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News Release
DC_COVID_19_Response_Team_Logo_51820.jpg
DC_COVID_19_Response_Team_Logo_51820.jpg
Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team - Daily Local Update - May 28, 2020 (Photo) - 05/28/20

DOUGLAS COUNTY COVID-19 RESPONSE TEAM - DAILY LOCAL UPDATE

JOINT INFORMATION CENTER PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 28, 2020

Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the 14 agencies that make up the DCCRT

 

(Douglas County, Ore.)  Reminder: Cold Water Safety

Your Douglas County Board of Commissioners would like to remind citizens venturing out into the great outdoors during this warm weather spree, that just because the thermometer says its 85°F or 90°F outside, doesn’t necessarily mean the water in our local lakes, rivers and streams is warm enough to swim or enter. Warmer outside temperatures can create a false sense of security for boaters, beach and river goers. In fact, the average temperature of our local rivers and streams is around 60°F.  According to the National Weather Service, survival time is greatly diminished for someone immersed in water below 70°F.  Yes, cold water drains body heat up to 25 times faster than cold air temperatures. When cold water makes contact with your skin, the cold shock causes an immediate loss of breathing control and within ten minutes you start to lose muscle control. This dramatically increases the risk of sudden drowning, even if the water is calm and you know how to swim. The danger is even greater if the water is rough.  Also, immersion in cold water is immediately life-threatening for anyone not wearing thermal protection, so we suggest you use a wet suit or dry suit, and always wear a life jacket when you are in or near the water.  Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

  • Be Aware! Even with temperatures rising outside, our rivers, lakes and streams are still cold.
  • Know the weather and water conditions before you go, learn more at National Weather Service.
  • Always wear your life jacket.  Learn more at Wear It - Safe Boating Campaign
  • Never leave a child unattended near water.
  • Dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature. Learn more about cold water safety here.

 

Douglas County COVID-19 Test Results

It is Thursday, May 28, 2020, and as of 12:00 pm today, there is ONE new case of COVID-19 in Douglas County.  The total number of positive cases in Douglas County is now at 26.  Testing continues, as DPHN has been holding 2-3 clinics a week and hospitals, urgent cares and clinics continue to test.  Twenty-six people have tested positive in the county and twenty-three of those twenty-six have recovered.  DPHN defines recovery as an end to all symptoms after a positive test for COVID-19. 

 

“Although our cases have been fairly steady for several weeks, we expected to have new cases in Douglas County. In addition to our regular testing clinics, epidemiological contact tracing and isolation support for our positive cases, we have also been spending the last several weeks preparing for a possible surge.  We are more prepared now than we were at the beginning of this pandemic and will continue to do the vital and important public health work of providing locally relevant correct information, testing, and epidemiology investigations.” Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer

 

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 26 cases in over 80 days.                                                        

Here are the current numbers for Douglas County:

New Cases

as of 12:00 pm

May 28, 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

1

26

23

0

1

2446

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.

 

Getting Your Food to ‘Go the Distance’

Many shoppers are finding ways to reduce trips to the grocery store and spend less time there when they do have to go. Here are some tips for how to make your food last, minimize grocery outings and stay safe at the store:

  • Plan out your meals out for the next week or two, and make grocery lists. You can even organize your list according to where things are in the store, and map your shopping route.
  • It’s difficult to maintain 6 feet of distance at the store, so wear a mask
  • Follow the store’s safety rules, including one-way aisle markers and standing 6 feet from the person in front of you in the checkout line
  • Be kind to supermarket staff; they’re working hard
  • When get home, organize your fridge with the most perishable items in front as a reminder of what to use first
  • Vegetables and some fruits like apples and berries can be refrigerated. Potatoes and onions should be kept in a cool, cupboard-like space.
  • Freeze items like bread and meats to make them last longer. Be sure to wrap food properly before freezing, and if freezing cooked food, let it cool first.
  • Make large portions of your favorite meals, and freeze the leftovers for future days

 

Mentoring and Resource Sessions for Small Businesses

The coronavirus pandemic has affected small businesses across the nation. It has changed the way we do business and small businesses need support as they work to survive and recover from the recent challenges.  The U.S. Small Business Administration has partnered with SCORE Mentors and industry partners to present online help sessions.  Participants can get real-time mentoring and business advice every Tuesday and Thursday from 5:00 – 8:00 pm/PST.  Interested businesses can register at ow.ly/QlQW30qByAk.  SCORE and industry partners stand ready to provide real-time expert advice to help you navigate COVID-19 and plan for small business recovery.  Join them for free mentoring, peer networking and resources from national business supporters.

 

Limited Camping Resumes at Oregon State Operated Parks and Campgrounds Starting June 9

Many State of Oregon-operated campgrounds will offer limited camping beginning June 9, 2020, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department officials announced. The list of campgrounds that will be open is still being finalized – once complete, it will be posted on the State Parks website.  Most of the State of Oregon-operated campgrounds that will be reopened accept reservations. First-come, first-served campsites will only reopen once staff and funding become available. Existing tent and RV reservations will be honored. New reservations can be made from one day to two weeks in advance through Reserve America. Reservations for group camping, group day-use, and for most yurts and cabins are still subject to cancellation. Reservation holders will be notified if a cancellation is required.  State Parks Campgrounds have been closed since March 23 in compliance with the governor’s COVID-19 executive orders. In determining which parks can reopen, two main factors are considered: risk levels and funding. State officials noted that some communities, such as the north coast, are not yet ready for overnight visitors from outside their area. The Oregon State Parks system is funded by visitor fees, Oregon Lottery revenue and a portion of state recreational vehicle registrations. The funding available for parks has dropped dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic, state parks officials stated. Staffing levels have been cut in half. There may not be interpretive activities and ranger programs at State of Oregon-operated parks and campgrounds. Restrooms will be available at open parks, but some shower facilities may be closed. State of Oregon-operated parks and campground reopening status may change depending on health conditions around the park, staffing availability, protective equipment and cleaning supplies. Check out this video for advice for how to visit State of Oregon-operated parks safely and responsibly. Here are some additional tips:

  • Choose a park as close to home as possible, and don’t visit parks if you are sick. Visit with members of your household only. Stay at least 6 feet away from people outside your household.
  • Bring everything you need with you, including trash bags, cleaning supplies, hand sanitizer, food and water. Pack out everything you bring in.
  • Be considerate in your use of trails, restrooms, benches and picnic tables.
  • Keep your pets on leash, your campsite clean and respect quiet hours from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
  • Cover your coughs, and wash your hands regularly

 

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.

 

###

 

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

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