douglas Public Health Network to help control the spread of COVID-19.

 

Series: Reason #3 Why Covid-19 Is Spreading Locally

Reason #3, in no particular order, we continue with our series on the reasons why we are seeing a huge surge in local cases.  Over the last two days we have talked about reasons for our local outbreaks, they included unsafe or unprotected birthday parties and church gatherings.  Again, we do not have anything against churches or celebrations, we are just pointing out where our recent case surges are originating.  Today, we will talk about reason #3, going to work or participating in social activities when you are sick.  We currently have active outbreaks related to people who are choosing to go out in public and not stay home when they are ill.  Again, we have mentioned this several times in our updates, but people are still not heeding the advice.  Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, Douglas County Public Health Official, urges residents to stay home when they are sick to help protect others from getting sick and spreading disease.  This means not only staying home from work and school, but also staying home from all other activities and social events.  Please, if you are sick, even if you just have a runny nose or stuffy head, do not got to work or attend gatherings, church, parties, events, weddings, game nights, prayer groups, or go work out at the gym and expose others to your illness.  Because COVID-19 is spread through person-to-person contact, we wanted to stress the importance of protecting yourself and others you care about.  Right now we need everyone to think about the risk factors associated with these types of activities.  How would you feel if you were responsible for passing this virus onto someone that you love, that might not be able to fight off the disease?  Please limit your interactions with others, opt for online options, food and supply deliveries, remote working, and stay home until you are fully recovered.  Please be safe in all you do, not just for yourself, but for the health and safety of others, especially those that already have a compromised immune system. 

 

Especially During the Holiday Season - You Are the Key to Controlling the Spread of COVID!

It is no secret that the key to stopping the continued spread of the coronavirus is, YOU, our residents, our families, our communities and our businesses.  Prevention is the best medicine, and not just to help stop the spread of COVID, but for your overall health and wellbeing as well.  If each and every individual in our county would make a real concerted effort to implement prevention measures into their daily routine, we could see a huge decrease in our COVID case numbers.  Check out the COVID-19 incubation timeline that Douglas Public Health Network.  As you can see, COVID-19 doesn’t take a holiday, so be careful.  If you are exposed to COVID-19, even if you test negative, stay in quarantine for the 14 days.  Jane unwittingly exposed 17 family members that now could expose other family, friends and coworkers and the domino effect of a COVID-19 outbreak begins.  We need each and everyone one of our residents to take steps to minimize the spread of germs and contagions.  You can help by staying home this holiday season, keeping gatherings to just your household, maintaining healthier eating habits; incorporate exercise and cleaning routines; being cautious and keeping distance from others; making modifications to how you socialize with others; choosing no contact deliveries and services; and staying home if you are sick.  The suggestions we make and the guidelines presented by public health are not just for your health and safety, but for the health and safety of everyone, including our kids, our grandparents, our coworkers, our first responders, our teachers and our businesses.  We know we sound like a broken record, but our primary focus is to do everything we can to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of our residents.

Tips to Help Stop the Spread of COVID

• Make a habit of washing and sanitizing your hands, regularly.  That means washing after you eat, if you touch new surfaces, go to the bathroom, open a door, go to the store, go to the post office or after a meeting.  Also try and avoid touching your face as much as possible. 
• Please wear a mask when you are around others not from your household.  Not just for your protection, but for the protection of others. 
• Stay at least six feet apart from anyone that is not from your immediate household.  This means paying attention to the distance stickers at the store, the bank, at restaurants and at businesses.  Please be respectful, kind and polite, by giving people ample space.
• Stay home from work, school and play if you are sick.  This includes not running errands or going shopping or inviting visitors to your home.  If you need help, reach out to friends, family or utilize an app or businesses that offer no contact deliveries or services.
• Minimize travel, especially out of the state and limit visitors to your home. 
• Minimize attending social gatherings or going places where there are large groups of people.

 

The DCCRT team, under the direction of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, along with Dr. Dannenhoffer and Douglas Public Health Network encourage residents to make prevention measures a part of their everyday routines. 

 

Getting Tested & Testing Clinics

The next drive-through testing clinic will be Friday, November 27, 2020, in Roseburg.   As a reminder, if you are having symptoms of COVID-19 including cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches and pains, diarrhea, sore throat or decreased sense of smell and taste, talk to your health care provider about being tested for COVID-19.  Patients without a Primary Care Provider, that are looking for a COVID-19 test should contact the Sutherlin Aviva Health Clinic at (541) 459-3788. The first drive-through testing site was piloted in the county on March 17, 2020, there have been 1964 people tested in 92 drive-through clinics, while additional testing continues in hospitals, urgent cares and clinics. The drive-through clinics are led by DPHN, in conjunction with partner agencies including; Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Public Works, local volunteers and local health professionals.

 

Oregon COVID-19 Case Update

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reports new cases once a day on their website at www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus. OHA also releases a daily situation status report and a weekly report that details the overall picture of the COVID-19 outbreak within our state.  The daily report details positive and presumptive cases, as well as deaths by county and statewide, while the weekly report is more in depth and includes statistical data related the severity of cases by age, gender, zip codes, ethnicity, as well as information on workplace and senior care facility outbreaks in Oregon. Find additional information on the state or Federal COVID-19 response go to Oregon Health Authority, Centers for Disease Control, and 211Info.

 

Oregon COVID-19 Presumptive

OHA expanded their reporting for COVID-19 case management to now include presumptive COVID-19 cases in their total case number.  DPHN is reporting the number of people with new positive test results and any new presumptives and uses the OHA’s definition of presumptive as having had close contact with a known, confirmed COVID-19 case, showing symptoms and not yet having a positive nasal swab/PCR or antigen test for COVID-19.  Testing continues, as DPHN has been holding 2-3 clinics a week and hospitals, urgent cares and clinics continue to test.  DPHN continues their epidemiologic investigations, identifying individuals who may have had close contact with individuals that have tested positive for COVID-19, advising and supporting quarantine and isolation.

 

OHA Reporting and Definition for Recovered

As per the Oregon Health Authority COVID-19 Investigative Guidelines, the number of recovered cases is no longer being assessed or reported by OHA.  Up until May 1st, 2020 recovery from COVID-19 was defined as being afebrile (not feverish), without the use of antipyretics (medicine to reduce a fever), and having resolution of cough, shortness of breath and diarrhea for at least 72 hours.  As more was learned about symptoms, recovery and contagious period, the definition of recovered changed.   Beginning May 1st, OHA stopped reporting recovered cases while also separating recovery from contagious or isolation period.  Many cases were no longer contagious, as they were outside of the contagious period, but still having lingering symptoms.  To be consistent with OHA and to adapt as we learn more about this new virus, we removed the column in our chart listing recovered cases.  At that point, we added the number of those in isolation, roughly indicating active or infectious cases of COVID-19 in Douglas County.

 

Facebook Live with Dr. Bob

Please join us Friday, November 27, 2020 at 4:00 pm for the next Facebook Live event with Dr. Bob. hosted by DPHN on the DPHN Facebook page.  Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Douglas County Public Health Officer will continue their normal schedule of Facebook “Live Q&A Updates” next week with both his Tuesday night at 6:00 pm and Friday night at 4:00 pm on the DPHN Facebook page.  Residents are still able to submit their COVID-19 questions to Dr. Bob during the live shows, but you can also email your questions to: ookquestions@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org">Facebookquestions@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org.  Dr. Bob and the DPHN team will do their best to respond to as many questions as they can during their weekly updates.

 

School District Responds to Positive COVID-19 Case

Shared from Sutherlin School District.  In a press release issued yesterday, November 24, 2020, Sutherlin School District announced that they are taking steps to ensure the safety of all students and staff.  The release stated that a student at Sutherlin Middle School had tested positive for COVID-19, but has not been in school since last week. They are working closely with the Douglas Public Health Network to respond to this news and protect the health of our community.  Sutherlin Middle School is cancelling all on-site classes for Wednesday, November 25 due to lack of coverage for quarantined staff. All other Sutherlin Schools will continue with classes as planned. On November 24, they began notifying staff and parents of the children in the cohort that a student tested positive, asking them to quarantine and monitor for symptoms. They provided quarantine guidance and let them know that someone from the DPHN will be in contact to provide additional monitoring. All schools in Sutherlin School District will return to Comprehensive Distance Learning Monday, November 30.  They encourage our community to follow and maintain the Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon Department of Education guidelines; namely handwashing, staying home when sick, physical distancing, mask wearing and practicing disinfecting protocols. They understand families are concerned and our hearts go out to everyone directly affected. They will keep families and the school community updated with any new information as it becomes available, while meeting the requirements to honor everyone's right to privacy.  If you have concerns or questions about COVID-19, please call the Douglas Public Health Network hotline at 541-464-6550, seven days a week between 8 am - 5:00 pm.

 

A Message from Mercy Medical Center

Shared from Mercy Medical Center.  Due to the increasing number of COVID patients we are caring for and the pressure on our staff, we are instituting emergency changes to our Visitor Guidelines. To ensure the safety of both patients and staff, as well as to allow staff to more fully focus on patient care, the follow changes are being made:

 

Effective Wednesday, November 25: COVID Positive Patients: No Visitors (see exceptions)  

This policy will replace all other Visitor Guidelines (last updated 10.20.20) until further notice. 

No visitors for COVID positive patients, except for: 

• Compassionate care for patients at end of life
• Patient has a disability that requires assistance with making care decisions or with daily living activities.  Reference SB1606  

 

Effective Friday, November 27: Outpatients No Longer Allowed Visitors 

Due to facility space limitations and our ability to manage both social distancing and the OR-OSHA’s cleaning protocols for public areas, patients coming for outpatient services – day surgery, imaging, lab, heart center procedures, wound care, infusion services, pulmonary function – will no longer be allowed a visitor, unless patient has a disability that requires assistance. Reference SB1606   

 

Effective Friday, November 27: Changes in Visiting Hours for Inpatients Hospital-wide

Visiting Hours will now be from 2-6 p.m. every day

 

What’s Not Changing:

• Emergency Department patients may continue to have one visitor, unless: 
  • If the ER patient is admitted, the visitor may accompany the patient to their room, but is asked to leave promptly after patient is settled if before or after visiting hours

• Family BirthPlace patients may have one support person, no visitors
• For inpatients without a COVID diagnosis, one visitor per day (only during new visiting hours of 2-6 p.m.)
• Pediatric patients may have both parents with them 
• No visitors under the age of 12

 

Visitors must comply with PPE requirements and might be excluded from having visitation privileges if they fail to pass the screening process.

 

 

LOCAL COVID-19 INFORMATION

Stay Informed with Accurate Local Information

 

Stay up to date on COVID-19 in Douglas County on the Douglas County Government website or the DPHN website.  Your Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Public Health Officer, Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer, DPHN and the Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team (DCCRT) have been working hard to cooperatively provide accurate and timely information to Douglas County residents since March 8, 2020.  Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the agencies that make up the DCCRT. 

 

Douglas County Resource/COVID-19 Hotline: (541) 464-6550:

Douglas County Commissioners and Douglas Public Health Network have added a resource and referral service to the current COVID-19 hotline for Douglas County residents.  The added service will help residents get connected to resources and services due to the local wildfires.  Referral and resource information will be available about local emergency shelters, livestock and animal boarding options, donation locations, volunteer opportunities, welfare check referrals, food and water resources and help with health and wellness questions.  This is NOT the hotline for Fire Updates or Evacuation information.  Please contact or follow DFPA and DCSO for the most up-to-date wildfire information.  The Resource/COVID-19 Hotline is (541) 464-6550.  It is staffed from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, 7 days a week until further notice. 

 

Questions about Governor’s Statewide Rules?  If you have questions or need more information on statewide mandates, guidelines or rules, go to the Governor’s COVID-19 website at https://govstatus.egov.com/or-covid-19/ or call the Business Oregon's Navigator Hotline at (833) 604-0880.  For information on COVID-19 in other counties and around Oregon, call 211 or visit 211info. 

 

Who Do You Contact to Report Compliance Issues with the Governor’s Statewide Rules?  Please do not call 911, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office or Douglas County Offices to report compliance issues with the Governor’s orders.  The Governor has directed the State offices for Oregon Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) and the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) to be the enforcement agencies responsible for ensuring restaurants, bars, and other businesses comply with COVID-related rules.  For more information or to report compliance issues contact:

OSHA: (800) 922-2689 or OSHA website or OLCC (503) 872-5000 or OLCC website

 

###

 

Contact Tamara Howell, Public Information Officer, Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, (541) 670-2804 cell/(541) 957-4896 tjhowell@co.douglas.or.us

Contact Vanessa Becker, Public Information Officer, Douglas Public Health Network, (541) 817-6552 cell (541) 440-3571 vanessa@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org

Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team - Daily Update - November 24, 2020 (Photo) - 11/24/20

Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the agencies that make up the DCCRT

JOINT INFORMATION CENTER PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – November 24, 2020

DOUGLAS COUNTY COVID-19 RESPONSE TEAM - DAILY UPDATE

 

(Douglas County, Ore.)  Douglas County COVID-19 Test Results:  Another new record as we report 36 new positive test results today.  As of 12:00 pm today, Tuesday, November 24, 2020, there are THIRTY-SIX (36) people with new positive test results since our noon case update yesterday*.  The total number of cases (people with positive test results and presumptive) in Douglas County is now at 858*.  Currently, there are NINETEEN (19) Douglas County COVID-19 patients that are being hospitalized, 18 locally and 1 out-of-the-area.  Our Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, under the direction of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Public Health Officer and Douglas Public Health Network continue to devote all resources available to our local COVID efforts.

 

Douglas County, OR - COVID-19 - Case Update
Date	Friday, November 20, 2020	Saturday, November 21, 2020	Sunday, November 22, 2020	Monday, November 23, 2020	Today, Tuesday, November 24, 2020
Total COVID-19 Cases	757	795	807	822	858
People with Positive PCR or Antigen Test Results	691	729	741	756	792
Presumptive	66	66	66	66	66
Total Currently Hospitalized	13	15	20	20	19
Total Currently in Isolation	223	243	261	251	237
Total COVID-19 Related Deaths	15	15	15	17	17
Total Negative Test Results	18,043	18,167	18,247	18,356	18,479

*Our daily update includes the total number of cases in Douglas County, which combines people with positive test results and presumptives. We provide a breakout of the people with positive test results and presumptives in the chart above. Please note there will be times when a presumptive will move to a positive test result, and our total case number will not change because the case has already been counted, instead you will see an adjustment to our breakout numbers for positive test results and presumptives.

 

SERIES: REASON #2 WHY COVID-19 IS SPREADING LOCALLY

We continue with our series on the reasons why we are seeing a huge surge in local cases.  Yesterday, we talked about reason #1 for our local outbreaks, unsafe or unprotected church gatherings.  Again, we do not have anything against churches, we are just pointing out where our recent case surges are originating.  Today, we will talk about reason #2, attending birthday parties.  We currently have active outbreaks related to gatherings to celebrate birthdays.  Yes, we have mentioned this many times in our updates, but people are still hosting and attending indoor in-person parties with unmasked, unprotected, often sick and not socially distanced guests from outside the household.  Because COVID-19 is spread through person-to-person contact, we wanted to stress the importance of protecting yourself and others you care about.  Right now we need everyone to think about the risk factors associated with these types of activities.  How would you feel if you were responsible for passing this virus onto someone that you love, that might not be able to fight off the disease?  So, we urge you to think about skipping the big birthday bash this year or consider hosting an online birthday party instead.  The outbreaks related to these parties are due to close-contact gatherings where people are hugging, laughing and talking while not keeping appropriate distance from others; not wearing masks; hosting large potluck style dinners; and gathering for long periods of time in close quarters.  Please limit your interactions, opt for online services where possible, make sure you are wearing a mask and keep your distance from others in your congregation.  Please be safe in all you do, not just for yourself, but for the health and safety of others, especially those that already have a compromised immune system. 

 

Local Cases Being Supported in Isolation and Quarantine

Currently, DPHN is supporting 237 cases in isolation, as well as another 477 contacts in quarantine in Douglas County.  Isolation is recommended for confirmed and presumptive cases, quarantine is recommended for contacts of confirmed or presumptive cases.  Currently, staff is supporting an astounding 714 total contacts in isolation or quarantine.  This number represents a snapshot of the significant amount of work being done by our county and Douglas Public Health Network to help control the spread of COVID-19.

 

PLEASE STAY HOME IF YOU ARE SICK!

Please Stay Home from All Activities If You Are Sick, Feeling Even a Little Sick or Not Fully Recovered

Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, Douglas County Public Health Official would like to remind residents about the importance of staying home when you are sick to help protect others from getting sick.  This means not only staying home from work and school, but also staying home from all other activities and social events.  Please, if you are sick, even if you just have a runny nose or stuffy head, do not attend birthday parties, weddings, poker nights, prayer groups, church or go work out at the gym and expose others to your illness.  

 

 

You Are the Key to Controlling the Spread of COVID!

It is no secret that the key to stopping the continued spread of the coronavirus is, YOU, our residents, our families, our communities and our businesses.  Yes, prevention is the best medicine, and not just to help stop the spread of COVID, but for your overall health and wellbeing as well.  If each and every individual in our county would make a real concerted effort to implement prevention measures into their daily routine, we could see a huge decrease in our COVID case numbers.  That means we need each and everyone one of our residents to take steps to minimize the spread of germs and contagions.  They can do this by choosing to maintain healthier eating habits; incorporate exercise and cleaning routines; being cautious and keeping distance from others; making modifications to how you socialize with others; choosing no contact deliveries and services; and staying home if you are sick.  The suggestions we make and the guidelines presented by public health are not just for your health and safety, but for the health and safety of everyone, including our kids, our grandparents, our coworkers, our first responders, our teachers and our businesses.  We know we sound like a broken record, but our primary focus is to do everything we can to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of our residents.

 

Tips to Help Stop the Spread of COVID

• Make a habit of washing and sanitizing your hands, regularly.  That means washing after you eat, if you touch new surfaces, go to the bathroom, open a door, go to the store, go to the post office or after a meeting.  Also try and avoid touching your face as much as possible. 
• Please wear a mask when you are around others not from your household.  Not just for your protection, but for the protection of others. 
• Stay at least six feet apart from anyone that is not from your immediate household.  This means paying attention to the distance stickers at the store, the bank, at restaurants and at businesses.  Please be respectful, kind and polite, by giving people ample space.
• Stay home from work, school and play if you are sick.  This includes not running errands or going shopping or inviting visitors to your home.  If you need help, reach out to friends, family or utilize an app or businesses that offer no contact deliveries or services.
• Minimize travel, especially out of the state and limit visitors to your home. 
• Minimize attending social gatherings or going places where there are large groups of people.

 

The DCCRT team, under the direction of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, along with Dr. Dannenhoffer and Douglas Public Health Network encourage residents to make prevention measures a part of their everyday routines. 

 

Getting Tested & Testing Clinics

The next drive-through testing clinic will be Today, Tuesday, November 24, 2020, in Roseburg.   As a reminder, if you are having symptoms of COVID-19 including cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches and pains, diarrhea, sore throat or decreased sense of smell and taste, talk to your health care provider about being tested for COVID-19.  Patients without a Primary Care Provider, that are looking for a COVID-19 test should contact the Sutherlin Aviva Health Clinic at (541) 459-3788. The first drive-through testing site was piloted in the county on March 17, 2020, there have been 1964 people tested in 92 drive-through clinics, while additional testing continues in hospitals, urgent cares and clinics. The drive-through clinics are led by DPHN, in conjunction with partner agencies including; Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Public Works, local volunteers and local health professionals.

 

Oregon COVID-19 Case Update

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reports new cases once a day on their website at www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus. OHA also releases a daily situation status report and a weekly report that details the overall picture of the COVID-19 outbreak within our state.  The daily report details positive and presumptive cases, as well as deaths by county and statewide, while the weekly report is more in depth and includes statistical data related the severity of cases by age, gender, zip codes, ethnicity, as well as information on workplace and senior care facility outbreaks in Oregon. Find additional information on the state or Federal COVID-19 response go to Oregon Health Authority, Centers for Disease Control, and 211Info.

 

Oregon COVID-19 Presumptive

OHA expanded their reporting for COVID-19 case management to now include presumptive COVID-19 cases in their total case number.  DPHN is reporting the number of people with new positive test results and any new presumptives and uses the OHA’s definition of presumptive as having had close contact with a known, confirmed COVID-19 case, showing symptoms and not yet having a positive nasal swab/PCR or antigen test for COVID-19.  Testing continues, as DPHN has been holding 2-3 clinics a week and hospitals, urgent cares and clinics continue to test.  DPHN continues their epidemiologic investigations, identifying individuals who may have had close contact with individuals that have tested positive for COVID-19, advising and supporting quarantine and isolation.

 

OHA Reporting and Definition for Recovered

As per the Oregon Health Authority COVID-19 Investigative Guidelines, the number of recovered cases is no longer being assessed or reported by OHA.  Up until May 1st, 2020 recovery from COVID-19 was defined as being afebrile (not feverish), without the use of antipyretics (medicine to reduce a fever), and having resolution of cough, shortness of breath and diarrhea for at least 72 hours.  As more was learned about symptoms, recovery and contagious period, the definition of recovered changed.   Beginning May 1st, OHA stopped reporting recovered cases while also separating recovery from contagious or isolation period.  Many cases were no longer contagious, as they were outside of the contagious period, but still having lingering symptoms.  To be consistent with OHA and to adapt as we learn more about this new virus, we removed the column in our chart listing recovered cases.  At that point, we added the number of those in isolation, roughly indicating active or infectious cases of COVID-19 in Douglas County.

 

Facebook Live with Dr. Bob

Please join us Tonight, Tuesday, November 24, 2020 at 6:00 pm for the next Facebook Live event with Dr. Bob. hosted by DPHN on the DPHN Facebook page.  Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Douglas County Public Health Officer will continue their normal schedule of Facebook “Live Q&A Updates” next week with both his Tuesday night at 6:00 pm and Friday night at 4:00 pm on the DPHN Facebook page.  Residents are still able to submit their COVID-19 questions to Dr. Bob during the live shows, but you can also email your questions to: ookquestions@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org">Facebookquestions@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org.  Dr. Bob and the DPHN team will do their best to respond to as many questions as they can during their weekly updates.

 

 

LOCAL COVID-19 INFORMATION

Stay Informed with Accurate Local Information

 

Stay up to date on COVID-19 in Douglas County on the Douglas County Government website or the DPHN website.  Your Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Public Health Officer, Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer, DPHN and the Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team (DCCRT) have been working hard to cooperatively provide accurate and timely information to Douglas County residents since March 8, 2020.  Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the agencies that make up the DCCRT. 

 

Douglas County Resource/COVID-19 Hotline: (541) 464-6550:

Douglas County Commissioners and Douglas Public Health Network have added a resource and referral service to the current COVID-19 hotline for Douglas County residents.  The added service will help residents get connected to resources and services due to the local wildfires.  Referral and resource information will be available about local emergency shelters, livestock and animal boarding options, donation locations, volunteer opportunities, welfare check referrals, food and water resources and help with health and wellness questions.  This is NOT the hotline for Fire Updates or Evacuation information.  Please contact or follow DFPA and DCSO for the most up-to-date wildfire information.  The Resource/COVID-19 Hotline is (541) 464-6550.  It is staffed from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, 7 days a week until further notice. 

 

Questions about Governor’s Statewide Rules?  If you have questions or need more information on statewide mandates, guidelines or rules, go to the Governor’s COVID-19 website at https://govstatus.egov.com/or-covid-19/ or call the Business Oregon's Navigator Hotline at (833) 604-0880.  For information on COVID-19 in other counties and around Oregon, call 211 or visit 211info.  Who Do You Contact to Report Compliance Issues with the Governor’s Statewide Rules?  Please do not call 911, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office or Douglas County Offices to report compliance issues with the Governor’s orders.  The Governor has directed the State offices for Oregon Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) and the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) to be the enforcement agencies responsible for ensuring restaurants, bars, and other businesses comply with COVID-related rules.  For more information or to report compliance issues contact:

OSHA: (800) 922-2689 or OSHA website or OLCC (503) 872-5000 or OLCC website

 

###

 

Contact Tamara Howell, Public Information Officer, Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, (541) 670-2804 cell/(541) 957-4896 tjhowell@co.douglas.or.us

Contact Vanessa Becker, Public Information Officer, Douglas Public Health Network, (541) 817-6552 cell (541) 440-3571 vanessa@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org

Updated: Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team - Daily Update - November 23, 2020 (Photo) - 11/23/20

UPDATE: Please note that we have corrected the following line in the second paragraph:

Our seventeenth COVID related death is a 91-year-old woman who also passed away today, Monday, November 23, 2020, in Roseburg, Oregon. She was admitted to the hospital on November 18, 2020. 

Please accept our apologies for the confusion.

 

Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the agencies that make up the DCCRT

JOINT INFORMATION CENTER PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – November 23, 2020

DOUGLAS COUNTY COVID-19 RESPONSE TEAM - DAILY UPDATE

 

(Douglas County, Ore.)  Douglas County COVID-19 Test Results:  As of 12:00 pm today, Monday, November 23, 2020, there are FIFTEEN (15) people with new positive test results and TWO (2) deaths since our noon case update yesterday*.  The total number of cases (people with positive test results and presumptive) in Douglas County is now at 822*.  Currently, there are TWENTY (20) Douglas County COVID-19 patients that are being hospitalized, 19 locally and 1 out-of-the-area.  Our Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, under the direction of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Public Health Officer and Douglas Public Health Network continue to devote all resources available to our local COVID efforts.

 

COVID-19 Related Deaths of Douglas County Residents

Our Douglas County Public Health Officer, Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer, has confirmed the deaths of two Douglas County residents from the COVID-19 virus. Our sixteenth COVID related death is an 81-year-old man who passed away today, Monday, November 23, 2020, in Roseburg, Oregon. He was admitted to the hospital on November 7, 2020.  Our seventeenth COVID related death is a 91-year-old woman who also passed away today, Monday, November 23, 2020, in Roseburg, Oregon. She was admitted to the hospital on November 18, 2020.  In the interest of privacy for the loved ones of these gentleman, no additional information will be released.  Each death related to COVID-19 is painful for all Douglas County residents, and a reminder of the terrible impact COVID-19 has had in our local communities. The Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Dr. Dannenhoffer, DPHN staff and the DCCRT Team extend our heartfelt condolences and sympathies to all family members, friends, relatives, co-workers and community members of those who have passed after contracting this deadly virus.

 

            “It is with great sorrow that we continue to add to our local death toll, with the passing of two more local residents.  On behalf of my family, my fellow Board of Commissioners, Dr. Dannenhoffer, DPHN staff and the DCCRT team, we send our sincere condolences and prayers to the family, friends and neighbors of this beloved resident,” commented Commissioner Tim Freeman. “Please, for the safety of all of our citizens, we encourage you to do everything you can to protect the ones you love by preventing the spread of this deadly disease.  Please limit your interactions with others, call or video chat instead of visit in person, watch presentations or church services online, delay travel plans for a while, get meals or food delivered, wear a mask, say sorry, but you are not able to attend the birthday party or family gathering this year and stay home if you are sick.  The virus is here and it is not going away without the help of every citizens doing their part to prevent the spread.  Stay safe and stay healthy."

 

Douglas County, OR - COVID-19 - Case Update
Date	Thursday, November 19, 2020	Friday, November 20, 2020	Saturday, November 21, 2020	Sunday, November 22, 2020	Today, Monday, November 23, 2020
Total COVID-19 Cases	728	757	795	807	822
People with Positive PCR or Antigen Test Results	663	691	729	741	756
Presumptive	65	66	66	66	66
Total Currently Hospitalized	14	13	15	20	20
Total Currently in Isolation	226	223	243	261	251
Total COVID-19 Related Deaths	15	15	15	15	17
Total Negative Test Results	17,857	18,043	18,167	18,247	18,356

*Our daily update includes the total number of cases in Douglas County, which combines people with positive test results and presumptives. We provide a breakout of the people with positive test results and presumptives in the chart above. Please note there will be times when a presumptive will move to a positive test result, and our total case number will not change because the case has already been counted, instead you will see an adjustment to our breakout numbers for positive test results and presumptives.

 

TOP REASONS WHY COVID-19 IS SPREADING LOCALLY:

Since most people are aware that COVID-19 is spread through person-to-person contact, we wanted to talk specifically about the root causes of our recent local outbreaks.  Today we wanted to talk about Church Gatherings.  Why we certainly to do have anything against churches, but we wanted to bring to light that we are having a rash of local cases associated with unsafe behaviors at local church services and church gatherings.  Although it is not something that OHA reports as an outbreak category, we wanted to let our citizens know that we currently have four churches that have active COVID-19 outbreaks. These outbreaks are due to close-contact gatherings where people are hugging and singing; not keeping appropriate distance from others; not wearing masks; hosting large dinners, meetings and prayer groups; and gathering for long periods of time in close quarters.  Additionally, we have sadly learned that a few of our recent local deaths were directly related to unprotected church gatherings.  Please limit your interactions, opt for online services where possible, make sure you are wearing a mask and keep your distance from others in your congregation.  Please be safe in all you do, not just for yourself, but for the health and safety of others, especially those that already have a compromised immune system. 

 

Local Cases Being Supported in Isolation and Quarantine

Currently, DPHN is supporting 251 cases in isolation, as well as another 518 contacts in quarantine in Douglas County.  Isolation is recommended for confirmed and presumptive cases, quarantine is recommended for contacts of confirmed or presumptive cases.  Currently, staff is supporting an astounding 769 total contacts in isolation or quarantine.  This number represents a snapshot of the significant amount of work being done by our county and Douglas Public Health Network to help control the spread of COVID-19.

 

PLEASE STAY HOME IF YOU ARE SICK!

Please Stay Home from All Activities If You Are Sick, Feeling Even a Little Sick or Not Fully Recovered

Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, Douglas County Public Health Official would like to remind residents about the importance of staying home when you are sick to help protect others from getting sick.  This means not only staying home from work and school, but also staying home from all other activities and social events.  Please, if you are sick, even if you just have a runny nose or stuffy head, do not attend birthday parties, weddings, poker nights, prayer groups, church or go work out at the gym and expose others to your illness.  

 

You Are the Key to Controlling the Spread of COVID!

It is no secret that the key to stopping the continued spread of the coronavirus is, YOU, our residents, our families, our communities and our businesses.  Yes, prevention is the best medicine, and not just to help stop the spread of COVID, but for your overall health and wellbeing as well.  If each and every individual in our county would make a real concerted effort to implement prevention measures into their daily routine, we could see a huge decrease in our COVID case numbers.  That means we need each and everyone one of our residents to take steps to minimize the spread of germs and contagions.  They can do this by choosing to maintain healthier eating habits; incorporate exercise and cleaning routines; being cautious and keeping distance from others; making modifications to how you socialize with others; choosing no contact deliveries and services; and staying home if you are sick.  The suggestions we make and the guidelines presented by public health are not just for your health and safety, but for the health and safety of everyone, including our kids, our grandparents, our coworkers, our first responders, our teachers and our businesses.  We know we sound like a broken record, but our primary focus is to do everything we can to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of our residents.

 

Tips to Help Stop the Spread of COVID

• Make a habit of washing and sanitizing your hands, regularly.  That means washing after you eat, if you touch new surfaces, go to the bathroom, open a door, go to the store, go to the post office or after a meeting.  Also try and avoid touching your face as much as possible. 
• Please wear a mask when you are around others not from your household.  Not just for your protection, but for the protection of others. 
• Stay at least six feet apart from anyone that is not from your immediate household.  This means paying attention to the distance stickers at the store, the bank, at restaurants and at businesses.  Please be respectful, kind and polite, by giving people ample space.
• Stay home from work, school and play if you are sick.  This includes not running errands or going shopping or inviting visitors to your home.  If you need help, reach out to friends, family or utilize an app or businesses that offer no contact deliveries or services.
• Minimize travel, especially out of the state and limit visitors to your home. 
• Minimize attending social gatherings or going places where there are large groups of people.

 

The DCCRT team, under the direction of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, along with Dr. Dannenhoffer and Douglas Public Health Network encourage residents to make prevention measures a part of their everyday routines. 

 

Getting Tested & Testing Clinics

The next drive-through testing clinic will be Tuesday, November 24, 2020, in Roseburg.   As a reminder, if you are having symptoms of COVID-19 including cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches and pains, diarrhea, sore throat or decreased sense of smell and taste, talk to your health care provider about being tested for COVID-19.  Patients without a Primary Care Provider, that are looking for a COVID-19 test should contact the Sutherlin Aviva Health Clinic at (541) 459-3788. The first drive-through testing site was piloted in the county on March 17, 2020, there have been 1964 people tested in 92 drive-through clinics, while additional testing continues in hospitals, urgent cares and clinics. The drive-through clinics are led by DPHN, in conjunction with partner agencies including; Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Public Works, local volunteers and local health professionals.

 

Oregon COVID-19 Case Update

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reports new cases once a day on their website at www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus. OHA also releases a daily situation status report and a weekly report that details the overall picture of the COVID-19 outbreak within our state.  The daily report details positive and presumptive cases, as well as deaths by county and statewide, while the weekly report is more in depth and includes statistical data related the severity of cases by age, gender, zip codes, ethnicity, as well as information on workplace and senior care facility outbreaks in Oregon. Find additional information on the state or Federal COVID-19 response go to Oregon Health Authority, Centers for Disease Control, and 211Info.

 

Oregon COVID-19 Presumptive

OHA expanded their reporting for COVID-19 case management to now include presumptive COVID-19 cases in their total case number.  DPHN is reporting the number of people with new positive test results and any new presumptives and uses the OHA’s definition of presumptive as having had close contact with a known, confirmed COVID-19 case, showing symptoms and not yet having a positive nasal swab/PCR or antigen test for COVID-19.  Testing continues, as DPHN has been holding 2-3 clinics a week and hospitals, urgent cares and clinics continue to test.  DPHN continues their epidemiologic investigations, identifying individuals who may have had close contact with individuals that have tested positive for COVID-19, advising and supporting quarantine and isolation.

 

OHA Reporting and Definition for Recovered

As per the Oregon Health Authority COVID-19 Investigative Guidelines, the number of recovered cases is no longer being assessed or reported by OHA.  Up until May 1st, 2020 recovery from COVID-19 was defined as being afebrile (not feverish), without the use of antipyretics (medicine to reduce a fever), and having resolution of cough, shortness of breath and diarrhea for at least 72 hours.  As more was learned about symptoms, recovery and contagious period, the definition of recovered changed.   Beginning May 1st, OHA stopped reporting recovered cases while also separating recovery from contagious or isolation period.  Many cases were no longer contagious, as they were outside of the contagious period, but still having lingering symptoms.  To be consistent with OHA and to adapt as we learn more about this new virus, we removed the column in our chart listing recovered cases.  At that point, we added the number of those in isolation, roughly indicating active or infectious cases of COVID-19 in Douglas County.

 

Facebook Live with Dr. Bob

Please join us Tuesday, November 24, 2020 at 6:00 pm for the next Facebook Live event with Dr. Bob. hosted by DPHN on the DPHN Facebook page.  Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Douglas County Public Health Officer will continue their normal schedule of Facebook “Live Q&A Updates” next week with both his Tuesday night at 6:00 pm and Friday night at 4:00 pm on the DPHN Facebook page.  Residents are still able to submit their COVID-19 questions to Dr. Bob during the live shows, but you can also email your questions to: ookquestions@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org">Facebookquestions@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org.  Dr. Bob and the DPHN team will do their best to respond to as many questions as they can during their weekly updates.

 

 

LOCAL COVID-19 INFORMATION

Stay Informed with Accurate Local Information

 

Stay up to date on COVID-19 in Douglas County on the Douglas County Government website or the DPHN website.  Your Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Public Health Officer, Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer, DPHN and the Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team (DCCRT) have been working hard to cooperatively provide accurate and timely information to Douglas County residents since March 8, 2020.  Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the agencies that make up the DCCRT. 

 

Douglas County Resource/COVID-19 Hotline: (541) 464-6550:

Douglas County Commissioners and Douglas Public Health Network have added a resource and referral service to the current COVID-19 hotline for Douglas County residents.  The added service will help residents get connected to resources and services due to the local wildfires.  Referral and resource information will be available about local emergency shelters, livestock and animal boarding options, donation locations, volunteer opportunities, welfare check referrals, food and water resources and help with health and wellness questions.  This is NOT the hotline for Fire Updates or Evacuation information.  Please contact or follow DFPA and DCSO for the most up-to-date wildfire information.  The Resource/COVID-19 Hotline is (541) 464-6550.  It is staffed from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, 7 days a week until further notice. 

 

Questions about Governor’s Statewide Rules?  If you have questions or need more information on statewide mandates, guidelines or rules, go to the Governor’s COVID-19 website at https://govstatus.egov.com/or-covid-19/ or call the Business Oregon's Navigator Hotline at (833) 604-0880.  For information on COVID-19 in other counties and around Oregon, call 211 or visit 211info.  Who Do You Contact to Report Compliance Issues with the Governor’s Statewide Rules?  Please do not call 911, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office or Douglas County Offices to report compliance issues with the Governor’s orders.  The Governor has directed the State offices for Oregon Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) and the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) to be the enforcement agencies responsible for ensuring restaurants, bars, and other businesses comply with COVID-related rules.  For more information or to report compliance issues contact:

OSHA: (800) 922-2689 or OSHA website or OLCC (503) 872-5000 or OLCC website

 

###

 

Contact Tamara Howell, Public Information Officer, Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, (541) 670-2804 cell/(541) 957-4896 tjhowell@co.douglas.or.us

Contact Vanessa Becker, Public Information Officer, Douglas Public Health Network, (541) 817-6552 cell (541) 440-3571 vanessa@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org

Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team - Daily Update - November 22, 2020 (Photo) - 11/22/20

Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the agencies that make up the DCCRT

JOINT INFORMATION CENTER PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – November 22, 2020

DOUGLAS COUNTY COVID-19 RESPONSE TEAM - DAILY UPDATE

 

(Douglas County, Ore.)  Douglas County COVID-19 Test Results:  Sadly, as we head into Thanksgiving week, we have reached another daily record with 20 hospitalized patients.  Plus, we have now surpassed eight hundred cases and DPHN staff is supporting 740 contacts in isolation and quarantine.  As of 12:00 pm today, Sunday, November 22, 2020, there are TWELVE (12) people with new positive test results since our noon case update yesterday*.  The total number of cases (people with positive test results and presumptive) in Douglas County is now at 807*.  Currently, there are TWENTY (20) Douglas County COVID-19 patients that are being hospitalized, 19 locally and 1 out-of-the-area.  Our Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, under the direction of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Public Health Officer and Douglas Public Health Network continue to devote all resources available to our local COVID efforts.

 

Local Cases Being Supported in Isolation and Quarantine

Currently, DPHN is supporting 261 cases in isolation, as well as another 479 contacts in quarantine in Douglas County.  Isolation is recommended for confirmed and presumptive cases, quarantine is recommended for contacts of confirmed or presumptive cases.  Currently, staff is supporting an astounding 740 total contacts in isolation or quarantine.  This number represents a snapshot of the significant amount of work being done by our county and Douglas Public Health Network to help control the spread of COVID-19.

 

Douglas County, OR - COVID-19 - Case Update
Date	Wednesday, November 18, 2020	Thursday, November 19, 2020	Friday, November 20, 2020	Saturday, November 21, 2020	Today, Sunday, November 22, 2020
Total COVID-19 Cases	701	728	757	795	807
People with Positive PCR or Antigen Test Results	637	663	691	729	741
Presumptive	64	65	66	66	66
Total Currently Hospitalized	14	14	13	15	20
Total Currently in Isolation	216	226	223	243	261
Total COVID-19 Related Deaths	12	15	15	15	15
Total Negative Test Results	17,707	17,857	18,043	18,167	18,247

*Our daily update includes the total number of cases in Douglas County, which combines people with positive test results and presumptives. We provide a breakout of the people with positive test results and presumptives in the chart above. Please note there will be times when a presumptive will move to a positive test result, and our total case number will not change because the case has already been counted, instead you will see an adjustment to our breakout numbers for positive test results and presumptives.

 

PLEASE STAY HOME IF YOU ARE SICK!

Please Stay Home from All Activities If You Are Sick, Feeling Even a Little Sick or Not Fully Recovered

Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, Douglas County Public Health Official would like to remind residents about the importance of staying home when you are sick to help protect others from getting sick.  This means not only staying home from work and school, but also staying home from all other activities and social events.  Please, if you are sick, even if you just have a runny nose or stuffy head, do not attend birthday parties, weddings, poker nights, prayer groups, church or go work out at the gym and expose others to your illness.   

 

You Are the Key to Controlling the Spread of COVID!

It is no secret that the key to stopping the continued spread of the coronavirus is, YOU, our residents, our families, our communities and our businesses.  Yes, prevention is the best medicine, and not just to help stop the spread of COVID, but for your overall health and wellbeing as well.  If each and every individual in our county would make a real concerted effort to implement prevention measures into their daily routine, we could see a huge decrease in our COVID case numbers.  That means we need each and everyone one of our residents to take steps to minimize the spread of germs and contagions.  They can do this by choosing to maintain healthier eating habits; incorporate exercise and cleaning routines; being cautious and keeping distance from others; making modifications to how you socialize with others; choosing no contact deliveries and services; and staying home if you are sick.  The suggestions we make and the guidelines presented by public health are not just for your health and safety, but for the health and safety of everyone, including our kids, our grandparents, our coworkers, our first responders, our teachers and our businesses.  We know we sound like a broken record, but our primary focus is to do everything we can to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of our residents.

 

Tips to Help Stop the Spread of COVID

• Make a habit of washing and sanitizing your hands, regularly.  That means washing after you eat, if you touch new surfaces, go to the bathroom, open a door, go to the store, go to the post office or after a meeting.  Also try and avoid touching your face as much as possible. 
• Please wear a mask when you are around others not from your household.  Not just for your protection, but for the protection of others. 
• Stay at least six feet apart from anyone that is not from your immediate household.  This means paying attention to the distance stickers at the store, the bank, at restaurants and at businesses.  Please be respectful, kind and polite, by giving people ample space.
• Stay home from work, school and play if you are sick.  This includes not running errands or going shopping or inviting visitors to your home.  If you need help, reach out to friends, family or utilize an app or businesses that offer no contact deliveries or services.
• Minimize travel, especially out of the state and limit visitors to your home. 
• Minimize attending social gatherings or going places where there are large groups of people.

 

The DCCRT team, under the direction of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, along with Dr. Dannenhoffer and Douglas Public Health Network encourage residents to make prevention measures a part of their everyday routines. 

 

Getting Tested & Testing Clinics

The next drive-through testing clinic will be Tuesday, November 24, 2020, in Roseburg.   As a reminder, if you are having symptoms of COVID-19 including cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches and pains, diarrhea, sore throat or decreased sense of smell and taste, talk to your health care provider about being tested for COVID-19.  Patients without a Primary Care Provider, that are looking for a COVID-19 test should contact the Sutherlin Aviva Health Clinic at (541) 459-3788. The first drive-through testing site was piloted in the county on March 17, 2020, there have been 1964 people tested in 92 drive-through clinics, while additional testing continues in hospitals, urgent cares and clinics. The drive-through clinics are led by DPHN, in conjunction with partner agencies including; Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Public Works, local volunteers and local health professionals.

 

Oregon COVID-19 Case Update

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reports new cases once a day on their website at www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus. OHA also releases a daily situation status report and a weekly report that details the overall picture of the COVID-19 outbreak within our state.  The daily report details positive and presumptive cases, as well as deaths by county and statewide, while the weekly report is more in depth and includes statistical data related the severity of cases by age, gender, zip codes, ethnicity, as well as information on workplace and senior care facility outbreaks in Oregon. Find additional information on the state or Federal COVID-19 response go to Oregon Health Authority, Centers for Disease Control, and 211Info.

