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 – December 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, Wednesday, December 23, 2020, there are EIGHT (8) people with new positive test results 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 1,323*. Currently, there are SEVEN (7) Douglas County COVID-19 patients that are being hospitalized, five locally, and two out-of-the-area. Our Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, under the direction of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, who administer our local public health and oversee the work by Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Douglas County Public Health Officer and Douglas Public Health Network, continue to devote all resources available to our local COVID response.
COVID Vaccines Roll Out Around the Country
We have received a number of calls and requests for more information about the availability of the COVID-19 vaccinations. We wanted to let you know that the US Center for Disease Control (CDC) is in charge of distributing, prioritizing and setting the guidelines the release of the COVID vaccines. Dubbed, “Operation Warp Speed”, the CDC has begun the process of distributing vaccines and is working with state health agencies to begin the next phases. Douglas Public Health Network, Mercy Medical Center, Aviva, the COVID Hotline or the Douglas County COVID Response Team are not in charge of the COVID vaccine distribution process. We too are awaiting more information from the CDC, and then the Oregon Health Authority, about the release of the next phase of COVID vaccinations. In the meantime, we encourage you not to call us, instead log onto the CDC website or the OHA website, for the latest updates and information on the status of vaccination distributions.
So, Here is What We Know Thus Far
As the number of COVID-19 cases reported in the United States has exceeded 18 million, the CDC reports that more than 1,008,025 people in the United States have received the first dose of a coronavirus vaccine as a part of their Phase 1A of vaccine distribution. Currently, there are two vaccines authorized by the CDC, the Vaccine Advisory Council (VAC) and the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) for emergency use, one from Pfizer and the other from Moderna.
As of today, the CDC reports that doses distributed are for both Moderna and Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine; however, the administered dose reports are for Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine only at this time. According to the CDC, they issued the first wave (Phase 1A) of vaccinations to frontline health care workers and long-term care facility residents and staff. The two vaccines are both two doses, and are to be taken three to four weeks apart. So, it will be four to six weeks before those workers will complete their vaccination regimen. Enough vaccinations for 20 million people are expected to be produced by the end of the year according to the US Assistant Secretary for Health, Admiral Brett Giroir.
So, Who Gets COVID-19 Vaccine Next?
Again, the CDC i s in charge of distributing, prioritizing and setting the guidelines the release of the COVID vaccines. On December 20, the vaccine advisory council to the CDC voted to propose Phase 1B of COVID vaccine distribution. Phase 1B includes both older adults, ages 75 and older, and approximately 30 million "frontline essential workers” be the next in line to receive the COVID vaccine. Frontline essential workers in Phase 1B include first responders, people in the education sector, those who work in food and agriculture, those in manufacturing, corrections workers, US Postal Service workers, public transit workers and grocery store workers. Following that group will be Phase 1C, which at this time the vaccine advisory council to the CDC proposes that the next group include adults ages 65 to 75, people ages 16 to 64 with high-risk medical conditions and "other essential workers." According to the CDC, there are about 57 million other essential workers that are part of Phase 1C. They include people in transportation and logistics, food service, construction and shelter and housing, finance, IT and communication, the energy sector, the media, the legal sector, public safety and water and wastewater industries. It is also important to note that, these recommendations for vaccine distribution are also up for interpretation by state health agencies, who have the authority to modify the lists. Information on how and when this phase of COVID vaccines will be approved and distributed is still forthcoming. In the meantime, we encourage you not to call us, instead log onto the CDC website or the OHA website, for the latest updates and information on the status of vaccination distributions.
Local Cases Being Supported in Isolation and Quarantine
Currently, DPHN is supporting 134 cases in isolation, as well as another 264 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 398 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.
|
Date |
Saturday, December 19, 2020 |
Sunday, December 20, 2020 |
Monday, December 21, 2020 |
Tuesday, December 22, 2020 |
Today, Tuesday, December 23, 2020 |
|
Total COVID-19 Cases |
1,280 |
1,284 |
1,311 |
1,315 |
1,323 |
|
People with Positive PCR or Antigen Test Results |
1,203 |
1,207 |
1,234 |
1,238 |
1,246 |
|
Presumptive |
77 |
77 |
77 |
77 |
77 |
|
Total Currently Hospitalized |
10 |
9 |
9 |
9 |
7 |
|
Total Currently in Isolation |
164 |
168 |
154 |
122 |
134 |
|
Total COVID-19 Related Deaths |
36 |
36 |
37 |
37 |
37 |
*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. Also, note that OHA has chosen to no longer provide or report negative test results, so we will no longer be reporting this data in our daily update. Please contact the Oregon Health Authority for more information.
Weekly COVID Series: Week 4, Day 3
Taking Care of You this Holiday Season
Day three of ideas to help you deal with the strain, anxiety and stress of this pandemic. As we make the final preparations for Christmas and New Year’s, all during a very different-looking holiday season, it so very important to make sure that you are taking care of yourself and your loved ones, both psychically and mentally. This week we will explore ways to help improve your mental health, so you can joyfully celebrate during this COVID holiday season. Tip #3: Health Food and Good Sleep! Having time to rest and recuperate is the simplest way to ensure you are always productive. The more you wear yourself out, the less efficient and productive you become. This is especially pertinent when you’re working and swamped in deadlines and heavy workloads, the stress and pressure often means that you stop taking breaks and giving yourself a moment out … but actually taking time out in these moments has never been more important. So, try to get 6-8 hours of good sleep a night. It is also very important to watch what you eat during stressful times. Make sure you are eating a healthy and balanced diet, with lots of nutrient rich vitamins and minerals. Try to avoid foods that are high in fat, sugar and calories. 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, there is extra stress on caregivers that 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. If you need help or assistance, please reach out to Adapt/Compass Behavioral Health. Yes, holiday celebrations will need to look different this year to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Do not chance it, please avoid activities that are higher risk for virus spread this holiday season.
Countdown to Christmas, Two Days to Go! Remember You are the KEY to COVID Safe Holiday!
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. Please celebrate safely this holiday season. 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. We need each and everyone one of our residents to take the necessary 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 any social gatherings, church services or meetings, birthday or holiday parties, indoor or outdoor celebrations, family dinners, weddings, game or poker nights, prayer groups or indoor workout sessions, and expose others to your illness.
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. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Douglas County Public Health Officer and Douglas Public Health Network encourage residents to make prevention measures a priority in their everyday routines.
Getting Tested & Testing Clinics
The next drive-through testing clinic will be Tuesday, December 29, 2020, in Roseburg. Please note that with Christmas Day and New Year’s Day both falling on Friday’s, we will only be hosting our drive-through COVID testing clinics on Tuesdays for the weeks of December 21 and December 28, 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. Since then, there have been 2,123 tests performed in local 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.
Special Fireside Chat - Facebook Live with Dr. Bob
Please join us on Christmas Day for a Special COVID Fireside Chat with Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer. So, we wil have another Facebook Live this week on Friday, December 25, 2020 at 4:00 pm hosted by DPHN 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: 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.
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KEEP UP AND ACCESS 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
Your Douglas County Board of Commissioners and Douglas Public Health Network continue to offer a local resource and referral service via our COVID-19 hotline for Douglas County residents. The Hotline helps residents get answers to questions, provides up-to-date COVID information and helps residents get connected to resources and services related to COVID-19. 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.
ACCESS TO STATE COVID-19 INFORMATION/RESOURCES
To find additional information on State or Federal COVID-19 response go to Oregon Health Authority, Centers for Disease Control, and 211Info. Questions about Governor’s New Statewide Metrics and 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