MEDFORD, OREGON — Jackson County Public Health is reporting one new COVID-19 case, bringing the total to three in Jackson County. There is no known travel-related exposure or contact with a known case. Therefore, this is believed to be community-acquired. Jackson County Public Health is working to identify and isolate/quarantine any individuals who may have been in close contact with the person in the last 14 days.
With the latest test results in Oregon and across the United States, there is more evidence of active community spread of COVID-19, but this is something we have expected to see in Oregon and in Jackson County. Governor Kate Brown released new executive orders that take additional steps to ensure that Oregonians stay home in order to slow the spread of COVID-19 and save lives.
Under the new executive orders are directives for individuals. These directives state during the ongoing state of emergency that, to the maximum extent possible, individuals are to stay home or at their place of residence. Here are what individuals should and shouldn’t do:
Do:
- Stay home as much as possible; this includes kids
- Stay at least 6 feet away from others any time you are out
- Go out only for essentials (groceries and medical care)
- Exercise outside (hiking, biking) only if you can be 6 feet apart from others
- Have video and phone chats
- Drop food off to neighbors who can’t go out
Don’t:
- Gather in groups
- Get together with friends (no drinks or dinners)
- Have playdates for kids
- Make unnecessary trips
Social distancing is the most critical action Jackson County residents need to take right now in order to slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect the health of the community. By slowing the spread of COVID-19, we are flattening the curve. The curve is the number of people projected to contract COVID-19. The faster the infection curve rises, the quicker the local healthcare system gets overloaded beyond its capacity to treat people. By slowing the infection rate, the infection curve flattens, allowing our healthcare system to operate and care for those who need it. Stay home and save a life.
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