Medford, Oregon — March 28, 2020, Jackson County Public Health is reporting six new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total to 13 in Jackson County.
There are no fatalities in Jackson County, from COVID-19, at this time. Of the six new cases, 50% are male and 50% are female. One is between the ages of 30-39, one between 50-59, three between 70-79, and one between 80-89.
Jackson County Public Health wants the community to have information on the number of confirmed cases in a timely fashion. Therefore, as Jackson County Public Health releases this information, the number of cases may not match what is published on the Health Authority’s website. This also means that Jackson County Public Health may not have complete information about each case, as we will be in the beginning stages of our case investigation. Once the case investigation is completed, additional information will be added to the Jackson County Health and Human Services website. If there is an increased risk to the community, such as a location where many people may have been exposed, additional information will be provided.
Jackson County Public Health expects to see the number of positive COVID-19 cases increase daily in Jackson County. “Jackson County has entered the phase of rapid community spread of COVID-19,” says Dr. Jim Shames, Jackson County Health Officer. “What we are seeing now reflects how well we accomplished personal distancing a week ago. How well we isolate ourselves now will determine how much illness we have next week.”
It is critical that as a community, we do our part by practicing social distancing and staying home to protect ourselves, our family, friends and neighbors. “We want to thank all of our community members that are practicing social distancing and staying home,” says Tanya Phillips, Health Promotion Manager for Jackson County Public Health. “Following the social distancing guidance and staying home is something we all can do for ourselves and one another; this is how we protect our community.”
Adults 60 and older, or anyone with a serious health condition, including lung or heart disease, diabetes, or anyone who has a suppressed immune system, are more susceptible to developing severe complications from COVID-19. It is important that people understand that this is a new disease, which means everyone is susceptible to getting COVID-19. In the United States, about 1 in 2 people who are infected with COVID-19 are under the age of 55, and 1 and 3 are under the age of 45. Young people might feel ok, but they are still able to spread the disease and can infect and endanger someone they love.
Here are what individuals should and shouldn’t do under Governor Kate Brown’s executive orders that are in place to flatten the curve:
Do
· Stay home as much as possible; this includes kids and teens
· Stay at least 6 feet away from others any time you are out
· Go out only for essentials (groceries and medical care), drop food off to neighbors who can’t go out
· Exercise outside and remain 6 feet apart from other people
· Have video and phone chats
Don’t
· Gather in groups
· Get together with friends and family outside your immediate household (no drinks or dinners)
· Have playdates for kids
· Make unnecessary trips
For more information:
The public can call 211-information with general questions
OHA Emerging Respiratory Disease page: www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus
CDC COVID-19 page: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Jackson County Health and Human Services: http://jacksoncountyor.org/hhs/COVID-19
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