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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2022

DOUGLAS COUNTY COVID-19 WEEKLY UPDATE

(Douglas County, Ore.)  DOUGLAS COUNTY COVID-19 UPDATE #665

*Our COVID quick look includes the total number of new cases in Douglas County for the week, which combines people with positive test results and presumptives for the previous week. 

†Our COVID case update chart includes the total number of cases reported in Douglas County since the beginning of the pandemic in our county on March 8, 2020. The chart illustrates the combination of residents with positive test results and confirmed presumptives, as well as the breakout of each of those. 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 in our over-all total. We follow the CDC definition for fully vaccinated, which states that a fully vaccinated person is someone who has received both doses of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine, or one dose of a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine and at least 14 days have passed since the individual’s final dose. 

In preparation for the Omicron surge, the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, who continue to lead the Public Health charge in Douglas County as your Public Health Authority, along with local medical leaders have been anticipating a possible surge in COVID-related hospitalizations.  A surge could once again strain our hospital system, as it did back in August/September during the Delta variant surge.  To help alleviate the hospital surge, together we have established the following:

• ENHANCED COVID HOTLINE: We have enhanced our local COVID Hotline (541) 464-6550, with referral services to local health care providers and case managers, in order to help alleviate unnecessary Emergency Room visits. 
• DAILY TESTING AND VACCINE CLINIC: OHA has set up a daily COVID testing and vaccine clinic located in the parking lot at the corner of Fowler Street and Diamond Lake Blvd. (across from the Roseburg Public Library).  Clinic hours are 10:00 am to 5:00 pm daily, seven days a week. PCR testing, COVID first and second vaccine doses, as well as boosters and pediatric vaccine doses are available. We encourage people to utilize this resource if a test is needed, as well as utilize other local testing and vaccine providers and also home tests, and not visit the hospital for testing.
• CHANGED TESTING GUIDANCE: DPHN has also temporarily changed our local COVID testing guidance in order to preserve testing for those that need it most and to preserve local inventory.  So, if you think you might have COVID, but are experiencing mild symptoms, we encourage you to contact your primary care provider or call our COVID hotline for a referral and follow their recommendations.  It may not be necessary to be tested to confirm a COVID diagnosis.
• COMMISSIONERS PURCHASED OXIMETERS: The Douglas County Board of Commissioners funded the purchase of 2,000 pulse oximeters for DPHN to distribute to patients with COVID symptoms, so they can measure their own oxygen levels and perhaps avoid an emergency room visit.
• COMMISSIONERS SECURE OXYGEN CONCENTRATORS:  The Douglas County Board of Commissioners worked with Lincare to secure 200 oxygen concentrators and make them available to Douglas County residents who need them.  At the current time, Lincare is able to meet the oxygen needs through their regular process, but if the demand outstrips their supply, these additional oxygen concentrators will be available locally.  Lincare does request that providers use their PARACHUTE ordering system to streamline orders.

The COVID-19 vaccines and booster doses are readily available around the county.  Check with your health care provider, AVIVA Health, Umpqua Health, Lower Umpqua Hospital, local pharmacies, Cow Creek Public Health, Roseburg VA or attend a local drive-thru clinic.   

1. Local COVID Hotline Still Active and Available. Our local COVID-19 hotline at (541) 464-6550 has been in operation since March of 2020.  They are ready and available to help answer your COVID-19 related questions about vaccine availability, how to isolate or quarantine, provide referrals for care and when/where to get tested.  The hotline is open 7 days a week from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.  Just a reminder that the hotline does not provide medical advice.  If you need medical attention or advice, please contact your health care provider or a local urgent care facility. 
2. DPHN’s EPI-Team is Still on the Job. As they have since the beginning, DPHN will continue to conduct local case investigations; provide case management and education; offer support services to isolated cases and maintain their tracking and reporting systems.
3. Please Help to Protect our Emergency Systems. Please do not call 911 or a hospital to ask COVID-19 questions. We need our emergency systems to continue to function and be available for those that need it most.  If you are not seriously ill, but need medical advice or want testing, please contact your health care provider. If you don’t have a provider, please call our local COVID Hotline at (541) 464-6550 and they will try to help connect you with a local health care provider. 