 

Oregon COVID-19 Presumptive

OHA expanded their reporting for COVID-19 case management to now include presumptive COVID-19 cases in their total case number.  DPHN is reporting the number of people with new positive test results and any new presumptives and uses the OHA’s definition of presumptive as having had close contact with a known, confirmed COVID-19 case, showing symptoms and not yet having a positive nasal swab/PCR or antigen test for COVID-19.  Testing continues, as DPHN has been holding 2-3 clinics a week and hospitals, urgent cares and clinics continue to test.  DPHN continues their epidemiologic investigations, identifying individuals who may have had close contact with individuals that have tested positive for COVID-19, advising and supporting quarantine and isolation.

 

OHA Reporting and Definition for Recovered

As per the Oregon Health Authority COVID-19 Investigative Guidelines, the number of recovered cases is no longer being assessed or reported by OHA.  Up until May 1st, 2020 recovery from COVID-19 was defined as being afebrile (not feverish), without the use of antipyretics (medicine to reduce a fever), and having resolution of cough, shortness of breath and diarrhea for at least 72 hours.  As more was learned about symptoms, recovery and contagious period, the definition of recovered changed.   Beginning May 1st, OHA stopped reporting recovered cases while also separating recovery from contagious or isolation period.  Many cases were no longer contagious, as they were outside of the contagious period, but still having lingering symptoms.  To be consistent with OHA and to adapt as we learn more about this new virus, we removed the column in our chart listing recovered cases.  At that point, we added the number of those in isolation, roughly indicating active or infectious cases of COVID-19 in Douglas County.

 

Facebook Live with Dr. Bob

Please join us Tuesday, November 24, 2020 at 6:00 pm for the next Facebook Live event with Dr. Bob. hosted by DPHN on the DPHN Facebook page.  Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Douglas County Public Health Officer will continue their normal schedule of Facebook “Live Q&A Updates” next week with both his Tuesday night at 6:00 pm and Friday night at 4:00 pm on the DPHN Facebook page.  Residents are still able to submit their COVID-19 questions to Dr. Bob during the live shows, but you can also email your questions to: ookquestions@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org">Facebookquestions@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org.  Dr. Bob and the DPHN team will do their best to respond to as many questions as they can during their weekly updates.

 

Red Cross: Blood Donations Needed - Please Consider Donating Blood

The American Red Cross still has an urgent need for blood donations to prevent another blood shortage. Donors are needed to make and keep scheduled appointments to help meet the current need. If you are healthy, feeling well and eligible to give blood or platelets, you are urged to make an appointment to donate as soon as possible. COVID-19 safe donation measure are in place.  Donate your blood and save a life.  Remember, appointments are required, visit www.redcrossblood.org  or call (800) 733-2767 to schedule today.

 

Local Upcoming Blood Drives:

Monday, November 23 10:00 am – 3:30 pm      Wildlife Safari, 1790 Safari Road, Winston

Tuesday, November 24 10:00 am – 3:30 pm      Umpqua Valley Ambulance, 1290 NE Cedar St, Roseburg

Tuesday, November 24 10:00 am – 3:30 pm      South Umpqua High School, 501 NW Chadwick Lane, Myrtle Creek

Wednesday, November 25 8:30 am – 1:30 pm  Roseburg Blood Donation Center, 1176 NW Garden Valley Blvd.

Tuesday, December 1  9:30 am – 3:30 pm        Roseburg Blood Donation Center, 1176 NW Garden Valley Blvd.

 

 

LOCAL COVID-19 INFORMATION

Stay Informed with Accurate Local Information

 

Stay up to date on COVID-19 in Douglas County on the Douglas County Government website or the DPHN website.  Your Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Public Health Officer, Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer, DPHN and the Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team (DCCRT) have been working hard to cooperatively provide accurate and timely information to Douglas County residents since March 8, 2020.  Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the agencies that make up the DCCRT. 

 

Douglas County Resource/COVID-19 Hotline: (541) 464-6550:

Douglas County Commissioners and Douglas Public Health Network have added a resource and referral service to the current COVID-19 hotline for Douglas County residents.  The added service will help residents get connected to resources and services due to the local wildfires.  Referral and resource information will be available about local emergency shelters, livestock and animal boarding options, donation locations, volunteer opportunities, welfare check referrals, food and water resources and help with health and wellness questions.  This is NOT the hotline for Fire Updates or Evacuation information.  Please contact or follow DFPA and DCSO for the most up-to-date wildfire information.  The Resource/COVID-19 Hotline is (541) 464-6550.  It is staffed from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, 7 days a week until further notice. 

 

Questions about Governor’s Statewide Rules?  If you have questions or need more information on statewide mandates, guidelines or rules, go to the Governor’s COVID-19 website at https://govstatus.egov.com/or-covid-19/ or call the Business Oregon's Navigator Hotline at (833) 604-0880.  For information on COVID-19 in other counties and around Oregon, call 211 or visit 211info.  Who Do You Contact to Report Compliance Issues with the Governor’s Statewide Rules?  Please do not call 911, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office or Douglas County Offices to report compliance issues with the Governor’s orders.  The Governor has directed the State offices for Oregon Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) and the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) to be the enforcement agencies responsible for ensuring restaurants, bars, and other businesses comply with COVID-related rules.  For more information or to report compliance issues contact:

OSHA: (800) 922-2689 or OSHA website or OLCC (503) 872-5000 or OLCC website

 

###

 

Contact Tamara Howell, Public Information Officer, Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, (541) 670-2804 cell/(541) 957-4896 tjhowell@co.douglas.or.us

Contact Vanessa Becker, Public Information Officer, Douglas Public Health Network, (541) 817-6552 cell (541) 440-3571 vanessa@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org

Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team - Daily Update - November 21, 2020 (Photo) - 11/21/20

Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the agencies that make up the DCCRT

JOINT INFORMATION CENTER PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – November 21, 2020

DOUGLAS COUNTY COVID-19 RESPONSE TEAM - DAILY UPDATE

 

(Douglas County, Ore.)  Douglas County COVID-19 Test Results:  Unfortunately, we have hit a new daily record with 38 new positive cases today.  As of 12:00 pm today, Saturday, November 21, 2020, there are THIRTY-EIGHT (38) people with new positive test results since our noon case update yesterday*.  The total number of cases (people with positive test results and presumptive) in Douglas County is now at 795*.  Currently, there are FIFTEEN (15) Douglas County COVID-19 patients that are being hospitalized, 14 locally and 1 out-of-the-area.  Our Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, under the direction of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Public Health Officer and Douglas Public Health Network continue to devote all resources available to our local COVID efforts.

 

Local Cases Being Supported in Isolation and Quarantine

Currently, DPHN is supporting 243 cases in isolation, as well as another 474 contacts in quarantine in Douglas County.  Isolation is recommended for confirmed and presumptive cases, quarantine is recommended for contacts of confirmed or presumptive cases.  Currently, staff is supporting an astonishing 717 total contacts in isolation or quarantine.  This number represents a snapshot of the significant amount of work being done by our county and Douglas Public Health Network to help control the spread of COVID-19.

 

Douglas County, OR - COVID-19 - Case Update
Date	Tuesday, November 17, 2020	Wednesday, November 18, 2020	Thursday, November 19, 2020	Friday, November 209, 2020	Today, Saturday, November 21, 2020
Total COVID-19 Cases	678	701	728	757	795
People with Positive PCR or Antigen Test Results	616	637	663	691	729
Presumptive	62	64	65	66	66
Total Currently Hospitalized	14	14	14	13	15
Total Currently in Isolation	199	216	226	223	243
Total COVID-19 Related Deaths	12	12	15	15	15
Total Negative Test Results	17,590	17,707	17,857	18,043	18,167

*Our daily update includes the total number of cases in Douglas County, which combines people with positive test results and presumptives. We provide a breakout of the people with positive test results and presumptives in the chart above. Please note there will be times when a presumptive will move to a positive test result, and our total case number will not change because the case has already been counted, instead you will see an adjustment to our breakout numbers for positive test results and presumptives.

 

Make Sure You Take Care of Your Mental Health Too!

Shared in part from OHA, CDC and Adapt/Compass Behavioral Health.  As we prepare for Thanksgiving and a very different-looking holiday season, it is important to make sure that you are taking care of yourself and your loved ones, both psychically and mentally.  This time of year is typically difficult on many individuals who already suffer from mental illness, anxiety and depression.  It is also difficult for many that are alone, having to quarantine or isolate themselves or those in care facilities that have stopped or limited visitation from loved ones.  And, caregivers who usually take time off to visit loved ones are not only staying home this year, but many are also being asked to take on more duties or work extra shifts, due to the rise in case counts and the increasing number of people who need mental health or addiction services.  We encourage everyone to find time to take care of yourselves. 

 

The US Center for Disease Control (CDC) offers a number of helpful tips and links to mental health services on their COVID-19 – Coping with Stress webpage.  Here is an excerpt from that page:  The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been stressful for many people. Fear and anxiety about a new disease and what could happen can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Public health actions, such as social distancing, can make people feel isolated and lonely and can increase stress and anxiety. However, these actions are necessary to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Coping with stress in a healthy way will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger.

 

Stress during an infectious disease outbreak can sometimes cause the following:

• Fear and worry about your own health, and the health of your loved ones, your financial situation or job, or loss of support services you rely on.
• Changes in sleep or eating patterns.
• Difficulty sleeping or concentrating.
• Worsening of chronic health problems.
• Worsening of mental health conditions.
• Increased use of tobacco, and/or alcohol and other substances.

 

You may be experiencing increased stress during this pandemic. Fear and anxiety can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions.  It’s important to seek, ask and get immediate help in a crisis.

(Graphic adapted from Methodist Health)

• Call 911
• Disaster Distress Helpline or call (800) 985-5990
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or call (800) 273-TALK (8255)
• National Domestic Violence Hotline or call (800) 799-7233
• National Child Abuse Hotline or call (800)-422-4453
• National Sexual Assault Hotline or call (800) 656-HOPE (4673)
• The Eldercare Locator or call (800) 677-1116
• Veteran’s Crisis Line or call (800) 273-TALK (8255)

 

Locally, Adapt, an essential provider for integrated addiction treatment, mental health care, and primary care, remains open at all locations with all services available during the COVID-19 public health emergency.  Those having a mental health crisis in Douglas County, who need to speak to a qualified behavioral health professional should contact Compass Behavioral Health at (541) 440-3532 or log onto their website at: www.adaptoregon.org/mental-health/.  We will feel the impacts of the pandemic for some time. Resources are available for caregivers as well as for the general public. Please reach out if you need help.

 

PLEASE STAY HOME IF YOU ARE SICK!

Please Stay Home from All Activities If You Are Sick, Feeling Even a Little Sick or Not Fully Recovered

Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, Douglas County Public Health Official would like to remind residents about the importance of staying home when you are sick to help protect others from getting sick.  This means not only staying home from work and school, but also staying home from all other activities and social events.  Please, if you are sick, even if you just have a runny nose or stuffy head, do not attend birthday parties, weddings, poker nights, prayer groups, church or go work out at the gym and expose others to your illness.   

 

You Are the Key to Controlling the Spread of COVID!

It is no secret that the key to stopping the continued spread of the coronavirus is, YOU, our residents, our families, our communities and our businesses.  Yes, prevention is the best medicine, and not just to help stop the spread of COVID, but for your overall health and wellbeing as well.  If each and every individual in our county would make a real concerted effort to implement prevention measures into their daily routine, we could see a huge decrease in our COVID case numbers.  That means we need each and everyone one of our residents to take steps to minimize the spread of germs and contagions.  They can do this by choosing to maintain healthier eating habits; incorporate exercise and cleaning routines; being cautious and keeping distance from others; making modifications to how you socialize with others; choosing no contact deliveries and services; and staying home if you are sick.  The suggestions we make and the guidelines presented by public health are not just for your health and safety, but for the health and safety of everyone, including our kids, our grandparents, our coworkers, our first responders, our teachers and our businesses.  We know we sound like a broken record, but our primary focus is to do everything we can to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of our residents. 

 

Tips to Help Stop the Spread of COVID

• Make a habit of washing and sanitizing your hands, regularly.  That means washing after you eat, if you touch new surfaces, go to the bathroom, open a door, go to the store, go to the post office or after a meeting.  Also try and avoid touching your face as much as possible. 
• Please wear a mask when you are around others not from your household.  Not just for your protection, but for the protection of others. 
• Stay at least six feet apart from anyone that is not from your immediate household.  This means paying attention to the distance stickers at the store, the bank, at restaurants and at businesses.  Please be respectful, kind and polite, by giving people ample space.
• Stay home from work, school and play if you are sick.  This includes not running errands or going shopping or inviting visitors to your home.  If you need help, reach out to friends, family or utilize an app or businesses that offer no contact deliveries or services.
• Minimize travel, especially out of the state and limit visitors to your home. 
• Minimize attending social gatherings or going places where there are large groups of people.

The DCCRT team, under the direction of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, along with Dr. Dannenhoffer and Douglas Public Health Network encourage residents to make prevention measures a part of their everyday routines. 

Getting Tested & Testing Clinics

The next drive-through testing clinic will be Tuesday, November 24, 2020, in Roseburg.  The drive-through testing clinic scheduled for Reedsport today has been canceled.  As a reminder, if you are having symptoms of COVID-19 including cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches and pains, diarrhea, sore throat or decreased sense of smell and taste, talk to your health care provider about being tested for COVID-19.  Patients without a Primary Care Provider, that are looking for a COVID-19 test should contact the Sutherlin Aviva Health Clinic at (541) 459-3788. The first drive-through testing site was piloted in the county on March 17, 2020, there have been 1964 people tested in 92 drive-through clinics, while additional testing continues in hospitals, urgent cares and clinics. The drive-through clinics are led by DPHN, in conjunction with partner agencies including; Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Public Works, local volunteers and local health professionals.

 

Oregon COVID-19 Case Update

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reports new cases once a day on their website at www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus. OHA also releases a daily situation status report and a weekly report that details the overall picture of the COVID-19 outbreak within our state.  The daily report details positive and presumptive cases, as well as deaths by county and statewide, while the weekly report is more in depth and includes statistical data related the severity of cases by age, gender, zip codes, ethnicity, as well as information on workplace and senior care facility outbreaks in Oregon. Find additional information on the state or Federal COVID-19 response go to Oregon Health Authority, Centers for Disease Control, and 211Info.

 

Oregon COVID-19 Presumptive

OHA expanded their reporting for COVID-19 case management to now include presumptive COVID-19 cases in their total case number.  DPHN is reporting the number of people with new positive test results and any new presumptives and uses the OHA’s definition of presumptive as having had close contact with a known, confirmed COVID-19 case, showing symptoms and not yet having a positive nasal swab/PCR or antigen test for COVID-19.  Testing continues, as DPHN has been holding 2-3 clinics a week and hospitals, urgent cares and clinics continue to test.  DPHN continues their epidemiologic investigations, identifying individuals who may have had close contact with individuals that have tested positive for COVID-19, advising and supporting quarantine and isolation.

 

OHA Reporting and Definition for Recovered

As per the Oregon Health Authority COVID-19 Investigative Guidelines, the number of recovered cases is no longer being assessed or reported by OHA.  Up until May 1st, 2020 recovery from COVID-19 was defined as being afebrile (not feverish), without the use of antipyretics (medicine to reduce a fever), and having resolution of cough, shortness of breath and diarrhea for at least 72 hours.  As more was learned about symptoms, recovery and contagious period, the definition of recovered changed.   Beginning May 1st, OHA stopped reporting recovered cases while also separating recovery from contagious or isolation period.  Many cases were no longer contagious, as they were outside of the contagious period, but still having lingering symptoms.  To be consistent with OHA and to adapt as we learn more about this new virus, we removed the column in our chart listing recovered cases.  At that point, we added the number of those in isolation, roughly indicating active or infectious cases of COVID-19 in Douglas County.

 

Facebook Live with Dr. Bob

Please join us Tuesday, November 24, 2020 at 6:00 pm for the next Facebook Live event with Dr. Bob. hosted by DPHN on the DPHN Facebook page.  Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Douglas County Public Health Officer will continue their normal schedule of Facebook “Live Q&A Updates” next week with both his Tuesday night at 6:00 pm and Friday night at 4:00 pm on the DPHN Facebook page.  Residents are still able to submit their COVID-19 questions to Dr. Bob during the live shows, but you can also email your questions to: ookquestions@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org">Facebookquestions@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org.  Dr. Bob and the DPHN team will do their best to respond to as many questions as they can during their weekly updates.

 

 

LOCAL COVID-19 INFORMATION

Stay Informed with Accurate Local Information

 

Stay up to date on COVID-19 in Douglas County on the Douglas County Government website or the DPHN website.  Your Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Public Health Officer, Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer, DPHN and the Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team (DCCRT) have been working hard to cooperatively provide accurate and timely information to Douglas County residents since March 8, 2020.  Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the agencies that make up the DCCRT. 

 

Douglas County Resource/COVID-19 Hotline: (541) 464-6550:

Douglas County Commissioners and Douglas Public Health Network have added a resource and referral service to the current COVID-19 hotline for Douglas County residents.  The added service will help residents get connected to resources and services due to the local wildfires.  Referral and resource information will be available about local emergency shelters, livestock and animal boarding options, donation locations, volunteer opportunities, welfare check referrals, food and water resources and help with health and wellness questions.  This is NOT the hotline for Fire Updates or Evacuation information.  Please contact or follow DFPA and DCSO for the most up-to-date wildfire information.  The Resource/COVID-19 Hotline is (541) 464-6550.  It is staffed from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, 7 days a week until further notice. 

 

Questions about Governor’s Statewide Rules?  If you have questions or need more information on statewide mandates, guidelines or rules, go to the Governor’s COVID-19 website at https://govstatus.egov.com/or-covid-19/ or call the Business Oregon's Navigator Hotline at (833) 604-0880.  For information on COVID-19 in other counties and around Oregon, call 211 or visit 211info.  Who Do You Contact to Report Compliance Issues with the Governor’s Statewide Rules?  Please do not call 911, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office or Douglas County Offices to report compliance issues with the Governor’s orders.  The Governor has directed the State offices for Oregon Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) and the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) to be the enforcement agencies responsible for ensuring restaurants, bars, and other businesses comply with COVID-related rules.  For more information or to report compliance issues contact:

OSHA: (800) 922-2689 or OSHA website or OLCC (503) 872-5000 or OLCC website

 

###

 

Contact Tamara Howell, Public Information Officer, Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, (541) 670-2804 cell/(541) 957-4896 tjhowell@co.douglas.or.us

Contact Vanessa Becker, Public Information Officer, Douglas Public Health Network, (541) 817-6552 cell (541) 440-3571 vanessa@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org

11-20-20 Notice of Holiday Closure - Thanksgiving (Photo) - 11/20/20

Douglas County Board of Commissioners

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 20, 2020

 

***NOTICE OF HOLIDAY CLOSURE*** THANKSGIVING

 

            (Roseburg, Ore.) The Douglas County Board of Commissioners would like to remind citizens that government offices in the Douglas County Courthouse, located at 1036 SE Douglas Avenue in Roseburg, as well as the Douglas County Justice Building, Douglas County Courthouse Annex, Transfer Stations, Fairgrounds and All External Douglas County Government Offices will be closed to the public on Thursday, November 26, 2020, in observance of the Thanksgiving Day Holiday. 

 

In addition, some County Departments will also be closed, have limited hours or will be lightly staffed on Friday, November 27.  Please call ahead of your visit to see if the Department has staff available to assist you with your needs.  You can call (541) 672-3311 for general inquires and Department extensions.  You can also log onto our website at www.co.douglas.or.us to access the direct phone numbers for each County Department.   

 

           Please note that Douglas County Senior Dining Sites – Curbside Meal Service and our Meals on Wheels Programs in Glendale, Glide, Yoncalla, Reedsport, Sutherlin, Riddle and Winston will be closed on Thursday, November 26 and Friday, November 27, 2020.  Our Senior Dining sites will resume their drive-through meal service on Tuesday, December 1, 2020.  Patrons needing meals for Thursday and Friday are asked to request an extra meal during their drive-through visit or delivery on Tuesday, November 24, 2020.

 

            As always, even when Douglas County government offices are closed, many officials and public employees are still working. Our Sheriff’s Deputies, 911 communications and DCSO staff will continue to provide law enforcement protection and emergency assistance for our residents.  If you have an emergency, call 9-1-1.  If you need to reach dispatch for a non-emergency, call the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency number at (541) 440-4471.   The Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Public Health Officer, DPHN staff, the DCCRT’s Joint Information Center staff and the Douglas County Commissioners will continue to work on the COVID-19 response regardless of the holiday.

           

          The Douglas County Board of Commissioners understand that this Thanksgiving will be another decidedly different holiday during this worldwide pandemic, but we hope you will join us in celebrating safely, making healthy choices and taking measures to protect those you love.  We wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!

 

###

 

Contact Tamara Howell, Emergency Communications & Community Engagement Specialist (PIO)

(541) 670-2804 cell - (541) 957-4896 office - tjhowell@co.douglas.or.us

Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team - Daily Update - November 20, 2020 (Photo) - 11/20/20

Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the agencies that make up the DCCRT

JOINT INFORMATION CENTER PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – November 20, 2020

DOUGLAS COUNTY COVID-19 RESPONSE TEAM - DAILY UPDATE

 

(Douglas County, Ore.)  Douglas County COVID-19 Test Results:  As of 12:00 pm today, Friday, November 20, 2020, there are TWENTY-EIGHT (28) people with new positive test results and ONE (1) presumptive since our noon case update yesterday*.  The total number of cases (people with positive test results and presumptive) in Douglas County is now at 757*.  Currently, there are THIRTEEN (13) Douglas County COVID-19 patients that are being hospitalized, 12 locally and 1 out-of-the-area.  Our Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, under the direction of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Public Health Officer and Douglas Public Health Network continue to devote all resources available to our local COVID efforts.

 

Douglas County, OR - COVID-19 - Case Update
Date	Monday, November 16, 2020	Tuesday, November 17, 2020	Wednesday, November 18, 2020	Thursday, November 19, 2020	Today, Friday, November 20, 2020
Total COVID-19 Cases	645	678	701	728	757
People with Positive PCR or Antigen Test Results	583	616	637	663	691
Presumptive	62	62	64	65	66
Total Currently Hospitalized	20	14	14	14	13
Total Currently in Isolation	188	199	216	226	223
Total COVID-19 Related Deaths	11	12	12	15	15
Total Negative Test Results	17,495	17,590	17,707	17,857	18,043

*Our daily update includes the total number of cases in Douglas County, which combines people with positive test results and presumptives. We provide a breakout of the people with positive test results and presumptives in the chart above. Please note there will be times when a presumptive will move to a positive test result, and our total case number will not change because the case has already been counted, instead you will see an adjustment to our breakout numbers for positive test results and presumptives.

 

PLEASE STAY HOME IF YOU ARE SICK!

Please Stay Home from All Activities If You Are Sick, Feeling Even a Little Sick or Not Fully Recovered

Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, Douglas County Public Health Official would like to remind residents about the importance of staying home when you are sick to help protect others from getting sick.  This means not only staying home from work and school, but also staying home from all other activities and social events.  Please, if you are sick, even if you just have a runny nose or stuffy head, do not attend birthday parties, weddings, poker nights, prayer groups, church or go work out at the gym and expose others to your illness.   

 

You Are the Key to Controlling the Spread of COVID!

It is no secret that the key to stopping the continued spread of the coronavirus is, YOU, our residents, our families, our communities and our businesses.  Yes, prevention is the best medicine, and not just to help stop the spread of COVID, but for your overall health and wellbeing as well.  If each and every individual in our county would make a real concerted effort to implement prevention measures into their daily routine, we could see a huge decrease in our COVID case numbers.  That means we need each and everyone one of our residents to take steps to minimize the spread of germs and contagions.  They can do this by choosing to maintain healthier eating habits; incorporate exercise and cleaning routines; being cautious and keeping distance from others; making modifications to how you socialize with others; choosing no contact deliveries and services; and staying home if you are sick.  The suggestions we make and the guidelines presented by public health are not just for your health and safety, but for the health and safety of everyone, including our kids, our grandparents, our coworkers, our first responders, our teachers and our businesses.  We know we sound like a broken record, but our primary focus is to do everything we can to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of our residents. 

Tips to Help Stop the Spread of COVID

• Make a habit of washing and sanitizing your hands, regularly.  That means washing after you eat, if you touch new surfaces, go to the bathroom, open a door, go to the store, go to the post office or after a meeting.  Also try and avoid touching your face as much as possible. 
• Please wear a mask when you are around others not from your household.  Not just for your protection, but for the protection of others. 
• Stay at least six feet apart from anyone that is not from your immediate household.  This means paying attention to the distance stickers at the store, the bank, at restaurants and at businesses.  Please be respectful, kind and polite, by giving people ample space.
• Stay home from work, school and play if you are sick.  This includes not running errands or going shopping or inviting visitors to your home.  If you need help, reach out to friends, family or utilize an app or businesses that offer no contact deliveries or services.
• Minimize travel, especially out of the state and limit visitors to your home. 
• Minimize attending social gatherings or going places where there are large groups of people.

 

We have now surpassed the seven hundred and fifty mark with COVID-19 cases in Douglas County, with 29 new positive and presumptive cases today.  The DCCRT team, under the direction of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, along with Dr. Dannenhoffer and Douglas Public Health Network encourage residents to make prevention measures a part of their everyday routines.  (Graphic shared from GPB media)

 

Local Cases Being Supported in Isolation and Quarantine

Currently, DPHN is supporting 223 cases in isolation, as well as another 491 contacts in quarantine in Douglas County.  Isolation is recommended for confirmed and presumptive cases, quarantine is recommended for contacts of confirmed or presumptive cases.  Currently, staff is supporting an astonishing 714 total contacts in isolation or quarantine.  This number represents a snapshot of the significant amount of work being done by our county and Douglas Public Health Network to help control the spread of COVID-19.

 

Getting Tested & Testing Clinics

The next drive-through testing clinic will be Today, Friday, November 20, 2020, in Roseburg.  There will also be another drive-through testing clinic in Reedsport on Saturday, November 21, 2020.  As a reminder, if you are having symptoms of COVID-19 including cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches and pains, diarrhea, sore throat or decreased sense of smell and taste, talk to your health care provider about being tested for COVID-19.  Patients without a Primary Care Provider, that are looking for a COVID-19 test should contact the Sutherlin Aviva Health Clinic at (541) 459-3788. The first drive-through testing site was piloted in the county on March 17, 2020, there have been 1877 people tested in 90 drive-through clinics, while additional testing continues in hospitals, urgent cares and clinics. The drive-through clinics are led by DPHN, in conjunction with partner agencies including; Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Public Works, local volunteers and local health professionals.

 

Oregon COVID-19 Case Update

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reports new cases once a day on their website at www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus. OHA also releases a daily situation status report and a weekly report that details the overall picture of the COVID-19 outbreak within our state.  The daily report details positive and presumptive cases, as well as deaths by county and statewide, while the weekly report is more in depth and includes statistical data related the severity of cases by age, gender, zip codes, ethnicity, as well as information on workplace and senior care facility outbreaks in Oregon. Find additional information on the state or Federal COVID-19 response go to Oregon Health Authority, Centers for Disease Control, and 211Info.

 

Oregon COVID-19 Presumptive

OHA expanded their reporting for COVID-19 case management to now include presumptive COVID-19 cases in their total case number.  DPHN is reporting the number of people with new positive test results and any new presumptives and uses the OHA’s definition of presumptive as having had close contact with a known, confirmed COVID-19 case, showing symptoms and not yet having a positive nasal swab/PCR or antigen test for COVID-19.  Testing continues, as DPHN has been holding 2-3 clinics a week and hospitals, urgent cares and clinics continue to test.  DPHN continues their epidemiologic investigations, identifying individuals who may have had close contact with individuals that have tested positive for COVID-19, advising and supporting quarantine and isolation.

 

 

OHA Reporting and Definition for Recovered

As per the Oregon Health Authority COVID-19 Investigative Guidelines, the number of recovered cases is no longer being assessed or reported by OHA.  Up until May 1st, 2020 recovery from COVID-19 was defined as being afebrile (not feverish), without the use of antipyretics (medicine to reduce a fever), and having resolution of cough, shortness of breath and diarrhea for at least 72 hours.  As more was learned about symptoms, recovery and contagious period, the definition of recovered changed.   Beginning May 1st, OHA stopped reporting recovered cases while also separating recovery from contagious or isolation period.  Many cases were no longer contagious, as they were outside of the contagious period, but still having lingering symptoms.  To be consistent with OHA and to adapt as we learn more about this new virus, we removed the column in our chart listing recovered cases.  At that point, we added the number of those in isolation, roughly indicating active or infectious cases of COVID-19 in Douglas County.

 

Facebook Live with Dr. Bob

Please join us this afternoon, Friday, November 20, 2020 at 4:00 pm for the next Facebook Live event with Dr. Bob. hosted by DPHN on the DPHN Facebook page.  Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Douglas County Public Health Officer will continue their normal schedule of Facebook “Live Q&A Updates” next week with both his Tuesday night at 6:00 pm and Friday night at 4:00 pm on the DPHN Facebook page.  Residents are still able to submit their COVID-19 questions to Dr. Bob during the live shows, but you can also email your questions to: ookquestions@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org">Facebookquestions@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org.  Dr. Bob and the DPHN team will do their best to respond to as many questions as they can during their weekly updates.

 

 

LOCAL COVID-19 INFORMATION

Stay Informed with Accurate Local Information

 

Stay up to date on COVID-19 in Douglas County on the Douglas County Government website or the DPHN website.  Your Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Public Health Officer, Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer, DPHN and the Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team (DCCRT) have been working hard to cooperatively provide accurate and timely information to Douglas County residents since March 8, 2020.  Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the agencies that make up the DCCRT. 

 

Douglas County Resource/COVID-19 Hotline: (541) 464-6550:

Douglas County Commissioners and Douglas Public Health Network have added a resource and referral service to the current COVID-19 hotline for Douglas County residents.  The added service will help residents get connected to resources and services due to the local wildfires.  Referral and resource information will be available about local emergency shelters, livestock and animal boarding options, donation locations, volunteer opportunities, welfare check referrals, food and water resources and help with health and wellness questions.  This is NOT the hotline for Fire Updates or Evacuation information.  Please contact or follow DFPA and DCSO for the most up-to-date wildfire information.  The Resource/COVID-19 Hotline is (541) 464-6550.  It is staffed from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, 7 days a week until further notice. 

 

Questions about Governor’s Statewide Rules?  If you have questions or need more information on statewide mandates, guidelines or rules, go to the Governor’s COVID-19 website at https://govstatus.egov.com/or-covid-19/ or call the Business Oregon's Navigator Hotline at (833) 604-0880.  For information on COVID-19 in other counties and around Oregon, call 211 or visit 211info.

 

Who Do You Contact to Report Compliance Issues with the Governor’s Statewide Rules?  Please do not call 911, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office or Douglas County Offices to report compliance issues with the Governor’s orders.  The Governor has directed the State offices for Oregon Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) and the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) to be the enforcement agencies responsible for ensuring restaurants, bars, and other businesses comply with COVID-related rules.  For more information or to report compliance issues contact:

OSHA: (800) 922-2689 or OSHA website or OLCC (503) 872-5000 or OLCC website

 

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Contact Tamara Howell, Public Information Officer, Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, (541) 670-2804 cell/(541) 957-4896 tjhowell@co.douglas.or.us

Contact Vanessa Becker, Public Information Officer, Douglas Public Health Network, (541) 817-6552 cell (541) 440-3571 vanessa@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org

Douglas County Senior Services Department Joins Meals on Wheels America and Subaru of America, Inc. in Sharing the Love this Holiday Season (Photo) - 11/20/20

Douglas County Senior Services

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 20, 2020

 

Douglas County Senior Services Department Joins Meals on Wheels America and Subaru of America, Inc. in Sharing the Love this Holiday Season

 

The 13th annual Subaru Share the Love® Event will help deliver nutritious meals and compassion to Douglas County’s seniors

 

 

(Roseburg, Oregon) Douglas County Senior Services Department is proud to announce that it will be participating in the 2020 Subaru Share the Love Event as a member of Meals on Wheels America – one of four national Share the Love charitable partners supported through the campaign. From November 19, 2020, through January 4, 2021, Subaru of America will donate $250 for every new Subaru vehicle purchased or leased to the customer's choice of participating charities.  Participating Meals on Wheels America members, like Douglas County Senior Services, will receive a share of the donation raised by Subaru in their state.

 

 “Meals on Wheels America is proud to partner with Subaru of America for the 13th consecutive year to enable more seniors to live with independence and dignity,” said Ellie Hollander, President and CEO, Meals on Wheels America. “Since 2008, the Subaru Share the Love Event has helped deliver more than 2.3 million meals and friendly visits to vulnerable seniors nationwide. We’re enormously grateful to Subaru and its retailers for their long-standing commitment to Meals on Wheels and the millions of seniors who depend on it for nourishment and companionship.”

 

Over the last 12 years, Subaru of America and its participating retailers have donated more than $176 million to its charity partners. This year’s Subaru Share the Love Event is on track to bring that total to over $200 million, proving there’s no limit to the amount of love we can all share.

 

By purchasing or leasing a new Subaru during the Subaru Share the Love Event and selecting Meals on Wheels as your charity of choice, you can help deliver nutritious meals and other important services to seniors right here in Douglas County.  For more information, visit www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/sharethelove.

 

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Contact Tamara Howell, Emergency Communications & Community Engagement Specialist (PIO)

(541) 670-2804 cell - (541) 957-4896 office - tjhowell@co.douglas.or.us

 

About Douglas County

Douglas County Government employs approximately 800 full- and part-time employees in a wide variety of jobs. The Board of Commissioners, consisting of three full-time members, is the county’s governing body. They provide a direct link between the citizens of Douglas County and their county government. The Board of Commissioners is responsible for: approving ordinances (county laws); adopting the county budget; setting standards for the use of county property; appointing non-elected officials to boards, commissions, and committees; and oversees all operations of the county.

 

About Meals on Wheels America

Meals on Wheels America is the leadership organization supporting the more than 5,000 community-based programs across the country that are dedicated to addressing senior isolation and hunger. This network serves virtually every community in America and, along with more than two million staff and volunteers, delivers the nutritious meals, friendly visits and safety checks that enable America’s seniors to live nourished lives with independence and dignity. By providing funding, leadership, education, research and advocacy support, Meals on Wheels America empowers its local member programs to strengthen their communities, one senior at a time. For more information, or to find a Meals on Wheels provider near you, visit www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org

 

About Subaru of America, Inc.

Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Subaru Corporation of Japan. Headquartered at a zero-landfill office in Camden, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of more than 630 retailers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill production plants and Subaru of Indiana Automotive; Inc. is the only U.S. automobile production plant to be designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. SOA is guided by the Subaru Love Promise, which is the company’s vision to show love and respect to everyone, and to support its communities and customers nationwide. Over the past 20 years, SOA has donated more than $120 million to causes the Subaru family cares about, and its employees have logged more than 40,000 volunteer hours. As a company, Subaru believes it is important to do its part in making a positive impact in the world because it is the right thing to do.

11-19-20 Douglas County Commissioners Issue Statement About Two Week Pause (Photo) - 11/19/20

DOUGLAS COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Chris Boice - Tim Freeman - Tom Kress

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 19, 2020

 

Douglas County Commissioners Issue Statement About Two Week Pause

 

(Douglas County, Ore.) Douglas County Commissioners have concerns about Governor Brown’s new mandate for a “Two Week Pause” that began yesterday, November 18, 2020, the same concerns we stated in our August 28, 2020, press release.  First and foremost, we stand with, represent and support the citizens and businesses operating in Douglas County.  We want our citizens to be healthy and have access to necessary services; to help our businesses succeed; and for everyone in our county to continue to move forward to social and economic stability.  Second, we do not support county “enforcement’ of State issued COVID guidelines.  Instead, as the local public health authority, we feel it is paramount for State officials to provide easy to understand, timely access to the latest information, resources and medical guidance in order to educate residents about COVID that allows them to make informed, responsible decisions.  We feel that most people will do the right thing, if given the opportunity and knowledge to do so.  We cannot in good conscience condone citing or potentially arresting people for gathering with family to give thanks on Thanksgiving or for attending Church services. Third, while we do not speak on behalf of other Oregon counties, we do know that it is impossible for the State to understand all the unique needs and complexities of each and every one of our 36 diverse Oregon counties.  The State should not question our ability to meet the needs of our constituents, instead they should support and coordinate with the Commissioners in each of our Counties.  The Governor did not consult with County Commissioners or other local elected representatives before issuing this state-wide mandate.  It is imperative that the State realizes that the needs will be different for each individual county.  This is definitely not a ‘one-size fits all scenario’, it should be a 36 size scenario with a supportive, collaborative county-by-county assessment of need.

 

While we understand the need for increased compliance with the latest recommendations from organizations like the CDC and Douglas Public Health Network due to the recent dramatic increase in COVID-19 cases, we do not agree with a state-wide approach and we do not agree that local law enforcement agencies should be charged with enforcing these somewhat draconian rules against our citizens mandated without local consultation by Governor Brown.

 

The Douglas County Commissioners believe that there must be a better balance between the socio-economic damage being done and the fight to stop or slow the spread of COVID-19.  While we have seen a rise in COVID-19 cases, we have also seen businesses close, with undoubtedly more to come.  We have seen families suffer, and now more so at a time when they should be coming together for the holidays.  We see children struggle as they want and need to be back in school.  The list goes on and on…   We fear that with this new shutdown and the coming metrics to follow, that those unintended consequences will continue to rise.   Our communities can’t bear much more. 

 

As Douglas County Commissioners, we still believe, as we always have, that if the citizens of Douglas County are provided with the proper information on how to make their own choices about what are best for them and their fellow citizens, that most will choose to do so.  With that being said, it is important to know that cases of COVID-19 are on the rise, the mandates and regulations are increasing as a result, and the only way to reverse the trend is to be more diligent in trying to slow or stop the spread.  The virus is real, it is not the flu, people are dying in Douglas County, and our hospital is on the verge of being overwhelmed.  We need everyone take this seriously, for the sake of our local businesses, our youth who want and need to be back in school, our elderly who are the most vulnerable, and for each other.

 

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Contact Tamara Howell, Douglas County Emergency Communications & Community Engagement Specialist (PIO)

(541) 670-2804 cell - (541) 957-4896 office - tjhowell@co.douglas.or.us

Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team - Daily Update - November 19, 2020 (Photo) - 11/19/20

Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the agencies that make up the DCCRT

JOINT INFORMATION CENTER PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – November 19, 2020

DOUGLAS COUNTY COVID-19 RESPONSE TEAM - DAILY UPDATE

 

(Douglas County, Ore.)  Douglas County COVID-19 Test Results:  As of 12:00 pm today, Thursday, November 19, 2020, there are TWENTY-SIX (26) people with new positive test results, ONE (1) presumptive and sadly THREE (3) deaths since our noon case update yesterday*.  The total number of cases (people with positive test results and presumptive) in Douglas County is now at 728*.  Currently, there are FOURTEEN (14) Douglas County COVID-19 patients that are being hospitalized, 12 locally and 2 out-of-the-area.  Our Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, under the direction of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Public Health Officer and Douglas Public Health Network continue to devote all resources available to our local COVID efforts.

 

COVID-19 Related Deaths of Douglas County Residents

Our Douglas County Public Health Officer, Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer, has confirmed the deaths of three more Douglas County residents from the COVID-19 virus. Our thirteenth COVID related death is a 76-year-old man who passed away yesterday, Wednesday, November 18, 2020, in Roseburg, Oregon. He was diagnosed with COVID-19 on October 29, 2020, and was admitted to the hospital on November 14, 2020.  Our fourteenth COVID related death is an 83-year-old man who passed away yesterday, Wednesday, November 18, 2020, in Roseburg, Oregon. He was diagnosed with COVID-19 on November 3, 2020, and was admitted to the hospital on November 8, 2020.  Our fifteenth COVID related death is an 82-year-old man who passed away yesterday, Thursday, November 19, 2020, in Roseburg, Oregon. He was diagnosed with COVID-19 on November 9, 2020, and was admitted to the hospital on November 13, 2020.  In the interest of privacy for the loved ones of these gentleman, no additional information will be released.  Each death related to COVID-19 is painful for all Douglas County residents, and a reminder of the terrible impact COVID-19 has had in our local communities. The Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Dr. Dannenhoffer, DPHN staff and the DCCRT Team extend our heartfelt condolences and sympathies to all family members, friends, relatives, co-workers and community members of those who have passed after contracting this deadly virus.

 

            “With the passing of not one, but three residents in the last 24-hours to this relentless virus, we are reminded how precious each and every life is, and just how quickly and unapologetically this virus can take lives away from us.  On behalf of my family, my fellow Board of Commissioners, Dr. Dannenhoffer, DPHN staff and the DCCRT team, we send our sincere condolences and prayers to the family, friends and neighbors of this beloved resident,” commented Commissioner Tim Freeman. “As we have from the very beginning, and will continue to do, we ask that you do everything you can to protect the ones you love by following the guidelines for preventing the spread of this deadly disease.  Please take a moment and think before you go to a friend’s house for a visit, join colleagues in-person for a business meeting or attend a birthday party, about how you would feel if someone got you sick, or if they got sick because of you, or if you unintentionally spread the virus to your family, coworkers or loved ones.  The virus is no longer illusive in Douglas County, it is here and spreading quickly.  We cannot stress enough how important it is to be vigilant in keeping your distance from others, staying home if you are sick, delaying travel plans, postponing gatherings and parties, washing your hands, sanitizing surfaces and wearing a mask.  Please stay safe and stay healthy."

Douglas County, OR - COVID-19 - Case Update
Date	Sunday, November 15, 2020	Monday, November 16, 2020	Tuesday, November 17, 2020	Wednesday, November 18, 2020	Today, Thursday, November 19, 2020
Total COVID-19 Cases	623	645	678	701	728
People with Positive PCR or Antigen Test Results	561	583	616	637	663
Presumptive	62	62	62	64	65
Total Currently Hospitalized	19	20	14	14	14
Total Currently in Isolation	166	188	199	216	226
Total COVID-19 Related Deaths	10	11	12	12	15
Total Negative Test Results	17,365	17,495	17,590	17,707	17,857

*The update includes the total number of cases in Douglas County, which combines people with positive test results and presumptives. We provide a breakout of the people with positive test results and presumptives in the chart above. Please note there will be times when a presumptive will move to a positive test result, and our total case number will not change because the case has already been counted, instead you will see an adjustment to our breakout numbers for positive test results and presumptives.

 

PLEASE STAY HOME IF YOU ARE SICK!

Please Stay Home from All Activities If You Are Sick, Feeling Even a Little Sick or Not Fully Recovered

Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, Douglas County Public Health Official would like to remind residents about the importance of staying home when you are sick to help protect others from getting sick.  This means not only staying home from work and school, but also staying home from all other activities and social events.  Please, if you are sick, even if you just have a runny nose or stuffy head, do not attend birthday parties, weddings, poker nights, prayer groups, church or go work out at the gym and expose others to your illness.   

 

You Are the Key to Controlling the Spread of COVID!

