Joint Release from Douglas County Board of Commissioners and Douglas Public Health Network
(Douglas County, Ore.) We want to assure the public that your Douglas County Commissioners, Douglas County Public Health Officer, Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, Douglas Public Health Network, Douglas County Emergency Services and local health partners are stepping up their response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Douglas County.
Local COVID-19 Testing Clinics
Douglas Public Health Network has now hosted three local COVID-19 drive-through clinics at the Douglas County Fairgrounds. The latest was yesterday, March 24, in which they collected 43 samples. A total of 95 residents have been tested at the drive-through clinics, and their specimens were flown to a Quest Lab for processing. Results will be sent back in about a week to the health care provider that ordered the test. Those tested are asked to please self-quarantine at home and continue to quarantine for 72 hours after symptoms subside.
At this time, you can only get a COVID-19 test through your healthcare provider. Information has been given to providers and clinics about how to get their patients signed up for the drive-through testing process. Tests are currently being processed at the Oregon State Public Health Lab and a growing number of commercial labs, like Quest and LabCorp. There are very few outpatient clinics in Douglas County offering testing at this time. Community health partners are working very hard to make testing available to a wider number of people. The first drive thru testing site was piloted in the county on March 17 and additional drive-through testing clinics were conducted on March 20 and March 23.
Local COVID-19 Test Results
As of 12:30 pm today, March 25th 2020, Douglas County still has only 3 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19, zero deaths and 135 negative tests for COVID-19. Douglas Public Health Network will be updating their website with local numbers daily around noon. If a case comes back positive after that time, DPHN will announce it with a press release, while updating their website, until further notice.
DPHN has set new online tracking system for test results from Douglas County residents. The goal is to have the chart updated at noon every day. Residents will be able to go on the website and see the tracking of results. Again, as a reminder for patient safety, they will not be releasing any identifying information of those that had testing done, or those that have tested positive. DPHN has launched their epidemiology investigation related to these two new cases, identifying who these individuals may have had contact with. Anyone that might have come in contact with the two newest confirmed individuals will be notified by public health directly.
Oregon COVID-19 Case Update
Oregon Health Authority announced today, March 25, 2020 that there are a total of 266 positive cases, 10 deaths 10 and 5,476 negative tests associated with the COVID-19 outbreak.
Take Care of the Mental You
Fear and anxiety are normal reactions to the abnormal situation we are all living with right now. There are lots of ways to manage your fear and anxiety. Management often begins with staying connected to your friends and family, the people we love. During this crisis however, we have to create new ways to stay connected that respect social distancing and self-quarantine. Look at staying connected over the phone or internet, plan daily check ins or virtual meetings/get togethers using technology if you are able. Other ways of managing fear and anxiety include taking care of your own health by eating well and doing activities you take pleasure in. Stay informed, but also remember to take a break from reading or watching coverage about the virus. Continual monitoring of the onslaught of COVID-19 information can be very upsetting to your mental health. Find information sources that you trust and that give local information regularly. Balance information seeking with activities you enjoy and that make you happy.
Many of us were dealing with fear and anxiety before this happened and this public health crisis could make that worse. Reach out and seek help if you have the common signs of mental distress or an increase in any of the following:
Feelings of numbness, disbelief, changes in appetite, energy and activity levels, difficulty concentrating, difficulty sleeping or nightmares and upsetting images or thoughts, physical reactions such as headaches, body pains, stomach problems and skin rashes, anger or short-tempter, worsening chronic health problems or increased use of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs.
You can seek help locally by calling the Douglas County COVID-19 Hotline at (541) 464-6550 or Compass Behavioral Health at (541) 440-3532 or (800) 866-9780.
Outbreaks and disasters like this often also lead to increases in domestic, sexual and gender-based violence, if you are a victim of domestic or sexual violence, there is help available. Call Peace at Home Advocacy Center (formerly Battered Persons’ Advocacy) at (541) 673-7867 or (800) 464-6643.
The CDC also has an updated webpage to help people deal with stress during the crisis. CDC Managing Stress and Anxiety Website.
DCSO - Oregon State Police - Emergency Declaration Enforcement FAQ
In behalf of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, we are sharing guidance to frequently asked questions from the Oregon State Police, relating to the enforcement of the Governor’s Executive Order 20-12 “Stay Home, Save Lives.”
Is this martial law?
No, not even close. There are no curfews and a person’s movements are not restricted under the Governor’s Executive Order. While details are offered in the order relating to social distancing, specific business closures and non-essential social gatherings- Oregonian’s movements are generally unrestricted.
Do I need documentation from my employer deeming me essential?
No. The Governor’s Executive Order closes certain businesses, outlined in section (2). These businesses reflect operations that would make close contact difficult or impossible to avoid. Officers are not asking or looking for any type of special paperwork from your employer.