Our team continues encourage everyone, for the sake of our local businesses, services, economy and neighbors, to make the best decision for yourself and your family in order protect those around you from contracting or spreading the coronavirus disease.  We have provided education on implementing the widely proven and age-old safety measures to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19 and influenza.  Our team encourages you to access your risk and comfort level, and make the best choice for you.

1. Please stay home from work, school, shopping or running errands if you are sick. 
2. Please consider getting vaccinated, if you have not got the shot yet.  Get the booster dose too!
3. Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, and then throw the tissue in the trash.
4. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
5. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
6. Consider wearing a face covering when you are around those not from your immediate household or when you are in indoor settings.
7. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
8. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
9. Never visit a hospital or long-term-care facility if you have a fever or cough due to an illness.
10. Clean and disinfect surfaces that are often touched.
11. Delay or limit travel to COVID hot spots or highly populated areas.
12. Take care of your health overall. Staying current on your vaccinations, including flu vaccine, eating well and exercising all help your body stay resilient.

As of today, Wednesday, January 19, 2022, there are TWENTY-FOUR (25) Douglas County COVID-19 patients that are being hospitalized, twenty-one locally and four out-of-the-area. We continue to work with Mercy to provide information on our COVID patients being hospitalized locally, this last week they averaged 3 COVID-19 positive patients a day in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and 3 COVID-19 positive patients a day in the Progressive Care Unit (PCU).  This last week an average of 14% of their total hospitalized patients were COVID positive. Of our hospitalized patients today, EIGHTEEN (18) of the 25 patients are not fully vaccinated. 

Douglas County Public Health has confirmed the deaths of more Douglas County residents related to the COVID-19 virus. Our team confirms and then reports all COVID-19 related deaths in the order that they are received.  Our three hundred and twentieth COVID-19 related death was a 69-year-old woman who was diagnosed with COVID-19 on Friday, November 26, 2021 and passed away on Tuesday, January 11, 2022.  She was not vaccinated.  Our three hundred and twenty-first COVID-19 related death was a 70-year-old man who was diagnosed with COVID-19 on Wednesday, January 5, 2022 and passed away on Wednesday, January 12, 2022.  He was not vaccinated.  Our three hundred and twenty-second COVID-19 related death was a 75-year-old woman who was diagnosed with COVID-19 on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 and passed away on Tuesday, January 18, 2022.  She was fully vaccinated.  In the interest of privacy for the loved ones of this resident, and as our ethical responsibility to follow all medical laws, no additional information will be released. Douglas County Public Health officials thoroughly scrutinize and investigate all deaths, and review all medical records to make sure that everyone we report has met the requirements for a COVID related death, as per the Oregon Disease Investigative Guidelines for COVID-19.  Each death related to COVID-19 is painful for all Douglas County residents, and a sad reminder of the terrible impact COVID-19 has had in our local communities. The Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Dr. Dannenhoffer, DPHN and our COVID-19 Communications Team extend our heartfelt condolences and sympathies to all family members, friends, relatives, co-workers and community members of those who have passed after contracting this deadly virus.

Douglas County Public Health has been receiving delayed reports of COVID-19 related deaths of Douglas County residents from Oregon Vital Records, hospice/long-term care facilities and out-of-state institutions.  Our team confirms and then reports all COVID-19 related deaths in the order that they are received.  We do not have any delayed COVID-19 related deaths to report his week.