It is no secret that the key to stopping the continued spread of the coronavirus is, YOU, our residents, our families, our communities and our businesses.  Yes, prevention is the best medicine, and not just to help stop the spread of COVID, but for your overall health and wellbeing as well.  If each and every individual in our county would make a real concerted effort to implement prevention measures into their daily routine, we could see a huge decrease in our COVID case numbers.  That means we need each and everyone one of our residents to take steps to minimize the spread of germs and contagions.  They can do this by choosing to maintain healthier eating habits; incorporate exercise and cleaning routines; being cautious and keeping distance from others; making modifications to how you socialize with others; choosing no contact deliveries and services; and staying home if you are sick.  The suggestions we make and the guidelines presented by public health are not just for your health and safety, but for the health and safety of everyone, including our kids, our grandparents, our coworkers, our first responders, our teachers and our businesses.  We know we sound like a broken record, but our primary focus is to do everything we can to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of our residents. 

 

Tips to Help Stop the Spread of COVID

• Make a habit of washing and sanitizing your hands, regularly.  That means washing after you eat, if you touch new surfaces, go to the bathroom, open a door, go to the store, go to the post office or after a meeting.  Also try and avoid touching your face as much as possible. 
• Please wear a mask when you are around others not from your household.  Not just for your protection, but for the protection of others. 
• Stay at least six feet apart from anyone that is not from your immediate household.  This means paying attention to the distance stickers at the store, the bank, at restaurants and at businesses.  Please be respectful, kind and polite, by giving people ample space.
• Stay home from work, school and play if you are sick.  This includes not running errands or going shopping or inviting visitors to your home.  If you need help, reach out to friends, family or utilize an app or businesses that offer no contact deliveries or services.
• Minimize travel, especially out of the state and limit visitors to your home. 
• Minimize attending social gatherings or going places where there are large groups of people.

 

We are now passed the seven hundred and twenty mark with COVID-19 cases in Douglas County, with 27 new positive and presumptive cases today.  The DCCRT team, under the direction of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, along with Dr. Dannenhoffer and Douglas Public Health Network encourage residents to make prevention measures a part of their everyday routines.  (Graphic shared from GPB media)

 

Local Cases Being Supported in Isolation and Quarantine

Currently, DPHN is supporting 226 cases in isolation, as well as another 467 contacts in quarantine in Douglas County.  Isolation is recommended for confirmed and presumptive cases, quarantine is recommended for contacts of confirmed or presumptive cases.  Currently, staff is supporting an astonishing 693 total contacts in isolation or quarantine.  This number represents a snapshot of the significant amount of work being done by our county and Douglas Public Health Network to help control the spread of COVID-19.

 

Getting Tested & Testing Clinics

The next drive-through testing clinic will be Friday, November 20, 2020, in Roseburg. As a reminder, if you are having symptoms of COVID-19 including cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches and pains, diarrhea, sore throat or decreased sense of smell and taste, talk to your health care provider about being tested for COVID-19.  Patients without a Primary Care Provider, that are looking for a COVID-19 test should contact the Sutherlin Aviva Health Clinic at (541) 459-3788. The first drive-through testing site was piloted in the county on March 17, 2020, there have been 1877 people tested in 90 drive-through clinics, while additional testing continues in hospitals, urgent cares and clinics. The drive-through clinics are led by DPHN, in conjunction with partner agencies including; Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Public Works, local volunteers and local health professionals.

 

Oregon COVID-19 Case Update

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reports new cases once a day on their website at www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus. OHA also releases a daily situation status report and a weekly report that details the overall picture of the COVID-19 outbreak within our state.  The daily report details positive and presumptive cases, as well as deaths by county and statewide, while the weekly report is more in depth and includes statistical data related the severity of cases by age, gender, zip codes, ethnicity, as well as information on workplace and senior care facility outbreaks in Oregon. Find additional information on the state or Federal COVID-19 response go to Oregon Health Authority, Centers for Disease Control, and 211Info.

 

Oregon COVID-19 Presumptive

OHA expanded their reporting for COVID-19 case management to now include presumptive COVID-19 cases in their total case number.  DPHN is reporting the number of people with new positive test results and any new presumptives and uses the OHA’s definition of presumptive as having had close contact with a known, confirmed COVID-19 case, showing symptoms and not yet having a positive nasal swab/PCR or antigen test for COVID-19.  Testing continues, as DPHN has been holding 2-3 clinics a week and hospitals, urgent cares and clinics continue to test.  DPHN continues their epidemiologic investigations, identifying individuals who may have had close contact with individuals that have tested positive for COVID-19, advising and supporting quarantine and isolation.

 

OHA Reporting and Definition for Recovered

As per the Oregon Health Authority COVID-19 Investigative Guidelines, the number of recovered cases is no longer being assessed or reported by OHA.  Up until May 1st, 2020 recovery from COVID-19 was defined as being afebrile (not feverish), without the use of antipyretics (medicine to reduce a fever), and having resolution of cough, shortness of breath and diarrhea for at least 72 hours.  As more was learned about symptoms, recovery and contagious period, the definition of recovered changed.   Beginning May 1st, OHA stopped reporting recovered cases while also separating recovery from contagious or isolation period.  Many cases were no longer contagious, as they were outside of the contagious period, but still having lingering symptoms.  To be consistent with OHA and to adapt as we learn more about this new virus, we removed the column in our chart listing recovered cases.  At that point, we added the number of those in isolation, roughly indicating active or infectious cases of COVID-19 in Douglas County.

 

Facebook Live with Dr. Bob

Please join us Friday, November 20, 2020 at 4:00 pm for the next Facebook Live event with Dr. Bob. hosted by DPHN on the DPHN Facebook page.  Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Douglas County Public Health Officer will continue their normal schedule of Facebook “Live Q&A Updates” next week with both his Tuesday night at 6:00 pm and Friday night at 4:00 pm on the DPHN Facebook page.  Residents are still able to submit their COVID-19 questions to Dr. Bob during the live shows, but you can also email your questions to: ookquestions@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org">Facebookquestions@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org.  Dr. Bob and the DPHN team will do their best to respond to as many questions as they can during their weekly updates.

 

 

LOCAL COVID-19 INFORMATION

Stay Informed with Accurate Local Information

 

Stay up to date on COVID-19 in Douglas County on the Douglas County Government website or the DPHN website.  Your Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Public Health Officer, Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer, DPHN and the Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team (DCCRT) have been working hard to cooperatively provide accurate and timely information to Douglas County residents since March 8, 2020.  Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the agencies that make up the DCCRT. 

 

Douglas County Resource/COVID-19 Hotline: (541) 464-6550:

Douglas County Commissioners and Douglas Public Health Network have added a resource and referral service to the current COVID-19 hotline for Douglas County residents.  The added service will help residents get connected to resources and services due to the local wildfires.  Referral and resource information will be available about local emergency shelters, livestock and animal boarding options, donation locations, volunteer opportunities, welfare check referrals, food and water resources and help with health and wellness questions.  This is NOT the hotline for Fire Updates or Evacuation information.  Please contact or follow DFPA and DCSO for the most up-to-date wildfire information.  The Resource/COVID-19 Hotline is (541) 464-6550.  It is staffed from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, 7 days a week until further notice. 

 

Questions about Governor’s Statewide Rules?  If you have questions or need more information on statewide mandates, guidelines or rules, go to the Governor’s COVID-19 website at https://govstatus.egov.com/or-covid-19/ or call the Business Oregon's Navigator Hotline at (833) 604-0880.  For information on COVID-19 in other counties and around Oregon, call 211 or visit 211info.

 

Who Do You Contact to Report Compliance Issues with the Governor’s Statewide Rules?  Please do not call 911, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office or Douglas County Offices to report compliance issues with the Governor’s orders.  The Governor has directed the State offices for Oregon Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) and the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) to be the enforcement agencies responsible for ensuring restaurants, bars, and other businesses comply with COVID-related rules.  For more information or to report compliance issues contact:

OSHA: (800) 922-2689 or OSHA website or OLCC (503) 872-5000 or OLCC website

 

###

 

Contact Tamara Howell, Public Information Officer, Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, (541) 670-2804 cell/(541) 957-4896 tjhowell@co.douglas.or.us

Contact Vanessa Becker, Public Information Officer, Douglas Public Health Network, (541) 817-6552 cell (541) 440-3571 vanessa@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org

11-18-20 - 2020 Douglas County Christmas Tree - 11/18/20

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 18, 2020

2020 Douglas County Christmas Tree

  

“Twas the month before Christmas and all around the Courthouse,

twinkling lights are being strung, and there is merry news to announce;

The garland is being hung on the pillars with care, in hopes that our Douglas County Christmas tree soon will be here.

A great deal of planning, and mystery abounds, as we have selected something extra special this year to astound.

For out on the Courthouse lawn, on Tuesday, November 24th there will be such a clatter,

That many residents will want to know what’s the matter?

When, what to their wondering eyes will appear, but a real-live tree to be planted this year.”

 

The Douglas County Board of Commissioners are excited to announce that our 2020 Douglas County Christmas Tree is headed our way.  They are even more excited to announce that they will be planting a ‘live’ tree this year on the front lawn of the Douglas County Courthouse, that will grow and serve as our Christmas tree for many years to come.  On Tuesday, November 24, 2020, the live tree, estimated to be about 30-feet-tall will arrive at the Douglas County Courthouse, where arborists will coordinate with our Building Facilities staff to plant our new Christmas tree.  

 

            “This will undoubtedly be a different holiday season for many of our residents, so we wanted to do something extra special this year.  Our Building Facilities staff have selected a beautiful evergreen tree to permanently grace the front lawn of the courthouse, and they are prepped and ready to make it glow bright with Christmas lights this year,” stated Commissioner Chris Boice.  “Our Christmas wish is that this tree stands as a symbol of joy, harmony, peace and hope for our residents and their families; not only this year, but for many generations to come.”   

 

Our Building Facilities staff has been hard at work turning the Douglas County Courthouse, as well as the Douglas County Justice Center into a festive holiday display.  Once our new tree is planted, they will work on adding lights and additional displays to the front lawn.  The lights on the tree will be dark until the weekend of November 28-29, 2020, when we will flip the switch to ring in the Christmas season.  The lights on the tree and Courthouse will illuminate on a varied schedule through December.

 

Due to circumstances beyond our control, and to protect the health and wellbeing of our residents, we will not be holding a traditional tree lighting ceremony this year.  Instead, the Douglas County Christmas Tree Committee, consisting of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, City of Roseburg and the Roseburg Town Center/Downtown Roseburg Association will simultaneously broadcast a pre-recorded virtual tree lighting program on Sunday, November 29, 2020, starting at 6:00 pm, on their respective Facebook pages for everyone to enjoy.  We invite you to join us from the comfort of your own home for the festive and fun-filled virtual program featuring: Holiday Music and Caroling; the annual holiday greeting from Roseburg Mayor Larry Rich; the reading of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas by Roseburg City Councilor, Andrea Zielinski; a countdown to the tree lighting with Commissioner Tom Kress; and perhaps even a visit from the Jolly Old Elf himself, Santa Claus. 

 

Please note, there will be some traffic congestion in the downtown area on Tuesday, November 24, 2020, while crews block off the necessary space in front of the Courthouse to safely unload and plant our new tree.  Additionally, our Building Facilities crews will be outside in the next few weeks installing all the holiday décor to the Courthouse and Justice Building.  Safety is always a priority for the public and we are asking motorists and pedestrians to use caution as they travel in the downtown area and visit the Courthouse during this time.  Please expect delays and seek alternate routes whenever possible, and follow all posted signs, warnings and barrier notifications.

 

###

Contact Tamara Howell, Emergency Communications & Community Engagement Specialist (PIO)

(541) 670-2804 cell - (541) 957-4896 office - tjhowell@co.douglas.or.us

11-18-20 New Oregon COVID Businesses Funds Coming Soon (Photo) - 11/18/20

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 18, 2019

 

* * * NOTICE * * * New Oregon COVID Businesses Funds Coming Soon

 

            (Douglas County, Ore.)  The Douglas County Board of Commissioners were surprised, but also encouraged that the State of Oregon has committed the allocation of $55 million in financial assistance to support Oregon businesses who have been detrimentally impacted by COVID-19.  In a press conference held yesterday, Tuesday, November 17, 2020, Oregon’s Governor made the announcement that they will be distributing Coronavirus Relief Funds to Oregon counties, with each county receiving a proposed base of $500,000, plus a per capita allocation of the remainder of the funds.  She stated further that, each Oregon County would be responsible for deciding how businesses apply to receive funds, as well as communicating the application process to local businesses.

 

            However, the announcement and the new COVID Business funding program came as a shock to the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, as they were not notified prior to the press conference about the program.  At this time, we do not know how the program will work, who will be eligible to receive funding or the exact date that the funds will be distributed to us.  But, rest assured that as soon as we have all the details, we will be posting information about the program on our website, along with how and where local business can apply. 

 

            “Our local businesses have been tremendously impacted by COVID over the last ten months, and we are happy to see that they will be able to apply for some much needed financial relief.  We will be diligently working with State Officials to make sure that Douglas County receives their full allocation, and that it is distributed to our local business as quickly and efficiently as possible.  We ask that you have patience with us as we work through the process,” stated Commissioner Chris Boice.   

 

             In the meantime, local businesses can email Douglas County Government at: dcinfo@co.douglas.or.us, and ask to be added to the COVID Business Funding Program mailing list to receive the latest updates.

 

 

###
 

 

Contact Tamara Howell, Emergency Communications & Community Engagement Specialist (PIO)

(541) 670-2804 cell - (541) 957-4896 office - tjhowell@co.douglas.or.us

Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team - Daily Update - November 18, 2020 (Photo) - 11/18/20

Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the agencies that make up the DCCRT

JOINT INFORMATION CENTER PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – November 18, 2020

DOUGLAS COUNTY COVID-19 RESPONSE TEAM - DAILY UPDATE

 

(Douglas County, Ore.)  Douglas County COVID-19 Test Results:  As of 12:00 pm today, Wednesday, November 18, 2020, there are TWENTY-ONE (21) people with new positive test results and TWO (2) presumptives since our noon case update yesterday*.  The total number of cases (people with positive test results and presumptive) in Douglas County is now at 701*.  Currently, there are FOURTEEN (14) Douglas County COVID-19 patients that are being hospitalized, 13 locally and 1 out-of-the-area.  Our Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, under the direction of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Public Health Officer and Douglas Public Health Network continue to devote all resources available to our local COVID efforts.

 

Douglas County, OR - COVID-19 - Case Update
Date	Saturday, November 14, 2020	Sunday, November 15, 2020	Monday, November 16, 2020	Tuesday, November 17, 2020	Today, Wednesday, November 18, 2020
Total COVID-19 Cases	613	623	645	678	701
People with Positive PCR or Antigen Test Results	552	561	583	616	637
Presumptive	61	62	62	62	64
Total Currently Hospitalized	20	19	20	14	14
Total Currently in Isolation	174	166	188	199	216
Total COVID-19 Related Deaths	10	10	11	12	12
Total Negative Test Results	17,239	17,365	17,495	17,590	17,707

*Our daily update includes the total number of cases in Douglas County, which combines people with positive test results and presumptives. We provide a breakout of the people with positive test results and presumptives in the chart above. Please note there will be times when a presumptive will move to a positive test result, and our total case number will not change because the case has already been counted, instead you will see an adjustment to our breakout numbers for positive test results and presumptives.

 

PLEASE STAY HOME IF YOU ARE SICK!

Please Stay Home from All Activities If You Are Sick, Feeling Even a Little Sick or Not Fully Recovered

Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, Douglas County Public Health Official would like to remind residents about the importance of staying home when you are sick to help protect others from getting sick.  This means not only staying home from work and school, but also staying home from all other activities and social events.  Please, if you are sick, even if you just have a runny nose or stuffy head, do not attend birthday parties, weddings, poker nights, prayer groups, church or go work out at the gym and expose others to your illness.   

 

You Are the Key to Controlling the Spread of COVID!

It is no secret that the key to stopping the continued spread of the coronavirus is, YOU, our residents, our families, our communities and our businesses.  Yes, prevention is the best medicine, and not just to help stop the spread of COVID, but for your overall health and wellbeing as well.  If each and every individual in our county would make a real concerted effort to implement prevention measures into their daily routine, we could see a huge decrease in our COVID case numbers.  That means we need each and everyone one of our residents to take steps to minimize the spread of germs and contagions.  They can do this by choosing to maintain healthier eating habits; incorporate exercise and cleaning routines; being cautious and keeping distance from others; making modifications to how you socialize with others; choosing no contact deliveries and services; and staying home if you are sick.  The suggestions we make and the guidelines presented by public health are not just for your health and safety, but for the health and safety of everyone, including our kids, our grandparents, our coworkers, our first responders, our teachers and our businesses.  We know we sound like a broken record, but our primary focus is to do everything we can to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of our residents. 

 

 

Tips to Help Stop the Spread of COVID

• Make a habit of washing and sanitizing your hands, regularly.  That means washing after you eat, if you touch new surfaces, go to the bathroom, open a door, go to the store, go to the post office or after a meeting.  Also try and avoid touching your face as much as possible. 
• Please wear a mask where recommended.  Not just for your protection, but for the protection of others. 
• Stay at least six feet apart from anyone that is not from your immediate household.  This means paying attention to the distance stickers at the store, the bank, at restaurants and at businesses.  Please be respectful, kind and polite, by giving people ample space.
• Stay home from work, school and play if you are sick.  This includes not running errands or going shopping or inviting visitors to your home.  If you need help, reach out to friends, family or utilize an app or businesses that offer no contact deliveries or services.
• Minimize travel, especially out of the state and limit visitors to your home. 
• Minimize attending social gatherings or going places where there are large groups of people.

 

We are now passed the seven hundred with COVID-19 cases in Douglas County, with 23 new positive and presumptive cases today.  The DCCRT team, under the direction of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, along with Dr. Dannenhoffer and Douglas Public Health Network encourage residents to make prevention measures a part of their everyday routines.  (Graphic shared from GPB media)

 

Local Cases Being Supported in Isolation and Quarantine

Currently, DPHN is supporting 216 cases in isolation, as well as another 513 contacts in quarantine in Douglas County.  Isolation is recommended for confirmed and presumptive cases, quarantine is recommended for contacts of confirmed or presumptive cases.  Currently, staff is supporting an astonishing 729 total contacts in isolation or quarantine.  This number represents a snapshot of the significant amount of work being done by our county and Douglas Public Health Network to help control the spread of COVID-19.

 

Getting Tested & Testing Clinics

The next drive-through testing clinic will be Friday, November 20, 2020, in Roseburg. As a reminder, if you are having symptoms of COVID-19 including cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches and pains, diarrhea, sore throat or decreased sense of smell and taste, talk to your health care provider about being tested for COVID-19.  Patients without a Primary Care Provider, that are looking for a COVID-19 test should contact the Sutherlin Aviva Health Clinic at (541) 459-3788. The first drive-through testing site was piloted in the county on March 17, 2020, there have been 1877 people tested in 90 drive-through clinics, while additional testing continues in hospitals, urgent cares and clinics. The drive-through clinics are led by DPHN, in conjunction with partner agencies including; Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Public Works, local volunteers and local health professionals.

 

Oregon COVID-19 Case Update

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reports new cases once a day on their website at www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus. OHA also releases a daily situation status report and a weekly report that details the overall picture of the COVID-19 outbreak within our state.  The daily report details positive and presumptive cases, as well as deaths by county and statewide, while the weekly report is more in depth and includes statistical data related the severity of cases by age, gender, zip codes, ethnicity, as well as information on workplace and senior care facility outbreaks in Oregon. Find additional information on the state or Federal COVID-19 response go to Oregon Health Authority, Centers for Disease Control, and 211Info.

 

Oregon COVID-19 Presumptive

OHA expanded their reporting for COVID-19 case management to now include presumptive COVID-19 cases in their total case number.  DPHN is reporting the number of people with new positive test results and any new presumptives and uses the OHA’s definition of presumptive as having had close contact with a known, confirmed COVID-19 case, showing symptoms and not yet having a positive nasal swab/PCR or antigen test for COVID-19.  Testing continues, as DPHN has been holding 2-3 clinics a week and hospitals, urgent cares and clinics continue to test.  DPHN continues their epidemiologic investigations, identifying individuals who may have had close contact with individuals that have tested positive for COVID-19, advising and supporting quarantine and isolation.

 

OHA Reporting and Definition for Recovered

As per the Oregon Health Authority COVID-19 Investigative Guidelines, the number of recovered cases is no longer being assessed or reported by OHA.  Up until May 1st, 2020 recovery from COVID-19 was defined as being afebrile (not feverish), without the use of antipyretics (medicine to reduce a fever), and having resolution of cough, shortness of breath and diarrhea for at least 72 hours.  As more was learned about symptoms, recovery and contagious period, the definition of recovered changed.   Beginning May 1st, OHA stopped reporting recovered cases while also separating recovery from contagious or isolation period.  Many cases were no longer contagious, as they were outside of the contagious period, but still having lingering symptoms.  To be consistent with OHA and to adapt as we learn more about this new virus, we removed the column in our chart listing recovered cases.  At that point, we added the number of those in isolation, roughly indicating active or infectious cases of COVID-19 in Douglas County.

 

Facebook Live with Dr. Bob

Please join us Friday, November 20, 2020 at 4:00 pm for the next Facebook Live event with Dr. Bob. hosted by DPHN on the DPHN Facebook page.  Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Douglas County Public Health Officer will continue their normal schedule of Facebook “Live Q&A Updates” next week with both his Tuesday night at 6:00 pm and Friday night at 4:00 pm on the DPHN Facebook page.  Residents are still able to submit their COVID-19 questions to Dr. Bob during the live shows, but you can also email your questions to: ookquestions@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org">Facebookquestions@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org.  Dr. Bob and the DPHN team will do their best to respond to as many questions as they can during their weekly updates.

 

Roseburg School District Issues COVID Notice

Shared from the Roseburg School District. In an announcement released yesterday, November 17, 2020, Roseburg School District Superintendent, Jared Cordon, announced that they were notified by DPHN and Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Douglas County Public Health Officer, that a staff member at Melrose Elementary School had tested positive for COVID-19. Roseburg School District officials have been very proactive in their approach in dealing with this event to help mitigate the spread of the virus.

 

“District responds to COVID-19 case.  The Roseburg School District was notified today that a Melrose Elementary School staff member has tested positive for COVID-19. The district is working closely with Douglas Public Health Network to respond to this news and protect the health of our school community.  The individual who tested positive had already been in quarantine due to a potential exposure unrelated to the school and will remain in quarantine per guidance from DPHN. No students or staff members were in contact with this individual, and no additional quarantine measures are required at this time. In order to protect their privacy, this will be the only information released by the district about the individual.  For the most recent information about our schools, please visit the district website, www.roseburg.k12.or.us.”

 

For reference: The Oregon Health Authority issues a weekly COVID-19 report that publishes data on K-12 schools with in-person instruction, child/day care centers, businesses and care facilities that meet their outbreak criteria. As of last week, OHA’s policy related to school outbreaks is to report outbreaks with 1 or more cases in school settings at any place of learning for students from kindergarten through twelfth grade, or a subset, with at least 30 students enrolled. Case counts includes employees, staff, volunteers or students at the school. According to OHA, the notice is to inform the public of potential COVID-19 exposure and to provide transparency surrounding COVID-19 in schools. School is defined as any place of learning for students from kindergarten through twelfth grade, or a subset, with at least 30 students enrolled. This includes, but is not limited to, public schools, private schools, parochial and charter schools. Staff is defined as any person who works full time or part-time at the school, regardless of their position. A volunteer is defined as any person who volunteers onsite.

 

 

LOCAL COVID-19 INFORMATION

Stay Informed with Accurate Local Information

 

Stay up to date on COVID-19 in Douglas County on the Douglas County Government website or the DPHN website.  Your Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Public Health Officer, Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer, DPHN and the Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team (DCCRT) have been working hard to cooperatively provide accurate and timely information to Douglas County residents since March 8, 2020.  Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the agencies that make up the DCCRT. 

 

Douglas County Resource/COVID-19 Hotline: (541) 464-6550:

Douglas County Commissioners and Douglas Public Health Network have added a resource and referral service to the current COVID-19 hotline for Douglas County residents.  The added service will help residents get connected to resources and services due to the local wildfires.  Referral and resource information will be available about local emergency shelters, livestock and animal boarding options, donation locations, volunteer opportunities, welfare check referrals, food and water resources and help with health and wellness questions.  This is NOT the hotline for Fire Updates or Evacuation information.  Please contact or follow DFPA and DCSO for the most up-to-date wildfire information.  The Resource/COVID-19 Hotline is (541) 464-6550.  It is staffed from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, 7 days a week until further notice. 

 

Questions about Governor’s Statewide Rules?  If you have questions or need more information on statewide mandates, guidelines or rules, go to the Governor’s COVID-19 website at https://govstatus.egov.com/or-covid-19/ or call the Business Oregon's Navigator Hotline at (833) 604-0880.  For information on COVID-19 in Oregon, call 211 or visit 211info

Who Do You Contact to Report Compliance Issues with the Governor’s Statewide Rules?  Please do not call 911, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office or Douglas County Offices to report compliance issues with the Governor’s orders.  The Governor has directed the State offices for Oregon Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) and the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) to be the enforcement agencies responsible for ensuring restaurants, bars, and other businesses comply with COVID-related rules.  For more information or to report compliance issues contact:

OSHA: (800) 922-2689 or OSHA website or OLCC (503) 872-5000 or OLCC website

###

Contact Tamara Howell, Public Information Officer, Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, (541) 670-2804 cell/(541) 957-4896 tjhowell@co.douglas.or.us

Contact Vanessa Becker, Public Information Officer, Douglas Public Health Network, (541) 817-6552 cell (541) 440-3571 vanessa@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org

Updated: Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team - Daily Update - November 17, 2020 (Photo) - 11/17/20

Updated: Please note, we made a correction to the sentence containing the information about hospitalized patients.  Thank you for your patience.  The sentence should correctly read:

"Currently, there are FOURTEEN (14) Douglas County COVID-19 patients that are being hospitalized, 13 locally and 1 out-of-the-area."

----------

Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the agencies that make up the DCCRT

JOINT INFORMATION CENTER PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – November 17, 2020

DOUGLAS COUNTY COVID-19 RESPONSE TEAM - DAILY UPDATE

 

(Douglas County, Ore.)  Douglas County COVID-19 Test Results: Sadly, we hit another new record for the number of daily cases, with 33 new positive cases today.   As of 12:00 pm today, Tuesday, November 17, 2020, there are THIRTY-TWO (32) people with new positive test results, ONE (1) presumptive that has been moved to positive with a positive test result, ONE (1) new presumptive and ONE (1) death since our noon case update yesterday*.  The total number of cases (people with positive test results and presumptive) in Douglas County is now at 678*.  Currently, there are FOURTEEN (14) Douglas County COVID-19 patients that are being hospitalized, 14 locally, and 1 out-of-the-area.  Our Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, under the direction of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Public Health Officer and Douglas Public Health Network continue to devote all resources available to our local COVID efforts.

 

Twelfth COVID-19 Related Death of a Douglas County Resident

Our Douglas County Public Health Officer, Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer, has confirmed the death of our twelfth Douglas County resident from the COVID-19 virus. Our twelfth COVID related death is an 86-year-old man who passed away today, Tuesday, November 17, 2020, in Roseburg, Oregon. He tested positive for COVID-19 upon being admitted to the hospital on November 10, 2020.  In the interest of privacy for the individual’s loved ones, no additional information will be released. Each death related to COVID-19 is painful for all Douglas County residents, and a reminder of the terrible impact COVID-19 has had in our local communities. The Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Dr. Dannenhoffer, DPHN staff and the DCCRT Team extend our heartfelt condolences and sympathies to all family members, friends, relatives, co-workers and community members of those who have passed after contracting this deadly virus.

 

“Each and every person we lose to this deadly virus is one to many. On behalf of my family, my fellow Board of Commissioners, Dr. Dannenhoffer, DPHN staff and the DCCRT team, we send our sincere condolences and prayers to the family, friends and neighbors of this beloved resident,” commented Commissioner Tim Freeman. “COVID-19 doesn’t care who you are, what you believe or how you voted.  COVID-19 does not discriminate, it just spreads and attacks.  The key to stopping the spread of COVID, is you, me, and everyone working together to fight this terrible intruder head on.  This is a battle, and we need to all be united in our efforts to defend and protect our families, loved ones, neighbors and communities from catching and spreading this disease. We cannot stress enough how important it is to be vigilant in following the health and safety guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID right now!  Please keep your distance from others, stay home if you are sick, delay travel plans, postpone gatherings, wash your hands, sanitize surfaces and wear a mask.  Remember, each of you have the ability to stop this virus, and we ALL need to do our part to keep each other safe, healthy and protected."

 

Douglas County, OR - COVID-19 - Case Update
Date	Friday, November 13, 2020	Saturday, November 14, 2020	Sunday, November 15, 2020	Monday, November 16, 2020	Today, Tuesday, November 17, 2020
Total COVID-19 Cases	593	613	623	645	678
People with Positive PCR or Antigen Test Results	533	552	561	583	616
Presumptive	60	61	62	62	62
Total Currently Hospitalized	17	20	19	20	14
Total Currently in Isolation	157	174	166	188	199
Total COVID-19 Related Deaths	10	10	10	11	12
Total Negative Test Results	17,112	17,239	17,365	17,495	17,590

*Our daily update includes the total number of cases in Douglas County, which combines people with positive test results and presumptives. We provide a breakout of the people with positive test results and presumptives in the chart above. Please note there will be times when a presumptive will move to a positive test result, and our total case number will not change because the case has already been counted, instead you will see an adjustment to our breakout numbers for positive test results and presumptives.

 

STAY HOME IF YOU ARE SICK!

Please Stay Home from All Activities If You Are Sick OR Feeling Even a Little Sick OR Not Fully Recovered from Being Sick!

Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, Douglas County Public Health Official would like to remind residents about the importance of staying home when you are sick to help protect others from getting sick.  This means not only staying home from work and school, but also staying home from all other activities and social events.  Please, if you are sick, even if you just have a runny nose or stuffy head, do not attend birthday parties, weddings, poker nights, prayer groups, church or go work out at the gym and expose others to your illness.   

 

You Are the Key to Controlling the Spread of COVID!

It is no secret that the key to stopping the continued spread of the coronavirus is, YOU, our residents, our families, our communities and our businesses.  Yes, prevention is the best medicine, and not just to help stop the spread of COVID, but for your overall health and wellbeing as well.  If each and every individual in our county would make a real concerted effort to implement prevention measures into their daily routine, we could see a huge decrease in our COVID case numbers.  That means we need each and everyone one of our residents to take steps to minimize the spread of germs and contagions.  They can do this by choosing to maintain healthier eating habits; incorporate exercise and cleaning routines; being cautious and keeping distance from others; making modifications to how you socialize with others; choosing no contact deliveries and services; and staying home if you are sick.  The suggestions we make and the guidelines presented by public health are not just for your health and safety, but for the health and safety of everyone, including our kids, our grandparents, our coworkers, our first responders, our teachers and our businesses.  We know we sound like a broken record, but our primary focus is to do everything we can to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of our residents. 

 

Tips to Help Stop the Spread of COVID

• Make a habit of washing and sanitizing your hands, regularly.  That means washing after you eat, if you touch new surfaces, go to the bathroom, open a door, go to the store, go to the post office or after a meeting.  Also try and avoid touching your face as much as possible. 
• Please wear a mask where recommended.  Not just for your protection, but for the protection of others. 
• Stay at least six feet apart from anyone that is not from your immediate household.  This means paying attention to the distance stickers at the store, the bank, at restaurants and at businesses.  Please be respectful, kind and polite, by giving people ample space.
• Stay home from work, school and play if you are sick.  This includes not running errands or going shopping or inviting visitors to your home.  If you need help, reach out to friends, family or utilize an app or businesses that offer no contact deliveries or services.
• Minimize travel, especially out of the state and limit visitors to your home. 
• Minimize attending social gatherings or going places where there are large groups of people.

 

We are now passed the six hundred and seventy mark with COVID-19 cases in Douglas County, with 34 new positive and presumptive cases today.  The DCCRT team, under the direction of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, along with Dr. Dannenhoffer and Douglas Public Health Network encourage residents to make prevention measures a part of their everyday routines. 

 

Local Cases Being Supported in Isolation and Quarantine

Currently, DPHN is supporting 199 cases in isolation, as well as another 500 contacts in quarantine in Douglas County.  Isolation is recommended for confirmed and presumptive cases, quarantine is recommended for contacts of confirmed or presumptive cases.  Currently, staff is supporting an astonishing 699 total contacts in isolation or quarantine.  This number represents a snapshot of the significant amount of work being done by our county and Douglas Public Health Network to help control the spread of COVID-19.

 

Getting Tested & Testing Clinics

The next drive-through testing clinic will be Today, Tuesday, November 17, 2020, in Roseburg. As a reminder, if you are having symptoms of COVID-19 including cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches and pains, diarrhea, sore throat or decreased sense of smell and taste, talk to your health care provider about being tested for COVID-19.  Patients without a Primary Care Provider, that are looking for a COVID-19 test should contact the Sutherlin Aviva Health Clinic at (541) 459-3788. The first drive-through testing site was piloted in the county on March 17, 2020, there have been 1877 people tested in 90 drive-through clinics, while additional testing continues in hospitals, urgent cares and clinics. The drive-through clinics are led by DPHN, in conjunction with partner agencies including; Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Public Works, local volunteers and local health professionals.

 

Oregon COVID-19 Case Update

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reports new cases once a day on their website at www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus. OHA also releases a daily situation status report and a weekly report that details the overall picture of the COVID-19 outbreak within our state.  The daily report details positive and presumptive cases, as well as deaths by county and statewide, while the weekly report is more in depth and includes statistical data related the severity of cases by age, gender, zip codes, ethnicity, as well as information on workplace and senior care facility outbreaks in Oregon. Find additional information on the state or Federal COVID-19 response go to Oregon Health Authority, Centers for Disease Control, and 211Info.

 

Oregon COVID-19 Presumptive

OHA expanded their reporting for COVID-19 case management to now include presumptive COVID-19 cases in their total case number.  DPHN is reporting the number of people with new positive test results and any new presumptives and uses the OHA’s definition of presumptive as having had close contact with a known, confirmed COVID-19 case, showing symptoms and not yet having a positive nasal swab/PCR or antigen test for COVID-19.  Testing continues, as DPHN has been holding 2-3 clinics a week and hospitals, urgent cares and clinics continue to test.  DPHN continues their epidemiologic investigations, identifying individuals who may have had close contact with individuals that have tested positive for COVID-19, advising and supporting quarantine and isolation.

 

OHA Reporting and Definition for Recovered

As per the Oregon Health Authority COVID-19 Investigative Guidelines, the number of recovered cases is no longer being assessed or reported by OHA.  Up until May 1st, 2020 recovery from COVID-19 was defined as being afebrile (not feverish), without the use of antipyretics (medicine to reduce a fever), and having resolution of cough, shortness of breath and diarrhea for at least 72 hours.  As more was learned about symptoms, recovery and contagious period, the definition of recovered changed.   Beginning May 1st, OHA stopped reporting recovered cases while also separating recovery from contagious or isolation period.  Many cases were no longer contagious, as they were outside of the contagious period, but still having lingering symptoms.  To be consistent with OHA and to adapt as we learn more about this new virus, we removed the column in our chart listing recovered cases.  At that point, we added the number of those in isolation, roughly indicating active or infectious cases of COVID-19 in Douglas County.

 

Facebook Live with Dr. Bob

Please join us Tonight, Tuesday, November 17, 2020 at 6:00 pm for the next Facebook Live event with Dr. Bob. hosted by DPHN on the DPHN Facebook page.  Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Douglas County Public Health Officer will continue their normal schedule of Facebook “Live Q&A Updates” next week with both his Tuesday night at 6:00 pm and Friday night at 4:00 pm on the DPHN Facebook page.  Residents are still able to submit their COVID-19 questions to Dr. Bob during the live shows, but you can also email your questions to: ookquestions@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org">Facebookquestions@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org.  Dr. Bob and the DPHN team will do their best to respond to as many questions as they can during their weekly updates.

 

 

LOCAL COVID-19 INFORMATION

Stay Informed with Accurate Local Information

 

Stay up to date on COVID-19 in Douglas County on the Douglas County Government website or the DPHN website.  Your Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Public Health Officer, Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer, DPHN and the Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team (DCCRT) have been working hard to cooperatively provide accurate and timely information to Douglas County residents since March 8, 2020.  Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the agencies that make up the DCCRT. 

 

Douglas County Resource/COVID-19 Hotline: (541) 464-6550:

Douglas County Commissioners and Douglas Public Health Network have added a resource and referral service to the current COVID-19 hotline for Douglas County residents.  The added service will help residents get connected to resources and services due to the local wildfires.  Referral and resource information will be available about local emergency shelters, livestock and animal boarding options, donation locations, volunteer opportunities, welfare check referrals, food and water resources and help with health and wellness questions.  This is NOT the hotline for Fire Updates or Evacuation information.  Please contact or follow DFPA and DCSO for the most up-to-date wildfire information.  The Resource/COVID-19 Hotline is (541) 464-6550.  It is staffed from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, 7 days a week until further notice. 

 

Questions about Governor’s Statewide Rules?  If you have questions or need more information on statewide mandates, guidelines or rules, go to the Governor’s COVID-19 website at https://govstatus.egov.com/or-covid-19/ or call the Business Oregon's Navigator Hotline at (833) 604-0880.  For information on COVID-19 in Oregon, call 211 or visit 211info

Who Do You Contact to Report Compliance Issues with the Governor’s Statewide Rules?  Please do not call 911, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office or Douglas County Offices to report compliance issues with the Governor’s orders.  The Governor has directed the State offices for Oregon Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) and the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) to be the enforcement agencies responsible for ensuring restaurants, bars, and other businesses comply with COVID-related rules.  For more information or to report compliance issues contact:

OSHA: (800) 922-2689 or OSHA website or OLCC (503) 872-5000 or OLCC website

 

###

 

Contact Tamara Howell, Public Information Officer, Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, (541) 670-2804 cell/(541) 957-4896 tjhowell@co.douglas.or.us

Contact Vanessa Becker, Public Information Officer, Douglas Public Health Network, (541) 817-6552 cell (541) 440-3571 vanessa@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org

Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team - Daily Update - November 16, 2020 (Photo) - 11/16/20

Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the agencies that make up the DCCRT

JOINT INFORMATION CENTER PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – November 16, 2020

DOUGLAS COUNTY COVID-19 RESPONSE TEAM - DAILY UPDATE

 

(Douglas County, Ore.)  Douglas County COVID-19 Test Results: As of 12:00 pm today, Monday, November 16, 2020, there are TWENTY-TWO (22) people with new positive test results and ONE death to report since our noon case update yesterday*.  The total number of cases (people with positive test results and presumptive) in Douglas County is now at 645*.  Currently, there are TWENTY (20) Douglas County COVID-19 patients that are being hospitalized, 19 locally, and 1 out-of-the-area.  Our Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, under the direction of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Public Health Officer and Douglas Public Health Network continue to devote all resources available to our local COVID efforts.

 

Eleventh COVID-19 Related Death of a Douglas County Resident

Our Douglas County Public Health Officer, Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer, has confirmed the death of our eleventh Douglas County resident from the COVID-19 virus. Our eleventh COVID related death is an 85-year-old woman who passed away today, Monday, November 16, 2020, in Roseburg, Oregon. She tested positive for COVID-19 upon being admitted to the hospital on November 8, 2020.  In the interest of privacy for the individual’s loved ones, no additional information will be released. Each death related to COVID-19 is painful for all Douglas County residents, and a reminder of the terrible impact COVID-19 has had in our local communities. The Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Dr. Dannenhoffer, DPHN staff and the DCCRT Team extend our heartfelt condolences and sympathies to all family members, friends, relatives, co-workers and community members of those who have passed after contracting this deadly virus.

 

“Another treasured Douglas County resident has been lost to the deadly COVID-19 virus.  On behalf of my family, my fellow Board of Commissioners, Dr. Dannenhoffer, DPHN staff and the DCCRT team, we send our sincere condolences and prayers to all the family members and friends,” commented Commissioner Tim Freeman. “We cannot stress enough how important it is to be vigilant in following the health and safety guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID right now!  Looking at our recent spike in cases locally, statewide, nationwide and worldwide, the potential for a continued increase in the numbers of COVID cases and deaths right now is alarming.  We need your help in preventing the spread of COVID-19, NOW!  Please keep your distance from others, stay home if you are sick, delay travel plans, postpone gatherings, wash your hands, sanitize surfaces and wear a mask.  The life you save by preventing the spread of germs might be your own, your parents, your kids or your neighbors."

 

Douglas County, OR - COVID-19 - Case Update
Date	Thursday, November 12, 2020	Friday, November 13, 2020	Saturday, November 14, 2020	Sunday, November 15, 2020	Today, Monday, November 16, 2020
Total COVID-19 Cases	563	593	613	623	645
People with Positive PCR or Antigen Test Results	502	533	552	561	583
Presumptive	60	60	61	62	62
Total Currently Hospitalized	11	17	20	19	20
Total Currently in Isolation	152	157	174	166	188
Total COVID-19 Related Deaths	10	10	10	10	11
Total Negative Test Results	16,929	17,112	17,239	17,365	17,495

*Our daily update includes the total number of cases in Douglas County, which combines people with positive test results and presumptives. We provide a breakout of the people with positive test results and presumptives in the chart above. Please note there will be times when a presumptive will move to a positive test result, and our total case number will not change because the case has already been counted, instead you will see an adjustment to our breakout numbers for positive test results and presumptives.

 

PLEASE STAY HOME FROM ALL ACTIVITIES IF YOU ARE SICK, FEELING EVEN A LITTLE SICK OR NOT FULLY RECOVERED FROM BEING SICK!

 Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, Douglas County Public Health Official would like to remind residents about the importance of staying home when you are sick to help protect others from getting sick.  This means not only staying home from work and school, but also staying home from all other activities and social events.  Please, if you are sick, even if you just have a runny nose or stuffy head, do not attend birthday parties, weddings, poker nights, prayer groups, church or go work out at the gym and expose others to your illness.   

 

We Need Your Help!  You Are the Key to Controlling the Spread of COVID!

It is no secret that the key to stopping the continued spread of the coronavirus is, YOU, our residents, our families, our communities and our businesses.  Yes, prevention is the best medicine, and not just to help stop the spread of COVID, but for your overall health and wellbeing as well.  If each and every individual in our county would make a real concerted effort to implement prevention measures into their daily routine, we could see a huge decrease in our COVID case numbers.  That means we need each and everyone one of our residents to take steps to minimize the spread of germs and contagions.  They can do this by choosing to maintain healthier eating habits; incorporate exercise and cleaning routines; being cautious and keeping distance from others; making modifications to how you socialize with others; choosing no contact deliveries and services; and staying home if you are sick.  The suggestions we make and the guidelines presented by public health are not just for your health and safety, but for the health and safety of everyone, including our kids, our grandparents, our coworkers, our first responders, our teachers and our businesses.  We know we sound like a broken record, but our primary focus is to do everything we can to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of our residents. 

 

We Continue to Encourage You to Help Stop the Spread of COVID and Stay Healthy

• Make a habit of washing and sanitizing your hands, regularly.  That means washing after you eat, if you touch new surfaces, go to the bathroom, open a door, go to the store, go to the post office or after a meeting.  Also try and avoid touching your face as much as possible. 
• Please wear a mask where recommended.  Not just for your protection, but for the protection of others. 
• Stay at least six feet apart from anyone that is not from your immediate household.  This means paying attention to the distance stickers at the store, the bank, at restaurants and at businesses.  Please be respectful, kind and polite, by giving people ample space.
• Stay home from work, school and play if you are sick.  This includes not running errands or going shopping or inviting visitors to your home.  If you need help, reach out to friends, family or utilize an app or businesses that offer no contact deliveries or services.
• Minimize travel, especially out of the state and limit visitors to your home. 
• Minimize attending social gatherings or going places where there are large groups of people.

