DOUGLAS COUNTY COVID-19 RESPONSE TEAM - DAILY LOCAL UPDATE
JOINT INFORMATION CENTER PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 27, 2020
Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the 14 agencies that make up the DCCRT
(Douglas County, Ore.) The weather has been beautiful for the last few days and many people have been out enjoying the fresh air and sunshine. But, as we head into summer and the day’s start getting longer, the dangers of working, recreating and exercising outside in the hot weather also increase. Knowing how to work and play safely in hot weather can help prevent heat stress injuries and heat stroke. Here are a few tips to help you and your family stay safe:
- Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids; drink about 16 ounces before starting and 5 to 7 ounces every 15 or 20 minutes.
- Avoid dehydrating liquids. Alcohol, coffee, tea and caffeinated soft drinks can hurt more than help.
- Wear protective clothing. Lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing helps protect against heat. Change clothing if it gets completely saturated with sweat.
- Pace yourself. Slow down and work at an even pace. Know your own limits and ability to work or play safely in heat.
- Schedule frequent breaks. Take time for rest periods and water breaks in a shaded or air conditioned area.
- Use a damp rag. Wipe your face or put it around your neck.
- Avoid getting sunburnt. Use sunscreen and wear a hat if working or playing outside.
- Be alert to signs of heat-related illness. Know what to look for and check on other workers that might be at high risk.
- Avoid direct sun. If possible, find shade or block out the sun.
- Eat smaller meals. Eat fruits high in fiber and natural juice. Avoid high protein foods.
Additionally, the National Weather Service has issued a Weather Watch as we head into the weekend. They are reporting that most of Southern Oregon and Northern California, after a few days of hot, well above normal temperatures, we will experience heavy rains and possible thunderstorms. Plan your weekend accordingly and remember, when thunder roars, go indoors. Click here for the latest forecast.
Douglas County COVID-19 Test Results
It is Wednesday, May 27, 2020, and as of 12:00 pm today, there are NO new cases of COVID-19 in Douglas County. The total number of positive cases in Douglas County remains at 25. Testing continues, as DPHN has been holding 2-3 clinics a week and hospitals, urgent cares and clinics continue to test. Twenty-five people have tested positive in the county and twenty-three of those twenty-five have recovered. DPHN defines recovery as an end to all symptoms after a positive test for COVID-19. 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. The majority of the individuals who have tested positive earlier have now recovered. The first positive COVID-19 case in Douglas County was announced on March 8, 2020. Thanks to the great work that Douglas County has done social distancing and staying home, we’ve had 25 cases in 80 days.
Here are the current numbers for Douglas County:
|
New Cases as of 12:00 pm May 27, 2020 |
Total Confirmed Cases |
Total Recovered Cases (of those that tested positive) |
Total COVID-19 Deaths |
Total Currently Hospitalized (of those that tested positive) |
Total Negative Test Result |
Total Presumptive Cases |
|
0 |
25 |
23 |
0 |
1 |
2261 |
0 |
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has expanded their reporting for COVID-19 case management and will now include presumptive COVID-19 cases. DPHN will also be reporting presumptive cases and will use 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 test for COVID-19.
Getting Tested & Testing Clinics
The next drive-through COVID-19 test clinic, led by DPHN is set for Friday, May 29 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 thru testing site was piloted in the county on March 17, 2020, there have been 542 people tested in the drive through clinics alone, additional testing continues in hospitals, urgent cares and clinics simultaneously. 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 reports new cases once a day on its website at www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus. The Oregon Health Authority is also releasing the daily situation status report, which is produced jointly with Oregon Office of Emergency Management. It details the overall picture of the COVID-19 outbreak within the state and the response across government agencies. Read more here about the daily situation status report.
Facebook Live with Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer
Join us Friday, May 29, 2020 for the next virtual town hall Q&A with Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, your Douglas County Public Health Officer at 6:00 pm, hosted by DPHN and found on the DPHN Facebook page.