Douglas County’s vaccine pace continues to be high, with 2,145 doses given last week.  Although many (1,610) were boosters, there were 290 new vaccines.  The remaining vaccines are second and third non-booster doses.  We continue to compare and track our numbers using CDC’s vaccine data, as they more accurately represent our vaccination numbers. The data includes the Federally administered doses given at the Roseburg VA, that Oregon’s ALERT System only recently started including in their reports.   Our current numbers are as follows:

• For those 18 years old and above in Douglas County who are fully vaccinated (as calculated by the CDC) we are at 60.8%. 
• The percent of the ENTIRE population in Douglas County who are fully vaccinated (as calculated by the CDC) is currently 51.3%.  This percentage, plus the number of natural infections gives an idea of the level of community immunity. 
• Those Douglas County residents who have received a booster (as calculated by the CDC).  These people have the best vaccine protection.  For the entire population 38.2%  are vaccinated and boosted and for those over 65, 56.1% are fully vaccinated and boosted.

Omicron is now the predominant variant in Oregon and likely in Douglas County.  For previous variants, prior infection provided good (approximately 85%) protection from infection, and we previously included that number in the number unlikely to get re-infected.  Unfortunately, with Omicron, previous infection with Alpha or Delta seems to provide less than 20% protection.  The primary series of vaccination provides some protection (35%) and protection for a boosted individual climbs to 55 to 80% against acquiring the disease and further protection against hospitalization.  Thus, only about 43% of people in Douglas County have good levels of protection against Omicron, and thus we might expect to see a large number of Omicron cases. 

It is not too late to get a COVID vaccine.  We encourage everyone to get your initial series, and if eligible, get a booster.  If you had a previous infection, a dose of the mRNA vaccine will increase your immunity.  The OHA vaccine clinic located in the parking lot at the corner of Fowler Street and Diamond Lake Blvd. (across from the Roseburg Public Library) is open every day from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. 

Home antigen tests are now more widely available. Home antigen tests are being sold in local stores and on the web, and soon the state of Oregon and the federal government will be delivering home tests. 

HOME TESTS are ideal in the following situations:

1. I am mildly ill with symptoms that could be COVID-related, but I do not need medical care.  In this case, the recommendation is to stay home and if symptoms are still there the next day, do a home test.  (Tests on the first day of symptoms may not show an infection).  If the test is negative, repeat the test in 2 days. If the test is positive, you almost certainly have COVID and should isolate for at least 5 days after the start of your symptoms. 
2. I was directly exposed to someone who had COVID or might have had COVID.  In this case, the recommendation is to stay home for five days after the last exposure and test yourself on the 5th day.  If that test is negative, you can be pretty confident that you did not get COVID from your contact.
3. I have no symptoms and am not a contact, but really want to know if I have COVID before visiting my sick grandmother. Home tests are not perfect in this situation, but a negative test is somewhat reassuring and a positive test means you should not definitely NOT visit.

We understand that many stores and some websites are currently out of tests. We are also getting reports of fraudulent tests being marketed nationwide, if you would like to check and see if your home test is FDA approved, please follow this link and look it up. https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-emergency-use-authorizations-medical-devices/in-vitro-diagnostics-euas-antigen-diagnostic-tests-sars-cov-2

Tests from the state are scheduled to arrive soon. These tests will be distributed through our rural fire stations.   You may receive up to four tests per household. There is no charge for these tests. Additionally, the United States government recently set up a program for U.S. households to order free at-home testing kits  Residential households in the United States are eligible to order one set of 4 free at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 testing kits. Here’s what you need to know about your order:

• The tests are completely free. 
• Limit of one order per residential address.

• One order includes 4 individual rapid antigen COVID-19 tests.
• The free tests are available online through the U.S. Postal Service.
• Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days.
• Orders will ship free starting in late January.

Simply fill out the online form with your contact and shipping information to order your tests. Log onto special.usps.com/testkits to order your at-home tests kits.  Order your tests now so you have them when you need them.  log onto www.covidtests.gov for more information. If you need a COVID-⁠19 test now, please check out other local testing resources for free testing locations in Douglas County below.

