[Medford, Oregon] — May 13, 2020, Jackson County Public Health has no new COVID-19 cases to report. The total case count remains at 50 in Jackson County. Of the 50 cases, 43 (86%) cases have recovered, and 7 cases (14%) remain active. During week 19 (May 3, 2020 – May 9, 2020) there were a total of 442 COVID-19 tests performed 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.
With businesses preparing to gradually reopen in Jackson County and throughout Oregon, it is important to understand that there is still not a vaccine available, and 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, need 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).
Using a face covering, such as a cloth or paper mask, while out in public settings, especially indoors where it may be difficult to ensure that you can stay 6 ft. away from others at all times, is highly recommended. We have learned that people who are asymptomatic and people who eventually develop symptoms can spread the virus to others when they are in close proximity. The virus mainly spreads through close contact (within 6 ft.) between people by droplets produced through speaking, coughing, and sneezing. Wearing a facial covering will help prevent these droplets from landing on other people and surfaces.
Everyone will still need to practice physical distancing by maintaining 6 ft. between individuals 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; using hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available; covering your sneeze or cough with your elbow and tissue, and immediately throwing the tissue away and wash your hands; avoiding touching your face; and cleaning 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 people, 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.
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 replacement 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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