 

We are now passed the six hundred and forty mark with COVID-19 cases in Douglas County, with 22 new total positive and presumptive cases today.  The DCCRT team, under the direction of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, along with Dr. Dannenhoffer and Douglas Public Health Network encourage residents to make prevention measures a part of their everyday routines.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend six daily habits that can help you avoid sickness and prevent the spread of viruses to others too.

 

Local Cases Being Supported in Isolation and Quarantine

Currently, DPHN is supporting 188 cases in isolation, as well as another 502 contacts in quarantine in Douglas County.  Isolation is recommended for confirmed and presumptive cases, quarantine is recommended for contacts of confirmed or presumptive cases.  Currently, staff is supporting an astonishing 690 total contacts in isolation or quarantine.  This number represents a snapshot of the significant amount of work being done by our county and Douglas Public Health Network to help control the spread of COVID-19.

 

UPDATED: OHA Reporting and Definition for Recovered

As per the Oregon Health Authority COVID-19 Investigative Guidelines, the number of recovered cases is no longer being assessed or reported by OHA.  Up until May 1st, 2020 recovery from COVID-19 was defined as being afebrile (not feverish), without the use of antiphyretics (medicine to reduce a fever), and having resolution of cough, shortness of breath and diarrhea for at least 72 hours.  As more was learned about symptoms, recovery and contagious period, the definition of recovered changed.   Beginning May 1st, OHA stopped reporting recovered cases while also separating recovery from contagious or isolation period.  Many cases were no longer contagious, as they were outside of the contagious period, but still having lingering symptoms.  To be consistent with OHA and to adapt as we learn more about this new virus, we removed the column in our chart listing recovered cases.  At that point, we added the number of those in isolation, roughly indicating active or infectious cases of COVID-19 in Douglas County.

 

Getting Tested & Testing Clinics

The next drive-through testing clinic will be Tuesday, November 17, 2020, in Roseburg. As a reminder, if you are having symptoms of COVID-19 including cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches and pains, diarrhea, sore throat or decreased sense of smell and taste, talk to your health care provider about being tested for COVID-19.  Patients without a Primary Care Provider, that are looking for a COVID-19 test should contact the Sutherlin Aviva Health Clinic at (541) 459-3788. The first drive-through testing site was piloted in the county on March 17, 2020, there have been 1877 people tested in 90 drive-through clinics, while additional testing continues in hospitals, urgent cares and clinics. The drive-through clinics are led by DPHN, in conjunction with partner agencies including; Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Public Works, local volunteers and local health professionals.

 

Oregon COVID-19 Case Update

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reports new cases once a day on their website at www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus. OHA also releases a daily situation status report and a weekly report that details the overall picture of the COVID-19 outbreak within our state.  The daily report details positive and presumptive cases, as well as deaths by county and statewide, while the weekly report is more in depth and includes statistical data related the severity of cases by age, gender, zip codes, ethnicity, as well as information on workplace and senior care facility outbreaks in Oregon. Find additional information on the state or Federal COVID-19 response go to Oregon Health Authority, Centers for Disease Control, and 211Info.

 

 

Oregon COVID-19 Presumptive

OHA expanded their reporting for COVID-19 case management to now include presumptive COVID-19 cases in their total case number.  DPHN is reporting the number of people with new positive test results and any new presumptives and uses the OHA’s definition of presumptive as having had close contact with a known, confirmed COVID-19 case, showing symptoms and not yet having a positive nasal swab/PCR or antigen test for COVID-19.  Testing continues, as DPHN has been holding 2-3 clinics a week and hospitals, urgent cares and clinics continue to test.  DPHN continues their epidemiologic investigations, identifying individuals who may have had close contact with individuals that have tested positive for COVID-19, advising and supporting quarantine and isolation.

 

Facebook Live with Dr. Bob

Please join us Tuesday, November 17, 2020 at 6:00 pm for the next Facebook Live event with Dr. Bob. hosted by DPHN on the DPHN Facebook page.  Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Douglas County Public Health Officer will continue their normal schedule of Facebook “Live Q&A Updates” next week with both his Tuesday night at 6:00 pm and Friday night at 4:00 pm on the DPHN Facebook page.  Residents are still able to submit their COVID-19 questions to Dr. Bob during the live shows, but you can also email your questions to: ookquestions@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org">Facebookquestions@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org.  Dr. Bob and the DPHN team will do their best to respond to as many questions as they can during their weekly updates.

 

 

LOCAL COVID-19 INFORMATION

Stay Informed with Accurate Local Information

 

Stay up to date on COVID-19 in Douglas County on the Douglas County Government website or the DPHN website.  Your Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Public Health Officer, Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer, DPHN and the Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team (DCCRT) have been working hard to cooperatively provide accurate and timely information to Douglas County residents since March 8, 2020.  Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the agencies that make up the DCCRT. 

 

Douglas County Resource/COVID-19 Hotline: (541) 464-6550:

Douglas County Commissioners and Douglas Public Health Network have added a resource and referral service to the current COVID-19 hotline for Douglas County residents.  The added service will help residents get connected to resources and services due to the local wildfires.  Referral and resource information will be available about local emergency shelters, livestock and animal boarding options, donation locations, volunteer opportunities, welfare check referrals, food and water resources and help with health and wellness questions.  This is NOT the hotline for Fire Updates or Evacuation information.  Please contact or follow DFPA and DCSO for the most up-to-date wildfire information.  The Resource/COVID-19 Hotline is (541) 464-6550.  It is staffed from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, 7 days a week until further notice. 

 

Questions about Governor’s Reopening or Statewide Rules?  If you have questions or need more information go to the Governor’s COVID-19 website at https://govstatus.egov.com/or-covid-19/ or call the Business Oregon's Navigator Hotline at (833) 604-0880.  For information on COVID-19 in Oregon, call 211 or visit 211info

Who Do You Contact to Report Compliance Issues with the Governor’s Statewide Rules?  Please do not call 911, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office or Douglas County Offices to report compliance issues with the Governor’s orders.  The Governor has directed the State offices for Oregon Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) and the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) to be the enforcement agencies responsible for ensuring restaurants, bars, and other businesses comply with COVID-related rules.  For more information or to report compliance issues contact:

OSHA: (800) 922-2689 or OSHA website or OLCC (503) 872-5000 or OLCC website

 

###

 

Contact Tamara Howell, Public Information Officer, Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, (541) 670-2804 cell/(541) 957-4896 tjhowell@co.douglas.or.us

Contact Vanessa Becker, Public Information Officer, Douglas Public Health Network, (541) 817-6552 cell (541) 440-3571 vanessa@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org

Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team - Daily Update - November 15, 2020 (Photo) - 11/15/20

Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the agencies that make up the DCCRT

JOINT INFORMATION CENTER PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – November 15, 2020

DOUGLAS COUNTY COVID-19 RESPONSE TEAM - DAILY UPDATE

 

(Douglas County, Ore.)  Douglas County COVID-19 Test Results: As of 12:00 pm today, Sunday, November 15, 2020, there are NINE (9) people with new positive test results and ONE (1) new presumptive since our noon case update yesterday*.  The total number of cases (people with positive test results and presumptive) in Douglas County is now at 623*.  Currently, there are NINETEEN (19) Douglas County COVID-19 patients that are being hospitalized locally.  Our Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, under the direction of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Public Health Officer and Douglas Public Health Network continue to devote all resources available to our local COVID efforts. 

 

Douglas County, OR - COVID-19 - Case Update
Date	Wednesday, November 11, 2020	Thursday, November 12, 2020	Friday, November 13, 2020	Saturday, November 14, 2020	Today, Sunday, November 15, 2020
Total COVID-19 Cases	545	563	593	613	623
People with Positive PCR or Antigen Test Results	486	502	533	552	561
Presumptive	59	60	60	61	62
Total Currently Hospitalized	12	11	17	20	19
Total Currently in Isolation	148	152	157	174	166
Total COVID-19 Related Deaths	10	10	10	10	10
Total Negative Test Results	16,809	16,929	17,112	17,239	17,365

*Our daily update includes the total number of cases in Douglas County, which combines people with positive test results and presumptives. We provide a breakout of the people with positive test results and presumptives in the chart above. Please note there will be times when a presumptive will move to a positive test result, and our total case number will not change because the case has already been counted, instead you will see an adjustment to our breakout numbers for positive test results and presumptives.

 

We cannot stress enough the importance of staying healthy and doing everything YOU can to prevent the spread of this virus.  Please keep your distance from others (6 feet or more); wash and sanitize your hands often; use and encourage the use of face coverings; cover your coughs and sneezes; clean and disinfect frequently used surfaces; and please, please stay home from work, school and ALL activities if you are sick.  Please think about your actions, your activities, your gatherings, your visits and make sure they are COVID safe for everyone involved.

 

PLEASE STAY HOME FROM ALL ACTIVITIES IF YOU ARE SICK, FEELING EVEN A LITTLE SICK OR NOT FULLY RECOVERED FROM BEING SICK!

 Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, Douglas County Public Health Official would like to remind residents about the importance of staying home when you are sick to help protect others from getting sick.  This means not only staying home from work and school, but also staying home from all other activities and social events.  Please, if you are sick, even if you just have a runny nose or stuffy head, do not attend birthday parties, weddings, poker nights, prayer groups, church or go work out at the gym and expose others to your illness.   

 

We Need Your Help!  You Are the Key to Controlling the Spread of COVID!

It is no secret that the key to stopping the continued spread of the coronavirus is, YOU, our residents, our families, our communities and our businesses.  Yes, prevention is the best medicine, and not just to help stop the spread of COVID, but for your overall health and wellbeing as well.  If each and every individual in our county would make a real concerted effort to implement prevention measures into their daily routine, we could see a huge decrease in our COVID case numbers.  That means we need each and everyone one of our residents to take steps to minimize the spread of germs and contagions.  They

can do this by choosing to maintain healthier eating habits; incorporate exercise and cleaning routines; being cautious and keeping distance from others; making modifications to how you socialize with others; choosing no contact deliveries and services; and staying home if you are sick.  The suggestions we make and the guidelines presented by public health are not just for your health and safety, but for the health and safety of everyone, including our kids, our grandparents, our coworkers, our first responders, our teachers and our businesses.  We know we sound like a broken record, but our primary focus is to do everything we can to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of our residents. 

 

We Continue to Encourage You to Help Stop the Spread of COVID and Stay Healthy

• Make a habit of washing and sanitizing your hands, regularly.  That means washing after you eat, if you touch new surfaces, go to the bathroom, open a door, go to the store, go to the post office or after a meeting.  Also try and avoid touching your face as much as possible. 
• Please wear a mask where recommended.  Not just for your protection, but for the protection of others. 
• Stay at least six feet apart from anyone that is not from your immediate household.  This means paying attention to the distance stickers at the store, the bank, at restaurants and at businesses.  Please be respectful, kind and polite, by giving people ample space.
• Stay home from work, school and play if you are sick.  This includes not running errands or going shopping or inviting visitors to your home.  If you need help, reach out to friends, family or utilize an app or businesses that offer no contact deliveries or services.
• Minimize travel, especially out of the state and limit visitors to your home. 
• Minimize attending social gatherings or going places where there are large groups of people.

 

We are now passed the six hundred and twenty mark with COVID-19 cases in Douglas County, with 10 new total positive and presumptive cases today.  The DCCRT team, under the direction of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, along with Dr. Dannenhoffer and Douglas Public Health Network encourage residents to make prevention measures a part of their everyday routines.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend six daily habits that can help you avoid sickness and prevent the spread of viruses to others too.

 

Local Cases Being Supported in Isolation and Quarantine

Currently, DPHN is supporting 166 cases in isolation, as well as another 495 contacts in quarantine in Douglas County.  Isolation is recommended for confirmed and presumptive cases, quarantine is recommended for contacts of confirmed or presumptive cases.  Currently, staff is supporting an astonishing 661 total contacts in isolation or quarantine.  This number represents a snapshot of the significant amount of work being done by our county and Douglas Public Health Network to help control the spread of COVID-19.

 

UPDATED: OHA Reporting and Definition for Recovered

As per the Oregon Health Authority COVID-19 Investigative Guidelines, the number of recovered cases is no longer being assessed or reported by OHA.  Up until May 1st, 2020 recovery from COVID-19 was defined as being afebrile (not feverish), without the use of antiphyretics (medicine to reduce a fever), and having resolution of cough, shortness of breath and diarrhea for at least 72 hours.  As more was learned about symptoms, recovery and contagious period, the definition of recovered changed.   Beginning May 1st, OHA stopped reporting recovered cases while also separating recovery from contagious or isolation period.  Many cases were no longer contagious, as they were outside of the contagious period, but still having lingering symptoms.  To be consistent with OHA and to adapt as we learn more about this new virus, we removed the column in our chart listing recovered cases.  At that point, we added the number of those in isolation, roughly indicating active or infectious cases of COVID-19 in Douglas County.

 

Getting Tested & Testing Clinics

The next drive-through testing clinic will be Tuesday, November 17, 2020, in Roseburg. As a reminder, if you are having symptoms of COVID-19 including cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches and pains, diarrhea, sore throat or decreased sense of smell and taste, talk to your health care provider about being tested for COVID-19.  Patients without a Primary Care Provider, that are looking for a COVID-19 test should contact the Sutherlin Aviva Health Clinic at (541) 459-3788. The first drive-through testing site was piloted in the county on March 17, 2020, there have been 1877 people tested in 90 drive-through clinics, while additional testing continues in hospitals, urgent cares and clinics. The drive-through clinics are led by DPHN, in conjunction with partner agencies including; Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Public Works, local volunteers and local health professionals.

 

Oregon COVID-19 Case Update

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reports new cases once a day on their website at www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus. OHA also releases a daily situation status report and a weekly report that details the overall picture of the COVID-19 outbreak within our state.  The daily report details positive and presumptive cases, as well as deaths by county and statewide, while the weekly report is more in depth and includes statistical data related the severity of cases by age, gender, zip codes, ethnicity, as well as information on workplace and senior care facility outbreaks in Oregon. Find additional information on the state or Federal COVID-19 response go to Oregon Health Authority, Centers for Disease Control, and 211Info.

 

 

Oregon COVID-19 Presumptive

OHA expanded their reporting for COVID-19 case management to now include presumptive COVID-19 cases in their total case number.  DPHN is reporting the number of people with new positive test results and any new presumptives and uses the OHA’s definition of presumptive as having had close contact with a known, confirmed COVID-19 case, showing symptoms and not yet having a positive nasal swab/PCR or antigen test for COVID-19.  Testing continues, as DPHN has been holding 2-3 clinics a week and hospitals, urgent cares and clinics continue to test.  DPHN continues their epidemiologic investigations, identifying individuals who may have had close contact with individuals that have tested positive for COVID-19, advising and supporting quarantine and isolation.

 

Facebook Live with Dr. Bob

Please join us Tuesday, November 17, 2020 at 6:00 pm for the next Facebook Live event with Dr. Bob. hosted by DPHN on the DPHN Facebook page.  Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Douglas County Public Health Officer will continue their normal schedule of Facebook “Live Q&A Updates” next week with both his Tuesday night at 6:00 pm and Friday night at 4:00 pm on the DPHN Facebook page.  Residents are still able to submit their COVID-19 questions to Dr. Bob during the live shows, but you can also email your questions to: ookquestions@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org">Facebookquestions@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org.  Dr. Bob and the DPHN team will do their best to respond to as many questions as they can during their weekly updates.

 

Red Cross: Please Consider Donating Blood

The American Red Cross still has an urgent need for blood donations to prevent another blood shortage. Donors are needed to make and keep scheduled appointments to help meet the current need. If you are healthy, feeling well and eligible to give blood or platelets, you are urged to make an appointment to donate as soon as possible. COVID-19 safe donation measure are in place.  Donate your blood and save a life.  Remember, appointments are required, visit www.redcrossblood.org  or call (800) 733-2767 to schedule today.

 

Local Upcoming Blood Drives:

Monday, November 16        1:00 pm - 6:00 pm        McMenamins Roseburg, 700 SE Sheridan, Roseburg

Monday, November 16        1:00 pm – 6:30 pm       Roseburg Blood Donation Center, 1176 NW Garden Valley Blvd.

Tuesday, November 17        12:00 pm - 5:00 pm      Abby's Legendary Pizza, 2585 Diamond Lake Blvd, Roseburg

Tuesday, November 17        1:00 pm - 6:00 pm        New Life Church, 1723 NE Vine Street, Roseburg

Thursday, November 19       1:00 pm – 6:00 pm       Robertson Shaw CPA, LLC, 130 South Comstock, Sutherlin=

Friday, November 20            9:00 am – 3:00 pm        Roseburg Blood Donation Center, 1176 NW Garden Valley Blvd.

Monday, November 23         10:00 am – 3:30 pm      Wildlife Safari, 1790 Safari Road, Winston

Tuesday, November 24        10:00 am – 3:30 pm      Umpqua Valley Ambulance, 1290 NE Cedar St, Roseburg

Tuesday, November 24        10:00 am – 3:30 pm      South Umpqua High School, 501 NW Chadwick Ln, Myrtle Creek

Wednesday, November 25   8:30 am – 1:30 pm        Roseburg Blood Donation Center, 1176 NW Garden Valley Blvd.

 

LOCAL COVID-19 INFORMATION

Stay Informed with Accurate Local Information

 

Stay up to date on COVID-19 in Douglas County on the Douglas County Government website or the DPHN website.  Your Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Public Health Officer, Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer, DPHN and the Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team (DCCRT) have been working hard to cooperatively provide accurate and timely information to Douglas County residents since March 8, 2020.  Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the agencies that make up the DCCRT. 

 

Douglas County Resource/COVID-19 Hotline: (541) 464-6550:

Douglas County Commissioners and Douglas Public Health Network have added a resource and referral service to the current COVID-19 hotline for Douglas County residents.  The added service will help residents get connected to resources and services due to the local wildfires.  Referral and resource information will be available about local emergency shelters, livestock and animal boarding options, donation locations, volunteer opportunities, welfare check referrals, food and water resources and help with health and wellness questions.  This is NOT the hotline for Fire Updates or Evacuation information.  Please contact or follow DFPA and DCSO for the most up-to-date wildfire information.  The Resource/COVID-19 Hotline is (541) 464-6550.  It is staffed from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, 7 days a week until further notice. 

 

Questions about Governor’s Reopening or Statewide Rules?  If you have questions or need more information go to the Governor’s COVID-19 website at https://govstatus.egov.com/or-covid-19/ or call the Business Oregon's Navigator Hotline at (833) 604-0880.  For information on COVID-19 in Oregon, call 211 or visit 211info

 

Who Do You Contact to Report Compliance Issues with the Governor’s Statewide Rules?  Please do not call 911, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office or Douglas County Offices to report compliance issues with the Governor’s orders.  The Governor has directed the State offices for Oregon Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) and the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) to be the enforcement agencies responsible for ensuring restaurants, bars, and other businesses comply with COVID-related rules.  For more information or to report compliance issues contact:

OSHA: (800) 922-2689 or OSHA website or OLCC (503) 872-5000 or OLCC website

 

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Contact Tamara Howell, Public Information Officer, Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, (541) 670-2804 cell/(541) 957-4896 tjhowell@co.douglas.or.us

Contact Vanessa Becker, Public Information Officer, Douglas Public Health Network, (541) 817-6552 cell (541) 440-3571 vanessa@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org

Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team - Daily Update - November 14, 2020 (Photo) - 11/14/20

Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the agencies that make up the DCCRT

JOINT INFORMATION CENTER PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – November 14, 2020

DOUGLAS COUNTY COVID-19 RESPONSE TEAM - DAILY UPDATE

 

(Douglas County, Ore.) It has been a tumultuous week with COVID-19 in Douglas County!  We are not the only ones seeing a surge in cases, as Oregon, the United States and in the World have all reported record numbers of new cases during the last seven days.

 

HERE ARE A FEW STAGGERING LOCAL COVID-19 STATISTICS, ALONG WITH OUR UPDATED WEEKLY POSITIVE CASE CHART:

• Prior to November 1, 2020, the highest weekly total of new positive cases in Douglas County was 29. 
• The week ending on November 7, 2020 we recorded 67 new positive cases, a 131% increase over our highest week and a new weekly record.
• Today, the week ending November 14, 2020, we recorded 148 new positive cases, a 120% increase over last week and another new weekly record. 
• We had more new positive cases this last week (148), than we had in the first 152 days since our first case on March 8, 2020. 
• We have had a record number of 215 new positive cases in the last two weeks in Douglas County, more than we had in the first 198 days (March 8-September 22).
• Before this week our highest daily total of hospitalized COVID-19 patients was 8 patients, today we hit a record of 20 hospitalized COVID-19 patients.   

 

We cannot stress enough the importance of staying healthy and doing everything YOU can to prevent the spread of this virus.  Please keep your distance from others (6 feet or more); wash and sanitize your hands often; use and encourage the use of face coverings; cover your coughs and sneezes; clean and disinfect frequently used surfaces; and please, please stay home from work, school and ALL activities if you are sick.  Please think about your actions, your activities, your gatherings, your visits and make sure they are COVID safe for everyone involved.

 

 

Douglas County COVID-19 Test Results: As of 12:00 pm today, Saturday, November 14, 2020, there are NINETEEN (19) people with new positive test results and ONE new presumptive since our noon case update yesterday*.  The total number of cases (people with positive test results and presumptive) in Douglas County is now at 613*.  Currently, there are TWENTY (20) Douglas County COVID-19 patients that are being hospitalized locally.  Our Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, under the direction of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Public Health Officer and Douglas Public Health Network continue to dedicate all resources available to our local COVID efforts. 

 

Local Cases Being Supported in Isolation and Quarantine

Currently, DPHN is supporting 174 cases in isolation, as well as another 489 contacts in quarantine in Douglas County.  Isolation is recommended for confirmed and presumptive cases, quarantine is recommended for contacts of confirmed or presumptive cases.  Currently, staff is supporting an astonishing 663 total contacts in isolation or quarantine.  This number represents a snapshot of the significant amount of work being done by our county and Douglas Public Health Network to help control the spread of COVID-19. 

 

Douglas County, OR - COVID-19 - Case Update
Date	Tuesday, November 10, 2020	Wednesday, November 11, 2020	Thursday, November 12, 2020	Friday, November 13, 2020	Today, Saturday, November 14, 2020
Total COVID-19 Cases	517	545	563	593	613
People with Positive PCR or Antigen Test Results	459	486	502	533	552
Presumptive	58	59	60	60	61
Total Currently Hospitalized	7	12	11	17	20
Total Currently in Isolation	127	148	152	157	174
Total COVID-19 Related Deaths	10	10	10	10	10
Total Negative Test Results	16,709	16,809	16,929	17,112	17,239

*Our daily update includes the total number of cases in Douglas County, which combines people with positive test results and presumptives. We provide a breakout of the people with positive test results and presumptives in the chart above. Please note there will be times when a presumptive will move to a positive test result, and our total case number will not change because the case has already been counted, instead you will see an adjustment to our breakout numbers for positive test results and presumptives.

 

PLEASE STAY HOME FROM ALL ACTIVITIES IF YOU ARE SICK, FEELING EVEN A LITTLE SICK OR NOT FULLY RECOVERED FROM BEING SICK!

Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, Douglas County Public Health Official would like to remind residents about the importance of staying home when you are sick to help protect others from getting sick.  This means not only staying home from work and school, but also staying home from all other activities and social events.  Please, if you are sick, even if you just have a runny nose or stuffy head, do not attend birthday parties, weddings, poker nights, prayer groups, church or go work out at the gym and expose others to your illness.   

 

We Need Your Help!  You Are the Key to Controlling the Spread of COVID!

It is no secret that the key to stopping the continued spread of the coronavirus is, YOU, our residents, our families, our communities and our businesses.  Yes, prevention is the best medicine, and not just to help stop the spread of COVID, but for your overall health and wellbeing as well.  If each and every individual in our county would make a real concerted effort to implement prevention measures into their daily routine, we could see a huge decrease in our COVID case numbers.  That means we need each and everyone one of our residents to take steps to minimize the spread of germs and contagions.  They can do this by choosing to maintain healthier eating habits; incorporate exercise and cleaning routines; being cautious and keeping distance from others; making modifications to how you socialize with others; choosing no contact deliveries and services; and staying home if you are sick.  The suggestions we make and the guidelines presented by public health are not just for your health and safety, but for the health and safety of everyone, including our kids, our grandparents, our coworkers, our first responders, our teachers and our businesses.  We know we sound like a broken record, but our primary focus is to do everything we can to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of our residents. 

 

We Continue to Encourage You to Help Stop the Spread of COVID and Stay Healthy

• Make a habit of washing and sanitizing your hands, regularly.  That means washing after you eat, if you touch new surfaces, go to the bathroom, open a door, go to the store, go to the post office or after a meeting.  Also try and avoid touching your face as much as possible. 
• Please wear a mask where recommended.  Not just for your protection, but for the protection of others. 
• Stay at least six feet apart from anyone that is not from your immediate household.  This means paying attention to the distance stickers at the store, the bank, at restaurants and at businesses.  Please be respectful, kind and polite, by giving people ample space.
• Stay home from work, school and play if you are sick.  This includes not running errands or going shopping or inviting visitors to your home.  If you need help, reach out to friends, family or utilize an app or businesses that offer no contact deliveries or services.
• Minimize travel, especially out of the state and limit visitors to your home. 
• Minimize attending social gatherings or going places where there are large groups of people.

 

We are now passed the six hundred mark with COVID-19 cases in Douglas County, with 20 new total positive and presumptive cases today.  The DCCRT team, under the direction of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, along with Dr. Dannenhoffer and Douglas Public Health Network encourage residents to make prevention measures a part of their everyday routines.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend six daily habits that can help you avoid sickness and prevent the spread of viruses to others too.

 

UPDATED: OHA Reporting and Definition for Recovered

As per the Oregon Health Authority COVID-19 Investigative Guidelines, the number of recovered cases is no longer being assessed or reported by OHA.  Up until May 1st, 2020 recovery from COVID-19 was defined as being afebrile (not feverish), without the use of antiphyretics (medicine to reduce a fever), and having resolution of cough, shortness of breath and diarrhea for at least 72 hours.  As more was learned about symptoms, recovery and contagious period, the definition of recovered changed.   Beginning May 1st, OHA stopped reporting recovered cases while also separating recovery from contagious or isolation period.  Many cases were no longer contagious, as they were outside of the contagious period, but still having lingering symptoms.  To be consistent with OHA and to adapt as we learn more about this new virus, we removed the column in our chart listing recovered cases.  At that point, we added the number of those in isolation, roughly indicating active or infectious cases of COVID-19 in Douglas County.

 

Getting Tested & Testing Clinics

The next drive-through testing clinic will be Tuesday, November 17, 2020, in Roseburg. As a reminder, if you are having symptoms of COVID-19 including cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches and pains, diarrhea, sore throat or decreased sense of smell and taste, talk to your health care provider about being tested for COVID-19.  Patients without a Primary Care Provider, that are looking for a COVID-19 test should contact the Sutherlin Aviva Health Clinic at (541) 459-3788. The first drive-through testing site was piloted in the county on March 17, 2020, there have been 1877 people tested in 90 drive-through clinics, while additional testing continues in hospitals, urgent cares and clinics. The drive-through clinics are led by DPHN, in conjunction with partner agencies including; Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Public Works, local volunteers and local health professionals.

 

Oregon COVID-19 Case Update

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reports new cases once a day on their website at www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus. OHA also releases a daily situation status report and a weekly report that details the overall picture of the COVID-19 outbreak within our state.  The daily report details positive and presumptive cases, as well as deaths by county and statewide, while the weekly report is more in depth and includes statistical data related the severity of cases by age, gender, zip codes, ethnicity, as well as information on workplace and senior care facility outbreaks in Oregon. Find additional information on the state or Federal COVID-19 response go to Oregon Health Authority, Centers for Disease Control, and 211Info.

 

Oregon COVID-19 Presumptive

OHA expanded their reporting for COVID-19 case management to now include presumptive COVID-19 cases in their total case number.  DPHN is reporting the number of people with new positive test results and any new presumptives and uses the OHA’s definition of presumptive as having had close contact with a known, confirmed COVID-19 case, showing symptoms and not yet having a positive nasal swab/PCR or antigen test for COVID-19.  Testing continues, as DPHN has been holding 2-3 clinics a week and hospitals, urgent cares and clinics continue to test.  DPHN continues their epidemiologic investigations, identifying individuals who may have had close contact with individuals that have tested positive for COVID-19, advising and supporting quarantine and isolation.

 

Facebook Live with Dr. Bob

Please join us Tuesday, November 17, 2020 at 6:00 pm for the next Facebook Live event with Dr. Bob. hosted by DPHN on the DPHN Facebook page.  Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Douglas County Public Health Officer will continue their normal schedule of Facebook “Live Q&A Updates” next week with both his Tuesday night at 6:00 pm and Friday night at 4:00 pm on the DPHN Facebook page.  Residents are still able to submit their COVID-19 questions to Dr. Bob during the live shows, but you can also email your questions to: ookquestions@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org">Facebookquestions@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org.  Dr. Bob and the DPHN team will do their best to respond to as many questions as they can during their weekly updates.

 

 

LOCAL COVID-19 INFORMATION

Stay Informed with Accurate Local Information

 

Stay up to date on COVID-19 in Douglas County on the Douglas County Government website or the DPHN website.  Your Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Public Health Officer, Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer, DPHN and the Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team (DCCRT) have been working hard to cooperatively provide accurate and timely information to Douglas County residents since March 8, 2020.  Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the agencies that make up the DCCRT. 

 

Douglas County Resource/COVID-19 Hotline: (541) 464-6550:

Douglas County Commissioners and Douglas Public Health Network have added a resource and referral service to the current COVID-19 hotline for Douglas County residents.  The added service will help residents get connected to resources and services due to the local wildfires.  Referral and resource information will be available about local emergency shelters, livestock and animal boarding options, donation locations, volunteer opportunities, welfare check referrals, food and water resources and help with health and wellness questions.  This is NOT the hotline for Fire Updates or Evacuation information.  Please contact or follow DFPA and DCSO for the most up-to-date wildfire information.  The Resource/COVID-19 Hotline is (541) 464-6550.  It is staffed from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, 7 days a week until further notice. 

 

Questions about Governor’s Reopening or Statewide Rules?  If you have questions or need more information go to the Governor’s COVID-19 website at https://govstatus.egov.com/or-covid-19/ or call the Business Oregon's Navigator Hotline at (833) 604-0880.  For information on COVID-19 in Oregon, call 211 or visit 211info

 

Who Do You Contact to Report Compliance Issues with the Governor’s Statewide Rules?  Please do not call 911, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office or Douglas County Offices to report compliance issues with the Governor’s orders.  The Governor has directed the State offices for Oregon Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) and the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) to be the enforcement agencies responsible for ensuring restaurants, bars, and other businesses comply with COVID-related rules.  For more information or to report compliance issues contact:

OSHA: (800) 922-2689 or OSHA website or OLCC (503) 872-5000 or OLCC website

 

###

 

Contact Tamara Howell, Public Information Officer, Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, (541) 670-2804 cell/(541) 957-4896 tjhowell@co.douglas.or.us

Contact Vanessa Becker, Public Information Officer, Douglas Public Health Network, (541) 817-6552 cell (541) 440-3571 vanessa@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org

11-13-20 Reminder 2020/21 Property Taxes Due by Monday, November 16 (Photo) - 11/13/20

DOULGAS COUNTY TAX COLLECTION OFFICE

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 13, 2020

** Reminder **

 

2020/21 Property Taxes Due by Monday, November 16

 

 

ROSEBURG, Ore. – The Douglas County Tax Collection Office would like to remind residents that their 2020/2021 Property Taxes are due on Monday, November 16, 2020. 

 

Here are a few Important Reminders from the Douglas County Tax Collection Office:

 

• In order to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19, this year, the Douglas County Tax Collector’s Office is closed to the public from October 19, 2020 through November 27, 2020. 
• Our office will continue to provide service to our customers remotely.  You can conduct business with our office via phone, e-mail or online.  Staff will be available to assist customers via phone and email between the hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.
• This year your options for tax payment methods are:

* Mail Payment in the envelope provided for quickest processing.  Please do not send cash.  We ask that you

convert all cash payments to a cashier’s check, money order or personal check. 

* Place your payment in one of our drop boxes, located at the front of the Douglas County Courthouse (at the base of the steps) or in the hall-way outside the Douglas County Tax Collection Office.  The Douglas County Courthouse is located at 1036 SE Douglas Avenue in Roseburg, Oregon.  Please do not place cash in the drop box.  We ask that you convert all cash payments to a cashier’s check, money order or personal check. 

* Pay online with NO FEES: www.co.douglas.or.us/finance/taxpayments.asp.  Because of the Tax Office closure this year, due to COVID-19, the online payment service/transaction fees are being waived.  Please note that Douglas County will only pay the online payment service/transaction fees charged through our designated Tax Payment Portal, at the above website listed between October 1, 2020 and November 16, 2020.

• To receive the 3% discount, payment in full must be received or post marked by November 16, 2020. To avoid interest and penalties, the first trimester payment must be paid by November 16, 2020.  The second trimester is due February 16, 2021 and the third trimester is due May 17, 2021.
• Please note that our payment mailing address has changed, make sure to update your online bill pay information.
• Reminder that Reedsport Umpqua Bank is no longer accepting tax payments. 
• Please note that due to recent changes with the U.S. Postal Service, mail is often transported out of town for processing and postmark.  Be sure to mail your tax payment early or take your payment envelope into the Post Office to receive an official “hand stamped local postmark”, to avoid late penalties and loss of discount.

 

            For more information, please contact the Tax Office at (541) 440-4253, or by email tax@co.douglas.or.us or log onto our website at www.co.douglas.or.us/finance/tax_collection.asp.  As a reminder, staff will be available to assist customers this year via phone and email only, between the hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.   

                                             

 

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Contact Tamara Howell, Douglas County Emergency Communications & Community Engagement Specialist (PIO)

(541) 670-2804 cell - (541) 957-4896 office - tjhowell@co.douglas.or.us

Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team - Daily Update - November 13, 2020 (Photo) - 11/13/20

Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the agencies that make up the DCCRT

JOINT INFORMATION CENTER PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – November 13, 2020

DOUGLAS COUNTY COVID-19 RESPONSE TEAM - DAILY UPDATE

 

(Douglas County, Ore.) On this Friday the 13th of November, we have once again sadly broke more local COVID case records with the most daily cases reported of 30, the highest weekly case numbers at 136, with one more day still to go this week, and the highest number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients at 17.  We cannot stress enough the importance of staying healthy and doing everything YOU can to prevent the spread of this virus.  Please keep your distance from others (6 feet or more); wash and sanitize your hands often; use and encourage the use of face coverings; cover your coughs and sneezes; clean and disinfect frequently used surfaces; and please, please stay home from work, school and ALL activities if you are sick.  Please think about your actions, your activities, your gatherings, your visits and make sure they are COVID safe for everyone involved. 

 

Douglas County COVID-19 Test Results: As of 12:00 pm today, Friday, November 13, 2020, there are TWENTY-NINE (29) people with new positive test results, ONE presumptive that has been moved to a positive with a positive test result and ONE new presumptive since our noon case update yesterday*.  The total number of cases (people with positive test results and presumptive) in Douglas County is now at 593*.  Currently, there are SEVENTEEN (17) Douglas County COVID-19 patients that are being hospitalized locally.  Our Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, under the direction of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Public Health Officer and Douglas Public Health Network continue to dedicate all resources available to our local COVID efforts. 

 

Douglas County, OR - COVID-19 - Case Update
Date	Monday, November 9, 2020	Tuesday, November 10, 2020	Wednesday, November 11, 2020	Thursday, November 12, 2020	Today, Friday, November 13, 2020
Total COVID-19 Cases	497	517	545	563	593
People with Positive PCR or Antigen Test Results	439	459	486	502	533
Presumptive	58	58	59	60	60
Total Currently Hospitalized	7	7	12	11	17
Total Currently in Isolation	124	127	148	152	157
Total COVID-19 Related Deaths	10	10	10	10	10
Total Negative Test Results	16,633	16,709	16,809	16,929	17,112

*Our daily update includes the total number of cases in Douglas County, which combines people with positive test results and presumptives. We provide a breakout of the people with positive test results and presumptives in the chart above. Please note there will be times when a presumptive will move to a positive test result, and our total case number will not change because the case has already been counted, instead you will see an adjustment to our breakout numbers for positive test results and presumptives.

 

PLEASE STAY HOME FROM ALL ACTIVITIES IF YOU ARE SICK, FEELING EVEN A LITTLE SICK OR NOT FULLY RECOVERED FROM BEING SICK!

Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, Douglas County Public Health Official would like to remind residents about the importance of staying home when you are sick to help protect others from getting sick.  This means not only staying home from work and school, but also staying home from all other activities and social events.  Please, if you are sick, even if you just have a runny nose or stuffy head, do not attend birthday parties, weddings, poker nights, prayer groups, church or go work out at the gym and expose others to your illness.   

 

We Need Your Help!  You Are the Key to Controlling the Spread of COVID!

It is no secret that the key to stopping the continued spread of the coronavirus is, YOU, our residents, our families, our communities and our businesses.  Yes, prevention is the best medicine, and not just to help stop the spread of COVID, but for your overall health and wellbeing as well.  If each and every individual in our county would make a real concerted effort to implement prevention measures into their daily routine, we could see a huge decrease in our COVID case numbers.  That means we need each and everyone one of our residents to take steps to minimize the spread of germs and contagions.  They can do this by choosing to maintain healthier eating habits; incorporate exercise and cleaning routines; being cautious and keeping distance from others; making modifications to how you socialize with others; choosing no contact deliveries and services; and staying home if you are sick.  The suggestions we make and the guidelines presented by public health are not just for your health and safety, but for the health and safety of everyone, including our kids, our grandparents, our coworkers, our first responders, our teachers and our businesses.  We know we sound like a broken record, but our primary focus is to do everything we can to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of our residents. 

 

We Continue to Encourage You to Help Stop the Spread of COVID and Stay Healthy

• Make a habit of washing and sanitizing your hands, regularly.  That means washing after you eat, if you touch new surfaces, go to the bathroom, open a door, go to the store, go to the post office or after a meeting.  Also try and avoid touching your face as much as possible. 
• Please wear a mask where recommended.  Not just for your protection, but for the protection of others. 
• Stay at least six feet apart from anyone that is not from your immediate household.  This means paying attention to the distance stickers at the store, the bank, at restaurants and at businesses.  Please be respectful, kind and polite, by giving people ample space.
• Stay home from work, school and play if you are sick.  This includes not running errands or going shopping or inviting visitors to your home.  If you need help, reach out to friends, family or utilize an app or businesses that offer no contact deliveries or services.
• Minimize travel, especially out of the state and limit visitors to your home. 
• Minimize attending social gatherings or going places where there are large groups of people.

 

We are now passed five hundred and ninety mark with COVID-19 cases in Douglas County, with 30 new total positive and presumptive cases today.  The DCCRT team, under the direction of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, along with Dr. Dannenhoffer and Douglas Public Health Network encourage residents to make prevention measures a part of their everyday routines.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend six daily habits that can help you avoid sickness and prevent the spread of viruses to others too.

 

Local Cases Being Supported in Isolation and Quarantine

Currently, DPHN is supporting 157 cases in isolation, as well as another 473 contacts in quarantine in Douglas County.  Isolation is recommended for confirmed and presumptive cases, quarantine is recommended for contacts of confirmed or presumptive cases.  Currently, staff is supporting an astonishing 630 total contacts in isolation or quarantine.  This number represents a snapshot of the significant amount of work being done by our county and our public health to help control the spread of COVID-19.  A number of you have asked what it means to isolate or self-quarantine.  Check out the informational flyers that DPHN created to help our residents and health providers share and provide the most current information about quarantine and isolation during COVID-19. 

 

UPDATED: OHA Reporting and Definition for Recovered

As per the Oregon Health Authority COVID-19 Investigative Guidelines, the number of recovered cases is no longer being assessed or reported by OHA.  Up until May 1st, 2020 recovery from COVID-19 was defined as being afebrile (not feverish), without the use of antiphyretics (medicine to reduce a fever), and having resolution of cough, shortness of breath and diarrhea for at least 72 hours.  As more was learned about symptoms, recovery and contagious period, the definition of recovered changed.   Beginning May 1st, OHA stopped reporting recovered cases while also separating recovery from contagious or isolation period.  Many cases were no longer contagious, as they were outside of the contagious period, but still having lingering symptoms.  To be consistent with OHA and to adapt as we learn more about this new virus, we removed the column in our chart listing recovered cases.  At that point, we added the number of those in isolation, roughly indicating active or infectious cases of COVID-19 in Douglas County.

 

Getting Tested & Testing Clinics

The next drive-through testing clinic was Today, Friday, November 13, 2020, in Roseburg. As a reminder, if you are having symptoms of COVID-19 including cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches and pains, diarrhea, sore throat or decreased sense of smell and taste, talk to your health care provider about being tested for COVID-19.  Patients without a Primary Care Provider, that are looking for a COVID-19 test should contact the Sutherlin Aviva Health Clinic at (541) 459-3788. The first drive-through testing site was piloted in the county on March 17, 2020, there have been 1828 people tested in 89 drive-through clinics, while additional testing continues in hospitals, urgent cares and clinics. The drive-through clinics are led by DPHN, in conjunction with partner agencies including; Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Public Works, local volunteers and local health professionals.

 

Oregon COVID-19 Case Update

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reports new cases once a day on their website at www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus. OHA also releases a daily situation status report and a weekly report that details the overall picture of the COVID-19 outbreak within our state.  The daily report details positive and presumptive cases, as well as deaths by county and statewide, while the weekly report is more in depth and includes statistical data related the severity of cases by age, gender, zip codes, ethnicity, as well as information on workplace and senior care facility outbreaks in Oregon. Find additional information on the state or Federal COVID-19 response go to Oregon Health Authority, Centers for Disease Control, and 211Info.

 

Oregon COVID-19 Presumptive

OHA expanded their reporting for COVID-19 case management to now include presumptive COVID-19 cases in their total case number.  DPHN is reporting the number of people with new positive test results and any new presumptives and uses the OHA’s definition of presumptive as having had close contact with a known, confirmed COVID-19 case, showing symptoms and not yet having a positive nasal swab/PCR or antigen test for COVID-19.  Testing continues, as DPHN has been holding 2-3 clinics a week and hospitals, urgent cares and clinics continue to test.  DPHN continues their epidemiologic investigations, identifying individuals who may have had close contact with individuals that have tested positive for COVID-19, advising and supporting quarantine and isolation.

 

Facebook Live with Dr. Bob

Please join us Tonight, Friday, November 13, 2020 at 4:00 pm for the next Facebook Live event with Dr. Bob. hosted by DPHN on the DPHN Facebook page.  Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Douglas County Public Health Officer will continue their normal schedule of Facebook “Live Q&A Updates” next week with both his Tuesday night at 6:00 pm and Friday night at 4:00 pm on the DPHN Facebook page.  Residents are still able to submit their COVID-19 questions to Dr. Bob during the live shows, but you can also email your questions to: ookquestions@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org">Facebookquestions@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org.  Dr. Bob and the DPHN team will do their best to respond to as many questions as they can during their weekly updates.