Shared from Aviva Health.  Aviva Health is using donated downtown Roseburg commercial space as part of its omicron response effort, marking the organization’s return to the area where it first opened its doors in 1992.  While clinical care delivery is the long-term goal for the location, beginning today the building will house a temporary emergency call center to address community case-management needs during the COVID-19 omicron surge.  The building, located at 1128 S.E. Stephens Street, was donated to Aviva Health by Ron and Shirley Northcraft, longtime Roseburg residents who want the property to benefit underserved residents in the area.

“The community has supported my wife and I for our entire careers,” Mr. Northcraft says. “To be able to give back and have it utilized is a good feeling for us.”

KC Bolton, CEO of Aviva Health, says the new clinic is perfectly located to serve individuals who currently lack access to reliable, high-quality health care. “We are deeply humbled by the generous gift from Mr. and Mrs. Northcraft. It’s a physical and literal representation of returning to our downtown Roseburg origins,” Bolton says. “This new building allows us to once again provide essential services to our underserved community who reside downtown and may have transportation challenges, removing a significant barrier many people face.”  But before medical care is offered, omicron case-management services are the priority. “Like the delta surge, one of our priorities is to protect hospital emergency department and inpatient capacity, so establishing case-management services to effectively link COVID-19 patients to appropriate sources of outpatient care is a priority of ours.”

Aviva Health is also considering relaunching its Acute Care Clinic, last activated during the delta surge, for individuals who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 in dedicated space that limits interaction with well patients.  While Aviva Health providers will continue to see patients in-clinic, telehealth services are available for individuals whose care needs can be addressed remotely. As it has for several months, Aviva Health continues to offer COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters as well as testing services. Appointments are required. Online vaccination and booster self-scheduling is available here. Individuals can self-schedule a testing appointment online by clicking this link.  Helpful Omicron FAQs are available on the Aviva Health website.

As a reminder, as of Wednesday, December 1, 2021, we shifted to a weekly release for our Douglas County COVID-19 Update.  But, our team will continue to post our COVID-19 Seven Day Case Update Chart, as well as our updated information list of Local COVID-19 Resources to the county website (www.co.douglas.or.us) on weekdays (except for holidays and observed holidays). 

The Federal and State Governments, and their agencies are the ones that set policy, issue mandates and provide the guidelines for a state of emergency like the current COVID pandemic. For information log onto U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the Oregon Health Authority (OHA).  If you have questions about the current guidelines, mandates or the recommendations, please contact them 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 mandates.

💻 LOCAL ONLINE ACCESS TO UPDATES: Stay up to date with accurate and local COVID-19 information 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 free Douglas County e-Newsletter that publishes and sends out the update to our subscription base. Log onto: 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 answers to frequently asked questions, basic COVID information and referrals to local resources and services. Our local hotline number is (541) 464-6550 and is staffed from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, 7 days a week. 

🔍 DPHN VACCINE INFORMATION: Want more information on the vaccines? Log onto: http://DougCoVaccine.com.

💉OHA OFFERING FREE DRIVE THRU VACCINE CLINIC IN ROSEBURG:  OHA is currently hosting a free drive-thru vaccination and booster clinic at 1530 NE Diamond Lake Blvd., at the corner of NE Fowler Street and Diamond Lake Blvd., adjacent to the Roseburg Public Library in downtown Roseburg.  They will be offering all three vaccines, boosters and pediatric doses.  They are open every day 10:00 am – 5:00 pm until further notice.  No appointment is necessary.  If you have questions about the clinic, please contact OHA directly at (971) 673-1222 or (971) 599-0496 or log onto: www.oregon.gov/OHA.

🔍 DPHN COVID-19 INFORMATIONAL VIDEOS: Check out DPHN’s YouTube Channel for locally produced informational videos about COVID-19, featuring Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Dougals County Public Health Officer.

