FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - JULY 28, 2021
(Douglas County, Ore.) The bottom line for the future of COVID is that “This virus primarily exists among the unvaccinated, and as long as the coronavirus continues to circulate, with or without causing illness, it will continue to mutate, including into new variants that may be even harder to control. This is the biggest reason why it is so important to get vaccinated, as it aids in controlling the spread and the severity of the virus,” stated Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Douglas County Public Health Officer.
DATA SHOWS THAT BREAKTHROUGH CASES ARE RARE
A breakthrough case is when some who has been fully vaccinated gets infected with COVID despite being fully vaccinated. However, breakthrough cases are infrequent, and fully vaccinated people continue to be well protected against severe disease and death, even with the Delta variant. The latest report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that symptomatic breakthrough COVID-19 infections rare, expected and represent only about 0.098% of those fully vaccinated in the United States.
“No vaccine can provide 100% protection, but the data overwhelmingly illustrates that the three COVID vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalizations and death,” commented Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Douglas County Public Health Officer. “The risk of getting seriously ill from COVID for fully vaccinated people is so low that it doesn’t make any sense why anyone who is able, would choose not to get vaccinated. The occurrence of breakthrough cases is expected and, at this point, is not even anywhere close to a level that should raise any concerns about the performance and efficacy of the three available COVID vaccines.”
When you review the new data and statistics from the CDC, experts say it is clear that the risk of getting severely ill from COVID-19 after receiving a vaccine is incredibly low. And, although reports of breakthrough COVID-19 cases happening among fully vaccinated Americans are being sensationalized by the media, as the country is reeling from a new surge in COVID cases, the new report from the CDC shows just how rare these breakthrough infections are, and further shows that the overwhelming majority of those becoming seriously ill with COVID-19 are the unvaccinated.
“Yes, there are breakthrough cases, which is expected with any vaccine, and they can raise concern around the vaccine, but when put in the larger context of how many people have been vaccinated and the sheer volume of cases in the unvaccinated population, we recognize that the vaccines are working and how rare breakthroughs actually are,” said Dr. John Brownstein, the chief innovation officer at Boston Children's Hospital in a recent interview.
The CDC reported that over 156 million Americans, 18 years of age and older have been fully vaccinated, nationwide and there were approximately 153,000 symptomatic breakthrough cases estimated to have occurred as of July 20, 2021, representing approximately 0.098% of those fully vaccinated. *The estimates from the CDC do not include asymptomatic breakthrough infections.
Coronavirus cases are now at their highest point since early May, according to CDC data, with the U.S. average nearly quadrupling since June to 47,000 new cases a day, largely driven by the highly infectious Delta variant, which now accounts for more than 83% of new cases nationwide. COVID-related hospitalizations have also increased, with more than 27,000 patients hospitalized around the country, though that number is still significantly lower than in January 2021, when over 125,000 patients were receiving COVID care in hospitals. According to the CDC, severe breakthrough infections remain super rare, and nearly all of the hospitalized COVID patients, an average 97% are unvaccinated.
Locally our epidemiology teams at DPHN have been reviewing our local data for breakthrough cases, hospitalizations and deaths, and are working with our Douglas County Commissioners and Dr. Dannenhoffer, on how we will be reporting these statistics in our updates moving forward. Please look for the first report of their findings for this data in our Friday, July 30. 2021, COVID-19 Recovery Update.
A TSUNAMI OF NEW COVID CASES HITTING OREGON
Over the last few days, the United States and numerous counties in Oregon experienced an unprecedented surge in new COVID cases and hospitalizations, with some Oregon counties hitting triple digit single day new case counts. Click here to read more from OHA about the 1,032 new cases reported yesterday in Oregon. Yesterday, Douglas County surpassed our previous single day COVID case count from February 11, 2021 with 44 new cases, with 56 new positive test results and 2 new presumptives totaling 58 news cases. We sadly, also surpassed our highest single day record for hospitalizations, from December 10, 2020 with 21 residents hospitalized, to today with 24 Douglas County residents being hospitalized with issues related to contracting the COVID-19 virus. It’s also important to note that of the 24 hospitalized patients, 23 were unvaccinated. This comes at a time when we have more access and availability to COVID-19 vaccines in Douglas County than ever before. The Douglas County Commissioners set a goal for vaccination accessibility in Douglas County in early January this year to have COVID vaccines available to every resident within 5 miles of their home. We are happy to report that we have achieved that goal. Again, as we have said since the beginning, the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer our Douglas County Public Health Officer and our partners at DPHN and within our local medical community continue to encourage our residents to be safe, protect your families, take the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the virus, stay home if you are sick and make the choice to get vaccinated.