Do I need a special placard on my car, when going to work or if I drive for work?
No. There is no special documentation or placards for people going to work or permitted activities.
Will I be pulled over for driving on the highway?
Not for violation of the Governor’s Executive Order, which specifically outlines efforts to avoid large gatherings- not restrict the movement of Oregonians. If, however, you are committing a traffic violation or crime that would be enforced independent of the order, you may be stopped, like any other day.
Are the state lines closed and are there roadblocks?
No, traffic is moving freely within Oregon and our border states. There are no roadblocks or restrictions of vehicle movement. Washington State is operating under a similar executive order from their Governor, so Oregonians should be aware of these provisions when traveling in their state.
If my business is closed, can I still go to work if my employer makes me? Won’t I be arrested?
While the order prohibits the public from congregating at a closed business, the employer may still have work to do on site. As long as employees are not conducting business that is prohibited by the Executive Order, it is okay to still be at the worksite. No “passes” or paperwork is required.
Are rest areas open?
Yes, generally. Some rest areas are connected to parks, which are currently closed to comply with the Executive Order.
Are police arresting or ticketing people in public or in violation of the Governor’s Executive Order?
People that violate the Governor’s Order in an Emergency Declaration could be arrested or cited, which is a C Misdemeanor- the lowest level of criminal conduct designation. All Oregon law enforcement are united on the premise that police action is extremely undesirable and we hope to educate Oregonians if congregating in violation of the Governor’s Order. Citation or arrest would be an extreme last resort if a person failed to comply with the lawful direction of a police officer.
What about my kids that may congregate in a place without my permission, like a skate park?
Police know our children don’t often take their parent’s advice and may ignore direction when away. Like adults found to be congregating in a location, officers will likely approach the youths and educate them on the order. Citations and arrest are extremely unlikely, reserved for only the most extreme circumstances.
Can I still go hiking and fishing?
Yes. Oregonians can still recreate outdoors, if their recreational activity involves non-contact with others and they can maintain appropriate social distancing- which is defined as 6 feet or more from others. Oregonians and visitors to our state should be aware most campgrounds and boat ramps are closed, so you should research your plans before recreating.
Should I call 911 if I see people congregating?
No. The level of this violation is not for reporting police, fire or medical emergencies through 911. People may choose to self-educate their fellow Oregonians or if a large gathering is noted, they may call their respective police agency’s non-emergency number.
Help Keep the Blood Donations Going – Circulate the Love
Yes, these are uncertain times, but leaving home to donate blood is considered a lifesaving and essential need. Those who are healthy, feeling well and eligible to give blood or platelets, are urged to make an appointment to donate as soon as possible by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting www.RedCrossBlood.org or calling (800) 733-2767.? Donate your blood and save a life. There are a few upcoming blood drives scheduled in Douglas County this week and next.
Red Cross Donor Center – 1176 NW Garden Valley Blvd in Roseburg
Community Blood Drives
Greater Douglas United Way – Local COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund
The Greater Douglas United Way (GDUW) has set up a local COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund. 100% of your donation will go to help local people in need as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic. GDUW has also pledged that they will not be charging any administrative fees on the fund. GDUW will focus the funding on basic needs through local nonprofits, childcare needs, and other basic needs for people affected by the pandemic. Deposits can be made at any Banner Bank location using the GDUW COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund. More information available at: GDUW website.
FEED IT FORWARD Movement
FEED IT FORWARD: Feed a family or our first responders. A local group has been working on a program with Aviva Health to help feed families in need for a few months, even before the coronavirus pandemic. They also wanted to include first responders. You can contribute online or in person. To contribute online click here. You can also contribute in person at Loggers Tap House in Roseburg, OR. Just let them know if you want it to go toward a family or a first responder. $3 feeds one person, $6 feeds 2, and $10 feeds a family of 4. Loggers is not making a profit from this activity. Contribute as little or as much as you like. As funds come in, they will work with their local community partners to find those in need.
Stay Informed with the Accurate Information
Your Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Public Health Official, Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer, officials from Douglas Public Health Network (DPHN), Douglas County Emergency Management, Aviva Health, Mercy Medical Center, Evergreen Family Medicine and Umpqua Health Alliance have been working hard to cooperatively provide accurate and timely COVID-19 information and response to Douglas County residents. If you have questions about resources available, call the COVID-19 hotline, staffed by local volunteers at (541) 464-6550. Stay up to date on COVID-19 in Douglas County on the DPHN website at www.douglaspublichealthnetwork.org. Find additional information on state, federal and international COVID-19 response from the following websites: Oregon Health Authority, Centers for Disease Control, World Health Organization and by calling or logging onto 211Info.