Jackson County Public Health reports 40 new COVID-19 cases as of 12:01 am on December 21, 2020. This update brings the total reported COVID-19 cases in Jackson County to 5,350. Additionally, Jackson County Public Health reports two new COVID-19 deaths, bringing the total deaths to 60.
Jackson County's 59th COVID-19 death is a 74-year-old man who tested positive on November 10 and died on December 18 at Rogue Regional Medical Center. He had underlying conditions.
Jackson County's 60th COVID-19 death is a 60-year-old man who tested positive on November 27 and died on December 14 at his residence. He had underlying conditions.
For additional information, visit the Jackson County COVID-19 Data Dashboard at Situation in Jackson County, Oregon webpage. The Oregon Health Authority’s COVID-19 Data Dashboard website does publish Jackson County COVID-19 data.
How the COVID-19 Vaccine Will Be Distributed
COVID-19 vaccines are 95% effective and have undergone rigorous safety testing. Vaccination gives us hope that the pandemic will end. Our 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, and washing your hands often. No one tool alone is going to stop the pandemic.
The vaccine is currently not available to the general population; Oregon is in the 1A phase of distribution. In the meantime, we need to continue safety measures to keep the virus from spreading: Wear a mask, physically distance from others, wash your hands, avoid gatherings, and stay home when you’re sick.
Oregon's Phase 1A COVID-19 Vaccine Plan and Recommended Sequencing aligns with the federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for broad groups to be included in the initial phase of vaccine distribution.
The plan also creates a framework for distributing and sequencing COVID-19 vaccines throughout Oregon based on equity, individual, environmental, and activity factors that put people more at risk for contracting or spreading the virus or experiencing serious health consequences from the virus.
The plan breaks up Phase 1A into four groups. Examples include but are not limited to:
- Group 1: Hospitals; urgent care; skilled nursing and memory care facility health care providers and residents; tribal health programs; emergency medical services providers, and other first responders.
- Group 2: Other long-term care facilities and congregate care sites, including health care providers and residents; hospice programs; mobile crisis care and related services; individuals working in a correctional setting; personnel of group homes for children or adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- Group 3: Outpatient settings serving specific high-risk groups; in-home care; day treatment services; non-emergency medical transportation.
- Group 4: Health care personnel working in other outpatient and public health settings.
The types of individuals or settings within each group are not listed in any particular order and don't indicate a planned "in-group" sequence but are intended to be concurrent as logistics and vaccine dose availability allow the plan states. In addition, the plan calls for applying the broadest definition of "health care personnel" as outlined by ACIP and the CDC, which includes contractual staff not employed by a facility.
Winter Holidays
Jackson County is under the Extreme Risk level, and disease activity is widespread in the county. Please follow the guidance under the Extreme Risk; following the guidance will help reduce the community spread of COVID-19. Information can be found on the OHA website.
There are many ways to recognize and celebrate the holidays and still stay safe. It’s wise to consider participating in activities that are a lower risk so that you and your loved ones remain healthy throughout the season. This year will look different from other years. We know it’s disappointing not to gather and celebrate as you usually would, but it will be worth the effort to stay safe.
Travel may increase your chance of spreading and getting COVID-19. The Oregon Health Authority and the Centers for Disease Control continue to recommend postponing travel and staying home, as this is the best way to protect yourself and others this year. Review the Oregon Statewide Recommended Guidance for Travel.
It’s important to remember to follow the general safety guidelines that will keep you and your loved ones healthy during the holiday season. Everyone can make the winter holiday celebration safer this year.
- Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth, both indoor and outdoor.
- Stay at least 6 feet away from others who do not live with you
- Avoid crowded, poorly ventilated indoor spaces
- Wash your hands often
- Get your flu vaccine
- Minimize the number of people you are around and limit the gathering size to 6 people and no more than two different households.
- Host a virtual celebration with friends and family
- Gather virtually for gift exchange or activity
For more information:
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