[Medford, Oregon] — March 30, 2020, Jackson County Public Health is reporting one new COVID-19 case, bringing the total to 20 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Jackson County.
The United States nationally is in the acceleration phase of the pandemic. Jackson County has entered the phase of rapid community spread of COVID-19. Community spread means people have been infected with the virus who did not travel outside of their community, and it includes some who are not sure how or where they became infected. “It is best that everyone be cautious and not assume that one location is safer than another,” says Jackson Baures, Jackson County Public Health Division Manager. “COVID-19 is spreading in our community, and this is why practicing social distancing, that includes staying home and minimizing outings, is so critical right now.”
Social distancing means you avoid contact with people, other than those who live with you. Social distancing is one of the best ways to slow the spread of COVID-19. The best way to stay healthy and prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to stay home. You must also limit things you do outside your home to what you must do. Examples of things you must do are shopping for food or picking up medicines. The Governor’s order does not allow gatherings where people cannot keep 6 feet apart. Also, the order does not allow social events and non-essential business where people come into close contact.
By slowing the spread of this infection, we are protecting our healthcare system and our healthcare workers. By staying home, we are saving lives; we are protecting ourselves, our family, friends, and our community.
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.
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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