Distribution of Critical PPE for the Agriculture Sector
The State has directed approximately 1 million KN95 masks and 5,000 gallons of hand sanitizer for farmworkers and agricultural producers. This critical PPE is available at no cost to the agricultural community to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Limited supplies will be provided at each site until supplies are fully distributed. The collaboration partners for this program include the Oregon Department of Agricultural, Oregon State University Extension, Oregon Office of Emergency Management, Oregon National Guard, and county partners.
Douglas County: Thursday, May 28 from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm at 333 NE Jackson Street, Roseburg, Oregon 97470
What You Need to Know to Pick Up PPE:
- If you are a farmer or rancher, you qualify.
- You do not need to bring any documentation.
- You will be asked to provide business contact information.
Click here for other statewide distribution locations and dates. When used as a face covering, KN95 masks help slow the spread of COVID-19. These masks are NOT to be sold and are not to be used in a medical setting or for pesticide application. Click here for KN95 Face Mask Guidance. For more information or questions call (503) 986-4550 or email FSFSquestions@oda.state.or.us.
SOWIB Economic Assistance Programs of Particular Interest
Southwestern Oregon Workforce Investment Board offered up these tidbits of economic assistance for businesses and individuals, as well as a helpful tool for face mask wearers.
Work Share: To help employers retain good employees despite reduced hours, Work Share provides compensation for those regular hours that can’t be offered under current conditions. To learn more about Work Share, see Work Share Oregon.
Food for Thought? A variety of short, free professional development classes are being made available each Friday through June from General Assembly, an online training group. If you’re considering entering a new field, having to adapt your style to all-electronic relationships, thinking about how best to tackle new opportunities, or just looking for something else to think about, some of the free presentations available this Friday may be worth a look.:
Project Management Workshop - Friday, May 29 - 2:00-4:00 pm (PST)
Customer Journey Mapping - Friday, May 29 - 2:00-3:00 pm (PST)
NEW Extension of Regular Unemployment Benefits: A thirteen-week extension of regular unemployment benefits is newly available (at no cost to employers). Workers whose regular unemployment benefits expired on or after March 29, 2020 may file at Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Insurance for benefits retroactive to the date of benefit termination. In addition, the Oregon Employment Department is identifying and notifying those no longer receiving benefits so that they can file for this additional assistance. Unemployment benefit recipients whose claims have not yet expired will automatically receive applications for extension.
Benefits for Self-Employed, Contract, Gig and Other Workers: Workers, including self-employed business owners, who are not eligible for regular unemployment benefits can receive financial assistance through “Pandemic Unemployment Assistance” (“PUA”). Information on eligibility and application information may be found at Pandemic Unemployment Assistance. Assistance can be triggered by partial or complete loss of income formerly earned through self-employment, contract, gig or other work, even if that work did not generate payment into the unemployment insurance system. Sole proprietors, especially those who may need just a little help to hang on through this crisis, are especially encouraged to apply.
PPE Gets Better and Better: “Ear saver” insert straps for face masks are more readily available to our health care workers thanks to Marshfield High School manufacturing instructor Glen Crook. The insert strap design has been a game-changer nationwide, eliminating behind-the-ear chafing while enhancing adjust-ability. Local efforts had initially focused on 3-D printing, as envisioned by the strap’s original creator. Now, working with school’s laser cutter, Crook has dramatically shortened production time. Ear saver straps, along with a variety of other personal protective equipment, is available through sowibsupply.com.
Stay Informed with the Accurate Information
Your Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Public Health Officer, Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer and the Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team have been working hard to cooperatively provide accurate and timely information to Douglas County residents since March 8, 2020. If you have questions about COVID-19 or resources available, call our local COVID-19 hotline, staffed by local volunteers at (541) 464-6550 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, 7 days a week. Stay up to date on COVID-19 in Douglas County on the DPHN website. Find additional information on state or federal COVID-19 response from the following websites: Douglas County Government, Oregon Health Authority, Centers for Disease Control, and by calling or logging onto 211Info.
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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