Jackson County Public Health reports 46 new COVID-19 cases as of 12:01 am on February 23, 2021. Additionally, 9 cases were removed from the total COVID-19 cases, and 1 was added, all with previous reporting dates. These updates bring the total COVID-19 cases to 8,198.
COVID-19 Hospitalizations
The number of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in Region 5 (Jackson and Josephine Counties) is 27, increased by 1 from the previous day. There are 9 patients in the intensive care unit (ICU), increased by 1 from the previous day.
The total number of patients in hospital beds may fluctuate between report times. The numbers do not reflect admissions per day, nor the length of hospital stay. Staffing limitations are not captured in this data and may further limit bed capacity.
For additional local COVID-19 data, visit the COVID-19 Data Dashboard at Situation in Jackson County, Oregon webpage. More information on hospitalizations and other COVID-19 can be found on the OHA COVID-19 Data Dashboard.
County Risk Level Update
This week is a movement week for Oregon Counties. Jackson County will be moving into the High-Risk category from the Extreme-Risk category. This change will go into effect on Friday, February 26, 2021. Jackson County is moving to a lower risk level as the case rate has decreased to below 200 cases per 100,000 population. For weeks 2/7/2021 – 2/20/2021, Jackson County had a case rate of 174.9 cases per 100,000 population.
“This is hopeful news that Jackson County has a decrease in cases and able to move to a lower risk category,” states Dr. Jim Shames, Jackson County Health Officer. “Even though we are seeing a decrease in cases and moving to a lower risk category, it remains critical that we continue to wear a mask, wash our hands, watch our distance, stay home when we are sick, and get vaccinated against COVID-19 when it's our turn.”
What is open under the High-Risk level?
- Eating and Drinking Establishments: Indoor dining is allowed. Indoor not to exceed 25% maximum capacity occupancy or 50 people, whichever is smaller. Outdoor dining not to exceed 75 people maximum. Indoor and outdoor seating: 6 people per party and per table maximum, limit 2 households. 11:00 pm closing time.
- Indoor Entertainment Establishments: Maximum 25% occupancy or 50 people total, whichever is smaller. 11:00 pm closing time.
- Indoor Recreation & Fitness: Maximum 25% occupancy or 50 people total, whichever is smaller. Indoor full-contact sports prohibited.
- Social and At-Home Gathering Size (Indoor): Maximum 6 people. Recommended limited: 2 household
- Social and At-Home Gathering Size (Outdoor): Maximum 8 people.
For a complete of what is open in Jackson County, please visit the Governor’s COVID-19 website: https://coronavirus.oregon.gov/Pages/living-with-covid-19.aspx
COVID-19 Vaccine Updates
Individuals 70 and older are now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Currently, the federal COVID-19 vaccine supply chain is scarce, impacting the vaccine supply in Jackson County. With the short supply and high demand, we know more seniors will want to get vaccinated than there will be vaccines available to them in the coming weeks. This means that every older adult will not be able to get an appointment as soon as they want one, even if they are currently eligible per the state's prioritization.
Jackson County Public Health received the vaccine allotment from the week of February 15, 2021, on Monday. This allotment of vaccine was delayed due to severe winter weather. In addition, the allotment for the week of February 22, 2021, was also received on Monday; this allotment had 2,600 prime doses.
Jackson County Public Health and our healthcare partners are encouraged by the number of people wanting to be vaccinated, and we are all eager to provide the vaccine. We appreciate the community's patience; we are all doing the best we can – as fast as we can – with the available resources we have.
Resources on vaccine eligibility and where to access the vaccine:
- Oregon Health Authority's COVID-19 Vaccine: https://covidvaccine.oregon.gov
- Register on the Get Vaccinated Oregon tool and check for country-specific information.
- 211 Information is also available to answer questions about vaccine eligibility and access.
- Text ORCOVID to 898211 to get text/SMS updates (English and Spanish only)
- Email ORCOVID@211info.org (All languages)
- Call 211 or 1-866-698-6155 from 6 am – 7 pm daily, including holidays
For more information:
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