[Medford, Oregon] — May 11, 2020, Jackson County Public Health has no new COVID-19 cases to report. The last reported case in Jackson County was on April 24, 2020. The total number of cases reported remains at 49. At this time, there are no fatalities from COVID-19 reported in Jackson County. Jackson County Public Health is now publishing COVID-19 cases per zip code and testing data. To access this information and other data on the total COVID-19 cases, visit the Situation in Jackson County, Oregon webpage.
Governor Brown emphasized that by taking steps gradually and carefully and following science and data, Oregon can begin to reopen safely. Jackson County submitted its COVID-19 Reopening and Prerequisites Status and Plan, as the county believes they have met the prerequisites set forth by Governor Brown to enter into the first phase of reopening. These requirements to reopen Jackson County are based on clear public health criteria and signs our health care system is able to respond to a spike in new infections. These requirements include:
- See fewer people in Jackson County getting sick from COVID-19.
- Have sufficient COVID-19 testing and contact tracking capability.
- Establish plans for supporting the isolation and quarantine of people who are sick from COVID-19.
- Have the hospital capacity to handle any surge in COVID-19 cases.
- Have enough safety equipment for health care workers.
With businesses preparing to gradually reopen in Jackson County and throughout Oregon, it is important to understand that there is still not a vaccine available, and Jackson County Public Health does expect to see an increase in COVID-19 cases as people begin to move around more.
As people begin accessing businesses in Jackson County and staying home less, there are still actions that everyone, including younger and healthy people, need to take in order to protect the health, wellness, and safety of themselves, family, friends, workers at the businesses they are visiting, and others who are more likely to have severe complications from COVID-19 (people 65 years and older, people in long-term care facilities and congregate settings and all people who have underlying medical conditions).
Jackson County Public Health recommends that everyone use a face covering, such as a cloth or paper mask, while out in public settings, especially in settings that are indoors where it may be difficult to ensure that you can stay 6 ft. away from others at all times. Everyone will still need to practice physical distancing by maintaining 6 ft. between individuals as much as possible. Finally, everyone should continue to follow good hygiene and disinfection practices. Good hygiene and disinfection practices include frequently washing your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds; use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available; cover your sneeze or cough with your elbow and tissue, and immediately throw the tissue and washing your hands; avoid touching your face and clean frequently touched surfaces often.
For people who are at risk of developing severe complications from COVID-19, it is best that you continue to stay home as much as possible, even if you feel well. If you chose to access services during the reopening phases, be sure to wear a face covering, remain 6 ft. from all people, and follow good hygiene and disinfection practices.
It will still be important that everyone stay close to home, avoiding overnight trips and minimize other non-essential travel, including recreational day trips to destinations outside the community where you live.
If you need medical care, including vaccination appointments, it is important that you do not hesitate to access medical care, especially if it is an emergency. Call your doctor ahead of time to schedule an appointment; they may schedule a phone consultation or even use telemedicine in replacement of a face-to-face appointment. It is important to call the doctor’s office or urgent care centers before showing up to seek medical care. If you have a life-threatening emergency, please call 9-1-1 and seek medical attention immediately.
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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