COVID-19 RECOVERY RECAP FOR TUESDAY, JULY 27, 2021:
On Tuesday, July 27, 2021, at noon we had FIFTY-SIX (56) people with new positive test results and TWO (2) new presumptives to report, bringing our total number of cases of people with positive test results and presumptives in Douglas County to 4,377*. We had NINETEEN (19) Douglas County COVID-19 patients hospitalized, fifteen locally and four out-of-the-area. Also, DPHN was supporting 250 cases in isolation, 214 cases in quarantine for a total of 464 in isolation and quarantine.
COVID-19 RECOVERY UPDATE FOR WEDNESDAY, JULY 28, 2021:
As of 12:00 pm today, Wednesday, July 28, 2021, there are FORTY-ONE (41) people with new positive test results and FIVE (5) new presumptives to report following our Tuesday recap listed above. The total number of cases of people with positive test results and presumptives in Douglas County is now at 4,423*. Currently, there are TWENTY-FOUR (24) Douglas County COVID-19 patients that are being hospitalized, twenty locally and four out-of-the-area.
Douglas County, OR - COVID-19 - Case Update Chart* | |||||
Date | Saturday, July 24, 2021 | Sunday, July 25, 2021 | Monday, July 26, 2021 | Tuesday, July 27, 2021 | Today, Wednesday, July 28, 2021 |
Total COVID-19 Cases | 4,275 | 4,294 | 4,319 | 4,377 | 4,423 |
People w/ Positive PCR or Antigen Test Results | 4,080 | 4,096 | 4,121 | 4,177 | 4,218 |
Presumptive | 195 | 198 | 198 | 200 | 205 |
Total Currently Hospitalized | 18 | 19 | 20 | 19 | 24 |
Total Currently in Isolation | 187 | 203 | 216 | 250 | 287 |
Total COVID-19 Related Deaths | 87 | 87 | 87 | 87 | 87 |
*Our daily update includes the total number of cases in Douglas County, which combines people with positive test results and presumptives, as well as a breakout of those case numbers. 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.
LOCAL CONTACTS AND CASES BEING SUPPORTED IN ISOLATION AND QUARANTINE
Currently, DPHN is supporting 287 cases in isolation, as well as another 272 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 a total of 559 total contacts and cases in isolation or quarantine. This number represents a snapshot of the significant amount of work being done locally to help control the spread of COVID.
DOUGLAS COUNTY COVID-19 RECOVERY UPDATE
Reminder, we are publishing our Douglas County COVID-19 Recovery Updates on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. We will continue to report and recap daily numbers in each of our updates for the days that we do not publish a local COVID-19 Recovery Update. Our next COVID-19 Update will be on Friday, July 30, 2021.
DOUGLAS COUNTY FIRE DISTRICT NO. 2 SENDS LETTER OF THANKS TO THE COMMISSIONERS
Dear Douglas County Board of Commissioners, The Douglas County Fire District Board of Directors would like to thank you for providing a $15,000 grant to the Fire District so that we can purchase an enclosed trailer to be setup for both mass casualty or pandemic events. Unfortunately, our County has experienced both in recent history and having the ability to have a mobile platform available to bring a large quantity of required supplies to assist with the care and treatment of citizens effected by either a mass casualty or pandemic event will be a tremendous asset to the community.
This purchase would not have been possible without the generous grant provide by the Commissioners and the County. The Fire District Board looks forward to continuing and improving our relationships. As we are all aware no one has the capacity, skills, knowledge, or finances to tackle everything on their own and it is only through strong and open partnerships that we can all work to make our County a better and safer place for everyone. The Board of Directors would again like to express thanks for the generous grant you have provided for the trailer as well as all the other times the County has been able to assist with funding through means that the Fire District would otherwise not have available to them.
