Jackson County reports two more COVID-19 deaths, record-breaking case counts
Two men in their 80s died earlier this week at Asante Rogue Regional, according to Jackson County Public Health.
MEDFORD, Ore. — KDRV Jackson County Public Health reported another record-breaking daily count for coronavirus cases on Thursday, alongside two new deaths attributed to the virus.
Officials reported 123 new cases, bringing the County’s total since the beginning of the pandemic to 2,606. Of those total cases, 676 are still considered active and infectious.
Two men in their 80s died of the virus at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center on Tuesday, Jackson County Public Health said. One was an 80-year-old man who tested positive on November 3, another was 87 and tested positive on November 6. Both reportedly had underlying health conditions.
The two latest fatalities bring Jackson County’s total to 10.
“First of all, I want to send my condolences to the families that have lost loved ones from COVID-19, I am sorry for your loss.” said Dr. Jim Shames, Jackson County Health Officer. “Jackson County has continued to set new daily and weekly records in the last five weeks, and I am really concerned about this. I cannot emphasize enough that we all need to make changes to limit the spread of COVID-19.”
Of particular concern are mounting cases at local long-term care facilities, where residents are much more likely to see serious consequences of the virus. Avamere at Three Fountains alone reports 68 active cases among residents, 23 cases among staff, and two resident deaths — all since the beginning of November.
“We know that many people have already made these changes, and the actions they are taken have helped,” Shames continued. “But we need everyone to reduce the number of gatherings they attend; it is best not to gather with people outside of your household. Minimize the number of people you are around and the number of gatherings you attend in a week. Wear a mask in public settings, and especially wear a mask if you are gathering with people that are outside of your household, even if they are family and friends, wear a mask!”
A recent update from the CDC reported new scientific evidence that wearing a mask can both aid in preventing transmission of COVID-19, and reduces the risk of inhalation of infectious droplets for the wearer.
“Wearing a mask protects those around you and yourself from COVID-19, we are truly all in this together,” said Tanya Phillips, Health Promotion Manager for Jackson County Public Health.
Jackson County Public Health and other health agencies say that they are seeing an increase in call volume with basic COVID-19 questions, and where to get tested for COVID. Here are some of the resources that in place to answer your questions:
Do you have questions about COVID-19? Visit these sites or call 211-information.
- OHA Emerging Respiratory Disease page
- CDC COVID-19 page
- The public can call 211-information with general questions
Do you have questions about isolation and quarantine?
- OHA Oregon COVID-19 Contact Collaborative
- Scroll down to the bottom of the page; there are directives about what to do if you test positive for COVID-19 or if you are a close contact. If you have a confirmed COVID-19 test or if you are a close contact of a confirmed case, follow these directions, even if you have not heard from your local public health department.
Where can I get tested in Jackson County?
- Use the Oregon Health Authority test finder website
- Call 211-information
When should I seek emergency medical care?
It is important to know when to seek emergency medical care for COVID-19, especially when the hospital system’s capacity may be limited due to the increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations.
If someone is showing any of these signs, seek emergency medical care immediately:
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion
- Inability to walk or stay away
- Bluish lips or face
This list is not all possible symptoms. Please call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you. Call 911 or call ahead to your local emergency facility: notify the operator that you are seeking care for someone who has or may have COVID-19.
Take these everyday preventative actions to stop the spread of germs like the flu and COVID-19:
- Get vaccinated for flu
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Limit your contact with others if you are sick
- Wear a mask
- Limited the number and size of your gatherings
- Cover your coughs and sneezes
- Wash your hands
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that are frequently touched
- Watch your distance (stay at least 6 ft away from others)
