[Medford, Oregon] — April 8, 2020, Jackson County Public Health is reporting two new COVID-19 cases. This brings the total to 41 cases in Jackson County. At this time, there are no fatalities from COVID-19 reported in Jackson County. For demographic data on the total cases, please access the Jackson County HHS COVID-19 webpage. This data is located under the Jackson County Daily Situational Update tab.
We have been using the term “social distancing” to describe staying 6 feet apart from others. Following the World Health Organization, we are now using the term “physical distancing” because it clearly describes keeping physically separated from others – 6 feet apart. Physical distancing can prevent the virus from transferring to others, but it’s important that we keep our social and community connections. We encourage people to maintain social connections in ways that still maintain physical distance by connecting with each other through the internet and by phone.
Cases in Jackson County are largely distributed throughout the county, which demonstrates community spread, and is widely dispersed. Therefore, one city is not safer than another. It is best that everyone stay at home, practice physical distancing and wear an alternative mask when they are out accessing essential services, minimize the number of times they need to access essential services, refrain from hosting or attending in-person social gatherings, and wash their hands frequently. These actions should be taken by all people during all times of the week, including the weekends.
“We salute every worker providing essential services, and adult, teen and child who have been staying home, practicing physical distancing, wearing an alternative mask when out in public, washing your hands and isolating yourself when you are ill. Because of your efforts, we are protecting each other, the community and our healthcare system.” Says Dr. Jim Shames, Jackson County Health Officer.
Here are what individuals should and shouldn’t do under Governor Kate Brown’s executive orders that are in place to flatten the curve:
Do
- Stay home as much as possible; this includes kids and teens
- Stay at least 6 feet away from others any time you are out
- Go out only for essentials (groceries and medical care), drop food off to neighbors who can’t go out
- Exercise outside and remain 6 feet apart from other people
- Have video and phone chats
Don’t
- Gather in groups
- Get together with friends and family outside your immediate household (no drinks or dinners)
- Have playdates for kids
- Make unnecessary trips
For more information:
The public can call 211-information with general questions
OHA Emerging Respiratory Disease page: www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus
CDC COVID-19 page: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Jackson County Health and Human Services: http://jacksoncountyor.org/hhs/COVID-19
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