TIPS FOR STAYING GROUNDED IN UNCERTAIN TIMES
Shared from OHA. As you have probably noticed, COVID-19 cases in Oregon are on the rise. This difficult news may bring about feelings of frustration or sadness. Last fall, OHA shared this video that offers some actionable tips for grounding yourself in uncertain times from a former OHA Senior Health Advisor, Dr. Jon Betlinski. This may be a helpful resource during this time of uncertainty. The video is a clip from a past OHA Facebook Live event focused on mental health. You can also view the full Q&A in English here and in Spanish here.
AVIVA WILL OFFERING COVID VACCINES AT THE DOUGLAS COUNTY FAIR
Shared from Aviva Health. Aviva Health is pleased to announce that one of two Mobile Medical Units (MMU’s) assigned to Aviva Health by the Douglas County Board of Commissioners during the COVID-19 pandemic will be at Douglas County Fair, August 3 to August 7, 2021, from open to close. Aviva Health staff will be on hand to help fairgoers sign up for the Oregon Health Plan (OHP), assist existing OHP members to establish with a local provider, and provide FREE COVID-19 Vaccinations. Additionally, Aviva Health will hand out a variety of giveaways and informational literature on programs and services offered by the Douglas County based Federally Qualified Health Center. Be sure to stop by the MMU, located just passed the entrance at the front of the Swine (Pig) Building during your visit to the fair to learn more about Aviva Health and health resources it offers the community.
DOUGLAS COUNTY TIGER TEAM HOSTING FREE POP-UP COVID-19 VACCINATION CLINICS
The Douglas County Tiger Team continues to bring free COVID-19 vaccines directly to all areas of Douglas County in our mobile medical vans (MMV) via their pop-up vaccine clinics. The Douglas County Board of Commissioners, who have led the charge for our Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team efforts since the beginning, have coordinated with DPHN to organize our local Tiger Team to manage our vaccine outreach efforts through ‘pop-up’ vaccine clinics.
The Douglas County Tiger Team will be hosting FREE POP UP COVID VACCINE CLINICS at the locations listed below. The clinics are currently open to anyone 18 years of age and older, and preregistration is not necessary:
Look for the Douglas County Tiger Team at local events and festivals and around our communities offering information and access to vaccinations. Our Tiger Team coordinates with Umpqua Valley Ambulance to bring a certified vaccinator and a medical assistant to each clinic. If you are interested in having the Douglas County Tiger Team come to your area or event to provide a free pop-up vaccine clinic or if you have any questions about our Douglas County Tiger Teams, please call (541) 670-3110 or our local COVID-19 Hotline at (541) 464-6550.
AVIVA HAS A DEDICATED FREE COVID-19 VACCINATION CLINIC SITE IN ROSEBURG
Shared from Aviva Health. Aviva Health has a dedicated COVID-19 vaccination clinic site at 4221 NE Stephens Street, Suite 101 in Roseburg, just across the street from its main Roseburg Clinic location near Costco and offers free COVID-19 vaccines by appointment. The COVID-19 vaccination clinic is e open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and is open for residents ages 12 and older**. To schedule an appointment please call (541) 672-9596.
COVID-19 VACCINE ELIGIBILITY OPEN FOR EVERYONE 12 YEARS OLD AND OLDER**
According to the CDC, State of Oregon and OHA, ALL residents ages 12 years old and older** are eligible to get the COVID-19 Vaccine. According to Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Douglas County Public Health Officer, “We have plenty of vaccines available, they are safe, they are effective and they are available to anyone 12 and above who want it.”
IF YOU ARE HAVING DIFFICULTIES SCHEDULING A VACCINE APPOINTMENT, HELP IS AVAILABLE
Not everyone is able to use the internet, a tablet, a computer or a smart phone to schedule a COVID vaccine appointment. If you or someone you know needs to schedule an appointment for the COVID vaccine, and do not have access to the internet, you can call one of the numbers below to get help scheduling an appointment.
GETTING YOUR SECOND DOSE OF THE COVID-19 VACCINE IS IMPORTANT
Please know that as a part of vaccine efficacy, it is vitally important to for those residents who have received their first dose of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, to make sure that you get your second dose of the vaccine to complete the vaccination. By getting both shots, it will provide better immunity and help to protect yourself and those around you that you love. If you have already received your first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, here are a few answers to questions about your second dose.
