[Medford, Oregon] — May 14, 2020, Jackson County Public Health has no new COVID-19 cases to report. The total case count remains at 50 in Jackson County. At this time, there are no fatalities from COVID-19 reported in Jackson County. To access additional data on the total COVID-19 cases, visit the Situation in Jackson County, Oregon webpage.
Jackson County received approval from Governor Kate Brown and Oregon Health Authority to reopen under Phase 1. Starting May 15, 2020, businesses will begin to slowly reopen in Jackson County and throughout Oregon. It is important to understand that the virus has not been eliminated, and there is no vaccine available. Therefore, there is still a risk for people to become ill with COVID-19 and pass the illness on to others. Jackson County Public Health expects to see an increase in COVID-19 cases as people begin to move around more.
As people begin accessing businesses in Jackson County and staying home less, there are still actions that everyone, including young and healthy people, needs to take in order to protect the health, wellness, and safety of themselves, family, friends, workers at the businesses they are visiting, and others who are more likely to have severe complications from COVID-19 (people 65 years and older, people in long-term care facilities and congregate settings and all people who have underlying medical conditions). These actions will help to slow the spread of the virus, but also help keep the community open.
Using a face covering, such as a cloth or paper mask, while out in public settings, especially in settings that are indoors where it may be difficult to ensure that you can stay 6 ft. away from others at all times, is highly recommended. Wearing a facial covering will help prevent these droplets from landing on other people and surfaces. The virus mainly spreads through close contact (within 6 ft.) between people by droplets produced through speaking, coughing, and sneezing. We have learned that people who are asymptomatic and people who eventually develop symptoms can spread the virus between people interacting in close proximity.
Everyone will still need to practice physical distancing by maintaining 6 ft. between individuals outside of their household as much as possible and continue to follow good hygiene and disinfection practices. Good hygiene and disinfection practices include frequently washing your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available, cover your sneeze or cough with your elbow and tissue and immediately throw the tissue away and wash your hands, avoid touching your face, and clean frequently touched surfaces often.
For people who are at risk of developing severe complications from COVID-19, it is best that you continue to stay home as much as possible, even if you feel well. If you chose to access services during the reopening phases, be sure to wear a face covering, remain 6 ft. from all individuals outside of your household, and follow good hygiene and disinfection practices.
It will still be important that everyone stay close to home, avoiding overnight trips and minimizing other non-essential travel, including recreational day trips to destinations outside the community where you live. Not all counties in Oregon will be reopening, and not all states are reopening; it is important that you are aware of the reopening status and restrictions in other locations outside of Jackson County.
The availability of testing has increased in Jackson County; therefore, if you develop mild symptoms of COVID-19 (cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever, chills, muscle pain, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell), you should contact your medical provider. Your medical provider can make a referral for you to get tested at the appropriate location. You can also contact one of the medical clinics or healthcare systems that is providing testing. Current health centers or health systems providing testing in Jackson County are:
If you need medical care, including an appointment to stay up-to-date on your vaccines, it is important that you do not hesitate to access medical care, especially if it is an emergency. Call your doctor ahead of time to schedule an appointment; they may schedule a phone consultation or even use telemedicine in replace of a face-to-face appointment. It is important to call the doctor’s office or urgent care centers before showing up to seek medical care. If you have a life-threatening emergency, please call 9-1-1 and seek medical attention immediately.
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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