Jackson County Public Health is continuing to see a sharp increase in the number of new COVID-19 cases, COVID-19 outbreaks, and people being hospitalized for COVID-19 at an alarming rate. “Today, Jackson County set a new record for the number of new cases in one day. The number of COVID-19 positive patients being hospitalized and in the ICU are also at record numbers in the region,” states Dr. Jim Shames, Health Officer for Jackson County. “Until more people make the decision to get vaccinated and take action, we will continue to see this virus impact our community and push our hospital systems past its capacity.”
Jackson County Public Health strongly recommends that everyone 5 years and older (2 and older if tolerated) wear masks in indoor public spaces, regardless of vaccination status, to prevent the spread of COVID-19. It is highly recommended that everyone 12 years of age and older get a free COVID-19 vaccination.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) have advised universal mask use for all indoor public spaces, regardless of vaccination status. The CDC has also advised universal masking for teachers, staff members, and students in schools, regardless of vaccination status. Governor Kate Brown has directed state agencies to align K-12 mask guidance with the CDC recommendations in order to prevent disruptions for students returning to in-person instruction.
Masks are required in all healthcare settings and must be worn by healthcare personnel, patients and visitors. Mask, Face Covering, and Face Shield Requirements for Healthcare Offices.
The CDC has stated the need to increase COVID-19 vaccination across the United States to prevent surges in new infections that could increase COVID-19 related morbidity and mortality, overwhelm healthcare capacity, and widen existing COVID-19-related health disparities. Increasing vaccination coverage is especially urgent in areas where current coverage is low. Unvaccinated persons account for the majority of new COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations, and deaths. Currently, circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern, especially the highly infectious Delta variant (B.1.617.2), are accelerating the spread of infection. Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated people need to practice all recommended prevention measures until fully vaccinated.
Viruses constantly change through mutation. Slightly different forms of a virus are called variants. Delta is one such variant, and it’s caused more than 80% of recent COVID-19 cases in the United States – according to estimates – and will likely cause more. Delta spreads more easily than other variants. In fact, COVID-19 cases have increased over 300% nationally from June 19 to July 23, 2021, driven by the Delta variant.
The best way to stop the spread of Delta is to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Vaccines are preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death, and are effective against the Delta variant. High vaccination coverage will reduce the spread of the virus in Jackson County and elsewhere - and help prevent new variants from emerging.
“We know that seatbelts save lives, but even with seatbelts, you still have to take other actions to remain safe. You do this by following the driving laws and using other tools to protect yourself, other drivers, and pedestrians. It is the same thing with the COVID-19 vaccine, getting vaccinated saves lives, but we all must continue to use the other safety measures to keep ourselves and others safe from COVID-19,” says Tanya Phillips, Health Promotion Manager for Jackson County Public Health.
Free COVID-19 vaccines are available at Jackson County Public Health. Jackson County Public is providing the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. Jackson County Public Health is located at 140 South Holly Street and is open from 9 am to 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Appointments are not required at Jackson County Public Health for COVID-19 vaccinations.
Daily COVID-19 Cases
As of 12:01 a.m. on July 30, 2021, Jackson County Public Health reports 188 new COVID-19 cases. This brings the total COVID-19 cases in Jackson County to 12,710.
COVID-19 Hospitalizations
The number of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in Region 5 (Jackson and Josephine Counties) has dramatically increased over the past few weeks. As of 7:00 am on July 30, 2021, there are 68 hospitalized patients with COVID-19, and 18 of those patients are in the intensive care unit.
COVID-19 Related Deaths
Jackson County Public Health reports 3 new COVID-19 deaths, bringing the total to 155 since the beginning of the pandemic.
Jackson County’s 154th COVID-19 death is an 83-year-old man who tested positive on July 11 and died on June 28 at their place of residence. They had underlying health conditions.
Jackson County’s 155th COVID-19 death is an 80-year-old man who tested positive on July 21 and died on July 27 at their place of residence. They had underlying health conditions.
Jackson County’s 156th COVID-19 death is an 83-year-old man who tested positive on July 12 and died on July 28 at Rogue Regional Hospital. They had underlying health conditions.
COVID-19 Workplace Outbreak
Jackson County Public Health is seeing an increase in outbreaks primarily among congregate living and workplaces.
The OHA reports workplace outbreaks that have a minimum of 30 workers with at least 5 associated cases of COVID-19. This includes workers and their close contacts (e.g., household members, family, and friends). The OHA is publishing data on cases and deaths in care facilities, senior living communities, and congregate living settings that have three or more confirmed COVID-19 cases or one or more deaths.
Workplace outbreaks and congregate living settings can be found in the Oregon Health Authority’s Weekly Outbreak Report. Please reference this report for updated information on workplace outbreaks.
Jackson County Public Health is investigating a COVID-19 outbreak associated with Food 4 Less. Jackson County Public Health began investigating this as a potential outbreak on July 16, 2021. At this time, there are 7 cases linked to this outbreak. This is an ongoing investigation.
Jackson County Public Health is investigating a COVID-19 outbreak associated with Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center. Jackson County Public Health began investigating this as a potential outbreak on July 19, 2021. At this time, there are 7 cases linked to this outbreak. This is an ongoing investigation.
Jackson County Public Health is investigating a COVID-19 outbreak at Lakeland Senior Living. As of 12:01 am on July 29, 2021, this outbreak has a total of 7 cases and 1 COVID-19 related death. This is an ongoing investigation.
Jackson County Public Health is investigating a COVID-19 outbreak at Farmington Square Medford. As of 12:01 am on July 29, 2021, this outbreak has a total of 35 cases and 3 COVID-19 related deaths. This is an ongoing investigation.
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