MEDFORD, Ore. — Jackson County Public Health continues to report a rise in coronavirus cases into this week, with 23 new cases on Monday. The county was placed on Oregon's COVID-19 "watch list" last week due to an apparent rise in cases from community spread.
The latest cases brought Jackson County's total since the beginning of the pandemic to 710, with at least 222 of those cases considered "active infectious."
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Hospitalizations in Jackson County have also continued to rise, with at least 58 hospitalized since the beginning of the pandemic as of last Friday — up from 10 at the beginning of July. Two deaths in the county have been attributed to COVID-19 since the end of July.
"Jackson County is on the Governor’s Watch List due to an increase in sporadic cases, indicating community spread. Jackson County Public Health continues to stress the importance that everyone in Jackson County needs to take preventative action and wear a facial covering, practice physical distancing, wash your hands regularly, frequently disinfect surfaces that or touched often," the agency said in a statement. "These actions, taken by everyone, will slow the spread of COVID-19 in Jackson County and help Jackson County to be removed from the Governor’s Watch List. These actions will also help position Jackson County to create safer environments for students and teachers, and allow for them to return to the classroom this fall."
Officials in Jackson County are not recommending masks or face coverings that have exhalation valves or vents, such as N95 masks. The agency continues to urge people to follow the "three Ws" — wear a face covering, watch your distance, and wash your hands.
Josephine and Klamath counties also reported new cases on Monday, but both with much smaller numbers. Josephine County reported two new cases, bringing the county total to 150 since the pandemic began. Klamath County reported four new cases, bringing the county total to 225.