 

 

LOCAL COVID-19 INFORMATION

Stay Informed with Accurate Local Information

 

Stay up to date on COVID-19 in Douglas County on the Douglas County Government website or the DPHN website.  Your Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Public Health Officer, Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer, DPHN and the Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team (DCCRT) have been working hard to cooperatively provide accurate and timely information to Douglas County residents since March 8, 2020.  Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the agencies that make up the DCCRT. 

 

Douglas County Resource/COVID-19 Hotline: (541) 464-6550:

Douglas County Commissioners and Douglas Public Health Network have added a resource and referral service to the current COVID-19 hotline for Douglas County residents.  The added service will help residents get connected to resources and services due to the local wildfires.  Referral and resource information will be available about local emergency shelters, livestock and animal boarding options, donation locations, volunteer opportunities, welfare check referrals, food and water resources and help with health and wellness questions.  This is NOT the hotline for Fire Updates or Evacuation information.  Please contact or follow DFPA and DCSO for the most up-to-date wildfire information.  The Resource/COVID-19 Hotline is (541) 464-6550.  It is staffed from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, 7 days a week until further notice. 

 

Questions about Governor’s Reopening or Statewide Rules?  If you have questions or need more information go to the Governor’s COVID-19 website at https://govstatus.egov.com/or-covid-19/ or call the Business Oregon's Navigator Hotline at (833) 604-0880.  For information on COVID-19 in Oregon, call 211 or visit 211info

 

Who Do You Contact to Report Compliance Issues with the Governor’s Statewide Rules?  Please do not call 911, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office or Douglas County Offices to report compliance issues with the Governor’s orders.  The Governor has directed the State offices for Oregon Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) and the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) to be the enforcement agencies responsible for ensuring restaurants, bars, and other businesses comply with COVID-related rules.  For more information or to report compliance issues contact:

OSHA: (800) 922-2689 or OSHA website or OLCC (503) 872-5000 or OLCC website

 

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Contact Tamara Howell, Public Information Officer, Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, (541) 670-2804 cell/(541) 957-4896 tjhowell@co.douglas.or.us

Contact Vanessa Becker, Public Information Officer, Douglas Public Health Network, (541) 817-6552 cell (541) 440-3571 vanessa@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org

Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team - Daily Update - November 12, 2020 (Photo) - 11/12/20

Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the agencies that make up the DCCRT

JOINT INFORMATION CENTER PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – November 12, 2020

DOUGLAS COUNTY COVID-19 RESPONSE TEAM - DAILY UPDATE

 

(Douglas County, Ore.) Unfortunately, our COVID cases continue to increase every single day, and today, only five days into this week we are reporting our highest WEEKLY case count ever with 106 new cases, with two days still to go.  Last week we broke a record with 78 new cases.  This trend should be incredibly concerning for everyone, as the potential impact to our businesses, workplaces, schools and households could be tremendous; with lost work time, lost education time and lost revenue and income.  An ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure — and that’s never been more true than right now.  Just like the old adage, the recommendations from public health for preventing the spread of diseases, viruses and illnesses are not new notions, but rather age old advice based on decades of scientific research.  From a young age we are taught to wash our hands, cover our coughs, clean and disinfect and stay home if you are sick to prevent the spread of germs.  This same advice continues to be the basis for healthy hygiene habits and virus prevention practices today. Please think about your actions, your activities, your gatherings, your visits and make sure they are COVID safe for everyone involved.  And, please do not go to work when you are sick or send your children to school when they are sick.

 

            “It has been a terrible, terrible, terrible week with COVID. It has been the week with the most cases in the world, most cases in the US, the most cases in Oregon and the most cases in Douglas County.  In most instances, case numbers are strikingly up from the previous week, showing up to a 50% increase in cases,” stated Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, Douglas County Public Health Officer.  “When other places were struggling with high COVID case counts, Douglas County remained low. It took us months to get to our first 40 cases, but this last weekend we had 46 cases in just two days.  The last 14 days we've had 194 cases, which is just a stunning increase in cases. And when we look at these cases, there is nothing fancy or special about them.  There is nothing that you have not heard before.   They are related to gatherings…family gatherings…sports gatherings and lots and lots of parties.  Oh, and we are still seeing cases related to travel, where residents brought the virus back here.  And, finally we are seeing cases where residents are going to work and school when they are still sick.  Please, please stay home if you are sick.”

 

Douglas County COVID-19 Test Results: As of 12:00 pm today, Thursday, November 12, 2020, there are EIGHTEEN (18) people with new positive test results and ONE new presumptive since our noon case update yesterday*.  The total number of cases (people with positive test results and presumptive) in Douglas County is now at 563*.  Currently, there are ELEVEN Douglas County COVID-19 patients that are being hospitalized locally.  Despite the spike in cases, our Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, under the direction of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Public Health Officer and Douglas Public Health Network staff continue to focus on COVID prevention, testing and education efforts. 

 

Currently, DPHN is supporting 152 cases in isolation, as well as another 494 contacts in quarantine in Douglas County.  Isolation is recommended for confirmed and presumptive cases, quarantine is recommended for contacts of confirmed or presumptive cases.  Currently, staff is supporting an astonishing 646 total contacts in isolation or quarantine.  This number represents a snapshot of the significant amount of work being done by our county and our public health to help control the spread of COVID-19.

 

Douglas County, OR - COVID-19 - Case Update
Date	Sunday, November 8, 2020	Monday, November 9, 2020	Tuesday, November 10, 2020	Wednesday, November 11, 2020	Today, Thursday, November 12, 2020
Total COVID-19 Cases	482	497	517	545	563
People with Positive PCR or Antigen Test Results	428	439	459	486	503
Presumptive	54	58	58	59	60
Total Currently Hospitalized	7	7	7	12	11
Total Currently in Isolation	115	124	127	148	152
Total COVID-19 Related Deaths	10	10	10	10	10
Total Negative Test Results	16,520	16,633	16,709	16,809	16,929

*Our daily update includes the total number of cases in Douglas County, which combines people with positive test results and presumptives. We provide a breakout of the people with positive test results and presumptives in the chart above. Please note there will be times when a presumptive will move to a positive test result, and our total case number will not change because the case has already been counted, instead you will see an adjustment to our breakout numbers for positive test results and presumptives.

 

We shared this graphic yesterday showing the TOP 10 REASONS WHY OUR CASE NUMBER ARE SOARING IN DOUGLAS COUNTY.  We wanted to share it again, so residents can see that their everyday actions are the cause of our recent spike in local cases.  Our new cases are due to a large number of people attending social events and not following COVID-19 guidelines for social distancing and wearing of face coverings while in close contact with others.  You may think it’s just a small gathering, but if one person attends the event and is sick, then they can infect the entire group.  Attendees from of that event take it home to their families, and it then pass it onto their co-workers, classmates, customers and to our communities.  This triggers an exponential explosion in cases that leads to numerous outbreaks and so many new positive cases.  Again, we ask our residents to step up and help us to control the spread of COVID-19 by choosing to not attend these events AND delaying in-person parties, events and meetings until a later date AND opting for a safe virtual event instead.  And, please, stay home if you are sick. 

 

PLEASE STAY HOME FROM ALL ACTIVITIES IF YOU ARE SICK, FEELING EVEN A LITTLE SICK OR NOT FULLY RECOVERED FROM BEING SICK!

Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, Douglas County Public Health Official would like to remind residents about the importance of staying home when you are sick to help protect others from getting sick.  This means not only staying home from work and school, but also staying home from all other activities and social events.  Please, if you are sick, even if you just have a runny nose or stuffy head, do not attend birthday parties, weddings, poker nights, prayer groups, church or go work out at the gym and expose others to your illness.   

 

We Need Your Help!  You Are the Key to Controlling the Spread of COVID!

It is no secret that the key to stopping the continued spread of the coronavirus is, YOU, our residents, our families, our communities and our businesses.  Yes, prevention is the best medicine, and not just to help stop the spread of COVID, but for your overall health and wellbeing as well.  If each and every individual in our county would make a real concerted effort to implement prevention measures into their daily routine, we could see a huge decrease in our COVID case numbers.  That means we need each and everyone one of our residents to take steps to minimize the spread of germs and contagions.  They can do this by choosing to maintain healthier eating habits; incorporate exercise and cleaning routines; being cautious and keeping distance from others; making modifications to how you socialize with others; choosing no contact deliveries and services; and staying home if you are sick.  The suggestions we make and the guidelines presented by public health are not just for your health and safety, but for the health and safety of everyone, including our kids, our grandparents, our coworkers, our first responders, our teachers and our businesses.  We know we sound like a broken record, but our primary focus is to do everything we can to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of our residents. 

 

We Continue to Encourage You to Help Stop the Spread of COVID and Stay Healthy

• Make a habit of washing and sanitizing your hands, regularly.  That means washing after you eat, if you touch new surfaces, go to the bathroom, open a door, go to the store, go to the post office or after a meeting.  Also try and avoid touching your face as much as possible. 
• Please wear a mask where recommended.  Not just for your protection, but for the protection of others. 
• Stay at least six feet apart from anyone that is not from your immediate household.  This means paying attention to the distance stickers at the store, the bank, at restaurants and at businesses.  Please be respectful, kind and polite, by giving people ample space.
• Stay home from work, school and play if you are sick.  This includes not running errands or going shopping or inviting visitors to your home.  If you need help, reach out to friends, family or utilize an app or businesses that offer no contact deliveries or services.
• Minimize travel, especially out of the state and limit visitors to your home. 
• Minimize attending social gatherings or going places where there are large groups of people.

 

We are now passed five hundred and sixty mark with COVID-19 cases in Douglas County, with 19 new total positive and presumptive cases today.  The DCCRT team, under the direction of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, along with Dr. Dannenhoffer and Douglas Public Health Network encourage residents to make prevention measures a part of their everyday routines.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend six daily habits that can help you avoid sickness and prevent the spread of viruses to others too.

 

UPDATED: OHA Reporting and Definition for Recovered

As per the Oregon Health Authority COVID-19 Investigative Guidelines, the number of recovered cases is no longer being assessed or reported by OHA.  Up until May 1st, 2020 recovery from COVID-19 was defined as being afebrile (not feverish), without the use of antiphyretics (medicine to reduce a fever), and having resolution of cough, shortness of breath and diarrhea for at least 72 hours.  As more was learned about symptoms, recovery and contagious period, the definition of recovered changed.   Beginning May 1st, OHA stopped reporting recovered cases while also separating recovery from contagious or isolation period.  Many cases were no longer contagious, as they were outside of the contagious period, but still having lingering symptoms.  To be consistent with OHA and to adapt as we learn more about this new virus, we removed the column in our chart listing recovered cases.  At that point, we added the number of those in isolation, roughly indicating active or infectious cases of COVID-19 in Douglas County.

 

Getting Tested & Testing Clinics

The next drive-through testing clinic will be Friday, November 13, 2020, in Roseburg. As a reminder, if you are having symptoms of COVID-19 including cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches and pains, diarrhea, sore throat or decreased sense of smell and taste, talk to your health care provider about being tested for COVID-19.  Patients without a Primary Care Provider, that are looking for a COVID-19 test should contact the Sutherlin Aviva Health Clinic at (541) 459-3788. The first drive-through testing site was piloted in the county on March 17, 2020, there have been 1828 people tested in 89 drive-through clinics, while additional testing continues in hospitals, urgent cares and clinics. The drive-through clinics are led by DPHN, in conjunction with partner agencies including; Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Public Works, local volunteers and local health professionals.

 

Oregon COVID-19 Case Update

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reports new cases once a day on their website at www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus. OHA also releases a daily situation status report and a weekly report that details the overall picture of the COVID-19 outbreak within our state.  The daily report details positive and presumptive cases, as well as deaths by county and statewide, while the weekly report is more in depth and includes statistical data related the severity of cases by age, gender, zip codes, ethnicity, as well as information on workplace and senior care facility outbreaks in Oregon. Find additional information on the state or Federal COVID-19 response go to Oregon Health Authority, Centers for Disease Control, and 211Info.

 

Oregon COVID-19 Presumptive

OHA expanded their reporting for COVID-19 case management to now include presumptive COVID-19 cases in their total case number.  DPHN is reporting the number of people with new positive test results and any new presumptives and uses the OHA’s definition of presumptive as having had close contact with a known, confirmed COVID-19 case, showing symptoms and not yet having a positive nasal swab/PCR or antigen test for COVID-19.  Testing continues, as DPHN has been holding 2-3 clinics a week and hospitals, urgent cares and clinics continue to test.  DPHN continues their epidemiologic investigations, identifying individuals who may have had close contact with individuals that have tested positive for COVID-19, advising and supporting quarantine and isolation.

 

Facebook Live with Dr. Bob

Please join us Friday, November 13, 2020 at 4:00 pm for the next Facebook Live event with Dr. Bob. hosted by DPHN on the DPHN Facebook page.  Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Douglas County Public Health Officer will continue their normal schedule of Facebook “Live Q&A Updates” next week with both his Tuesday night at 6:00 pm and Friday night at 4:00 pm on the DPHN Facebook page.  Residents are still able to submit their COVID-19 questions to Dr. Bob during the live shows, but you can also email your questions to: ookquestions@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org">Facebookquestions@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org.  Dr. Bob and the DPHN team will do their best to respond to as many questions as they can during their weekly updates.

 

Apply Now for USDA’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2

Shared from USDA - Farm Service Agency.  The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) wanted to remind farmers and ranchers that the deadline to apply for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 (CFAP 2) is December 11, 2020. This program provides direct relief to producers who continue to face market disruptions and associated costs because of COVID-19.

 

“Producers have one more month to get their applications in for this important relief program,” said Richard Fordyce, Farm Service Agency administrator.  “Applying is simple and our staff is available to assist every step of the way.”  

CFAP 2 will provide up to $14 billion to eligible producers of certain row crops, livestock, dairy, specialty crops, aquaculture and more. All eligible commodities, payment rates and calculations can be found on farmers.gov/cfap. CFAP 2 is a separate program from the first iteration of the program (CFAP 1) and interested producers must complete a new application to be eligible for payment for CFAP 2.  Customers seeking one-on-one support with the CFAP 2 application process can call 877-508-8364 to speak directly with a USDA employee ready to offer general assistance. This is a recommended first step before a producer engages the team at the FSA county office.

 

Producers have several options for applying to the CFAP 2 program by the December 11, 2020 deadline:

• Using an online portal at farmers.gov/cfap. This allows producers with secure USDA login credentials, known as eAuthentication, to certify eligible commodities online, digitally sign applications and submit directly to the local USDA Service Center.  
• Completing the application form using our CFAP 2 Application Generator and Payment Calculator found at farmers.gov/cfap. This Excel workbook allows customers to input information specific to their operation to determine estimated payments and populate the application form, which can be printed, then signed and submitted to their local USDA Service Center. 
• Downloading the AD-3117 application form from farmers.gov/cfap and manually completing the form to submit to the local USDA Service Center by mail, electronically, or by hand delivery to an office drop box. In some limited cases, the office may be open for in-person business by appointment. Visit farmers.gov/coronavirus/service-center-status to check the status of your local office.

 

USDA Service Centers can also work with producers to complete and securely transmit digitally-signed applications through two commercially available tools: Box and OneSpan. Producers who are interested in digitally signing their applications should notify their local FSA office when calling to discuss the CFAP 2 application process. You can learn more about these solutions at farmers.gov/mydocs.  Producers of commodities with payments based on acreage will use acreage and yield information provided by FSA through the annual acreage reporting process. Producers have the option to complete their application by working directly with their local FSA office or online through the CFAP 2 Application Portal.  All other eligibility forms, such as those related to adjusted gross income and payment information, can be downloaded from farmers.gov/cfap/apply. For existing FSA customers, including those who participated in CFAP 1, these documents are likely already on file.  Both CFAP 1 and CFAP 2 are self-certification programs, which means the applicant certifies the information submitted is correct. FSA will soon begin an important step in the internal controls portion of CFAP 1 by conducting spot checks. Producers have been randomly selected using a statistically sound methodology. These CFAP 1 applicants will be contacted by FSA staff and asked to provide supporting documentation to verify the information certified by the producer on their CFAP 1 application. As of Nov. 9, FSA has paid more than $9.5 billion with more than 576,000 applications for CFAP 2. This builds upon more than $10.3 billion paid through CFAP 1.  To find the latest information on CFAP 2, visit farmers.gov/cfap or call 877-508-8364.

 

New School Cases Announced

Shared from the Roseburg School District.  In a notice released yesterday, Wednesday, November 11, 2020, Roseburg School District (RSD) Superintendent, Jared Cordon, announced that they were notified by DPHN and Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Douglas County Public Health Officer, that a student Hucrest Elementary School had tested positive for COVID-19. RSD officials have been very proactive in their approach in dealing with this event to help mitigate the spread of the virus. Below is a copy of the notice that was released:

 

“Hucrest student tests positive for COVID-19.  The district was notified today by Douglas Public Health Network that a Hucrest Elementary School student has tested positive for COVID-19. The district is working closely with DPHN to respond to this news and protect the health of our school community.  The student was among those already in quarantine due to the recent potential exposure at the school, and the student will remain quarantined per DPHN guidance. DPHN has determined that no additional quarantine measures are necessary at this time. We will keep families and the school community updated with any new information as it becomes available, while meeting the requirements to honor everyone's right to privacy.  For the most recent information about our schools, please visit the district website, www.roseburg.k12.or.us”

 

Shared from the Umpqua Valley Christian School.  In an email sent to parents this week, Umpqua Valley Christina School (UVCS) Superintendent, George Graham, announced that they were notified by DPHN and Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Douglas County Public Health Officer, that a staff member at UVCS had tested positive for COVID-19. UVSC officials have been very proactive in their approach in dealing with this event to help mitigate the spread of the virus. Below is a representation of the email that was sent:

“Officials at UVSC were notified that a staff member has tested positive with COVID-19.  The email said the staff member had not been on campus since November 6, 2020, but was considered to be contagious when they were on campus on November 4, 2020. The staff member and any students in close contact will be in quarantine for a period of 14 days from the last contact.  Those in quarantine include some fourth and fifth grade students, all sixth graders and their teacher, and all students in both 3rd period and 7th period study hall.  Due to the positive case the following actions will be implemented:

1. Thursday and Friday this week, the only classes on campus will be preschools, kindergarten and first grade.
2. Teachers and staff will be on campus Thursday, preparing lessons to be picked up after 12:00 p.m. on Friday. 
3. Monday through Friday November 16th through the 20th, preschool through 4th grade will be in class, as will most of the fifth-grade students. 
4. Students in grades 7-12 will be in distance learning through the 20th.”

 

Shared from the South Umpqua School District website. In a notice posted to their Facebook page at 6:35 pm on Tuesday, November 10, 2020, South Umpqua School District (SUSD) Superintendent, Kate McLaughlin and Tri City Elementary School Principal, Emily Veale, announced that they were notified by DPHN and Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Douglas County Public Health Officer, that a student at Myrtle Creek Elementary School had tested positive for COVID-19. SUSD officials have been very proactive in their approach in dealing with this event to help mitigate the spread of the virus. Below is a copy of the notice that was posted:

  

“Dear Students, Families, and Staff, We were notified by Douglas Public Health Network and Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, that we have had one student test positive for COVID-19 at Tri City Elementary School. We are working very closely with local public health and The Oregon Health Authority to notify parents of the children in the cohort that the child that tested positive was in and are asking them to quarantine for 14 days and monitor for symptoms. If your child was in the same classroom cohort or bus route, and needs to quarantine, you will be notified by school officials today. If you have concerns or questions about COVID-19, please call the Douglas Public Health Network hotline at 541-464-6550, 7 days a week between 8-5:00 pm.  Sincerely, Kate McLaughlin, Superintendent and Emily Veale, Principal.”

 

LOCAL COVID-19 INFORMATION

Stay Informed with Accurate Local Information

Stay up to date on COVID-19 in Douglas County on the Douglas County Government website or the DPHN website.  Your Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Public Health Officer, Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer, DPHN and the Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team (DCCRT) have been working hard to cooperatively provide accurate and timely information to Douglas County residents since March 8, 2020.  Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the agencies that make up the DCCRT. 

 

Douglas County Resource/COVID-19 Hotline: (541) 464-6550:

Douglas County Commissioners and Douglas Public Health Network have added a resource and referral service to the current COVID-19 hotline for Douglas County residents.  The added service will help residents get connected to resources and services due to the local wildfires.  Referral and resource information will be available about local emergency shelters, livestock and animal boarding options, donation locations, volunteer opportunities, welfare check referrals, food and water resources and help with health and wellness questions.  This is NOT the hotline for Fire Updates or Evacuation information.  Please contact or follow DFPA and DCSO for the most up-to-date wildfire information.  The Resource/COVID-19 Hotline is (541) 464-6550.  It is staffed from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, 7 days a week until further notice. 

 

Questions about Governor’s Reopening or Statewide Rules?  If you have questions or need more information go to the Governor’s COVID-19 website at https://govstatus.egov.com/or-covid-19/ or call the Business Oregon's Navigator Hotline at (833) 604-0880.  For information on COVID-19 in Oregon, call 211 or visit 211info

 

Who Do You Contact to Report Compliance Issues with the Governor’s Statewide Rules?  Please do not call 911, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office or Douglas County Offices to report compliance issues with the Governor’s orders.  The Governor has directed the State offices for Oregon Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) and the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) to be the enforcement agencies responsible for ensuring restaurants, bars, and other businesses comply with COVID-related rules.  For more information or to report compliance issues contact:

OSHA: (800) 922-2689 or OSHA website or OLCC (503) 872-5000 or OLCC website

 

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Contact Tamara Howell, Public Information Officer, Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, (541) 670-2804 cell/(541) 957-4896 tjhowell@co.douglas.or.us

Contact Vanessa Becker, Public Information Officer, Douglas Public Health Network, (541) 817-6552 cell (541) 440-3571 vanessa@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org

Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team - Daily Update - November 11, 2020 (Photo) - 11/11/20

Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the agencies that make up the DCCRT

JOINT INFORMATION CENTER PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – November 11, 2020

DOUGLAS COUNTY COVID-19 RESPONSE TEAM - DAILY UPDATE

 

(Douglas County, Ore.) Today, we honor our Veterans and the sacrifices these brave men and women have given in support of our country and our freedom.  Thank you Veterans for your Service.  Please take a moment today to thank a Veteran for their service.

 

We are reporting another double digit increase in cases today with 28 new positive and presumptive cases.  It takes just one person attending a social event while they are sick to start an outbreak of 10-20 cases, that then requires 50-100 people or more having to stay home in isolation and quarantine.  It takes one student going to school when they are sick to infect or cause 40+ people to miss school, work or activities for two weeks.  Please think about your actions and activities and make sure they are safe for everyone involved. 

 

We have put together a list of the top 10 reasons why our case number are soaring in Douglas County to help our residents understand that it is their actions that are causing this increase. 

 

Our new cases are due to a large number of people attending social events and not following COVID-19 guidelines for social distancing and wearing of face coverings while in close contact with others.  These events include crowding in small rooms or in small areas to attend birthday parties, Halloween celebrations, weddings, baby showers, dinner parties, poker games, in-person meetings and other social gatherings.  You may think it’s just a small gathering, but if one person attends the event and is sick, then they can infect the entire group.  Attendees from of that event take it home to their families, and it then pass it onto their co-workers, classmates, customers and our community.  This triggers an exponential explosion in cases that leads to numerous outbreaks and new positive cases.  Again, we ask our residents to step up and help us to control the spread of COVID-19 by choosing to not attend these events AND delaying in-person parties, events and meetings until a later date AND opting for a safe virtual event instead.  And, please, stay home if you are sick. 

 

Douglas County COVID-19 Test Results: As of 12:00 pm today, Wednesday, November 11, 2020, there are TWENTY-SEVEN (27) people with new positive test results and ONE new presumptive since our noon case update yesterday*.  The total number of cases (people with positive test results and presumptive) in Douglas County is now at 545*.  Currently, there are TWELVE Douglas County COVID-19 patients that are being hospitalized locally.  Despite the spike in cases, our Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, under the direction of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Public Health Officer and Douglas Public Health Network staff continue to focus on COVID prevention, testing and education efforts.

 

Currently, DPHN is supporting 148 cases in isolation, as well as another 559 contacts in quarantine in Douglas County.  Isolation is recommended for confirmed and presumptive cases, quarantine is recommended for contacts of confirmed or presumptive cases.  Currently, staff is supporting an astonishing 707 total contacts in isolation or quarantine.  This number represents a snapshot of the significant amount of work being done by our county and our public health to help control the spread of COVID-19.

 

Douglas County, OR - COVID-19 - Case Update
Date	Saturday, November 7, 2020	Sunday, November 8, 2020	Monday, November 9, 2020	Tuesday, November 10, 2020	Today, Tuesday, November 11, 2020
Total COVID-19 Cases	457	482	497	517	545
People with Positive PCR or Antigen Test Results	404	428	439	459	486
Presumptive	53	54	58	58	59
Total Currently Hospitalized	6	7	7	7	12
Total Currently in Isolation	79	115	124	127	148
Total COVID-19 Related Deaths	10	10	10	10	10
Total Negative Test Results	16,448	16,520	16,633	16,709	16,809

*Our daily update includes the total number of cases in Douglas County, which combines people with positive test results and presumptives. We provide a breakout of the people with positive test results and presumptives in the chart above. Please note there will be times when a presumptive will move to a positive test result, and our total case number will not change because the case has already been counted, instead you will see an adjustment to our breakout numbers for positive test results and presumptives.

 

PLEASE STAY HOME IF YOU ARE SICK, FEELING EVEN A LITTLE SICK OR NOT FULLY RECOVERED FROM BEING SICK!

Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, Douglas County Public Health Official would like to remind residents about the importance of staying home when you are sick to help protect others from getting sick.  This means not only staying home from work and school, but also staying home from all other activities and social events.  Please, if you are sick, even if you just have a runny nose or stuffy head, do not attend birthday parties, weddings, poker nights, prayer groups, church or go work out at the gym and expose others to your illness.   What we have discovered with several of our large local outbreaks are people who were sick, and have chosen to still to go to school, work, poker club, shopping and holiday parties.  A case in point: A local student was sick and went back to school before she was better.  Had she waited a few days, she would have lost 3 or 4 days of school, but her class would not have been impacted.  Unfortunately, she went to school and exposed 40 others.  Now, those 40 others will need to be quarantined for 2 weeks and will miss a total of 760 days away from activity.  In addition, those 40 families will need to take time away from work, school and activities to care for them.  So, the economic impact of going back to school or work before you are well is enormous.

 

We Need Your Help!  You Are the Key to Controlling the Spread of COVID!

It is no secret that the key to stopping the continued spread of the coronavirus is, YOU, our residents, our families, our communities and our businesses.  Yes, prevention is the best medicine, and not just to help stop the spread of COVID, but for your overall health and wellbeing as well.  If each and every individual in our county would make a real concerted effort to implement prevention measure into their daily routine, we could see a huge decrease in our COVID case numbers.  That means we need each and everyone one of our residents to take steps to minimize the spread of germs and contagions, by choosing every day to maintain healthier eating habits; incorporate exercise and cleaning routines; being cautious and keeping distance from others; making modifications to how you socialize with others; choosing no contact deliveries and services; and staying home if you are sick.  The suggestions we make and the guidelines presented by public health are not just for your health and safety, but for the health and safety of everyone, including our kids, our grandparents, our coworkers, our first responders, our teachers and our businesses.  We know we sound like a broken record, but our primary focus is to do everything we can to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of our residents. 

 

We Encourage You to Help Stop the Spread and Stay Healthy

• Make a habit of washing and sanitizing your hands, regularly.  That means washing after you eat, if you touch new surfaces, go to the bathroom, open a door, go to the store, go to the post office or after a meeting.  Also try and avoid touching your face as much as possible. 
• Please wear a mask where recommended.  Not just for your protection, but for the protection of others. 
• Stay at least six feet apart from anyone that is not from your immediate household.  This means paying attention to the distance stickers at the store, the bank, at restaurants and at businesses.  Please be respectful, kind and polite, by giving people ample space.
• Stay home from work, school and play if you are sick.  This includes not running errands or going shopping or inviting visitors to your home.  If you need help, reach out to friends, family or utilize an app or businesses that offer no contact deliveries or services.
• Minimize travel, especially out of the state and limit visitors to your home. 
• Minimize attending social gatherings or going places where there are large groups of people.

 

We are now passed five hundred and forty mark with COVID-19 cases in Douglas County, with 28 new total positive and presumptive cases today.  This trend of has become increasingly concerning for all of us.  An ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure — and that’s never been more true than right now.  But, just like the old adage, the recommendations from public health for preventing the spread of diseases, viruses and illnesses are not new notions, but rather age old advice based on decades of scientific research.  From a young age we are taught to wash our hands, cover our coughs, clean and disinfect and stay home if we are sick.  This sage advice continues to be the basis for good hygiene and virus prevention practices today.  The DCCRT team, under the direction of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, along with Dr. Dannenhoffer and Douglas Public Health Network encourage residents to make prevention measures a part of their everyday routines.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend six daily habits that can help you avoid sickness and prevent the spread of viruses to others too.

 

UPDATED: OHA Reporting and Definition for Recovered

As per the Oregon Health Authority COVID-19 Investigative Guidelines, the number of recovered cases is no longer being assessed or reported by OHA.  Up until May 1st, 2020 recovery from COVID-19 was defined as being afebrile (not feverish), without the use of antiphyretics (medicine to reduce a fever), and having resolution of cough, shortness of breath and diarrhea for at least 72 hours.  As more was learned about symptoms, recovery and contagious period, the definition of recovered changed.   Beginning May 1st, OHA stopped reporting recovered cases while also separating recovery from contagious or isolation period.  Many cases were no longer contagious, as they were outside of the contagious period, but still having lingering symptoms.  To be consistent with OHA and to adapt as we learn more about this new virus, we removed the column in our chart listing recovered cases.  At that point, we added the number of those in isolation, roughly indicating active or infectious cases of COVID-19 in Douglas County.

 

Getting Tested & Testing Clinics

The next drive-through testing clinic will be Friday, November 13, 2020, in Roseburg. As a reminder, if you are having symptoms of COVID-19 including cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches and pains, diarrhea, sore throat or decreased sense of smell and taste, talk to your health care provider about being tested for COVID-19.  Patients without a Primary Care Provider, that are looking for a COVID-19 test should contact the Sutherlin Aviva Health Clinic at (541) 459-3788. The first drive-through testing site was piloted in the county on March 17, 2020, there have been 1747 people tested in 87 drive-through clinics, while additional testing continues in hospitals, urgent cares and clinics. The drive-through clinics are led by DPHN, in conjunction with partner agencies including; Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Public Works, local volunteers and local health professionals.

 

Oregon COVID-19 Case Update

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reports new cases once a day on their website at www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus. OHA also releases a daily situation status report and a weekly report that details the overall picture of the COVID-19 outbreak within our state.  The daily report details positive and presumptive cases, as well as deaths by county and statewide, while the weekly report is more in depth and includes statistical data related the severity of cases by age, gender, zip codes, ethnicity, as well as information on workplace and senior care facility outbreaks in Oregon. Find additional information on the state or Federal COVID-19 response go to Oregon Health Authority, Centers for Disease Control, and 211Info.

 

Oregon COVID-19 Presumptive

OHA expanded their reporting for COVID-19 case management to now include presumptive COVID-19 cases in their total case number.  DPHN is reporting the number of people with new positive test results and any new presumptives and uses the OHA’s definition of presumptive as having had close contact with a known, confirmed COVID-19 case, showing symptoms and not yet having a positive nasal swab/PCR or antigen test for COVID-19.  Testing continues, as DPHN has been holding 2-3 clinics a week and hospitals, urgent cares and clinics continue to test.  DPHN continues their epidemiologic investigations, identifying individuals who may have had close contact with individuals that have tested positive for COVID-19, advising and supporting quarantine and isolation.

 

Travel Caution: Please Limit Travel, Social Gatherings and Visitors

Our recent surge in cases can be attributed to travel and unwitting and unintentional behavior by residents choosing to attend or host social gatherings where COVID-19 guidelines for social distancing, food preparation, hand washing and masks are not being followed.  Cases have been linked to travel and social gatherings including: birthday parties, weddings, funerals, prayer groups, play dates, visiting family members and school events. Again, we ask that you take a moment and revisit how you are socializing and please protect yourself, your loved ones and our communities from the spread of this virus.  We encourage you to delay travel, consider stay-cations and reschedule visits from out-of-the-area friends and family to a later date.  We continue to identify people with positive test results that have chosen to travel out of Oregon to visit relatives or to take vacations.  While traveling those individuals and families have come in contact with someone with COVID-19 and brought it back to Douglas County.  Other cases and outbreaks were the direct result of someone coming to Douglas County to visit and bringing the virus with them and infecting their host family.  Please stay safe and remember to be kind to others. Stopping the increase of COVID-19 cases in our county is really up to YOU, our citizens.

 

Facebook Live with Dr. Bob

Please join us Friday, November 13, 2020 at 4:00 pm for the next Facebook Live event with Dr. Bob. hosted by DPHN on the DPHN Facebook page.  Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Douglas County Public Health Officer will continue their normal schedule of Facebook “Live Q&A Updates” next week with both his Tuesday night at 6:00 pm and Friday night at 4:00 pm on the DPHN Facebook page.  Residents are still able to submit their COVID-19 questions to Dr. Bob during the live shows, but you can also email your questions to: ookquestions@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org">Facebookquestions@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org.  Dr. Bob and the DPHN team will do their best to respond to as many questions as they can during their weekly updates.

 

 

LOCAL COVID-19 INFORMATION

Stay Informed with Accurate Local Information

 

Stay up to date on COVID-19 in Douglas County on the Douglas County Government website or the DPHN website.  Your Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Public Health Officer, Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer, DPHN and the Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team (DCCRT) have been working hard to cooperatively provide accurate and timely information to Douglas County residents since March 8, 2020.  Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the agencies that make up the DCCRT. 

 

Douglas County Resource/COVID-19 Hotline: (541) 464-6550:

Douglas County Commissioners and Douglas Public Health Network have added a resource and referral service to the current COVID-19 hotline for Douglas County residents.  The added service will help residents get connected to resources and services due to the local wildfires.  Referral and resource information will be available about local emergency shelters, livestock and animal boarding options, donation locations, volunteer opportunities, welfare check referrals, food and water resources and help with health and wellness questions.  This is NOT the hotline for Fire Updates or Evacuation information.  Please contact or follow DFPA and DCSO for the most up-to-date wildfire information.  The Resource/COVID-19 Hotline is (541) 464-6550.  It is staffed from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, 7 days a week until further notice. 

 

Questions about Governor’s Reopening or Statewide Rules?  If you have questions or need more information go to the Governor’s COVID-19 website at https://govstatus.egov.com/or-covid-19/ or call the Business Oregon's Navigator Hotline at (833) 604-0880.  For information on COVID-19 in Oregon, call 211 or visit 211info

 

Who Do You Contact to Report Compliance Issues with the Governor’s Statewide Rules?  Please do not call 911, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office or Douglas County Offices to report compliance issues with the Governor’s orders.  The Governor has directed the State offices for Oregon Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) and the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) to be the enforcement agencies responsible for ensuring restaurants, bars, and other businesses comply with COVID-related rules.  For more information or to report compliance issues contact:

OSHA: (800) 922-2689 or OSHA website or OLCC (503) 872-5000 or OLCC website

 

###

 

Contact Tamara Howell, Public Information Officer, Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, (541) 670-2804 cell/(541) 957-4896 tjhowell@co.douglas.or.us

Contact Vanessa Becker, Public Information Officer, Douglas Public Health Network, (541) 817-6552 cell (541) 440-3571 vanessa@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org

Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team - Daily Update - November 10, 2020 (Photo) - 11/10/20

Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the agencies that make up the DCCRT

JOINT INFORMATION CENTER PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – November 10, 2020

DOUGLAS COUNTY COVID-19 RESPONSE TEAM - DAILY UPDATE

 

(Douglas County, Ore.) Sadly, another day of new records.  We have surpassed 500 cases in Douglas County, with 81 cases since our noon update on Friday, November 6, 2020.  We also jumped to just short of 700 people in isolation and quarantine that staff is supporting.   Our new cases are due to a large number of people attending social events and not following COVID-19 guidelines for social distancing and wearing of face coverings while with others.  These events include crowding in small rooms or in small areas to attend birthday parties, Halloween celebrations, weddings, baby showers, dinner parties, poker games, in-person meetings and other social gatherings.  You may think it’s just a small gathering, but if one person attends the event and is sick, then they can infect the entire group.  Attendees from of that event take it home to their families, and it then pass it onto their co-workers, classmates, customers and our community.  This triggers an exponential explosion in cases that leads to numerous outbreaks and new positive cases.  Again, we ask our residents to step up and help us to control the spread of COVID-19 by choosing to not attend these events AND delaying in-person parties, events and meetings until a later date AND opting for a safe virtual event instead.  And, please, stay home if you are sick. 

 

Douglas County COVID-19 Test Results: As of 12:00 pm today, Tuesday, November 10, 2020, there are TWENTY (20) people with new positive test results since our noon case update yesterday*.  The total number of cases (people with positive test results and presumptive) in Douglas County is now at 517*.  Currently, there are TEN Douglas County COVID-19 patients that are being hospitalized locally.  Despite the spike in cases, our Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, under the direction of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Public Health Officer and Douglas Public Health Network staff continue to focus on COVID prevention, testing and education efforts.

 

Currently, DPHN is supporting 127 cases in isolation, as well as another 559 contacts in quarantine in Douglas County.  Isolation is recommended for confirmed and presumptive cases, quarantine is recommended for contacts of confirmed or presumptive cases.  Currently, staff is supporting an astonishing 686 total contacts in isolation or quarantine.  This number represents a snapshot of the significant amount of work being done by our county and our public health to help control the spread of COVID-19.

 

Douglas County, OR - COVID-19 - Case Update
Date	Friday, November 6, 2020	Saturday, November 7, 2020	Sunday, November 8, 2020	Monday, November 9, 2020	Today, Tuesday, November 109, 2020
Total COVID-19 Cases	436	457	482	497	517
People with Positive PCR or Antigen Test Results	387	404	428	439	459
Presumptive	49	53	54	58	58
Total Currently Hospitalized	6	6	7	7	7
Total Currently in Isolation	80	79	115	124	127
Total COVID-19 Related Deaths	10	10	10	10	10
Total Negative Test Results	16,331	16,448	16,520	16,633	16,709

*Our daily update includes the total number of cases in Douglas County, which combines people with positive test results and presumptives. We provide a breakout of the people with positive test results and presumptives in the chart above. Please note there will be times when a presumptive will move to a positive test result, and our total case number will not change because the case has already been counted, instead you will see an adjustment to our breakout numbers for positive test results and presumptives.

 

REMINDER: PLEASE STAY HOME IF YOU ARE SICK, FEELING SICK OR NOT FULLY RECOVERED FROM BEING SICK!

Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, Douglas County Public Health Official would like to remind residents about the importance of staying home when you are sick to help protect others from getting sick.  This means not only staying home from work and school, but also staying home from all other activities and social events.  Please, if you are sick, even if you just have a runny nose or stuffy head, do not attend birthday parties, weddings, poker nights, prayer groups, church or go work out at the gym and expose others to your illness.   What we have discovered with several of our large local outbreaks are people who were sick, and have chosen to still to go to school, work, poker club, shopping and holiday parties.  A case in point: A local student was sick and went back to school

before she was better.  Had she waited a few days, she would have lost 3 or 4 days of school, but her class would not have been impacted.  Unfortunately, she went to school and exposed 40 others.  Now, those 40 others will need to be quarantined for 2 weeks and will miss a total of 760 days away from activity.  In addition, those 40 families will need to take time away from work, school and activities to care for them.  So, the economic impact of going back to school or work before you are well is enormous.

 

You Are the Key to Controlling the Spread of COVID-19!

It is no secret that the key to stopping the continued spread of the coronavirus is, YOU, our residents, our families, our communities and our businesses.  Yes, prevention is the best medicine, and not just to help stop the spread of COVID, but for your overall health and wellbeing as well.  If each and every individual in our county would make a real concerted effort to implement prevention measure into their daily routine, we could see a huge decrease in our COVID case numbers.  That means we need each and everyone one of our residents to take steps to minimize the spread of germs and contagions, by choosing every day to maintain healthier eating habits; incorporate exercise and cleaning routines; being cautious and keeping distance from others; making modifications to how you socialize with others; choosing no contact deliveries and services; and staying home if you are sick.  The suggestions we make and the guidelines presented by public health are not just for your health and safety, but for the health and safety of everyone, including our kids, our grandparents, our coworkers, our first responders, our teachers and our businesses.  We know we sound like a broken record, but our primary focus is to do everything we can to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of our residents. 

 

We Encourage You to Help Stop the Spread and Stay Healthy

• Make a habit of washing and sanitizing your hands, regularly.  That means washing after you eat, if you touch new surfaces, go to the bathroom, open a door, go to the store, go to the post office or after a meeting.  Also try and avoid touching your face as much as possible. 
• Please wear a mask where recommended.  Not just for your protection, but for the protection of others. 
• Stay at least six feet apart from anyone that is not from your immediate household.  This means paying attention to the distance stickers at the store, the bank, at restaurants and at businesses.  Please be respectful, kind and polite, by giving people ample space.
• Stay home from work, school and play if you are sick.  This includes not running errands or going shopping or inviting visitors to your home.  If you need help, reach out to friends, family or utilize an app or businesses that offer no contact deliveries or services.
• Minimize travel, especially out of the state and limit visitors to your home. 
• Minimize attending social gatherings or going places where there are large groups of people.

 

We are now passed five hundred mark with COVID-19 cases in Douglas County, with 20 new total positive cases today.  This trend of has become increasingly concerning for all of us.  An ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure — and that’s never been more true than right now.  But, just like the old adage, the recommendations from public health for preventing the spread of diseases, viruses and illnesses are not new notions, but rather age old advice based on decades of scientific research.  From a young age we are taught to wash our hands, cover our coughs, clean and disinfect and stay home if we are sick.  This sage advice continues to be the basis for good hygiene and virus prevention practices today.  The DCCRT team, under the direction of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, along with Dr. Dannenhoffer and Douglas Public Health Network encourage residents to make prevention measures a part of their everyday routines.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend six daily habits that can help you avoid sickness and prevent the spread of viruses to others too.

 

UPDATED: OHA Reporting and Definition for Recovered

As per the Oregon Health Authority COVID-19 Investigative Guidelines, the number of recovered cases is no longer being assessed or reported by OHA.  Up until May 1st, 2020 recovery from COVID-19 was defined as being afebrile (not feverish), without the use of antiphyretics (medicine to reduce a fever), and having resolution of cough, shortness of breath and diarrhea for at least 72 hours.  As more was learned about symptoms, recovery and contagious period, the definition of recovered changed.   Beginning May 1st, OHA stopped reporting recovered cases while also separating recovery from contagious or isolation period.  Many cases were no longer contagious, as they were outside of the contagious period, but still having lingering symptoms.  To be consistent with OHA and to adapt as we learn more about this new virus, we removed the column in our chart listing recovered cases.  At that point, we added the number of those in isolation, roughly indicating active or infectious cases of COVID-19 in Douglas County.

 

Getting Tested & Testing Clinics

The next drive-through testing clinic will be Today, Tuesday, November 10, 2020, in Roseburg. As a reminder, if you are having symptoms of COVID-19 including cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches and pains, diarrhea, sore throat or decreased sense of smell and taste, talk to your health care provider about being tested for COVID-19.  Patients without a Primary Care Provider, that are looking for a COVID-19 test should contact the Sutherlin Aviva Health Clinic at (541) 459-3788. The first drive-through testing site was piloted in the county on March 17, 2020, there have been 1747 people tested in 87 drive-through clinics, while additional testing continues in hospitals, urgent cares and clinics. The drive-through clinics are led by DPHN, in conjunction with partner agencies including; Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Public Works, local volunteers and local health professionals.

