As of 12:01 am on April 21, 2021, Jackson County Public Health reports 93 new COVID-19 cases. This brings the total COVID-19 cases in Jackson County to 10,077. This is the highest number of cases in a day since January 28, 2021.
"The increase in cases is incredibly alarming," states Dr. Jim Shames, Jackson County Health Officer. We are in a race between people getting vaccinated and the rapid spread of COVID-19 variants." When viruses replicate, mutations occur, and new variants of the virus are created. "All currently authorized vaccines provide a good level of protection against SARS CoV-2, including the variant B.1.1.7. "No vaccine provides 100% protection, but the current vaccines are highly effective at preventing people from getting the illness and becoming severely ill. We can help stop the spread of COVID-19 by individuals getting vaccinated as soon as they can with the vaccine that is available," says Dr. Jim Shames.
"We are encouraging people to get vaccinated as soon as they can. Now that everyone 16 years and older is eligible to get the vaccine, this means that our community can have greater protection against COVID-19, slow the spread of this virus, and return to some of the activities we have been longing to enjoy," states Tanya Phillips, Health Promotion Manager for Jackson County Public Health. "We have plenty of availability here at the Jackson County Vaccination Equity Center at the Expo. The walk-through Moderna site has availability, and we are now open until 6:00 pm, with the last time slot being at 5:45 pm, Monday through Friday. While appointments are encouraged, they are not required. People can get vaccinated without an appointment at the walk-through site."
The Drive-Through site is open and is providing the Pfizer vaccine. The Pfizer vaccine is FDA approved for individuals 16 and older. The Moderna vaccine is FDA approved for individuals 18 and older. Both the walk-through and drive-through sites at the Expo have availability.
Your best protection from COVID-19 will be a combination of getting a COVID-19 vaccine, wearing a mask, staying at least 6 feet away from others, avoiding crowds in poorly ventilated spaces, and washing your hands often. No one tool alone is going to stop the pandemic.
COVID-19 Related Deaths
Jackson County Public Health reports 2 new COVID-19 deaths, bringing the total to 129 since the beginning of the pandemic.
Jackson County's 128th COVID-19 death is a 42-year-old man who tested positive on March 25 and died on April 18 at Rogue Regional Medical Center. They had underlying health conditions.
Jackson County's 129th COVID-19 death is a 67-year-old man who tested positive on March 29 and died on April 18 at Rogue Regional Medical Center. They had underlying health conditions.
COVID-19 Workplace Outbreak
The Oregon Health Authority 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). Workplace outbreaks 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 the Murphy Softwood Veneer Plant. Jackson County Public Health began investigating this as a potential outbreak on April 13, 2021. At this time, there are 9 cases linked to this outbreak. This is an ongoing investigation.
Jackson County Public Health is investigating a COVID-19 outbreak associated with the Goodwill. Jackson County Public Health began investigating this as a potential outbreak on April 15, 2021. At this time, there are 6 cases linked to this outbreak. This is an ongoing investigation.
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