COVID-19 FACEBOOK LIVE WITH DR. BOB
As a part of our COVID-19 Recovery Phase, DPHN will continue to host our COVID-19 Facebook Live events once a week, on Tuesday evenings at 6:00 pm. The next Facebook Live event featuring Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Douglas County Public Health Officer will be Tuesday, August 3, at 6:00 pm. You can submit your questions during our live show or in advance at: Facebookquestions@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org. Dr. Bob and the DPHN team will do their best to respond to as many questions as they can during the Facebook event. The Facebook Events are hosted by DPHN on the DPHN Facebook page.
STATE AND FEDERAL COVID-19 INFORMATION
It is important to understand that Federal and State Government and their agencies are the ones that set policy and issue the guidelines for a state of emergency like the pandemic. Locally, we are following the recommended guidance issued by the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the Oregon Health Authority (OHA). If you have questions about the current guidelines or the recommendations, please contact the CDC or OHA directly for more information. OHA posts their daily updates at www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus. Please do not call 911, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office or Douglas County Offices to report issues with the State of Oregon, OHA or the Governor’s orders.
DOUGLAS COUNTY COVID-19 RESPONSE TEAM
The Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team (DCCRT) was established on March 12, 2020 and redirected on Wednesday, July 7, 2021. It was created by the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, as an emergency response body to bring together community partners in order to cooperatively focus efforts, address issues, mobilize resources, develop programs and strategic plans, and effectively communicate our efforts to residents in response to the world-wide coronavirus pandemic on a local level. For 470 days, the DCCRT worked as a unified team, and now we have shifted our focus to local COVID-19 Recovery efforts. The shift to the recovery phase is a natural progression in the emergency response process and also means we are not ending our COVID-19 efforts. As the established Public Health Authority for Douglas County, the Douglas County Board of Commissioners will continue to oversee, contract with, fund and support Douglas Public Health Network (DPHN) for as long as necessary for our COVID-19 Recovery Response. If needs or circumstances arise that necessitate us to reestablish the DCCRT, we are prepared to do so immediately.
ACCESS TO LOCAL COVID-19 RESOURCES
Local Online Access to Updates
Stay up to date with accurate and local COVID-19 information in Douglas County by visiting the Douglas County Government website or DCGOV Facebook page or the DPHN website or DPHN Facebook page.
Free Local e-Newsletter Subscription
You can also sign up for the Douglas County e-Newsletter that publishes and sends out the update to our subscription base free. You can sign up for the Douglas County e-Newsletter at www.co.douglas.or.us.
Douglas County COVID-19 Hotline (541) 464-6550
Your Douglas County Board of Commissioners and DPHN continue to offer a local resource hotline for Douglas County residents for COVID-19. The hotline provides answer to frequently asked questions, basic information and referrals to resources and services. Our local hotline number is (541) 464-6550 and is staffed from 8 am to 5 pm, 7 days a week.
Aviva Health Offers Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions Webpage
Aviva Health has created an online FAQ page to answer questions related to COVID-19 regarding availability and scheduling. Log onto https://aviva.health/covid-19-vaccine-faqs/
COVID Vaccine Call Center at Lower Umpqua Hospital District in Reedsport
Lower Umpqua Hospital District has a COVID-19 Vaccine Call Center for COVID-19 vaccine information in the Reedsport, Douglas County Coastal area. Call (541) 271-2175, Monday through Friday from 9 am to 4 pm.
**Please note that for residents that are ages 12 to 14, this will require a parent or guardian to accompany them and give written consent for the vaccine. Written consent can also be obtained in advance. Under Oregon law, minors 15 years of age and older may consent to medical treatment, including vaccinations, when provided by a physician, physician assistant, naturopath, nurse practitioner, dentist or optometrist, or other professionals operating under the license of these providers; however, families are encouraged to make decisions about vaccinations together.
###
Contact Tamara Howell, Douglas County Public Information Officer & Emergency Communications & Community Engagement Specialist – Phone: (541) 670-2804 – Cell: (541) 957-4896 – Email: tjhowell@co.douglas.or.us
Contact Vanessa Becker, Public Information Officer, Douglas Public Health Network – Phone: (541) 817-6552 – Cell - (541) 440-3571 – Email: vanessa@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org