 

Oregon COVID-19 Case Update

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reports new cases once a day on their website at www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus. OHA also releases a daily situation status report and a weekly report that details the overall picture of the COVID-19 outbreak within our state.  The daily report details positive and presumptive cases, as well as deaths by county and statewide, while the weekly report is more in depth and includes statistical data related the severity of cases by age, gender, zip codes, ethnicity, as well as information on workplace and senior care facility outbreaks in Oregon. Find additional information on the state or Federal COVID-19 response go to Oregon Health Authority, Centers for Disease Control, and 211Info.

 

Oregon COVID-19 Presumptive

OHA expanded their reporting for COVID-19 case management to now include presumptive COVID-19 cases in their total case number.  DPHN is reporting the number of people with new positive test results and any new presumptives and uses the OHA’s definition of presumptive as having had close contact with a known, confirmed COVID-19 case, showing symptoms and not yet having a positive nasal swab/PCR or antigen test for COVID-19.  Testing continues, as DPHN has been holding 2-3 clinics a week and hospitals, urgent cares and clinics continue to test.  DPHN continues their epidemiologic investigations, identifying individuals who may have had close contact with individuals that have tested positive for COVID-19, advising and supporting quarantine and isolation.

 

Travel Caution: Please Limit Travel, Social Gatherings and Visitors

Our recent surge in cases can be attributed to travel and unwitting and unintentional behavior by residents choosing to attend or host social gatherings where COVID-19 guidelines for social distancing, food preparation, hand washing and masks are not being followed.  Cases have been linked to travel and social gatherings including: birthday parties, weddings, funerals, prayer groups, play dates, visiting family members and school events. Again, we ask that you take a moment and revisit how you are socializing and please protect yourself, your loved ones and our communities from the spread of this virus.  We encourage you to delay travel, consider stay-cations and reschedule visits from out-of-the-area friends and family to a later date.  We continue to identify people with positive test results that have chosen to travel out of Oregon to visit relatives or to take vacations.  While traveling those individuals and families have come in contact with someone with COVID-19 and brought it back to Douglas County.  Other cases and outbreaks were the direct result of someone coming to Douglas County to visit and bringing the virus with them and infecting their host family.  Please stay safe and remember to be kind to others. Stopping the increase of COVID-19 cases in our county is really up to YOU, our citizens.

 

Facebook Live with Dr. Bob

Please join us Tonight, Tuesday, November 10, 2020 at 6:00 pm for the next Facebook Live event with Dr. Bob. hosted by DPHN on the DPHN Facebook page.  Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Douglas County Public Health Officer will continue their normal schedule of Facebook “Live Q&A Updates” next week with both his Tuesday night at 6:00 pm and Friday night at 4:00 pm on the DPHN Facebook page.  Residents are still able to submit their COVID-19 questions to Dr. Bob during the live shows, but you can also email your questions to: ookquestions@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org">Facebookquestions@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org.  Dr. Bob and the DPHN team will do their best to respond to as many questions as they can during their weekly updates.

 

REMINDER: Join Us for the 2020 Douglas County REVERSE Veterans Day Parade on Wednesday, November 11

The Douglas County Board of Commissioners issued are calling upon all citizens of Douglas County to join us in supporting our local military heroes by attending the special “Reverse” 2020 Douglas County Veterans Day Parade on Wednesday, November 11, 2020, starting at 11:00 am, at the Douglas County Fairgrounds. 

 

Despite COVID-19, the Douglas County Veterans Forum and Veterans Day Parade Committee knew our annual parade honoring our veterans must go on, so they put their heads together and came up with the idea of a “Reverse” parade format to keep the tradition alive.  In a reverse parade, the floats are stationary, while the parade spectators are the ones driving by in vehicles.  The parade route was moved to the Douglas County Fairgrounds this year, in order to provide proper distancing for staging of the parade entries.  The reverse format takes into account the current social gathering guidelines, as well as the concern for the health and safety of our residents during the pandemic. The 2020 Douglas County Veterans Day Parade Grand Marshals will feature our Military Doctors & Nurses, while the theme is Embrace the past –Engage the present –Envision the future.  The Douglas County Veterans Day Parade, is one of only two Veterans Day parades in Oregon that was not canceled due to the pandemic.

 

The Commissioners are proud to support this cherished annual event, often called Oregon’s Greatest Veteran’s Day Parade and this year possibly the largest.  In Douglas County, ‘We Honor Veterans’, and encourage you to take time this Veterans Day to recognize the brave men and women who have fearlessly served our nation by thanking them and their families for their dedication, service, as well as the many sacrifices made on behalf of our great nation.  We hope you are able to join us for the 2020 Veterans Day Parade at the Douglas County Fairgrounds on Wednesday, November 11, 2020.

 

REMINDER: Aviva Health Offering Veterans Free Drive-Thru Flu Shots at the 2020 Veterans’ Day Parade

Shared from Aviva Health. Aviva Health is providing area veterans with the option to get a free drive-thru flu shot at this year’s ‘Reverse’ Douglas County Veterans Day Parade on Wednesday, November 11, starting at 11:00 am. The 2020 Veterans Day Parade will be a reverse format at the Douglas County Fairgrounds.  The Douglas County Veterans Day Parade Committee have planned a reverse parade, where floats and other elements of the parade remain stationary while visitors to the event drive by them in their cars. Proper social distancing and masking guidelines will be followed to protect people from COVID-19.  Aviva Health typically hosts a Veterans Day event at its Roseburg campus called Vets and Their Pets, but the pandemic forced the organization to cancel this year’s festivities. Still, Aviva Health intends to honor and assist those who have served in a meaningful way.

 

Roseburg School District Revises Reopening Strategy In Light Of Recent COVID Case Increase

Shared from the Roseburg School District.  Roseburg Public Schools is revising our reopening plans in response to the recent significant increase in COVID-19 cases and test positivity rates in Douglas County.   When the new metric standards were released by the Governor’s Office last month, it appeared that we would soon be able to welcome our fourth and fifth-grade students back to classrooms. Unfortunately, in the short time since, case rates in Douglas County have risen significantly. The latest weekly school metrics were released Monday by the Oregon Department of Education and the Oregon Health Authority, and, as expected, highlight a troubling trend of increased COVID case and test positivity rates.  The data released Monday shows that Douglas County has shifted to what the state calls the “transition” phase. In this phase, we cannot add any grade levels to in-person learning and we must consider a transition to remote learning for all grade levels at this time. While we did experience a window for reopening to fourth- and fifth-graders, we believe that, due to the upward trend in COVID cases locally, the most responsible decision is to delay our plans for these grade levels. Numbers rose from 62.4 cases per 100,000 people to 108.7 cases per 100,000 in the most recent two-week period. Test positivity rates in Douglas County rose from 4.5% to 9.1%. The latest OHA metrics can be accessed by clicking https://bit.ly/3eKTau9. 

We have been eagerly anticipating a return for all of our students, but the state metrics and the local upward trend in cases means that we must hold off. We will continue to do everything possible to support our students and families through the challenges and opportunities that this school year presents while maintaining our focus on safety.  In reviewing the latest metrics and considering the trends across the county, state and nation, Roseburg Public Schools is modifying our strategies for in-person learning by moving forward with the following plan: 

• Cautiously maintain K-3 in-person learning at all schools, while continuing to offer a remote option for the families who chose this learning model.

• Delay the anticipated November 16 return of our fourth- and fifth-grade students until we see a decrease in cases, looking instead toward a December 7 target date. This will be dependent on our county once again meeting the threshold for returning to in-person learning (50 to 100 cases per 100,000). We will be closely monitoring the school metric data for trends in an effort to provide a two- to three-week window for any adjustments that need to be made prior to the December 7 target date for return. If the metrics are not satisfied by the date, we will adjust the return date accordingly. 

• Continue remote learning for both middle schools and the high school through the end of the first semester, January 22. This date provides the consistency and predictability that our staff and community needs. If the metrics are met, hybrid instruction would begin on January 25. In the meantime, we will begin limited in-person instruction during the closure, per ODE/OHA updated guidance.  

We continue to work closely with the Douglas Public Health Network (DPHN) in making our decisions. DPHN is assisting our district in monitoring for potential COVID-19 spread within our elementary schools and the local community.

Please continue to visit our website, www.roseburg.k12.or.us, for the latest information about our schools.

 

LOCAL COVID-19 INFORMATION

Stay Informed with Accurate Local Information

 

Stay up to date on COVID-19 in Douglas County on the Douglas County Government website or the DPHN website.  Your Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Public Health Officer, Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer, DPHN and the Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team (DCCRT) have been working hard to cooperatively provide accurate and timely information to Douglas County residents since March 8, 2020.  Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the agencies that make up the DCCRT. 

 

Douglas County Resource/COVID-19 Hotline: (541) 464-6550:

Douglas County Commissioners and Douglas Public Health Network have added a resource and referral service to the current COVID-19 hotline for Douglas County residents.  The added service will help residents get connected to resources and services due to the local wildfires.  Referral and resource information will be available about local emergency shelters, livestock and animal boarding options, donation locations, volunteer opportunities, welfare check referrals, food and water resources and help with health and wellness questions.  This is NOT the hotline for Fire Updates or Evacuation information.  Please contact or follow DFPA and DCSO for the most up-to-date wildfire information.  The Resource/COVID-19 Hotline is (541) 464-6550.  It is staffed from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, 7 days a week until further notice. 

 

Questions about Governor’s Reopening or Statewide Rules?  If you have questions or need more information go to the Governor’s COVID-19 website at https://govstatus.egov.com/or-covid-19/ or call the Business Oregon's Navigator Hotline at (833) 604-0880.  For information on COVID-19 in Oregon, call 211 or visit 211info

 

Who Do You Contact to Report Compliance Issues with the Governor’s Statewide Rules?  Please do not call 911, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office or Douglas County Offices to report compliance issues with the Governor’s orders.  The Governor has directed the State offices for Oregon Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) and the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) to be the enforcement agencies responsible for ensuring restaurants, bars, and other businesses comply with COVID-related rules.  For more information or to report compliance issues contact:

OSHA: (800) 922-2689 or OSHA website or OLCC (503) 872-5000 or OLCC website

 

###

 

Contact Tamara Howell, Public Information Officer, Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, (541) 670-2804 cell/(541) 957-4896 tjhowell@co.douglas.or.us

Contact Vanessa Becker, Public Information Officer, Douglas Public Health Network, (541) 817-6552 cell (541) 440-3571 vanessa@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org

Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team - Press Conference - November 10, 2020 (Photo) - 11/10/20

DOUGLAS COUNTY COVID-19 RESPONSE TEAM

 

Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the agencies that make up the DCCRT

 

JOINT INFORMATION CENTER PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 November 10, 2020

 

 

DOUGLAS COUNTY COVID-19 RESPONSE TEAM

PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY 4 PM

 

 

            (Douglas County, Ore.) The Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team will hold a press conference to discuss the current state of COVID-19 in Douglas County at 4:00 pm, today, Tuesday, November 10, 2020, in Cascade Hall at the Douglas County Fairgrounds.  The DCCRT panel for the press conference will include Douglas County Commissioner Tim Freeman; Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Douglas County Public Health Officer; Dr. Jason Gray, Mercy Medical Center and KC Bolton, Aviva Health and the DCCRT Incident Commander.

 

DCCRT Press Conference Agenda

1. Welcome                                    Commissioner Tim Freeman
2. County Response                       Commissioner Tim Freeman
3. Public Health Response             Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, Douglas County Public Health Officer
4. DCCRT Team Response           KC Bolton, Aviva Health and DCCRT Incident Commander
5. Hospital Response                     Dr. Jason Gray, Mercy Medical Center
6. Q&A                                           Commissioner Tim Freeman

  

            We ask that members of the media notify us in advance of attendance by 3:00 pm, so we are able to accommodate and stage the room for suitable social distancing measures to protect both media representatives and the DCCRT team.   Please note, participants will be required to wear a face covering for the entire event and asked to sit at separate individual tables in order to participate in the conference.

 

            Please contact Tamara Howell, Douglas County PIO at the email or phone numbers listed below if you have questions.        

 

 

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Contact Tamara Howell, Public Information Officer, Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, (541) 670-2804 cell/(541) 957-4896 tjhowell@co.douglas.or.us

 

Contact Vanessa Becker, Public Information Officer, Douglas Public Health Network, (541) 817-6552 cell (541) 440-3571 vanessa@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org

Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team - Daily Update - November 9, 2020 (Photo) - 11/09/20

Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the agencies that make up the DCCRT

JOINT INFORMATION CENTER PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – November 9, 2020

DOUGLAS COUNTY COVID-19 RESPONSE TEAM - DAILY UPDATE

 

(Douglas County, Ore.) Over the weekend we posted a staggering number of new COVID cases, as well as surpassed several unfortunate COVID records.  Since our Friday, November 6, 2020, update, we have reported 61 new cases. 

 

For the week of November 1-7, 2020, Douglas County reported the highest weekly case total of positive and presumptive cases with 78 total new cases.  Which means that we recorded the most positive cases in a week with 67 cases, as well as the most presumptives in a week with 11. 

 

This weekend we also exceeded the 500 mark with people that are being supported in isolation and quarantine, but today we broke that record again with 589 COVID cases that are being supported in isolation and quarantine. 

 

This is definitely not the trend we wanted to see happening in our County.  The exponential growth in unrelated cases is affecting a wide number of schools, care centers and workplaces in all parts of the county.  We can’t even begin to estimate the economic and loss of school/work impact to households, schools, families, and workplaces with the number of people in isolation and quarantine right now.    

So, how can we stop the spread?  In the simplest of terms: STOP and think about what you are doing and where you are going; USE CAUTION in everyday activities and consider SAFE TO DO options for socializing instead. 

 

Douglas County COVID-19 Test Results

As of 12:00 pm today, Monday, November 9, 2020, there are ELEVEN (11) people with new positive test results and FOUR presumptives since our noon case update yesterday*.  The total number of cases (people with positive test results and presumptive) in Douglas County is now at 497*.  Currently, there are SEVEN Douglas County COVID-19 patients that are being hospitalized locally.  Despite the spike in cases, our Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, under the direction of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Public Health Officer and Douglas Public Health Network staff continue to focus on COVID prevention, testing and education efforts.

 

Douglas County, OR - COVID-19 - Case Update
Date	Thursday, November 5, 2020	Friday, November 6, 2020	Saturday, November 7, 2020	Sunday, November 8, 2020	Today, Monday, November 9, 2020
Total COVID-19 Cases	428	436	457	482	497
People with Positive PCR or Antigen Test Results	379	387	404	428	439
Presumptive	49	49	53	54	58
Total Currently Hospitalized	4	6	6	7	7
Total Currently in Isolation	78	80	79	115	124
Total COVID-19 Related Deaths	10	10	10	10	10
Total Negative Test Results	16,226	16,331	16,448	16,520	16,633

*Our daily update includes the total number of cases in Douglas County, which combines people with positive test results and presumptives. We provide a breakout of the people with positive test results and presumptives in the chart above. Please note there will be times when a presumptive will move to a positive test result, and our total case number will not change because the case has already been counted, instead you will see an adjustment to our breakout numbers for positive test results and presumptives.

 

Currently, DPHN is supporting 128 cases in isolation, as well as another 461 contacts in quarantine in Douglas County.  Isolation is recommended for confirmed and presumptive cases, quarantine is recommended for contacts of confirmed or presumptive cases.  Currently, staff is supporting an astonishing 589 total contacts in isolation or quarantine.  This number represents a snapshot of the significant amount of work being done by our county and our public health to help control the spread of COVID-19.

 

 

REMINDER: Please Stay Home If You Are Sick, Feeling Sick or Not Fully Recovered from Being Sick!

Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, Douglas County Public Health Official would like to remind residents about the importance of staying home when you are sick to help protect others from getting sick.  This means not only staying home from work and school, but also staying home from all other activities and social events.  Please, if you are sick, even if you just have a runny nose or stuffy head, do not attend birthday parties, weddings, poker nights, prayer groups, church or go work out at the gym and expose others to your illness.

 

What we have discovered with several of our large local outbreaks are people who were sick, and have chosen to still to go to school, work, poker club, shopping and holiday parties.  A case in point: A local student was sick and went back to school before she was better.  Had she waited a few days, she would have lost 3 or 4 days of school, but her class would not have been impacted.  Unfortunately, she went to school and exposed 40 others.  Now, those 40 others will need to be quarantined for 2 weeks and will miss a total of 760 days away from activity.  In addition, those 40 families will need to take time away from work, school and activities to care for them.  So, the economic impact of going back to school or work before you are well is enormous.

 

You Are the Key to Controlling the Spread of COVID-19!

It is no secret that the key to stopping the continued spread of the coronavirus is, YOU, our residents, our families, our communities and our businesses.  Yes, prevention is the best medicine, and not just to help stop the spread of COVID, but for your overall health and wellbeing as well.  If each and every individual in our county would make a real concerted effort to implement prevention measure into their daily routine, we could see a huge decrease in our COVID case numbers.  That means we need each and everyone one of our residents to take steps to minimize the spread of germs and contagions, by choosing every day to maintain healthier eating habits; incorporate exercise and cleaning routines; being cautious and keeping distance from others; making modifications to how you socialize with others; choosing no contact deliveries and services; and staying home if you are sick.  The suggestions we make and the guidelines presented by public health are not just for your health and safety, but for the health and safety of everyone, including our kids, our grandparents, our coworkers, our first responders, our teachers and our businesses.  We know we sound like a broken record, but our primary focus is to do everything we can to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of our residents. 

 

We Encourage You to Help Stop the Spread and Stay Healthy

• Make a habit of washing and sanitizing your hands, regularly.  That means washing after you eat, if you touch new surfaces, go to the bathroom, open a door, go to the store, go to the post office or after a meeting.  Also try and avoid touching your face as much as possible. 
• Please wear a mask where recommended.  Not just for your protection, but for the protection of others. 
• Stay at least six feet apart from anyone that is not from your immediate household.  This means paying attention to the distance stickers at the store, the bank, at restaurants and at businesses.  Please be respectful, kind and polite, by giving people ample space.
• Stay home from work, school and play if you are sick.  This includes not running errands or going shopping or inviting visitors to your home.  If you need help, reach out to friends, family or utilize an app or businesses that offer no contact deliveries or services.
• Minimize travel, especially out of the state and limit visitors to your home. 
• Minimize attending social gatherings or going places where there are large groups of people.

 

We are now passed four hundred and ninety mark with COVID-19 cases in Douglas County, with 11 new total positive cases and presumptives combined today.  This trend of has become increasingly concerning for all of us.  An ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure — and that’s never been more true than right now.  But, just like the old adage, the recommendations from public health for preventing the spread of diseases, viruses and illnesses are not new notions, but rather age old advice based on decades of scientific research.  From a young age we are taught to wash our hands, cover our coughs, clean and disinfect and stay home if we are sick.  This sage advice continues to be the basis for good hygiene and virus prevention practices today.  The DCCRT team, under the direction of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, along with Dr. Dannenhoffer and Douglas Public Health Network encourage residents to make prevention measures a part of their everyday routines.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend six daily habits that can help you avoid sickness and prevent the spread of viruses to others too.

 

UPDATED: OHA Reporting and Definition for Recovered

As per the Oregon Health Authority COVID-19 Investigative Guidelines, the number of recovered cases is no longer being assessed or reported by OHA.  Up until May 1st, 2020 recovery from COVID-19 was defined as being afebrile (not feverish), without the use of antiphyretics (medicine to reduce a fever), and having resolution of cough, shortness of breath and diarrhea for at least 72 hours.  As more was learned about symptoms, recovery and contagious period, the definition of recovered changed.   Beginning May 1st, OHA stopped reporting recovered cases while also separating recovery from contagious or isolation period.  Many cases were no longer contagious, as they were outside of the contagious period, but still having lingering symptoms.  To be consistent with OHA and to adapt as we learn more about this new virus, we removed the column in our chart listing recovered cases.  At that point, we added the number of those in isolation, roughly indicating active or infectious cases of COVID-19 in Douglas County.

 

Getting Tested & Testing Clinics

The next drive-through testing clinic will be Tuesday, November 10, 2020, in Roseburg. As a reminder, if you are having symptoms of COVID-19 including cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches and pains, diarrhea, sore throat or decreased sense of smell and taste, talk to your health care provider about being tested for COVID-19.  Patients without a Primary Care Provider, that are looking for a COVID-19 test should contact the Sutherlin Aviva Health Clinic at (541) 459-3788. The first drive-through testing site was piloted in the county on March 17, 2020, there have been 1747 people tested in 87 drive-through clinics, while additional testing continues in hospitals, urgent cares and clinics. The drive-through clinics are led by DPHN, in conjunction with partner agencies including; Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Public Works, local volunteers and local health professionals.

 

Oregon COVID-19 Case Update

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reports new cases once a day on their website at www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus. OHA also releases a daily situation status report and a weekly report that details the overall picture of the COVID-19 outbreak within our state.  The daily report details positive and presumptive cases, as well as deaths by county and statewide, while the weekly report is more in depth and includes statistical data related the severity of cases by age, gender, zip codes, ethnicity, as well as information on workplace and senior care facility outbreaks in Oregon. Find additional information on the state or Federal COVID-19 response go to Oregon Health Authority, Centers for Disease Control, and 211Info.

 

Oregon COVID-19 Presumptive

OHA expanded their reporting for COVID-19 case management to now include presumptive COVID-19 cases in their total case number.  DPHN is reporting the number of people with new positive test results and any new presumptives and uses the OHA’s definition of presumptive as having had close contact with a known, confirmed COVID-19 case, showing symptoms and not yet having a positive nasal swab/PCR or antigen test for COVID-19.  Testing continues, as DPHN has been holding 2-3 clinics a week and hospitals, urgent cares and clinics continue to test.  DPHN continues their epidemiologic investigations, identifying individuals who may have had close contact with individuals that have tested positive for COVID-19, advising and supporting quarantine and isolation.

 

Travel Caution: Please Limit Travel, Social Gatherings and Visitors

Our recent surge in cases can be attributed to travel and unwitting and unintentional behavior by residents choosing to attend or host social gatherings where COVID-19 guidelines for social distancing, food preparation, hand washing and masks are not being followed.  Cases have been linked to travel and social gatherings including: birthday parties, weddings, funerals, prayer groups, play dates, visiting family members and school events. Again, we ask that you take a moment and revisit how you are socializing and please protect yourself, your loved ones and our communities from the spread of this virus.  We encourage you to delay travel, consider stay-cations and reschedule visits from out-of-the-area friends and family to a later date.  We continue to identify people with positive test results that have chosen to travel out of Oregon to visit relatives or to take vacations.  While traveling those individuals and families have come in contact with someone with COVID-19 and brought it back to Douglas County.  Other cases and outbreaks were the direct result of someone coming to Douglas County to visit and bringing the virus with them and infecting their host family.  Please stay safe and remember to be kind to others. Stopping the increase of COVID-19 cases in our county is really up to YOU, our citizens.

 

Facebook Live with Dr. Bob

Please join us Tuesday, November 10, 2020 at 6:00 pm for the next Facebook Live event with Dr. Bob. hosted by DPHN on the DPHN Facebook page.  Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Douglas County Public Health Officer will continue their normal schedule of Facebook “Live Q&A Updates” next week with both his Tuesday night at 6:00 pm and Friday night at 4:00 pm on the DPHN Facebook page.  Residents are still able to submit their COVID-19 questions to Dr. Bob during the live shows, but you can also email your questions to: ookquestions@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org">Facebookquestions@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org.  Dr. Bob and the DPHN team will do their best to respond to as many questions as they can during their weekly updates.

 

REMINDER: Join Us for the 2020 Douglas County REVERSE Veterans Day Parade on Wednesday, November 11

The Douglas County Board of Commissioners issued are calling upon all citizens of Douglas County to join us in supporting our local military heroes by attending the special “Reverse” 2020 Douglas County Veterans Day Parade on Wednesday, November 11, 2020, starting at 11:00 am, at the Douglas County Fairgrounds. 

 

Despite COVID-19, the Douglas County Veterans Forum and Veterans Day Parade Committee knew our annual parade honoring our veterans must go on, so they put their heads together and came up with the idea of a “Reverse” parade format to keep the tradition alive.  In a reverse parade, the floats are stationary, while the parade spectators are the ones driving by in vehicles.  The parade route was moved to the Douglas County Fairgrounds this year, in order to provide proper distancing for staging of the parade entries.  The reverse format takes into account the current social gathering guidelines, as well as the concern for the health and safety of our residents during the pandemic. The 2020 Douglas County Veterans Day Parade Grand Marshals will feature our Military Doctors & Nurses, while the theme is Embrace the past –Engage the present –Envision the future.  The Douglas County Veterans Day Parade, is one of only two Veterans Day parades in Oregon that was not canceled due to the pandemic.

 

The Commissioners are proud to support this cherished annual event, often called Oregon’s Greatest Veteran’s Day Parade and this year possibly the largest.  In Douglas County, ‘We Honor Veterans’, and encourage you to take time this Veterans Day to recognize the brave men and women who have fearlessly served our nation by thanking them and their families for their dedication, service, as well as the many sacrifices made on behalf of our great nation.  We hope you are able to join us for the 2020 Veterans Day Parade at the Douglas County Fairgrounds on Wednesday, November 11, 2020.

 

REMINDER: Aviva Health Offering Veterans Free Drive-Thru Flu Shots at the 2020 Veterans’ Day Parade

Shared from Aviva Health. Aviva Health is providing area veterans with the option to get a free drive-thru flu shot at this year’s ‘Reverse’ Douglas County Veterans Day Parade on Wednesday, November 11, starting at 11:00 am. The 2020 Veterans Day Parade will be a reverse format at the Douglas County Fairgrounds.  The Douglas County Veterans Day Parade Committee have planned a reverse parade, where floats and other elements of the parade remain stationary while visitors to the event drive by them in their cars. Proper social distancing and masking guidelines will be followed to protect people from COVID-19.  Aviva Health typically hosts a Veterans Day event at its Roseburg campus called Vets and Their Pets, but the pandemic forced the organization to cancel this year’s festivities. Still, Aviva Health intends to honor and assist those who have served in a meaningful way.

 

New School Outbreaks Announced

Shared from the South Umpqua School District website. In a notice posted to their website at 6:42 pm on Friday, November 6, 2020, South Umpqua School District (SUSD) Superintendent, Kate McLaughlin and Myrtle Creek Elementary School Principal, Ariel Mainz, announced that they were notified by DPHN and Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Douglas County Public Health Officer, that a student at Myrtle Creek Elementary School had tested positive for COVID-19. SUSD officials have been very proactive in their approach in dealing with this event to help mitigate the spread of the virus. Below is a copy of the notice that was posted:

 

Dear Students, Families, and Staff,

We were notified by Douglas Public Health Network and Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, that we have had one student test positive for COVID-19 at Myrtle Creek Elementary School. We are working very closely with local public health and The Oregon Health Authority to begin the process for notifying parents of the children in the cohort with the child who tested positive and asking them to quarantine for 14 days and monitor for symptoms.  If your child was in the same cohort or bus route, and need to quarantine, you will be notified by school officials this evening. If you have concerns or questions about COVID-19, please call the Douglas Public Health Network hotline at 541-464-6550, 7 days a week between 8-5:00 pm.   Sincerely, Kate McLaughlin, Superintendent and Ariel Mainz, Principal

 

Shared from the McGovern Elementary School website In a notice posted to their website on Saturday, November 7, 2020, Winston Dillard School District (WDSD) Superintendent, Kevin Miller and McGovern Elementary School Principal, Kevin Wilson, announced that they were notified by DPHN and Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Douglas County Public Health Officer, that a student at McGovern Elementary School had tested positive for COVID-19. WDSD officials have been very proactive in their approach in dealing with this event to help mitigate the spread of the virus. Below is a copy of the notice that was posted:

Dear Students, Families, and Staff, 

We were notified by Douglas Public Health Network and Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Douglas County Public Health Officer, that we have had a student test positive for COVID-19 at McGovern Elementary School. We are working very closely with local public health and The Oregon Health Authority to notify parents of the children in the cohort that the child that tested positive was in and are asking them to quarantine for 14 days and monitor for symptoms. 

 “We are continuing to see cases in our schools and this is another example of a school utilizing student cohorts to reduce risk and mitigate transmission of COVID-19 in the school setting. School officials are working very closely with me and DPHN to care for the positive case and to advise parents, families and staff that are close contacts. We believe the risk is low to the school community and DPHN continues to be available to support the families that are quarantining.”  If your child was in the same cohort, or if you are a staff member in the same cohort, and need to quarantine, you will be notified by school officials this evening. DPHN will follow up with you to answer questions about COVID, quarantine and offer support.  If you have concerns or questions about COVID-19, please call the Douglas Public Health Network hotline at 541-464-6550, 7 days a week between 8-5:00 pm. 

Sincerely, Kevin Miller, Superintendent and Kevin Wilson, Principal 

 

Shared from the Roseburg School District In a notice released today, Monday, November 9, 2020, Roseburg School District (RSD) Superintendent, Jared Cordon, announced that they were notified by DPHN and Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Douglas County Public Health Officer, that staff members at Melrose and Hucrest Elementary Schools had tested positive for COVID-19. RSD officials have been very proactive in their approach in dealing with this event to help mitigate the spread of the virus. Below is a copy of the notice that was released:

 

District responds to additional COVID-19 cases:

The district was notified over the weekend by Douglas Public Health Network (DPHN) that staff members at two Roseburg Public elementary schools tested positive for COVID-19. The district is working closely with DPHN to respond to this news to best protect the health of our school community.  The school district was notified the evening of November 7 that a staff member at Melrose Elementary tested positive for COVID-19. After implementing contact tracing, DPHN determined that two classrooms at Melrose will need to quarantine for 14 days.  The district was notified November 8 that a staff member at Hucrest Elementary School tested positive for COVID-19. After implementing contact tracing, DPHN and the district determined that three classrooms will need to quarantine for 14 days.  At this time, all individuals directly impacted by this news have been contacted and are at home self-isolating and monitoring for symptoms. In order to protect their privacy, this will be the only information released by the school and district about these individuals.  Once individuals were notified to quarantine, the district communicated to all district staff and families over the weekend. The district is working to coordinate community messages with DPHN in an effort to provide transparency and timely updates. We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. Roseburg Public Schools continues to maintain safety protocols and guidelines established by the Oregon Department of Education and the Oregon Health Authority in the Ready Schools, Safe Learners plan.  For the most recent information about our schools, please visit the district website, www.roseburg.k12.or.us. – Jared Cordon, Superintendent

 

Shared from the UCC Facebook Page In a notice posted to their Facebook page at 6:55 pm on Saturday, November 7, 2020, Umpqua Community College Officials announced that they were notified by DPHN and Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Douglas County Public Health Officer, that a student at UCC had tested positive for COVID-19. UCC officials have been very proactive in their approach in dealing with this event to help mitigate the spread of the virus. Below is a copy of the notice that was posted:

 

We have been notified that a UCC student has tested positive for COVID-19. We are sharing this message with the community to provide awareness. The student was last on campus on Friday, Oct. 30, and is currently quarantined at home. Out of an abundance of caution, 23 additional students and 2 instructors are also in quarantine. It is important to note that if you were exposed to this positive case, you would have been notified by now.

We urge everyone to continue doing their part: Stay healthy, physical distance, wear a face covering, and conduct self-wellness checks. If you are sick, stay home. – Umpqua Community College Officials

 

For reference: The Oregon Health Authority issues a weekly COVID-19 report that publishes data on K-12 schools with in-person instruction, child/day care centers, businesses and care facilities that meet their outbreak criteria. As of last week, OHA’s policy related to school outbreaks is to report outbreaks with 1 or more cases in school settings at any place of learning for students from kindergarten through twelfth grade, or a subset, with at least 30 students enrolled. Case counts includes employees, staff, volunteers or students at the school. According to OHA, the notice is to inform the public of potential COVID-19 exposure and to provide transparency surrounding COVID-19 in schools. School is defined as any place of learning for students from kindergarten through twelfth grade, or a subset, with at least 30 students enrolled. This includes, but is not limited to, public schools, private schools, parochial and charter schools. Staff is defined as any person who works full time or part-time at the school, regardless of their position. A volunteer is defined as any person who volunteers onsite.

 

 

LOCAL COVID-19 INFORMATION

Stay Informed with Accurate Local Information

 

Stay up to date on COVID-19 in Douglas County on the Douglas County Government website or the DPHN website.  Your Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Public Health Officer, Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer, DPHN and the Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team (DCCRT) have been working hard to cooperatively provide accurate and timely information to Douglas County residents since March 8, 2020.  Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the agencies that make up the DCCRT. 

 

Douglas County Resource/COVID-19 Hotline: (541) 464-6550:

Douglas County Commissioners and Douglas Public Health Network have added a resource and referral service to the current COVID-19 hotline for Douglas County residents.  The added service will help residents get connected to resources and services due to the local wildfires.  Referral and resource information will be available about local emergency shelters, livestock and animal boarding options, donation locations, volunteer opportunities, welfare check referrals, food and water resources and help with health and wellness questions.  This is NOT the hotline for Fire Updates or Evacuation information.  Please contact or follow DFPA and DCSO for the most up-to-date wildfire information.  The Resource/COVID-19 Hotline is (541) 464-6550.  It is staffed from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, 7 days a week until further notice. 

 

Questions about Governor’s Reopening or Statewide Rules?  If you have questions or need more information go to the Governor’s COVID-19 website at https://govstatus.egov.com/or-covid-19/ or call the Business Oregon's Navigator Hotline at (833) 604-0880.  For information on COVID-19 in Oregon, call 211 or visit 211info

 

Who Do You Contact to Report Compliance Issues with the Governor’s Statewide Rules?  Please do not call 911, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office or Douglas County Offices to report compliance issues with the Governor’s orders.  The Governor has directed the State offices for Oregon Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) and the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) to be the enforcement agencies responsible for ensuring restaurants, bars, and other businesses comply with COVID-related rules.  For more information or to report compliance issues contact:

OSHA: (800) 922-2689 or OSHA website or OLCC (503) 872-5000 or OLCC website

 

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Contact Tamara Howell, Public Information Officer, Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, (541) 670-2804 cell/(541) 957-4896 tjhowell@co.douglas.or.us

Contact Vanessa Becker, Public Information Officer, Douglas Public Health Network, (541) 817-6552 cell (541) 440-3571 vanessa@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org

Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team - Daily Update - November 8, 2020 (Photo) - 11/08/20

Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the agencies that make up the DCCRT

JOINT INFORMATION CENTER PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – November 8, 2020

DOUGLAS COUNTY COVID-19 RESPONSE TEAM - DAILY UPDATE

 

(Douglas County, Ore.) Douglas County COVID-19 Test Results: Today, we are again reporting a huge spike in new cases, with our highest daily total of 25 new cases.  This is definitely not the trend we wanted to see happening in our County.  We are seeing an exponential growth in unrelated cases in so many different places, and it is very disconcerting.   Plus, the economic impact of households, schools, families, and workplaces having numerous people in isolation and quarantine is tremendous right now.  We also wanted to take a moment to highlight the amazing people working day-in and day-out on all the reporting, cases and outbreaks.  The continued dedication of our local COVID teams has been incredible and we appreciate their diligence and perseverance.  Thank you!

 

As of 12:00 pm today, Sunday, November 8, 2020, there are TWENTY-FOUR (24) people with new positive test results and ONE presumptive since our noon case update yesterday*.  The total number of cases (people with positive test results and presumptive) in Douglas County is now at 482*.  Currently, there are SEVEN Douglas County COVID-19 patients that are being hospitalized locally.  Despite the spike in cases this week, the Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, under the direction of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Public Health Officer and Douglas Public Health Network staff continue to focus on COVID prevention, testing and education efforts.

 

Douglas County, OR - COVID-19 - Case Update
Date	Wednesday, November 4, 2020	Thursday, November 5, 2020	Friday, November 6, 2020	Saturday, November 7, 2020	Today, Sunday, November 8, 2020
Total COVID-19 Cases	411**	428	436	457	482
People with Positive PCR or Antigen Test Results	364	379	387	404	428
Presumptive	47	49	49	53	54
Total Currently Hospitalized	3	4	6	6	6
Total Currently in Isolation	61	78	80	79	115
Total COVID-19 Related Deaths	9	10	10	10	10
Total Negative Test Results	16,159	16,226	16,331	16,448	16,520

*Our daily update includes the total number of cases in Douglas County, which combines people with positive test results and presumptives. We provide a breakout of the people with positive test results and presumptives in the chart above. Please note there will be times when a presumptive will move to a positive test result, and our total case number will not change because the case has already been counted, instead you will see an adjustment to our breakout numbers for positive test results and presumptives.  **Please note, we retracted ONE positive case number from our totals on Wednesday, November 4, 2020.  After investigation, it was determined that one person previously reported with a positive test result was not a Douglas County resident, and therefore, the case was moved to their respective County.  We have adjusted our chart and numbers to reflect the retraction and movement.

 

REMINDER: Please Stay Home If You Are Sick, Feeling Sick or Not Fully Recovered from Being Sick!

Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, Douglas County Public Health Official would like to remind residents about the importance of staying home when you are sick to help protect others from getting sick.  This means not only staying home from work and school, but also staying home from all other activities and social events.  Please, if you are sick, even if you just have a runny nose or stuffy head, do not attend birthday parties, weddings, poker nights, prayer groups, church or go work out at the gym and expose others to your illness.

 

What we have discovered with several of our large local outbreaks are people who were sick, and have chosen to still to go to school, work, poker club, shopping and holiday parties.  A case in point: A local student was sick and went back to school before she was better.  Had she waited a few days, she would have lost 3 or 4 days of school, but her class would not have been impacted.  Unfortunately, she went to school and exposed 40 others.  Now, those 40 others will need to be quarantined for 2 weeks and will miss a total of 760 days away from activity.  In addition, those 40 families will need to take time away from work, school and activities to care for them.  So, the economic impact of going back to school or work before you are well is enormous.

 

You Are the Key to Controlling the Spread of COVID-19!

It is no secret that the key to stopping the continued spread of the coronavirus is, YOU, our residents, our families, our communities and our businesses.  Yes, prevention is the best medicine, and not just to help stop the spread of COVID, but for your overall health and wellbeing as well.  If each and every individual in our county would make a real concerted effort to implement prevention measure into their daily routine, we could see a huge decrease in our COVID case numbers.  That means we need each and everyone one of our residents to take steps to minimize the spread of germs and contagions, by choosing every day to maintain healthier eating habits; incorporate exercise and cleaning routines; being cautious and keeping distance from others; making modifications to how you socialize with others; choosing no contact deliveries and services; and staying home if you are sick.  The suggestions we make and the guidelines presented by public health are not just for your health and safety, but for the health and safety of everyone, including our kids, our grandparents, our coworkers, our first responders, our teachers and our businesses.  We know we sound like a broken record, but our primary focus is to do everything we can to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of our residents. 

 

We Encourage You to Help Stop the Spread and Stay Healthy

• Make a habit of washing and sanitizing your hands, regularly.  That means washing after you eat, if you touch new surfaces, go to the bathroom, open a door, go to the store, go to the post office or after a meeting.  Also try and avoid touching your face as much as possible. 
• Please wear a mask where recommended.  Not just for your protection, but for the protection of others. 
• Stay at least six feet apart from anyone that is not from your immediate household.  This means paying attention to the distance stickers at the store, the bank, at restaurants and at businesses.  Please be respectful, kind and polite, by giving people ample space.
• Stay home from work, school and play if you are sick.  This includes not running errands or going shopping or inviting visitors to your home.  If you need help, reach out to friends, family or utilize an app or businesses that offer no contact deliveries or services.
• Minimize travel, especially out of the state and limit visitors to your home. 
• Minimize attending social gatherings or going places where there are large groups of people.

 

We are now passed four hundred and eighty mark with COVID-19 cases in Douglas County, with 25 new total positive cases and presumptives combined today.  This trend of has become increasingly concerning for all of us.  An ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure — and that’s never been more true than right now.  But, just like the old adage, the recommendations from public health for preventing the spread of diseases, viruses and illnesses are not new notions, but rather age old advice based on decades of scientific research.  From a young age we are taught to wash our hands, cover our coughs, clean and disinfect and stay home if we are sick.  This sage advice continues to be the basis for good hygiene and virus prevention practices today.  The DCCRT team, under the direction of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, along with Dr. Dannenhoffer and Douglas Public Health Network encourage residents to make prevention measures a part of their everyday routines.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend six daily habits that can help you avoid sickness and prevent the spread of viruses to others too.

 

UPDATED: OHA Reporting and Definition for Recovered

As per the Oregon Health Authority COVID-19 Investigative Guidelines, the number of recovered cases is no longer being assessed or reported by OHA.  Up until May 1st, 2020 recovery from COVID-19 was defined as being afebrile (not feverish), without the use of antiphyretics (medicine to reduce a fever), and having resolution of cough, shortness of breath and diarrhea for at least 72 hours.  As more was learned about symptoms, recovery and contagious period, the definition of recovered changed.   Beginning May 1st, OHA stopped reporting recovered cases while also separating recovery from contagious or isolation period.  Many cases were no longer contagious, as they were outside of the contagious period, but still having lingering symptoms.  To be consistent with OHA and to adapt as we learn more about this new virus, we removed the column in our chart listing recovered cases.  At that point, we added the number of those in isolation, roughly indicating active or infectious cases of COVID-19 in Douglas County.

 

Currently, DPHN is supporting 115 cases in isolation, as well as another 382 contacts in quarantine in Douglas County.  Isolation is recommended for confirmed and presumptive cases, quarantine is recommended for contacts of confirmed or presumptive cases.  Currently, staff is supporting an astonishing 497 total contacts in isolation or quarantine.  This number represents a snapshot of the significant amount of work being done by our county and our public health to help control the spread of COVID-19.

 

Getting Tested & Testing Clinics

The next drive-through testing clinic will be Tuesday, November 10, 2020, in Roseburg. As a reminder, if you are having symptoms of COVID-19 including cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches and pains, diarrhea, sore throat or decreased sense of smell and taste, talk to your health care provider about being tested for COVID-19.  Patients without a Primary Care Provider, that are looking for a COVID-19 test should contact the Sutherlin Aviva Health Clinic at (541) 459-3788. The first drive-through testing site was piloted in the county on March 17, 2020, there have been 1747 people tested in 87 drive-through clinics, while additional testing continues in hospitals, urgent cares and clinics. The drive-through clinics are led by DPHN, in conjunction with partner agencies including; Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Public Works, local volunteers and local health professionals.

 

Oregon COVID-19 Case Update

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reports new cases once a day on their website at www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus. OHA also releases a daily situation status report and a weekly report that details the overall picture of the COVID-19 outbreak within our state.  The daily report details positive and presumptive cases, as well as deaths by county and statewide, while the weekly report is more in depth and includes statistical data related the severity of cases by age, gender, zip codes, ethnicity, as well as information on workplace and senior care facility outbreaks in Oregon. Find additional information on the state or Federal COVID-19 response go to Oregon Health Authority, Centers for Disease Control, and 211Info.

 

Oregon COVID-19 Presumptive

OHA expanded their reporting for COVID-19 case management to now include presumptive COVID-19 cases in their total case number.  DPHN is reporting the number of people with new positive test results and any new presumptives and uses the OHA’s definition of presumptive as having had close contact with a known, confirmed COVID-19 case, showing symptoms and not yet having a positive nasal swab/PCR or antigen test for COVID-19.  Testing continues, as DPHN has been holding 2-3 clinics a week and hospitals, urgent cares and clinics continue to test.  DPHN continues their epidemiologic investigations, identifying individuals who may have had close contact with individuals that have tested positive for COVID-19, advising and supporting quarantine and isolation.