👩‍⚕️ AVIVA HEALTH:  UPDATED 1-19-22

TESTING: Due to COVID-19 case surges and decreased availability of testing supplies, Aviva Health is following the current OHA guidelines to prioritize testing for people who need it. We are temporary suspending testing for non-medically necessary reasons, such as travel and other leisure activities. Please consult your PCP or call (541) 492-2067 if you have any questions.

Aviva Health continues to offer vaccinations and boosters to eligible people at our Vaccination Clinic located at 4221 NE Stephens Street in Roseburg. Appointments are required and can be self-scheduled online by visiting: https://consumer.scheduling.athena.io/?locationId=17792-24&practitionerId=17792-121.

COVID VACCINE**:ALL vaccinations are by appointment only Aviva Health continues to offer free drive-through COVID-19 vaccination services to patients and non-patients, by appointment only. Patients must be Douglas County residents.  Residents may schedule a vaccine appointment by calling (541) 492-2067.  Vaccinations are also available on a limited basis, by appointment only at Aviva Health’s outlying clinics in North County, Sutherlin, Glide, and Myrtle Creek. People seeking vaccinations at their outlying clinics should call (541) 672-9596, to determine availability. 

COVID-19 BOOSTER VACCINES**: ALL vaccinations are by appointment only Aviva Health is now offering the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 boosters to certain groups of people, by appointment only, at its vaccination clinic located at 4221 NE Stephens Street, Suite 101A, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 am to 11:30 am and 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm.  Please call (541) 492-2067 to schedule your booster appointment.  For more information please visit www.aviva.health/covid-19-resources/. 

🏥 LOWER UMPQUA HOSPITAL DISTRICT: Lower Umpqua Hospital District has a COVID-19 Vaccine Call Center for COVID-19 vaccine information in the Reedsport area. Call (541) 271-2175, Monday through Friday from 9 am to 4 pm.

👨‍⚕️👨‍⚕️👨‍⚕️ COW CREEK HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER: UPDATED 1-03-22 

VACCINATIONS:**  For all general community members who would like to receive a COVID-19 vaccination, including booster and primary dose series, Cow Creek Public Health offers drive thru vaccinations (no appointment required) on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm at 2360 NE Stephens Street in Roseburg, across from the Tribal Government office. Last vaccine is administered at 12:45 pm. Mondays and Wednesdays are reserved for Moderna primary dose series and boosters. CCPH has paused administering Johnson & Johnson vaccines due to CDC guidance recommending MRNA vaccines. Fridays are reserved for pediatric Pfizer patients ages 5-11. At this time, we advise community members 12 and older who would like a Pfizer vaccine to find a community provider or pharmacy with that vaccine. At the time of vaccination, all individuals will be required to sign a consent form. Due to staff limitations, CCPH is unable to vaccinate anyone with severe medical risks (such as history of heart attacks, epilepsy, previous allergic reactions to vaccines, etc.). It is recommended those individuals receive their vaccination in the presence of a primary care physician. For vaccine related questions or general inquiries please call (541) 677-5535.

TESTING: REMINDER: Cow Creek Health and Wellness Centers are no longer offering free community testing. Testing is available by appointment only for Cow Creek Health and Wellness Center patients, Tribal Members, employees of Cow Creek Government Offices and affiliated businesses at the new Roseburg Clinic at 2589 NW Edenbower Blvd. 

🏥 ROSEBURG VA HEALTH CARE SYSTEM: Veterans can set up an appointment COVID-19 vaccine, by calling the Roseburg VAMC at (541) 440-1000.

👵 DOUGLAS COUNTY SENIOR SERVICES can help seniors with questions, locating testing and vaccines at (541) 440-3677.

**Please note for residents under the age of 14, this will require a parent or guardian to accompany them and give written consent for the vaccine.  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.

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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 | Cell: (541) 817-6552 | Email: vanessa@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org