Jackson County Public Health reports 86 new COVID-19 cases as of 12:01 am on December 15, 2020. Additionally, five cases were removed from the total case count that had a previous reporting date. These updates bring the total reported COVID-19 cases in Jackson County to 4,978. Jackson County reports two new COVID-19 deaths; this update brings the total COVID-19 deaths to 52.
Jackson County’s 51st COVID-19 death is an 88-year-old female who tested positive on November 9 and died on December 3 at Providence Medford Medical Center. The presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.
Jackson County’s 52nd COVID-19 death is an 89-year-old female who tested positive on November 16 and died on December 9 at her residence. She 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, but 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.
- As COVID-19 vaccine becomes available, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) will ensure the distribution process is based on community involvement that will provide an equitable system challenging the roles of power, privilege, and racism — informed by a newly assembled Vaccine Advisory Committee (VAC).
- Using an equity framework, OHA will distribute the COVID-19 vaccine in line with CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice (ACIP) recommended a phased approach:
- 1A. Health care workers, with first distribution to those with direct exposure to COVID-19 in their work (such as hospital paid and unpaid workers, from clinicians to maintenance), EMS, long-term care facilities (LTCF) employees, and residents.
- 1B. Essential workers such as teachers, bus drivers, food processors, and other people who keep our society open and the economy moving. The OHA Vaccine Advisory Committee, representing community perspectives, will identify and prioritize this group.
- 1C. People with underlying health conditions, and people over the age of 65. (B and C completed in late spring, depending on vaccine availability).
Timeline for Vaccine Delivery
- OHA is ready to receive and distribute COVID-19 vaccines. Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are reportedly about 95% effective after two doses, one month apart. After FDA approval in December, the Pfizer vaccine will arrive in Oregon on December 15, and Moderna the following week, for immediate distribution to hospitals across the state. The total shipment will be around 197,000 doses in December. This is enough to immunize about 100,000 people. This number could change.
How to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19
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 community spread of COVID-19. Information can be found on the OHA website.
To prevent the spread of COVID-19, everyone should take the following steps:
- Cover your mouth and nose with a mask
- Avoid close contact and keep 6 feet of distance between yourself and people who do not live in your household. The fewer people you are around, the better.
- Wash your hands often
- Clean and disinfect surfaces that are touched frequently with common EPA registered household disinfectants
- Monitor your health, be alert for symptoms
- Always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow, and do not spit
For more information:
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