 

Travel Caution: Please Limit Travel, Social Gatherings and Visitors

Our recent surge in cases can be attributed to travel and unwitting and unintentional behavior by residents choosing to attend or host social gatherings where COVID-19 guidelines for social distancing, food preparation, hand washing and masks are not being followed.  Cases have been linked to travel and social gatherings including: birthday parties, weddings, funerals, prayer groups, play dates, visiting family members and school events. Again, we ask that you take a moment and revisit how you are socializing and please protect yourself, your loved ones and our communities from the spread of this virus.  We encourage you to delay travel, consider stay-cations and reschedule visits from out-of-the-area friends and family to a later date.  We continue to identify people with positive test results that have chosen to travel out of Oregon to visit relatives or to take vacations.  While traveling those individuals and families have come in contact with someone with COVID-19 and brought it back to Douglas County.  Other cases and outbreaks were the direct result of someone coming to Douglas County to visit and bringing the virus with them and infecting their host family.  Please stay safe and remember to be kind to others. Stopping the increase of COVID-19 cases in our county is really up to YOU, our citizens.

 

Facebook Live with Dr. Bob

Please join us Tuesday, November 10, 2020 at 6:00 pm for the next Facebook Live event with Dr. Bob. hosted by DPHN on the DPHN Facebook page.  Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Douglas County Public Health Officer will continue their normal schedule of Facebook “Live Q&A Updates” next week with both his Tuesday night at 6:00 pm and Friday night at 4:00 pm on the DPHN Facebook page.  Residents are still able to submit their COVID-19 questions to Dr. Bob during the live shows, but you can also email your questions to: ookquestions@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org">Facebookquestions@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org.  Dr. Bob and the DPHN team will do their best to respond to as many questions as they can during their weekly updates.

 

Red Cross: Please Consider Donating Blood

The American Red Cross still has an urgent need for blood donations to prevent another blood shortage. Donors are needed to make and keep scheduled appointments to help meet the current need. If you are healthy, feeling well and eligible to give blood or platelets, you are urged to make an appointment to donate as soon as possible. COVID-19 safe donation measure are in place.  Donate your blood and save a life.  Remember, appointments are required, visit www.redcrossblood.org  or call (800) 733-2767 to schedule today.

 

Local Upcoming Blood Drives:

Monday, November 9             10:30 am - 3:00 pm      Glide Rural Fire Protection District, 18910 N Umpqua Hwy, Glide

Monday, November 9             1:00 pm – 6:30 pm       Roseburg Blood Donation Center, 1176 NW Garden Valley Blvd.

Thursday, November 12         10:00 am - 3:00 pm      Roseburg Blood Donation Center, 1176 NW Garden Valley Blvd.

Thursday, November 12         10:00 am - 3:00 pm      Lower Umpqua Hospital, 600 Ranch Rd, Reedsport

Friday, November 13              9:00 am – 3:00 pm        Roseburg Blood Donation Center, 1176 NW Garden Valley Blvd.

Monday, November 16             1:00 pm - 6:00 pm        McMenamins Roseburg, 700 SE Sheridan, Roseburg

Monday, November 16            1:00 pm – 6:30 pm       Roseburg Blood Donation Center, 1176 NW Garden Valley Blvd.

Tuesday, November 17             12:00 pm - 5:00 pm      Abby's Legendary Pizza, 2585 Diamond Lake Blvd, Roseburg

Tuesday, November 17             1:00 pm - 6:00 pm        New Life Church, 1723 NE Vine Street, Roseburg

Thursday, November 19         1:00 pm – 6:00 pm       Robertson Shaw CPA, LLC, 130 South Comstock, Sutherlin=

Friday, November 20              9:00 am – 3:00 pm        Roseburg Blood Donation Center, 1176 NW Garden Valley Blvd.

 

REMINDER: Join Us for the 2020 Douglas County REVERSE Veterans Day Parade on Wednesday, November 11

The Douglas County Board of Commissioners issued are calling upon all citizens of Douglas County to join us in supporting our local military heroes by attending the special “Reverse” 2020 Douglas County Veterans Day Parade on Wednesday, November 11, 2020, starting at 11:00 am, at the Douglas County Fairgrounds. 

 

Despite COVID-19, the Douglas County Veterans Forum and Veterans Day Parade Committee knew our annual parade honoring our veterans must go on, so they put their heads together and came up with the idea of a “Reverse” parade format to keep the tradition alive.  In a reverse parade, the floats are stationary, while the parade spectators are the ones driving by in vehicles.  The parade route was moved to the Douglas County Fairgrounds this year, in order to provide proper distancing for staging of the parade entries.  The reverse format takes into account the current social gathering guidelines, as well as the concern for the health and safety of our residents during the pandemic. The 2020 Douglas County Veterans Day Parade Grand Marshals will feature our Military Doctors & Nurses, while the theme is Embrace the past –Engage the present –Envision the future.  The Douglas County Veterans Day Parade, is one of only two Veterans Day parades in Oregon that was not canceled due to the pandemic.

 

The Commissioners are proud to support this cherished annual event, often called Oregon’s Greatest Veteran’s Day Parade and this year possibly the largest.  In Douglas County, ‘We Honor Veterans’, and encourage you to take time this Veterans Day to recognize the brave men and women who have fearlessly served our nation by thanking them and their families for their dedication, service, as well as the many sacrifices made on behalf of our great nation.  We hope you are able to join us for the 2020 Veterans Day Parade at the Douglas County Fairgrounds on Wednesday, November 11, 2020.

 

REMINDER: Aviva Health Offering Veterans Free Drive-Thru Flu Shots at the 2020 Veterans’ Day Parade

Shared from Aviva Health. Aviva Health is providing area veterans with the option to get a free drive-thru flu shot at this year’s ‘Reverse’ Douglas County Veterans Day Parade on Wednesday, November 11, starting at 11:00 am. The 2020 Veterans Day Parade will be a reverse format at the Douglas County Fairgrounds.  The Douglas County Veterans Day Parade Committee have planned a reverse parade, where floats and other elements of the parade remain stationary while visitors to the event drive by them in their cars. Proper social distancing and masking guidelines will be followed to protect people from COVID-19.  Aviva Health typically hosts a Veterans Day event at its Roseburg campus called Vets and Their Pets, but the pandemic forced the organization to cancel this year’s festivities. Still, Aviva Health intends to honor and assist those who have served in a meaningful way.

 

 

LOCAL COVID-19 INFORMATION

Stay Informed with Accurate Local Information

 

Stay up to date on COVID-19 in Douglas County on the Douglas County Government website or the DPHN website.  Your Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Public Health Officer, Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer, DPHN and the Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team (DCCRT) have been working hard to cooperatively provide accurate and timely information to Douglas County residents since March 8, 2020.  Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the agencies that make up the DCCRT. 

 

Douglas County Resource/COVID-19 Hotline: (541) 464-6550:

Douglas County Commissioners and Douglas Public Health Network have added a resource and referral service to the current COVID-19 hotline for Douglas County residents.  The added service will help residents get connected to resources and services due to the local wildfires.  Referral and resource information will be available about local emergency shelters, livestock and animal boarding options, donation locations, volunteer opportunities, welfare check referrals, food and water resources and help with health and wellness questions.  This is NOT the hotline for Fire Updates or Evacuation information.  Please contact or follow DFPA and DCSO for the most up-to-date wildfire information.  The Resource/COVID-19 Hotline is (541) 464-6550.  It is staffed from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, 7 days a week until further notice. 

 

Questions about Governor’s Reopening or Statewide Rules?  If you have questions or need more information go to the Governor’s COVID-19 website at https://govstatus.egov.com/or-covid-19/ or call the Business Oregon's Navigator Hotline at (833) 604-0880.  For information on COVID-19 in Oregon, call 211 or visit 211info

 

Who Do You Contact to Report Compliance Issues with the Governor’s Statewide Rules?  Please do not call 911, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office or Douglas County Offices to report compliance issues with the Governor’s orders.  The Governor has directed the State offices for Oregon Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) and the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) to be the enforcement agencies responsible for ensuring restaurants, bars, and other businesses comply with COVID-related rules.  For more information or to report compliance issues contact:

OSHA: (800) 922-2689 or OSHA website or OLCC (503) 872-5000 or OLCC website

 

###

 

Contact Tamara Howell, Public Information Officer, Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, (541) 670-2804 cell/(541) 957-4896 tjhowell@co.douglas.or.us

Contact Vanessa Becker, Public Information Officer, Douglas Public Health Network, (541) 817-6552 cell (541) 440-3571 vanessa@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org

Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team - Daily Update - November 7, 2020 (Photo) - 11/07/20

Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the agencies that make up the DCCRT

JOINT INFORMATION CENTER PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – November 7, 2020

DOUGLAS COUNTY COVID-19 RESPONSE TEAM - DAILY UPDATE

 

(Douglas County, Ore.) Douglas County COVID-19 Test Results: Today, we sadly report that we have reached a number of records that we did not want to achieve.  This week we recorded the highest weekly case total of positive and presumptive cases with 78 total cases.  Which means that we recorded the most positive cases in a week with 67 cases, as well as the most presumptives in a week with 11.  We have also exceeded the 500 mark with people that are being supported in isolation and quarantine with 514.    

 

As of 12:00 pm today, Saturday, November 7, 2020, there are SEVENTEEN (17) people with new positive test results and FOUR presumptives since our noon case update yesterday*.  The total number of cases (people with positive test results and presumptive) in Douglas County is now at 457*.  Currently, there are SIX Douglas County COVID-19 patients that are being hospitalized locally.  Despite the spike in cases this week, the Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, under the direction of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Public Health Officer and Douglas Public Health Network staff continue to focus on COVID prevention, testing and education efforts.

 

Douglas County, OR - COVID-19 - Case Update
Date	Tuesday, November 3, 2020	Wednesday, November 4, 2020	Thursday, November 5, 2020	Friday, November 6, 2020	Today, Saturday, November 7, 2020
Total COVID-19 Cases	400	411**	428	436	457
People with Positive PCR or Antigen Test Results	355	364	379	387	404
Presumptive	45	47	49	49	53
Total Currently Hospitalized	5	3	4	6	6
Total Currently in Isolation	54	61	78	80	79
Total COVID-19 Related Deaths	8	9	10	10	10
Total Negative Test Results	16,062	16,159	16,226	16,331	16,448

*Our daily update includes the total number of cases in Douglas County, which combines people with positive test results and presumptives. We provide a breakout of the people with positive test results and presumptives in the chart above. Please note there will be times when a presumptive will move to a positive test result, and our total case number will not change because the case has already been counted, instead you will see an adjustment to our breakout numbers for positive test results and presumptives. 

 

**Please note, we retracted ONE positive case number from our totals on Wednesday, November 4, 2020.  After investigation, it was determined that one person previously reported with a positive test result was not a Douglas County resident, and therefore, the case was moved to their respective County.  We have adjusted our chart and numbers to reflect the retraction and movement.

 

REMINDER: Please Stay Home If You Are Sick, Feeling Sick or Not Fully Recovered from Being Sick!

Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, Douglas County Public Health Official would like to remind residents about the importance of staying home when you are sick to help protect others from getting sick.  This means not only staying home from work and school, but also staying home from all other activities and social events.  Please, if you are sick, even if you just have a runny nose or stuffy head, do not attend birthday parties, weddings, poker nights, prayer groups, church or go work out at the gym and expose others to your illness. 

 

What we have discovered with several of our large local outbreaks are people who were sick, and have chosen to still to go to school, work, poker club, shopping and holiday parties.  A case in point: A local student was sick and went back to school before she was better.  Had she waited a few days, she would have lost 3 or 4 days of school, but her class would not have been impacted.  Unfortunately, she went to school and exposed 40 others.  Now, those 40 others will need to be quarantined for 2 weeks and will miss a total of 760 days away from activity.  In addition, those 40 families will need to take time away from work, school and activities to care for them.  So, the economic impact of going back to school or work before you are well is enormous.

 

You Are the Key to Controlling the Spread of COVID-19!

It is no secret that the key to stopping the continued spread of the coronavirus is, YOU, our residents, our families, our communities and our businesses.  Yes, prevention is the best medicine, and not just to help stop the spread of COVID, but for your overall health and wellbeing as well.  If each and every individual in our county would make a real concerted effort to implement prevention measure into their daily routine, we could see a huge decrease in our COVID case numbers.  That means we need each and everyone one of our residents to take steps to minimize the spread of germs and contagions, by choosing every day to maintain healthier eating habits; incorporate exercise and cleaning routines; being cautious and keeping distance from others; making modifications to how you socialize with others; choosing no contact deliveries and services; and staying home if you are sick.  The suggestions we make and the guidelines presented by public health are not just for your health and safety, but for the health and safety of everyone, including our kids, our grandparents, our coworkers, our first responders, our teachers and our businesses.  We know we sound like a broken record, but our primary focus is to do everything we can to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of our residents. 

 

We Encourage You to Help Stop the Spread and Stay Healthy

• Make a habit of washing and sanitizing your hands, regularly.  That means washing after you eat, if you touch new surfaces, go to the bathroom, open a door, go to the store, go to the post office or after a meeting.  Also try and avoid touching your face as much as possible. 
• Please wear a mask where recommended.  Not just for your protection, but for the protection of others. 
• Stay at least six feet apart from anyone that is not from your immediate household.  This means paying attention to the distance stickers at the store, the bank, at restaurants and at businesses.  Please be respectful, kind and polite, by giving people ample space.
• Stay home from work, school and play if you are sick.  This includes not running errands or going shopping or inviting visitors to your home.  If you need help, reach out to friends, family or utilize an app or businesses that offer no contact deliveries or services.
• Minimize travel, especially out of the state and limit visitors to your home. 
• Minimize attending social gatherings or going places where there are large groups of people.

 

We are now passed four hundred and fifty mark with COVID-19 cases in Douglas County, with 21 new total positive cases and presumptives combined today.  This trend of has become increasingly concerning for all of us.  An ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure — and that’s never been more true than right now.  But, just like the old adage, the recommendations from public health for preventing the spread of diseases, viruses and illnesses are not new notions, but rather age old advice based on decades of scientific research.  From a young age we are taught to wash our hands, cover our coughs, clean and disinfect and stay home if we are sick.  This sage advice continues to be the basis for good hygiene and virus prevention practices today.  The DCCRT team, under the direction of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, along with Dr. Dannenhoffer and Douglas Public Health Network encourage residents to make prevention measures a part of their everyday routines.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend six daily habits that can help you avoid sickness and prevent the spread of viruses to others too.

 

UPDATED: OHA Reporting and Definition for Recovered

As per the Oregon Health Authority COVID-19 Investigative Guidelines, the number of recovered cases is no longer being assessed or reported by OHA.  Up until May 1st, 2020 recovery from COVID-19 was defined as being afebrile (not feverish), without the use of antiphyretics (medicine to reduce a fever), and having resolution of cough, shortness of breath and diarrhea for at least 72 hours.  As more was learned about symptoms, recovery and contagious period, the definition of recovered changed.   Beginning May 1st, OHA stopped reporting recovered cases while also separating recovery from contagious or isolation period.  Many cases were no longer contagious, as they were outside of the contagious period, but still having lingering symptoms.  To be consistent with OHA and to adapt as we learn more about this new virus, we removed the column in our chart listing recovered cases.  At that point, we added the number of those in isolation, roughly indicating active or infectious cases of COVID-19 in Douglas County.

 

Currently, DPHN is supporting 79 cases in isolation, as well as another 435 contacts in quarantine in Douglas County.  Isolation is recommended for confirmed and presumptive cases, quarantine is recommended for contacts of confirmed or presumptive cases.  Currently, staff is supporting an astonishing 514 total contacts in isolation/quarantine.  This number represents a snapshot of the significant amount of work being done by our county and our public health to help control the spread of COVID-19.

 

Getting Tested & Testing Clinics

The next drive-through testing clinic will be Tuesday, November 10, 2020, in Roseburg. As a reminder, if you are having symptoms of COVID-19 including cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches and pains, diarrhea, sore throat or decreased sense of smell and taste, talk to your health care provider about being tested for COVID-19.  Patients without a Primary Care Provider, that are looking for a COVID-19 test should contact the Sutherlin Aviva Health Clinic at (541) 459-3788. The first drive-through testing site was piloted in the county on March 17, 2020, there have been 1747 people tested in 87 drive-through clinics, while additional testing continues in hospitals, urgent cares and clinics. The drive-through clinics are led by DPHN, in conjunction with partner agencies including; Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Public Works, local volunteers and local health professionals.

 

Oregon COVID-19 Case Update

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reports new cases once a day on their website at www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus. OHA also releases a daily situation status report and a weekly report that details the overall picture of the COVID-19 outbreak within our state.  The daily report details positive and presumptive cases, as well as deaths by county and statewide, while the weekly report is more in depth and includes statistical data related the severity of cases by age, gender, zip codes, ethnicity, as well as information on workplace and senior care facility outbreaks in Oregon. Find additional information on the state or Federal COVID-19 response go to Oregon Health Authority, Centers for Disease Control, and 211Info.

 

Oregon COVID-19 Presumptive

OHA expanded their reporting for COVID-19 case management to now include presumptive COVID-19 cases in their total case number.  DPHN is reporting the number of people with new positive test results and any new presumptives and uses the OHA’s definition of presumptive as having had close contact with a known, confirmed COVID-19 case, showing symptoms and not yet having a positive nasal swab/PCR or antigen test for COVID-19.  Testing continues, as DPHN has been holding 2-3 clinics a week and hospitals, urgent cares and clinics continue to test.  DPHN continues their epidemiologic investigations, identifying individuals who may have had close contact with individuals that have tested positive for COVID-19, advising and supporting quarantine and isolation.

 

Travel Caution: Please Limit Travel, Social Gatherings and Visitors

Our recent surge in cases can be attributed to travel and unwitting and unintentional behavior by residents choosing to attend or host social gatherings where COVID-19 guidelines for social distancing, food preparation, hand washing and masks are not being followed.  Cases have been linked to travel and social gatherings including: birthday parties, weddings, funerals, prayer groups, play dates, visiting family members and school events. Again, we ask that you take a moment and revisit how you are socializing and please protect yourself, your loved ones and our communities from the spread of this virus.  We encourage you to delay travel, consider stay-cations and reschedule visits from out-of-the-area friends and family to a later date.  We continue to identify people with positive test results that have chosen to travel out of Oregon to visit relatives or to take vacations.  While traveling those individuals and families have come in contact with someone with COVID-19 and brought it back to Douglas County.  Other cases and outbreaks were the direct result of someone coming to Douglas County to visit and bringing the virus with them and infecting their host family.  Please stay safe and remember to be kind to others. Stopping the increase of COVID-19 cases in our county is really up to YOU, our citizens.

 

Facebook Live with Dr. Bob

Please join us Tuesday, November 10, 2020 at 6:00 pm for the next Facebook Live event with Dr. Bob. hosted by DPHN on the DPHN Facebook page.  Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Douglas County Public Health Officer will continue their normal schedule of Facebook “Live Q&A Updates” next week with both his Tuesday night at 6:00 pm and Friday night at 4:00 pm on the DPHN Facebook page.  Residents are still able to submit their COVID-19 questions to Dr. Bob during the live shows, but you can also email your questions to: ookquestions@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org">Facebookquestions@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org.  Dr. Bob and the DPHN team will do their best to respond to as many questions as they can during their weekly updates.

 

REMINDER: Join Us for the 2020 Douglas County REVERSE Veterans Day Parade on Wednesday, November 11

The Douglas County Board of Commissioners issued are calling upon all citizens of Douglas County to join us in supporting our local military heroes by attending the special “Reverse” 2020 Douglas County Veterans Day Parade on Wednesday, November 11, 2020, starting at 11:00 am, at the Douglas County Fairgrounds. 

 

Despite COVID-19, the Douglas County Veterans Forum and Veterans Day Parade Committee knew our annual parade honoring our veterans must go on, so they put their heads together and came up with the idea of a “Reverse” parade format to keep the tradition alive.  In a reverse parade, the floats are stationary, while the parade spectators are the ones driving by in vehicles.  The parade route was moved to the Douglas County Fairgrounds this year, in order to provide proper distancing for staging of the parade entries.  The reverse format takes into account the current social gathering guidelines, as well as the concern for the health and safety of our residents during the pandemic. The 2020 Douglas County Veterans Day Parade Grand Marshals will feature our Military Doctors & Nurses, while the theme is Embrace the past –Engage the present –Envision the future.  The Douglas County Veterans Day Parade, is one of only two Veterans Day parades in Oregon that was not canceled due to the pandemic.

 

The Commissioners are proud to support this cherished annual event, often called Oregon’s Greatest Veteran’s Day Parade and this year possibly the largest.  In Douglas County, ‘We Honor Veterans’, and encourage you to take time this Veterans Day to recognize the brave men and women who have fearlessly served our nation by thanking them and their families for their dedication, service, as well as the many sacrifices made on behalf of our great nation.  We hope you are able to join us for the 2020 Veterans Day Parade at the Douglas County Fairgrounds on Wednesday, November 11, 2020.

 

REMINDER: Aviva Health Offering Veterans Free Drive-Thru Flu Shots at the 2020 Veterans’ Day Parade

Shared from Aviva Health. Aviva Health is providing area veterans with the option to get a free drive-thru flu shot at this year’s ‘Reverse’ Douglas County Veterans Day Parade on Wednesday, November 11, starting at 11:00 am. The 2020 Veterans Day Parade will be a reverse format at the Douglas County Fairgrounds.  The Douglas County Veterans Day Parade Committee have planned a reverse parade, where floats and other elements of the parade remain stationary while visitors to the event drive by them in their cars. Proper social distancing and masking guidelines will be followed to protect people from COVID-19.  Aviva Health typically hosts a Veterans Day event at its Roseburg campus called Vets and Their Pets, but the pandemic forced the organization to cancel this year’s festivities. Still, Aviva Health intends to honor and assist those who have served in a meaningful way.

 

 

LOCAL COVID-19 INFORMATION

Stay Informed with Accurate Local Information

 

Stay up to date on COVID-19 in Douglas County on the Douglas County Government website or the DPHN website.  Your Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Public Health Officer, Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer, DPHN and the Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team (DCCRT) have been working hard to cooperatively provide accurate and timely information to Douglas County residents since March 8, 2020.  Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the agencies that make up the DCCRT. 

 

Douglas County Resource/COVID-19 Hotline: (541) 464-6550:

Douglas County Commissioners and Douglas Public Health Network have added a resource and referral service to the current COVID-19 hotline for Douglas County residents.  The added service will help residents get connected to resources and services due to the local wildfires.  Referral and resource information will be available about local emergency shelters, livestock and animal boarding options, donation locations, volunteer opportunities, welfare check referrals, food and water resources and help with health and wellness questions.  This is NOT the hotline for Fire Updates or Evacuation information.  Please contact or follow DFPA and DCSO for the most up-to-date wildfire information.  The Resource/COVID-19 Hotline is (541) 464-6550.  It is staffed from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, 7 days a week until further notice. 

 

Questions about Governor’s Reopening or Statewide Rules?  If you have questions or need more information go to the Governor’s COVID-19 website at https://govstatus.egov.com/or-covid-19/ or call the Business Oregon's Navigator Hotline at (833) 604-0880.  For information on COVID-19 in Oregon, call 211 or visit 211info

 

Who Do You Contact to Report Compliance Issues with the Governor’s Statewide Rules?  Please do not call 911, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office or Douglas County Offices to report compliance issues with the Governor’s orders.  The Governor has directed the State offices for Oregon Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) and the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) to be the enforcement agencies responsible for ensuring restaurants, bars, and other businesses comply with COVID-related rules.  For more information or to report compliance issues contact:

OSHA: (800) 922-2689 or OSHA website or OLCC (503) 872-5000 or OLCC website

 

###

 

Contact Tamara Howell, Public Information Officer, Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, (541) 670-2804 cell/(541) 957-4896 tjhowell@co.douglas.or.us

Contact Vanessa Becker, Public Information Officer, Douglas Public Health Network, (541) 817-6552 cell (541) 440-3571 vanessa@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org

11-06-20 Notice of Holiday Closure -Veterans Day Holiday (Photo) - 11/06/20

The Douglas County Board of Commissioners

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - November 6, 2020

 

***NOTICE OF HOLIDAY CLOSURE***

Veterans Day Holiday - Wednesday, November 11, 2020

 

            (Douglas County, Ore.) The Douglas County Board of Commissioners would like to remind citizens that government offices in the Douglas County Courthouse, 1036 SE Douglas Avenue in Roseburg, as well as the Douglas County Justice Building, Douglas County Courthouse Annex, Transfer Stations, Fairgrounds and All External Douglas County Government Offices will be closed to the public on Wednesday, November 11, 2020, in observance of the Veterans Day Holiday.  As always, even when Douglas County government offices are closed, many officials and public employees are still working. 

 

Please note these exceptions:

• The Douglas County Museum and the Umpqua River Lighthouse Museum will be open on Wednesday, November 11, 2020, for normal business hours.   
• All Douglas County operated parks, campgrounds and boat ramps will continue to be open and accessible to the public.  For reservation information at Douglas County operated campgrounds, please call (541) 957-7001 or online www.co.douglas.or.us/parks/.  The Douglas County Parks Office will be closed on Wednesday, November 11, 2020.
• Even though the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office lobby entrance will be closed on Wednesday, November 11, 2020, our Sheriff’s Deputies, 911 communications and DCSO staff will continue to provide law enforcement protection and emergency assistance for our residents.  If you have an emergency, call 9-1-1.  If you need to reach dispatch for a non-emergency, call the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency number at (541) 440-4471. 
• The Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Public Health Officer, DPHN staff, the DCCRT’s Joint Information Center staff and the Douglas County Commissioners will continue to work on the COVID-19 response regardless of the holiday.

 

            Veterans Day, also referred to as Armistice Day and Remembrance Day, is also celebrated in other parts of the world and marks the anniversary of the end of World War I, which formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, when the Armistice with Germany went into effect.   United States President Woodrow Wilson first proclaimed Armistice Day on November 11, 1919. In proclaiming the holiday, he said, “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations.”  The United States observed Armistice Day on November 11, until it evolved into the current Veterans Day holiday in 1954. 

 

            We ask that you take a moment and thank our all of our Veterans for their valued service, bravery and sacrifices.  Please join us for the special drive-through REVERSE 2020 Douglas County Veterans Day Parade on Wednesday, November 11, 2020, at the Douglas County Fairgrounds, starting at 11:00 am.

 

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      Contact Tamara Howell, Emergency Communications & Community Engagement Specialist (PIO)

(541) 670-2804 cell - (541) 957-4896 office - tjhowell@co.douglas.or.us

Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team - Daily Update - November 6, 2020 (Photo) - 11/06/20

Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the agencies that make up the DCCRT

JOINT INFORMATION CENTER PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – November 6, 2020

DOUGLAS COUNTY COVID-19 RESPONSE TEAM - DAILY UPDATE

 

(Douglas County, Ore.) Douglas County COVID-19 Test Results: The Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team continues to focus on our local COVID-19 response.  As of 12:00 pm today, Friday, November 6, 2020, there are EIGHT (8) people with new positive test results since our noon case update yesterday*.  The total number of cases (people with positive test results and presumptive) in Douglas County is now at 436*.  Currently, there are SIX Douglas County COVID-19 patients that are being hospitalized locally.

 

OREGON FOOTBALL IS BACK: PLEASE CHEER RESPONSIBLY

Amid the current rash of COVID cases in Oregon, the much anticipated return of PAC-12 football this weekend means a chance for fans to finally cheer for their favorite Oregon team, but also an increase in possible social gatherings (parties), and the likelihood that we could see another run on COVID cases.  We are asking for your assistance in helping us stop the run! Even though fans are NOT being allowed in Autzen or Reser Stadium to watch the Duck and Beaver games LIVE, the gridiron action will be televised.  Which means fans will be gathering at local restaurants, taverns, eateries and bars to cheer on their favorite teams, as well as considering opening up their homes for fan watch parties.  Please, we ask that you cheer for your favorite team responsibly by limiting your social interactions with others not in your household, and limiting watch parties to include only members of your immediate household, so we can help stop the continued spread of COVID in our communities.  Instead, consider hosting a virtual watch party with fellow fans and dress up in favorite team’s gear, while you cheer, root and armchair quarterback your team onto victory.  

 

Know the Rules of the Game and Please No Penalty Flags for “Too Many Players on The Field”!

Smart Duck and Beaver Fans who know the rules of the game can help us keep their fellow fans safe this year.  The last thing you want is for your favorite Duck fan or Beaver Believer to be sidelined with aches, pains, fever, chills, runny nose, sore throat, diarrhea or vomiting, and be out of action from work with a two-week quarantine.  Further, as our local businesses have been hit hard already this year, don’t be the reason the authorities sideline your favorite restaurant or bar for the remainder of the season. 

 

Practice the No Huddle Offense!

So, while you watch the games: spread out (no huddling, watch your six…feet); remember to wash and sanitize your hands often (bring wipes or hand sanitizer with you); mask up (get creative and wear team color or logoed masks), do not overcrowd the place (avoid too many players on the field), stay home if you are sick (sideline yourself) and avoid sharing food and drinks with others.  Be part of the team and help to keep your fellow fans safe, your favorite bar open and enjoy the gridiron action! Go Team!

Douglas County, OR - COVID-19 - Case Update
Date	Monday, November 2, 2020	Tuesday, November 3, 2020	Wednesday, November 4, 2020	Thursday, November 5, 2020	Today, Friday, November 6, 2020
Total COVID-19 Cases	390	400	411**	428	436
People with Positive PCR or Antigen Test Results	347	355	364	379	387
Presumptive	43	45	47	49	49
Total Currently Hospitalized	3	5	3	4	6
Total Currently in Isolation	49	54	61	78	80
Total COVID-19 Related Deaths	8	8	9	10	10
Total Negative Test Results	16,010	16,062	16,159	16,226	16,331

*Our daily update includes the total number of cases in Douglas County, which combines people with positive test results and presumptives. We provide a breakout of the people with positive test results and presumptives in the chart above. Please note there will be times when a presumptive will move to a positive test result, and our total case number will not change because the case has already been counted, instead you will see an adjustment to our breakout numbers for positive test results and presumptives. 

 

**Please note, we retracted ONE positive case number from our totals on Wednesday, November 4, 2020.  After investigation, it was determined that one person previously reported with a positive test result was not a Douglas County resident, and therefore, the case was moved to their respective County.  We have adjusted our chart and numbers to reflect the retraction and movement.

 

REMINDER: Please Stay Home If You Are Sick, Feeling Sick or Not Fully Recovered from Being Sick!

Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, Douglas County Public Health Official would like to remind residents about the importance of staying home when you are sick to help protect others from getting sick.  This means not only staying home from work and school, but also staying home from all other activities and social events.  Please, if you are sick, even if you just have a runny nose or stuffy head, do not attend birthday parties, weddings, poker nights, prayer groups, church or go work out at the gym and expose others to your illness. 

 

What we have discovered with several of our large local outbreaks are people who were sick, and have chosen to still to go to school, work, poker club, shopping and holiday parties.  A case in point: A local student was sick and went back to school before she was better.  Had she waited a few days, she would have lost 3 or 4 days of school, but her class would not have been impacted.  Unfortunately, she went to school and exposed 40 others.  Now, those 40 others will need to be quarantined for 2 weeks and will miss a total of 760 days away from activity.  In addition, those 40 families will need to take time away from work, school and activities to care for them.  So, the economic impact of going back to school or work before you are well is enormous.

 

Do You Have to Quarantine or Isolate Because of COVID-19, But Don’t Have Paid Time Off?

Shared from Oregon COVID-19 Temporary Paid Leave Program.  The COVID-19 Temporary Paid Leave Program is available to people who need to quarantine or isolate because of COVID-19 exposure or are experiencing symptoms and need a medical diagnosis, but do not qualify for COVID-19-related paid sick leave (or do not have access to COVID-19-related paid time off).  If you meet all of the eligibility requirements, you will get a $120 per-day payment, up to 10 working days ($1,200 total) for the time you need to quarantine or isolate.  To see if you are eligible, take this quiz or see the requirements below. Read the instructions for help completing the application. Click here to complete the application.

 

Eligibility: To be eligible for the program, you must meet all the following requirements:

• Work in Oregon and required to file an Oregon personal income tax return.
• Directed to quarantine by a local or tribal public health authority or health care provider because of exposure to someone infected or have COVID-19-related symptoms and are seeking a medical diagnosis.
• Not able to work (including telework) because you need to quarantine or isolate.
• Do not expect to earn more than $60,000 individually or $120,000 jointly in 2020.
• Your employer does not provide COVID-19-related paid sick leave or you have exhausted your available COVID-19-related paid sick leave.
• Are not applying for unemployment insurance benefits for the time off due to quarantine or isolation.
• Are not applying for workers’ compensation benefits for the time off due to quarantine or isolation or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
• Are not seeking or using benefits from similar COVID-19 quarantine relief programs in Oregon or another state.
• Are not applying for or receiving other forms of paid leave from your employer during your quarantine or isolation, such as banked sick leave or vacation leave.
• Are not laid off or furloughed by your employer.
• Must have notified your employer that you need to quarantine or isolate.
• Can claim only one quarantine period.
• You are not self-employed.

 

You Are the Key to Controlling the Spread of COVID-19!

It is no secret that the key to stopping the continued spread of the coronavirus is, YOU, our residents, our families, our communities and our businesses.  Yes, prevention is the best medicine, and not just to help stop the spread of COVID, but for your overall health and wellbeing as well.  If each and every individual in our county would make a real concerted effort to implement prevention measure into their daily routine, we could see a huge decrease in our COVID case numbers.  That means we need each and everyone one of our residents to take steps to minimize the spread of germs and contagions, by choosing every day to maintain healthier eating habits; incorporate exercise and cleaning routines; being cautious and keeping distance from others; making modifications to how you socialize with others; choosing no contact deliveries and services; and staying home if you are sick.  The suggestions we make and the guidelines presented by public health are not just for your health and safety, but for the health and safety of everyone, including our kids, our grandparents, our coworkers, our first responders, our teachers and our businesses.  We know we sound like a broken record, but our primary focus is to do everything we can to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of our residents. 

 

We Encourage You to Help Stop the Spread and Stay Healthy

• Make a habit of washing and sanitizing your hands, regularly.  That means washing after you eat, if you touch new surfaces, go to the bathroom, open a door, go to the store, go to the post office or after a meeting.  Also try and avoid touching your face as much as possible. 
• Please wear a mask where recommended.  Not just for your protection, but for the protection of others. 
• Stay at least six feet apart from anyone that is not from your immediate household.  This means paying attention to the distance stickers at the store, the bank, at restaurants and at businesses.  Please be respectful, kind and polite, by giving people ample space.
• Stay home from work, school and play if you are sick.  This includes not running errands or going shopping or inviting visitors to your home.  If you need help, reach out to friends, family or utilize an app or businesses that offer no contact deliveries or services.
• Minimize travel, especially out of the state and limit visitors to your home. 
• Minimize attending social gatherings or going places where there are large groups of people.

 

We are now passed four hundred mark with COVID-19 cases in Douglas County, with 8 new total positive cases and presumptives combined today.  This trend of has become increasingly concerning for all of us.  An ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure — and that’s never been more true than right now.  But, just like the old adage, the recommendations from public health for preventing the spread of diseases, viruses and illnesses are not new notions, but rather age old advice based on decades of scientific research.  From a young age we are taught to wash our hands, cover our coughs, clean and disinfect and stay home if we are sick.  This sage advice continues to be the basis for good hygiene and virus prevention practices today.  The DCCRT team, under the direction of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, along with Dr. Dannenhoffer and Douglas Public Health Network encourage residents to make prevention measures a part of their everyday routines.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend six daily habits that can help you avoid sickness and prevent the spread of viruses to others too.

 

UPDATED: OHA Reporting and Definition for Recovered

As per the Oregon Health Authority COVID-19 Investigative Guidelines, the number of recovered cases is no longer being assessed or reported by OHA.  Up until May 1st, 2020 recovery from COVID-19 was defined as being afebrile (not feverish), without the use of antiphyretics (medicine to reduce a fever), and having resolution of cough, shortness of breath and diarrhea for at least 72 hours.  As more was learned about symptoms, recovery and contagious period, the definition of recovered changed.   Beginning May 1st, OHA stopped reporting recovered cases while also separating recovery from contagious or isolation period.  Many cases were no longer contagious, as they were outside of the contagious period, but still having lingering symptoms.  To be consistent with OHA and to adapt as we learn more about this new virus, we removed the column in our chart listing recovered cases.  At that point, we added the number of those in isolation, roughly indicating active or infectious cases of COVID-19 in Douglas County.

 

Currently, DPHN is supporting 80 cases in isolation, as well as another 381 contacts in quarantine in Douglas County.  Isolation is recommended for confirmed and presumptive cases, quarantine is recommended for contacts of confirmed or presumptive cases.  Currently, staff is supporting an astonishing 461 total contacts in isolation/quarantine.  This number represents a snapshot of the significant amount of work being done by our county and our public health to help control the spread of COVID-19.

 

Getting Tested & Testing Clinics

The next drive-through testing clinic is Today, Friday, November 6, 2020, in Roseburg. As a reminder, if you are having symptoms of COVID-19 including cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches and pains, diarrhea, sore throat or decreased sense of smell and taste, talk to your health care provider about being tested for COVID-19.  Patients without a Primary Care Provider, that are looking for a COVID-19 test should contact the Sutherlin Aviva Health Clinic at (541) 459-3788. The first drive-through testing site was piloted in the county on March 17, 2020, there have been 1747 people tested in 87 drive-through clinics, while additional testing continues in hospitals, urgent cares and clinics. The drive-through clinics are led by DPHN, in conjunction with partner agencies including; Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Public Works, local volunteers and local health professionals.

 

Oregon COVID-19 Case Update

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reports new cases once a day on their website at www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus. OHA also releases a daily situation status report and a weekly report that details the overall picture of the COVID-19 outbreak within our state.  The daily report details positive and presumptive cases, as well as deaths by county and statewide, while the weekly report is more in depth and includes statistical data related the severity of cases by age, gender, zip codes, ethnicity, as well as information on workplace and senior care facility outbreaks in Oregon. Find additional information on the state or Federal COVID-19 response go to Oregon Health Authority, Centers for Disease Control, and 211Info.

 

Oregon COVID-19 Presumptive

OHA expanded their reporting for COVID-19 case management to now include presumptive COVID-19 cases in their total case number.  DPHN is reporting the number of people with new positive test results and any new presumptives and uses the OHA’s definition of presumptive as having had close contact with a known, confirmed COVID-19 case, showing symptoms and not yet having a positive nasal swab/PCR or antigen test for COVID-19.  Testing continues, as DPHN has been holding 2-3 clinics a week and hospitals, urgent cares and clinics continue to test.  DPHN continues their epidemiologic investigations, identifying individuals who may have had close contact with individuals that have tested positive for COVID-19, advising and supporting quarantine and isolation.

 

Travel Caution: Please Limit Travel, Social Gatherings and Visitors

Our recent surge in cases can be attributed to travel and unwitting and unintentional behavior by residents choosing to attend or host social gatherings where COVID-19 guidelines for social distancing, food preparation, hand washing and masks are not being followed.  Cases have been linked to travel and social gatherings including: birthday parties, weddings, funerals, prayer groups, play dates, visiting family members and school events. Again, we ask that you take a moment and revisit how you are socializing and please protect yourself, your loved ones and our communities from the spread of this virus.  We encourage you to delay travel, consider stay-cations and reschedule visits from out-of-the-area friends and family to a later date.  We continue to identify people with positive test results that have chosen to travel out of Oregon to visit relatives or to take vacations.  While traveling those individuals and families have come in contact with someone with COVID-19 and brought it back to Douglas County.  Other cases and outbreaks were the direct result of someone coming to Douglas County to visit and bringing the virus with them and infecting their host family.  Please stay safe and remember to be kind to others. Stopping the increase of COVID-19 cases in our county is really up to YOU, our citizens.

Facebook Live with Dr. Bob

Please join us Tonight, Friday, November 6, 2020 at 4:00 pm for the next Facebook Live event with Dr. Bob. hosted by DPHN on the DPHN Facebook page.  Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Douglas County Public Health Officer will continue their normal schedule of Facebook “Live Q&A Updates” next week with both his Tuesday night at 6:00 pm and Friday night at 4:00 pm on the DPHN Facebook page.  Residents are still able to submit their COVID-19 questions to Dr. Bob during the live shows, but you can also email your questions to: ookquestions@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org">Facebookquestions@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org.  Dr. Bob and the DPHN team will do their best to respond to as many questions as they can during their weekly updates.

 

REMINDER: Join Us for the 2020 Douglas County REVERSE Veterans Day Parade on Wednesday, November 11

The Douglas County Board of Commissioners issued are calling upon all citizens of Douglas County to join us in supporting our local military heroes by attending the special “Reverse” 2020 Douglas County Veterans Day Parade on Wednesday, November 11, 2020, starting at 11:00 am, at the Douglas County Fairgrounds. 

 

Despite COVID-19, the Douglas County Veterans Forum and Veterans Day Parade Committee knew our annual parade honoring our veterans must go on, so they put their heads together and came up with the idea of a “Reverse” parade format to keep the tradition alive.  In a reverse parade, the floats are stationary, while the parade spectators are the ones driving by in vehicles.  The parade route was moved to the Douglas County Fairgrounds this year, in order to provide proper distancing for staging of the parade entries.  The reverse format takes into account the current social gathering guidelines, as well as the concern for the health and safety of our residents during the pandemic. The 2020 Douglas County Veterans Day Parade Grand Marshals will feature our Military Doctors & Nurses, while the theme is Embrace the past –Engage the present –Envision the future.  The Douglas County Veterans Day Parade, is one of only two Veterans Day parades in Oregon that was not canceled due to the pandemic.

 

The Commissioners are proud to support this cherished annual event, often called Oregon’s Greatest Veteran’s Day Parade and this year possibly the largest.  In Douglas County, ‘We Honor Veterans’, and encourage you to take time this Veterans Day to recognize the brave men and women who have fearlessly served our nation by thanking them and their families for their dedication, service, as well as the many sacrifices made on behalf of our great nation.  We hope you are able to join us for the 2020 Veterans Day Parade at the Douglas County Fairgrounds on Wednesday, November 11, 2020.

 

REMINDER: Aviva Health Offering Veterans Free Drive-Thru Flu Shots at the 2020 Veterans’ Day Parade

Shared from Aviva Health. Aviva Health is providing area veterans with the option to get a free drive-thru flu shot at this year’s ‘Reverse’ Douglas County Veterans Day Parade on Wednesday, November 11, starting at 11:00 am. The 2020 Veterans Day Parade will be a reverse format at the Douglas County Fairgrounds.  The Douglas County Veterans Day Parade Committee have planned a reverse parade, where floats and other elements of the parade remain stationary while visitors to the event drive by them in their cars. Proper social distancing and masking guidelines will be followed to protect people from COVID-19.  Aviva Health typically hosts a Veterans Day event at its Roseburg campus called Vets and Their Pets, but the pandemic forced the organization to cancel this year’s festivities. Still, Aviva Health intends to honor and assist those who have served in a meaningful way.

 

Sutherlin School District Issues Positive Case Notice

Shared from the Sutherlin School District Facebook Page. In a notice posted to their Facebook page at 10:53 pm on Wednesday, November 4, 2020, Sutherlin School District Superintendent, Terri Prestianni, announced that they were notified by DPHN and Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Douglas County Public Health Officer, that a student at Sutherlin Middle School had tested positive for COVID-19. Sutherlin School District officials have been very proactive in their approach in dealing with this event to help mitigate the spread of the virus. Below is a copy of the notice that was posted:

 

“November 4, 2020 - School District Responds to Positive COVID-19 Case(s)

The Sutherlin School District is taking steps to ensure the safety of all students and staff.

A Sutherlin School District student at Sutherlin Middle School has tested positive for COVID-19. We are working closely with the Douglas Public Health Network to respond to this news and protect the health of our community.

We are taking steps to ensure the safety of all students and staff.

As soon as the Douglas Public Health Network informed us that a student in our district tested positive for COVID-19, we started notifying staff, and parents of the children in the cohort that a student tested positive, asking them to quarantine for 14 days and monitor for symptoms. We provided quarantine guidance and informed parents of exposed children that someone from the DPHN will be in daily telephone contact to provide additional monitoring.

We will continue to follow and maintain the Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon Department of Education guidelines; namely practicing handwashing, physical distancing to the degree we can, requiring people wear masks inside the building, and upholding cleaning and disinfecting protocols.

At this time, in-person learning will resume for the students and staff who are not quarantined.

We understand families are concerned. We will keep families and the school community updated with any new information as it becomes available, while meeting the requirements to honor everyone's right to privacy.

• Terry Prestianni, Superintendent”

 

Roseburg School District Issues Positive Case Notice

Shared from the Roseburg School District. In an announcement released today, Roseburg School District Superintendent, Jared Cordon, announced that they were notified by DPHN and Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Douglas County Public Health Officer, that two staff members at Hucrest Elementary School had tested positive for COVID-19. Roseburg School District officials have been very proactive in their approach in dealing with this event to help mitigate the spread of the virus.

 

“The Roseburg School District is working closely with the Douglas Public Health Network to respond to the situation and protect the health of the school community,” commented Superintendent Cordon.  “At this time the individuals are at home self-isolating and monitoring for symptoms.”

 

Roseburg School District in collaboration with DPHN, is taking the following steps:

*Following contact tracing efforts, RPS decided that two additional classrooms should temporarily transition to remote learning out of an abundance of caution. Families directly impacted are being notified and will work with their teachers to navigate the transition.

 

*Instructional and resource support is being provided for students temporarily participating in remote learning.

 

*The district will continue to maintain safety protocols and guidelines established by the Oregon Department of Education and Oregon Health Authority.

 

For reference: The Oregon Health Authority issues a weekly COVID-19 report that publishes data on K-12 schools with in-person instruction, child/day care centers, businesses and care facilities that meet their outbreak criteria. As of last week, OHA’s policy related to school outbreaks is to report outbreaks with 1 or more cases in school settings at any place of learning for students from kindergarten through twelfth grade, or a subset, with at least 30 students enrolled. Case counts includes employees, staff, volunteers or students at the school. According to OHA, the notice is to inform the public of potential COVID-19 exposure and to provide transparency surrounding COVID-19 in schools. School is defined as any place of learning for students from kindergarten through twelfth grade, or a subset, with at least 30 students enrolled. This includes, but is not limited to, public schools, private schools, parochial and charter schools. Staff is defined as any person who works full time or part-time at the school, regardless of their position. A volunteer is defined as any person who volunteers onsite.

 

 

LOCAL COVID-19 INFORMATION

Stay Informed with Accurate Local Information

 

Stay up to date on COVID-19 in Douglas County on the Douglas County Government website or the DPHN website.  Your Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Public Health Officer, Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer, DPHN and the Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team (DCCRT) have been working hard to cooperatively provide accurate and timely information to Douglas County residents since March 8, 2020.  Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the agencies that make up the DCCRT. 

 

Douglas County Resource/COVID-19 Hotline: (541) 464-6550:

Douglas County Commissioners and Douglas Public Health Network have added a resource and referral service to the current COVID-19 hotline for Douglas County residents.  The added service will help residents get connected to resources and services due to the local wildfires.  Referral and resource information will be available about local emergency shelters, livestock and animal boarding options, donation locations, volunteer opportunities, welfare check referrals, food and water resources and help with health and wellness questions.  This is NOT the hotline for Fire Updates or Evacuation information.  Please contact or follow DFPA and DCSO for the most up-to-date wildfire information.  The Resource/COVID-19 Hotline is (541) 464-6550.  It is staffed from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, 7 days a week until further notice. 

 

Questions about Governor’s Reopening or Statewide Rules?  If you have questions or need more information go to the Governor’s COVID-19 website at https://govstatus.egov.com/or-covid-19/ or call the Business Oregon's Navigator Hotline at (833) 604-0880.  For information on COVID-19 in Oregon, call 211 or visit 211info

 

Who Do You Contact to Report Compliance Issues with the Governor’s Statewide Rules?  Please do not call 911, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office or Douglas County Offices to report compliance issues with the Governor’s orders.  The Governor has directed the State offices for Oregon Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) and the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) to be the enforcement agencies responsible for ensuring restaurants, bars, and other businesses comply with COVID-related rules.  For more information or to report compliance issues contact:

OSHA: (800) 922-2689 or OSHA website or OLCC (503) 872-5000 or OLCC website

 

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Contact Tamara Howell, Public Information Officer, Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, (541) 670-2804 cell/(541) 957-4896 tjhowell@co.douglas.or.us

Contact Vanessa Becker, Public Information Officer, Douglas Public Health Network, (541) 817-6552 cell (541) 440-3571 vanessa@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org

Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team - Daily Update - November 5, 2020 (Photo) - 11/05/20

Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the agencies that make up the DCCRT

JOINT INFORMATION CENTER PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – November 5, 2020

DOUGLAS COUNTY COVID-19 RESPONSE TEAM - DAILY UPDATE

 

(Douglas County, Ore.) Before we get to a third day with a spike in local cases, we wanted to share this special announcement from Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Douglas County Public Health Official:

 

“Please stay home if you are sick, feeling sick or not fully recovered from being sick! This means not only staying home from work and school, but also staying home from all other activities and social events.  Please, if you are sick, do not attend birthday parties, weddings, poker nights, prayer groups, church or go work out at the gym.  What I've noticed in the last several large local outbreaks are people who were sick, and still went to school, work, poker club and dinner parties.  A case in point: A local student was sick and went back to school before she was better.  Had she waited a few days, she would have lost 3 or 4 days of school, but her class would not have been impacted.  Unfortunately, she went to school and exposed 40 others.  Now, those 40 others will need to be quarantined for 2 weeks and will miss a total of 760 days away from activity.  In addition, those 40 families will need to take time away from work, school and activities to care for them.  So, the economic impact of going back to school or work before you are well is enormous.”

 

Douglas County COVID-19 Test Results: The Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team continues to focus on our local COVID-19 response.  As of 12:00 pm today, Thursday, November 5, 2020, there are FIFTEEN (15) people with new positive test results, TWO new presumptives and our TENTH COVID related death since our noon case update yesterday*.  The total number of cases (people with positive test results and presumptive) in Douglas County is now at 428*.  Currently, there are FOUR Douglas County COVID-19 patients that are being hospitalized locally.

 

Currently, DPHN is supporting 78 cases in isolation, as well as another 389 contacts in quarantine in Douglas County.  Isolation is recommended for confirmed and presumptive cases, quarantine is recommended for contacts of confirmed or presumptive cases.  Currently, staff is supporting an astonishing 467 total contacts in isolation/quarantine.  This number represents a snapshot of the significant amount of work being done by our county and our public health to help control the spread of COVID-19.

 

Tenth COVID-19 Related Death of a Douglas County Resident

Our Douglas County Public Health Officer, Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer, has confirmed the death of our tenth Douglas County resident from the COVID-19 virus. Our tenth COVID related death is a 62-year-old woman who passed away yesterday, Wednesday, November 4, 2020, in Roseburg, Oregon. She tested positive for COVID-19 upon being admitted to the hospital on October 14, 2020.  In the interest of privacy for the individual’s loved ones, no additional information will be released. Each death related to COVID-19 is painful for all Douglas County residents, and a reminder of the terrible impact COVID-19 has had in our local communities. The Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Dr. Dannenhoffer, DPHN staff and the DCCRT Team extend our heartfelt condolences and sympathies to all family members, friends, relatives, co-workers and community members of those who have passed after contracting this deadly virus.

 

“We are saddened by the death of another Douglas County resident to this deadly virus.  On behalf of my family, my fellow Board of Commissioners, Dr. Dannenhoffer, DPHN staff and the DCCRT team, we send our sincere condolences and prayers to all the family members and friends,” commented Commissioner Tim Freeman. “Over the last three days we have reported 38 new cases and 2 deaths.  Clearly, this should be a wakeup call for all of our residents!  Please, we encourage everyone to stay safe, stay home if you are sick, wash your hands, keep your distance from others and protect your friends, family, coworkers and classmates from getting sick!”

 

Douglas County, OR - COVID-19 - Case Update
Date	Sunday, November 1, 2020	Monday, November 2, 2020	Tuesday, November 3, 2020	Wednesday, November 4, 2020	Today, Thursday, November 5, 2020
Total COVID-19 Cases	387	390	400	411**	428
People with Positive PCR or Antigen Test Results	345	347	355	364	379
Presumptive	42	43	45	47	49
Total Currently Hospitalized	3	3	5	3	4
Total Currently in Isolation	51	49	54	61	78
Total COVID-19 Related Deaths	8	8	8	9	10
Total Negative Test Results	15,937	16,010	16,062	16,159	16,226

*Our daily update includes the total number of cases in Douglas County, which combines people with positive test results and presumptives. We provide a breakout of the people with positive test results and presumptives in the chart above. Please note there will be times when a presumptive will move to a positive test result, and our total case number will not change because the case has already been counted, instead you will see an adjustment to our breakout numbers for positive test results and presumptives. 

 

**Please note, we retracted ONE positive case number from our totals on Wednesday, November 4, 2020.  After investigation, it was determined that one person previously reported with a positive test result was not a Douglas County resident, and therefore, the case was moved to their respective County.  We have adjusted our chart and numbers to reflect the retraction and movement.

 

You Are the Key to Controlling the Spread of COVID-19!

It is no secret that the key to stopping the continued spread of the coronavirus is, YOU, our residents, our families, our communities and our businesses.  Yes, prevention is the best medicine, and not just to help stop the spread of COVID, but for your overall health and wellbeing as well.  If each and every individual in our county would make a real concerted effort to implement prevention measure into their daily routine, we could see a huge decrease in our COVID case numbers.  That means we need each and everyone one of our residents to take steps to minimize the spread of germs and contagions, by choosing every day to maintain healthier eating habits; incorporate exercise and cleaning routines; being cautious and keeping distance from others; making modifications to how you socialize with others; choosing no contact deliveries and services; and staying home if you are sick.  The suggestions we make and the guidelines presented by public health are not just for your health and safety, but for the health and safety of everyone, including our kids, our grandparents, our coworkers, our first responders, our teachers and our businesses.  We know we sound like a broken record, but our primary focus is to do everything we can to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of our residents. 

 

We Encourage You to Help Stop the Spread and Stay Healthy

• Make a habit of washing and sanitizing your hands, regularly.  That means washing after you eat, if you touch new surfaces, go to the bathroom, open a door, go to the store, go to the post office or after a meeting.  Also try and avoid touching your face as much as possible. 
• Please wear a mask where recommended.  Not just for your protection, but for the protection of others. 
• Stay at least six feet apart from anyone that is not from your immediate household.  This means paying attention to the distance stickers at the store, the bank, at restaurants and at businesses.  Please be respectful, kind and polite, by giving people ample space.
• Stay home from work, school and play if you are sick.  This includes not running errands or going shopping or inviting visitors to your home.  If you need help, reach out to friends, family or utilize an app or businesses that offer no contact deliveries or services.
• Minimize travel, especially out of the state and limit visitors to your home. 
• Minimize attending social gatherings or going places where there are large groups of people.

 

We have now surpassed the four hundred mark with COVID-19 cases in Douglas County, with 12 new total positive cases and presumptives combined today.  This trend of has become increasingly concerning for all of us.  An ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure — and that’s never been more true than right now.  But, just like the old adage, the recommendations from public health for preventing the spread of diseases, viruses and illnesses are not new notions, but rather age old advice based on decades of scientific research.  From a young age we are taught to wash our hands, cover our coughs, clean and disinfect and stay home if we are sick.  This sage advice continues to be the basis for good hygiene and virus prevention practices today.  The DCCRT team, under the direction of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, along with Dr. Dannenhoffer and Douglas Public Health Network encourage residents to make prevention measures a part of their everyday routines.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend six daily habits that can help you avoid sickness and prevent the spread of viruses to others too.

 

UPDATED: OHA Reporting and Definition for Recovered

As per the Oregon Health Authority COVID-19 Investigative Guidelines, the number of recovered cases is no longer being assessed or reported by OHA.  Up until May 1st, 2020 recovery from COVID-19 was defined as being afebrile (not feverish), without the use of antiphyretics (medicine to reduce a fever), and having resolution of cough, shortness of breath and diarrhea for at least 72 hours.  As more was learned about symptoms, recovery and contagious period, the definition of recovered changed.   Beginning May 1st, OHA stopped reporting recovered cases while also separating recovery from contagious or isolation period.  Many cases were no longer contagious, as they were outside of the contagious period, but still having lingering symptoms.  To be consistent with OHA and to adapt as we learn more about this new virus, we removed the column in our chart listing recovered cases.  At that point, we added the number of those in isolation, roughly indicating active or infectious cases of COVID-19 in Douglas County.

 

Getting Tested & Testing Clinics

The next drive-through testing clinic will be Friday, November 6, 2020, in Roseburg. As a reminder, if you are having symptoms of COVID-19 including cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches and pains, diarrhea, sore throat or decreased sense of smell and taste, talk to your health care provider about being tested for COVID-19.  Patients without a Primary Care Provider, that are looking for a COVID-19 test should contact the Sutherlin Aviva Health Clinic at (541) 459-3788. The first drive-through testing site was piloted in the county on March 17, 2020, there have been 1747 people tested in 87 drive-through clinics, while additional testing continues in hospitals, urgent cares and clinics. The drive-through clinics are led by DPHN, in conjunction with partner agencies including; Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Public Works, local volunteers and local health professionals.

 

Oregon COVID-19 Case Update

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reports new cases once a day on their website at www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus. OHA also releases a daily situation status report and a weekly report that details the overall picture of the COVID-19 outbreak within our state.  The daily report details positive and presumptive cases, as well as deaths by county and statewide, while the weekly report is more in depth and includes statistical data related the severity of cases by age, gender, zip codes, ethnicity, as well as information on workplace and senior care facility outbreaks in Oregon. Find additional information on the state or Federal COVID-19 response go to Oregon Health Authority, Centers for Disease Control, and 211Info.

 

Oregon COVID-19 Presumptive

OHA expanded their reporting for COVID-19 case management to now include presumptive COVID-19 cases in their total case number.  DPHN is reporting the number of people with new positive test results and any new presumptives and uses the OHA’s definition of presumptive as having had close contact with a known, confirmed COVID-19 case, showing symptoms and not yet having a positive nasal swab/PCR or antigen test for COVID-19.  Testing continues, as DPHN has been holding 2-3 clinics a week and hospitals, urgent cares and clinics continue to test.  DPHN continues their epidemiologic investigations, identifying individuals who may have had close contact with individuals that have tested positive for COVID-19, advising and supporting quarantine and isolation.

 

Travel Caution: Please Limit Travel, Social Gatherings and Visitors

Our recent surge in cases can be attributed to travel and unwitting and unintentional behavior by residents choosing to attend or host social gatherings where COVID-19 guidelines for social distancing, food preparation, hand washing and masks are not being followed.  Cases have been linked to travel and social gatherings including: birthday parties, weddings, funerals, prayer groups, play dates, visiting family members and school events. Again, we ask that you take a moment and revisit how you are socializing and please protect yourself, your loved ones and our communities from the spread of this virus.  We encourage you to delay travel, consider stay-cations and reschedule visits from out-of-the-area friends and family to a later date.  We continue to identify people with positive test results that have chosen to travel out of Oregon to visit relatives or to take vacations.  While traveling those individuals and families have come in contact with someone with COVID-19 and brought it back to Douglas County.  Other cases and outbreaks were the direct result of someone coming to Douglas County to visit and bringing the virus with them and infecting their host family.  Please stay safe and remember to be kind to others. Stopping the increase of COVID-19 cases in our county is really up to YOU, our citizens.

 

Facebook Live with Dr. Bob

Please join us on Friday, November 6, 2020 at 4:00 pm for the next Facebook Live event with Dr. Bob. hosted by DPHN on the DPHN Facebook page.  Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Douglas County Public Health Officer will continue their normal schedule of Facebook “Live Q&A Updates” next week with both his Tuesday night at 6:00 pm and Friday night at 4:00 pm on the DPHN Facebook page.  Residents are still able to submit their COVID-19 questions to Dr. Bob during the live shows, but you can also email your questions to: ookquestions@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org">Facebookquestions@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org.  Dr. Bob and the DPHN team will do their best to respond to as many questions as they can during their weekly updates.

 

REMINDER: Join Us for the 2020 Douglas County REVERSE Veterans Day Parade on Wednesday, November 11

The Douglas County Board of Commissioners issued a proclamation at the Weekly Business Meeting on Wednesday, November 4, 2020, calling upon all citizens of Douglas County to join us in supporting our local military heroes by attending the special “Reverse” 2020 Douglas County Veterans Day Parade on Wednesday, November 11, 2020, starting at 11:00 am, at the Douglas County Fairgrounds. 

 

The proclamation was presented by Commissioner Tim Freeman, on behalf of the Board and acknowledged that: “The freedoms we enjoy as Americans have been purchased and protected at a high price; that courageous men and women have donned the uniform of our Armed Forces and built a noble tradition of faithful and dedicated service to our nation; and we can never fully repay our debt of gratitude to those heroic men and women who served, were wounded, or died in battle.  The Douglas County Commissioners express their support for the Douglas County Veterans Day Parade at the Douglas County Fairgrounds, and agree to urge all our citizens to honor our veterans and rededicate themselves to the preservation of our liberties under the constitution of the United States of America.”

                       

The proclamation was presented to Larry Hill, President of the Douglas County Veterans Forum, Carol Hunt, Co-Chair of the Douglas County Veterans Day Parade Committee and Jerry Anderson representing the Douglas County Veterans Advisory Committee.  Despite COVID-19, the Douglas County Veterans Forum and Veterans Day Parade Committee knew our annual parade honoring our veterans must go on, so they put their heads together and came up with the idea of a “Reverse” parade format to keep the tradition alive.  In a reverse parade, the floats are stationary, while the parade spectators are the ones driving by in vehicles.  The parade route was moved to the Douglas County Fairgrounds this year, in order to provide proper distancing for staging of the parade entries.  The reverse format takes into account the current social gathering guidelines, as well as the concern for the health and safety of our residents during the pandemic. The 2020 Douglas County Veterans Day Parade Grand Marshals will feature our Military Doctors & Nurses, while the theme is Embrace the past –Engage the present –Envision the future.  The Douglas County Veterans Day Parade, is one of only two Veterans Day parades in Oregon that was not canceled due to the pandemic.

 

The Commissioners are proud to support this cherished annual event, often called Oregon’s Greatest Veteran’s Day Parade and this year possibly the largest.  In Douglas County, ‘We Honor Veterans’, and encourage you to take time this Veterans Day to recognize the brave men and women who have fearlessly served our nation by thanking them and their families for their dedication, service, as well as the many sacrifices made on behalf of our great nation.  We hope you are able to join us for the 2020 Veterans Day Parade at the Douglas County Fairgrounds on Wednesday, November 11, 2020.

 

REMINDER: Aviva Health Offering Veterans Free Drive-Thru Flu Shots at the 2020 Veterans’ Day Parade

Shared from Aviva Health. Aviva Health is providing area veterans with the option to get a free drive-thru flu shot at this year’s ‘Reverse’ Douglas County Veterans Day Parade on Wednesday, November 11, starting at 11:00 am. The 2020 Veterans Day Parade will be a reverse format at the Douglas County Fairgrounds.  The Douglas County Veterans Day Parade Committee have planned a reverse parade, where floats and other elements of the parade remain stationary while visitors to the event drive by them in their cars. Proper social distancing and masking guidelines will be followed to protect people from COVID-19.  Aviva Health typically hosts a Veterans Day event at its Roseburg campus called Vets and Their Pets, but the pandemic forced the organization to cancel this year’s festivities. Still, Aviva Health intends to honor and assist those who have served in a meaningful way.

 

Local Workplace Outbreak Listed by OHA

Shared from the OHA.  The Oregon Health Authority has listed a new COVID-19 workplace outbreak in Douglas County today, in their Wednesday, November 4, 2020, Weekly COVID report. As of last week, OHA’s policy related to workplace outbreaks is to report outbreaks with five or more cases and only for workplaces with at least 30 workers. Case counts include all persons linked to the outbreak, which may include household members and other close contacts. The list includes active workplace outbreaks, meaning that there has been a case within the past 28 days. Outbreaks that are resolved are moved to a separate table of resolved outbreaks. Outbreaks are removed from the closed outbreak list after 56 days. Locally, OHA listed a new workplace outbreak linked to Clint Newell Motors.

 

OHA publishes data on cases in workplace outbreaks. Given a cluster of cases in space and time, within plausible incubation periods for the pathogen, OHA epidemiologists will consider cases to be related—i.e., part of a workplace outbreak—unless a more likely alternative source for acquisition is identified. Any suspected workplace outbreak is required to be reported to the local public health authority (see OAR 333-018-015). The list of outbreaks will be updated as investigations continue, and they learn about epidemiologic links between cases. OHA started reporting workplace, school and care facility outbreaks in early June, with the majority of cases now reporting as recovered. For more information on how OHA determines and reports outbreaks, log onto: https://govstatus.egov.com/OR-OHA-COVID-19

 

 

LOCAL COVID-19 INFORMATION

Stay Informed with Accurate Local Information

 

Stay up to date on COVID-19 in Douglas County on the Douglas County Government website or the DPHN website.  Your Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Public Health Officer, Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer, DPHN and the Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team (DCCRT) have been working hard to cooperatively provide accurate and timely information to Douglas County residents since March 8, 2020.  Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the agencies that make up the DCCRT. 

 

Douglas County Resource/COVID-19 Hotline: (541) 464-6550:

Douglas County Commissioners and Douglas Public Health Network have added a resource and referral service to the current COVID-19 hotline for Douglas County residents.  The added service will help residents get connected to resources and services due to the local wildfires.  Referral and resource information will be available about local emergency shelters, livestock and animal boarding options, donation locations, volunteer opportunities, welfare check referrals, food and water resources and help with health and wellness questions.  This is NOT the hotline for Fire Updates or Evacuation information.  Please contact or follow DFPA and DCSO for the most up-to-date wildfire information.  The Resource/COVID-19 Hotline is (541) 464-6550.  It is staffed from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, 7 days a week until further notice. 

 

Questions about Governor’s Reopening or Statewide Rules?  If you have questions or need more information go to the Governor’s COVID-19 website at https://govstatus.egov.com/or-covid-19/ or call the Business Oregon's Navigator Hotline at (833) 604-0880.  For information on COVID-19 in Oregon, call 211 or visit 211info

 

Who Do You Contact to Report Compliance Issues with the Governor’s Statewide Rules?  Please do not call 911, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office or Douglas County Offices to report compliance issues with the Governor’s orders.  The Governor has directed the State offices for Oregon Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) and the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) to be the enforcement agencies responsible for ensuring restaurants, bars, and other businesses comply with COVID-related rules.  For more information or to report compliance issues contact:

OSHA: (800) 922-2689 or OSHA website or OLCC (503) 872-5000 or OLCC website

 

###

 

Contact Tamara Howell, Public Information Officer, Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, (541) 670-2804 cell/(541) 957-4896 tjhowell@co.douglas.or.us

Contact Vanessa Becker, Public Information Officer, Douglas Public Health Network, (541) 817-6552 cell (541) 440-3571 vanessa@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org

11-05-20 Douglas County Commissioners Issue Proclamation for 2020 Veterans Day Parade (Photo) - 11/05/20

Douglas County Board of Commissioners

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 5, 2020

 

Douglas County Commissioners Issue Proclamation for 2020 Veterans Day Parade

 

            (Douglas County, Ore.) The Douglas County Board of Commissioners issued a proclamation at the Weekly Business Meeting on Wednesday, November 4, 2020, calling upon all citizens of Douglas County to join us in supporting our local military heroes by attending the special “Reverse” 2020 Douglas County Veterans Day Parade on Wednesday, November 11, 2020, starting at 11:00 am, at the Douglas County Fairgrounds. 

 

            The proclamation was presented by Commissioner Tim Freeman, on behalf of the Board and acknowledged that: “The freedoms we enjoy as Americans have been purchased and protected at a high price; that courageous men and women have donned the uniform of our Armed Forces and built a noble tradition of faithful and dedicated service to our nation; and we can never fully repay our debt of gratitude to those heroic men and women who served, were wounded, or died in battle.  The Douglas County Commissioners express their support for the Douglas County Veterans Day Parade at the Douglas County Fairgrounds, and agree to urge all our citizens to honor our veterans and rededicate themselves to the preservation of our liberties under the constitution of the United States of America.”

           

            The proclamation was presented to Larry Hill, President of the Douglas County Veterans Forum, Carol Hunt, Co-Chair of the Douglas County Veterans Day Parade Committee and Jerry Anderson representing the Douglas County Veterans Advisory Committee.  Despite COVID-19, the Douglas County Veterans Forum and Veterans Day Parade Committee knew our annual parade honoring our veterans must go on, so they put their heads together and came up with the idea of a “Reverse” parade format to keep the tradition alive.  In a reverse parade, the floats are stationary, while the parade spectators are the ones driving by in vehicles.  The parade route was moved to the Douglas County Fairgrounds this year, in order to provide proper distancing for staging of the parade entries.  The reverse format takes into account the current social gathering guidelines, as well as the concern for the health and safety of our residents during the pandemic. The 2020 Douglas County Veterans Day Parade Grand Marshals will feature our Military Doctors & Nurses, while the theme is Embrace the past –Engage the present –Envision the future.  The Douglas County Veterans Day Parade, is one of only two Veterans Day parades in Oregon that was not canceled due to the pandemic.

 

            The Commissioners are proud to support this cherished annual event, often called Oregon’s Greatest Veteran’s Day Parade and this year possibly the largest.  In Douglas County, ‘We Honor Veterans’, and encourage you to take time this Veterans Day to recognize the brave men and women who have fearlessly served our nation by thanking them and their families for their dedication, service, as well as the many sacrifices made on behalf of our great nation.

###

Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team - Daily Update - November 4, 2020 (Photo) - 11/04/20

Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the agencies that make up the DCCRT

JOINT INFORMATION CENTER PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – November 4, 2020

DOUGLAS COUNTY COVID-19 RESPONSE TEAM - DAILY UPDATE

 

(Douglas County, Ore.) Douglas County COVID-19 Test Results:  The Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team continues to focus on our local COVID-19 response.  As of 12:00 pm today, Wednesday, November 4, 2020, there are TEN (10) people with new positive test results and TWO new presumptives since our noon case update yesterday*.  The total number of cases (people with positive test results and presumptive) in Douglas County is now at 411**.  Currently, there are THREE Douglas County COVID-19 patients that are being hospitalized locally. **Please note: that we have retracted ONE positive case number from our totals today.  After investigation, it was determined that one person previously reported with a positive test result was not a Douglas County resident, and therefore, the case was moved to their respective County.  We have adjusted our chart and numbers to reflect the retraction and movement.

 

Ninth COVID-19 Related Death of a Douglas County Resident

Our Douglas County Public Health Officer, Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer, has confirmed the death of our ninth Douglas County resident from the COVID-19 virus. Our ninth COVID related death is an 81-year-old woman who passed away this morning, Wednesday, November 4, 2020, in Roseburg, Oregon. She tested positive for COVID-19 and was admitted to the hospital on October 10, 2020. In the interest of privacy for the individual’s loved ones, no additional information will be released. Each death related to COVID-19 is painful for all Douglas County residents, and a reminder of the terrible impact COVID-19 has had in our local communities. The Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Dr. Dannenhoffer, DPHN staff and the DCCRT Team extend our heartfelt condolences and sympathies to all family members, friends, relatives, co-workers and community members of those who have passed after contracting this deadly virus.

 

“Sadly, we report that we have lost another beloved Douglas County resident to the COVID-19 virus.  On behalf of my family, my fellow Board of Commissioners, Dr. Dannenhoffer, DPHN staff and the DCCRT team, we send our sincere condolences and prayers to all the family members and friends,” commented Commissioner Tim Freeman. “It is concerning to continue to see an increase in case numbers and deaths in our communities. We cannot stress enough the importance of staying vigilant in protecting yourselves, the ones you love and all of our communities from the continued spread of this deadly virus!”

 

Douglas County, OR - COVID-19 - Case Update
Date	Saturday, October 31, 2020	Sunday, November 1, 2020	Monday, November 2, 2020	Tuesday, November 3, 2020	Today, Wednesday, November 4, 2020
Total COVID-19 Cases	379	387	390	400	411**
People with Positive PCR or Antigen Test Results	337	345	347	355	364
Presumptive	42	42	43	45	47
Total Currently Hospitalized	4	3	3	5	3
Total Currently in Isolation	41	51	49	54	61
Total COVID-19 Related Deaths	8	8	8	8	9
Total Negative Test Results	15,835	15,937	16,010	16,062	16,159

*Our daily update includes the total number of cases in Douglas County, which combines people with positive test results and presumptives. We provide a breakout of the people with positive test results and presumptives in the chart above. Please note there will be times when a presumptive will move to a positive test result, and our total case number will not change because the case has already been counted, instead you will see an adjustment to our breakout numbers for positive test results and presumptives.

 

Perspective: A Look at Our Local COVID-19 Statistics

We know that pandemic fatigue has definitely set in for most of our residents, as we now pass the 250-day mark (8.2 months) since the first coronavirus case was reported in Oregon.  We are all tired of COVID, tired of social distancing and tired of talking about this pandemic.  But, the truth is that this virus is not going away anytime soon, and residents should prepare for a long winter with continued recommendations for following virus spread prevention measures.  We wanted to share a few statistics that should be very concerning for everyone, and hopefully help to put things into perspective.

 

• In the first 190 days since the first COVID case was reported in Douglas County, we reported 189 Total COVID cases.   Which equates to about 1 case per day for the first six months.  Also, during that time, we reported 3 COVID related deaths of Douglas County residents.
• In the past 52 days, we reported a staggering increase of 222 Total COVID cases in Douglas County.  Which equates to about 4 cases per day or a 117% increase in just the last 7 weeks alone.  We have also sadly reported 6 COVID related deaths of Douglas County residents in the last 52 days.  

 

You Are the Key to Controlling the Spread of COVID-19!

It is no secret that the key to stopping the continued spread of the coronavirus is, YOU, our residents, our families, our communities and our businesses.  Yes, prevention is the best medicine, and not just to help stop the spread of COVID, but for your overall health and wellbeing as well.  If each and every individual in our county would make a real concerted effort to implement prevention measure into their daily routine, we could see a huge decrease in our COVID case numbers.  That means we need each and everyone one of our residents to take steps to minimize the spread of germs and contagions, by choosing every day to maintain healthier eating habits; incorporate exercise and cleaning routines; being cautious and keeping distance from others; making modifications to how you socialize with others; choosing no contact deliveries and services; and staying home if you are sick.  The suggestions we make and the guidelines presented by public health are not just for your health and safety, but for the health and safety of everyone, including our kids, our grandparents, our coworkers, our first responders, our teachers and our businesses.  We know we sound like a broken record, but our primary focus is to do everything we can to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of our residents. 

 

We Encourage You to Help Stop the Spread and Stay Healthy

• Make a habit of washing and sanitizing your hands, regularly.  That means washing after you eat, if you touch new surfaces, go to the bathroom, open a door, go to the store, go to the post office or after a meeting.  Also try and avoid touching your face as much as possible. 
• Please wear a mask where recommended.  Not just for your protection, but for the protection of others. 
• Stay at least six feet apart from anyone that is not from your immediate household.  This means paying attention to the distance stickers at the store, the bank, at restaurants and at businesses.  Please be respectful, kind and polite, by giving people ample space.
• Stay home from work, school and play if you are sick.  This includes not running errands or going shopping or inviting visitors to your home.  If you need help, reach out to friends, family or utilize an app or businesses that offer no contact deliveries or services.
• Minimize travel, especially out of the state and limit visitors to your home. 
• Minimize attending social gatherings or going places where there are large groups of people.

 

We have now surpassed the four hundred mark with COVID-19 cases in Douglas County, with 12 new total positive cases and presumptives combined today.  This trend of has become increasingly concerning for all of us.  An ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure — and that’s never been more true than right now.  But, just like the old adage, the recommendations from public health for preventing the spread of diseases, viruses and illnesses are not new notions, but rather age old advice based on decades of scientific research.  From a young age we are taught to wash our hands, cover our coughs, clean and disinfect and stay home if we are sick.  This sage advice continues to be the basis for good hygiene and virus prevention practices today.  The DCCRT team, under the direction of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, along with Dr. Dannenhoffer and Douglas Public Health Network encourage residents to make prevention measures a part of their everyday routines.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend six daily habits that can help you avoid sickness and prevent the spread of viruses to others too.

 

UPDATED: OHA Reporting and Definition for Recovered

As per the Oregon Health Authority COVID-19 Investigative Guidelines, the number of recovered cases is no longer being assessed or reported by OHA.  Up until May 1st, 2020 recovery from COVID-19 was defined as being afebrile (not feverish), without the use of antiphyretics (medicine to reduce a fever), and having resolution of cough, shortness of breath and diarrhea for at least 72 hours.  As more was learned about symptoms, recovery and contagious period, the definition of recovered changed.   Beginning May 1st, OHA stopped reporting recovered cases while also separating recovery from contagious or isolation period.  Many cases were no longer contagious, as they were outside of the contagious period, but still having lingering symptoms.  To be consistent with OHA and to adapt as we learn more about this new virus, we removed the column in our chart listing recovered cases.  At that point, we added the number of those in isolation, roughly indicating active or infectious cases of COVID-19 in Douglas County.

 

Currently, DPHN is supporting 61 cases in isolation, as well as another 338 contacts in quarantine in Douglas County.  Isolation is recommended for confirmed and presumptive cases, quarantine is recommended for contacts of confirmed or presumptive cases.  Currently, staff is supporting an astonishing 399 total contacts in isolation/quarantine.  This number represents a snapshot of the significant amount of work being done by our county and our public health to help control the spread of COVID-19.

 

 

Getting Tested & Testing Clinics

The next drive-through testing clinic will be Friday, November 6, 2020, in Roseburg. As a reminder, if you are having symptoms of COVID-19 including cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches and pains, diarrhea, sore throat or decreased sense of smell and taste, talk to your health care provider about being tested for COVID-19.  Patients without a Primary Care Provider, that are looking for a COVID-19 test should contact the Sutherlin Aviva Health Clinic at (541) 459-3788. The first drive-through testing site was piloted in the county on March 17, 2020, there have been 1747 people tested in 87 drive-through clinics, while additional testing continues in hospitals, urgent cares and clinics. The drive-through clinics are led by DPHN, in conjunction with partner agencies including; Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Public Works, local volunteers and local health professionals.

 

Oregon COVID-19 Case Update

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reports new cases once a day on their website at www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus. OHA also releases a daily situation status report and a weekly report that details the overall picture of the COVID-19 outbreak within our state.  The daily report details positive and presumptive cases, as well as deaths by county and statewide, while the weekly report is more in depth and includes statistical data related the severity of cases by age, gender, zip codes, ethnicity, as well as information on workplace and senior care facility outbreaks in Oregon. Find additional information on the state or Federal COVID-19 response go to Oregon Health Authority, Centers for Disease Control, and 211Info.

 

Oregon COVID-19 Presumptive

OHA expanded their reporting for COVID-19 case management to now include presumptive COVID-19 cases in their total case number.  DPHN is reporting the number of people with new positive test results and any new presumptives and uses the OHA’s definition of presumptive as having had close contact with a known, confirmed COVID-19 case, showing symptoms and not yet having a positive nasal swab/PCR or antigen test for COVID-19.  Testing continues, as DPHN has been holding 2-3 clinics a week and hospitals, urgent cares and clinics continue to test.  DPHN continues their epidemiologic investigations, identifying individuals who may have had close contact with individuals that have tested positive for COVID-19, advising and supporting quarantine and isolation.

 

Travel Caution: Please Limit Travel, Social Gatherings and Visitors

Our recent surge in cases can be attributed to travel and unwitting and unintentional behavior by residents choosing to attend or host social gatherings where COVID-19 guidelines for social distancing, food preparation, hand washing and masks are not being followed.  Cases have been linked to travel and social gatherings including: birthday parties, weddings, funerals, prayer groups, play dates, visiting family members and school events. Again, we ask that you take a moment and revisit how you are socializing and please protect yourself, your loved ones and our communities from the spread of this virus.  We encourage you to delay travel, consider stay-cations and reschedule visits from out-of-the-area friends and family to a later date.  We continue to identify people with positive test results that have chosen to travel out of Oregon to visit relatives or to take vacations.  While traveling those individuals and families have come in contact with someone with COVID-19 and brought it back to Douglas County.  Other cases and outbreaks were the direct result of someone coming to Douglas County to visit and bringing the virus with them and infecting their host family.  Please stay safe and remember to be kind to others. Stopping the increase of COVID-19 cases in our county is really up to YOU, our citizens.

 

Facebook Live with Dr. Bob

Please join us on Friday, November 6, 2020 at 4:00 pm for the next Facebook Live event with Dr. Bob. hosted by DPHN on the DPHN Facebook page.  Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Douglas County Public Health Officer will continue their normal schedule of Facebook “Live Q&A Updates” next week with both his Tuesday night at 6:00 pm and Friday night at 4:00 pm on the DPHN Facebook page.  Residents are still able to submit their COVID-19 questions to Dr. Bob during the live shows, but you can also email your questions to: ookquestions@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org">Facebookquestions@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org.  Dr. Bob and the DPHN team will do their best to respond to as many questions as they can during their weekly updates.

 

REMINDER: Aviva Health Offering Veterans Free Drive-Thru Flu Shots at the 2020 Veterans’ Day Parade

Shared from Aviva Health. Aviva Health is providing area veterans with the option to get a free drive-thru flu shot at this year’s ‘Reverse’ Douglas County Veterans Day Parade on Wednesday, November 11, starting at 11:00 am. The 2020 Veterans Day Parade will be a reverse format at the Douglas County Fairgrounds.  The Douglas County Veterans Day Parade Committee have planned a reverse parade, where floats and other elements of the parade remain stationary while visitors to the event drive by them in their cars. Proper social distancing and masking guidelines will be followed to protect people from COVID-19.  Aviva Health typically hosts a Veterans Day event at its Roseburg campus called Vets and Their Pets, but the pandemic forced the organization to cancel this year’s festivities. Still, Aviva Health intends to honor and assist those who have served in a meaningful way.

 

Roseburg School District Announces Positive Cases

Shared from the Roseburg School District. The Roseburg School District announced their first two COVID cases yesterday, noting that they were notified by DPHN and Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Douglas County Public Health Officer, that an adult at Green Elementary School had tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday, November 1, 2020, and a staff member at Hucrest Elementary School had tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday, November 3, 2020. The affected adult at Green Elementary School was advised to isolate for 14 days, and DPHN determined that students and staff were not exposed and did not need to be quarantined.  The staff member at Hucrest Elementary School will be in isolation 14 days and students in one classroom, along with a reading group, will be required to quarantine for 14 days and monitor symptoms.  Parents and guardians of the students in the affected groups will be notified today.  Roseburg Public Schools Superintendent Jared Cordon said in-person learning will resume at both schools for the students and staff who are not in isolation or quarantine.  “We will keep families and the school community updated with any new information as it becomes available, while meeting the requirements to honor everyone’s right to privacy,” he said.

 

Dr. Dannenhoffer and DPHN will continue to work with district and school officials in monitoring and supporting those in isolation and quarantine. 

 

“We have had several outbreaks in our local schools in the last 2 weeks,” stated Dr. Dannenhoffer. “A large part of our work in public health is establishing when a case is contagious and when it is necessary to quarantine close contacts. We’ve worked with the district and school officials to care for the positive cases at Hucrest and Green Elementary Schools and to advise parents, families and staff.  We believe the risk for contraction is low in both schools.”

 

For reference: The Oregon Health Authority issues a weekly COVID-19 report that publishes data on K-12 schools with in-person instruction, child/day care centers, businesses and care facilities that meet their outbreak criteria. As of last week, OHA’s policy related to school outbreaks is to report outbreaks with 1 or more cases in school settings at any place of learning for students from kindergarten through twelfth grade, or a subset, with at least 30 students enrolled. Case counts includes employees, staff, volunteers or students at the school. According to OHA, the notice is to inform the public of potential COVID-19 exposure and to provide transparency surrounding COVID-19 in schools. School is defined as any place of learning for students from kindergarten through twelfth grade, or a subset, with at least 30 students enrolled. This includes, but is not limited to, public schools, private schools, parochial and charter schools. Staff is defined as any person who works full time or part-time at the school, regardless of their position. A volunteer is defined as any person who volunteers onsite.

 

LOCAL COVID-19 INFORMATION

Stay Informed with Accurate Local Information

 

Stay up to date on COVID-19 in Douglas County on the Douglas County Government website or the DPHN website.  Your Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Public Health Officer, Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer, DPHN and the Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team (DCCRT) have been working hard to cooperatively provide accurate and timely information to Douglas County residents since March 8, 2020.  Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the agencies that make up the DCCRT. 

 

Douglas County Resource/COVID-19 Hotline: (541) 464-6550:

Douglas County Commissioners and Douglas Public Health Network have added a resource and referral service to the current COVID-19 hotline for Douglas County residents.  The added service will help residents get connected to resources and services due to the local wildfires.  Referral and resource information will be available about local emergency shelters, livestock and animal boarding options, donation locations, volunteer opportunities, welfare check referrals, food and water resources and help with health and wellness questions.  This is NOT the hotline for Fire Updates or Evacuation information.  Please contact or follow DFPA and DCSO for the most up-to-date wildfire information.  The Resource/COVID-19 Hotline is (541) 464-6550.  It is staffed from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, 7 days a week until further notice. 

 

Questions about Governor’s Reopening or Statewide Rules?  If you have questions or need more information go to the Governor’s COVID-19 website at https://govstatus.egov.com/or-covid-19/ or call the Business Oregon's Navigator Hotline at (833) 604-0880.  For information on COVID-19 in Oregon, call 211 or visit 211info

 

Who Do You Contact to Report Compliance Issues with the Governor’s Statewide Rules?  Please do not call 911, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office or Douglas County Offices to report compliance issues with the Governor’s orders.  The Governor has directed the State offices for Oregon Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) and the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) to be the enforcement agencies responsible for ensuring restaurants, bars, and other businesses comply with COVID-related rules.  For more information or to report compliance issues contact:

OSHA: (800) 922-2689 or OSHA website or OLCC (503) 872-5000 or OLCC website

 

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Contact Tamara Howell, Public Information Officer, Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, (541) 670-2804 cell/(541) 957-4896 tjhowell@co.douglas.or.us

Contact Vanessa Becker, Public Information Officer, Douglas Public Health Network, (541) 817-6552 cell (541) 440-3571 vanessa@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org