MEDFORD, Ore. -- Local public health officials began announcing new confirmed cases of the coronavirus in southern Oregon and northern California as of Friday, May 1. Numbers from each individual county will be updated below as soon as NewsWatch 12 receives their latest figures.
JACKSON:
On Friday, Jackson County Public Health said that it had received no new positive test results for COVID-19, leaving the countywide total at 49 cases. The last confirmed case was announced a week ago on Friday.
Of the 49 total cases, Jackson County says that 38 have fully recovered. 11 cases are still being monitored by public health staff.
Over the past week, at least 421 people in the County have been tested for the virus and returned negative results. There have been at least 4,104 negative results in the county since testing began.
Earlier this week, officials said that Jackson County has "one of the lowest" rates for coronavirus in Oregon, at 22 cases per 100,000 people. The highest rate was in Marion County, with 125 cases per 100,000 as of Sunday.
The County advised that the CDC has added additional symptoms to watch for with COVID-19, as people have reported a wide range of symptoms, ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. These symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus:
- Fever of 100º or higher
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Chills
- Repeated shaking with chills
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
People who develop these symptoms and do not start to feel better within 3-4 days should contact a medical provider to find out if they should be tested for COVID-19.
"If you have these symptoms, it will be important that you isolate yourself from others in your household to prevent the infection from spreading, and stay home," Jackson County said. "If you access medical care while ill, please wear a mask. If you have trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to arouse, and bluish lips or face, you should seek medical care immediately."
The County asks that you not hesitate to access medical care, especially if it is an emergency, whether the symptoms are consistent with COVID-19 or not. Call ahead of time to schedule an appointment. Doctors may schedule a phone consultation or use telemedicine in replace of a face-to-face appointment.
"We can all continue to work together to keep our community healthy. Jackson County Public Health wants to thank the community for acting during this time, your efforts have helped to keep the community safe and healthy," the agency said.
KLAMATH:
Klamath County Public Health reported two newly confirmed cases in the county on Thursday, bringing the countywide total number of confirmed cases to 39. Importantly, County officials also reported that 31 of those cases have recovered and are no longer active.
The County says that 2,038 total tests have been processed — giving Klamath the highest testing ratio to population in the state of Oregon, a slot previously held by Jackson County.
"People needing to seek medical care beyond COVID-19 concerns are encouraged to do so," public health officials said. "Throughout the state and nation people with ongoing medical concerns have expressed hesitation to access care. Most local clinics are using telemedicine options whenever possible. Patients are urged to call ahead to their clinic to receive direction from staff members before arriving.
"It is important that community members continue to stay home, practice social or physical distancing of six feet, disinfect surfaces, and frequently wash their hands. These actions will prevent further spread. Because the outer wall of the coronavirus is made of fat, hand washing with soap and water is the best way to destroy the virus."
Based on the County's demographic data, 25 of the confirmed cases are women, and 14 are men. Five of the 37 cases have been hospitalized for the virus. Seven cases have been between the ages of 20-29, nine in the 30-39 age group, six in 40-49, nine 50-59, six 60-69, one 70-79, and one in the 80 or older group.
JOSEPHINE:
Josephine County Public Health officials announced one new case of coronavirus in the county on Friday, bringing the countywide total number of cases to 21. Ten people have reportedly recovered from the virus.
"Josephine County Public Health is investigating all cases to identify contacts and exposures and to isolate and monitor all individuals relevant to the cases," the agency said. "Public Health will reach out to anyone suspected of exposure to COVID-19."
The county marked the first death attributed to the virus in southern Oregon on April 11, an 81-year-old man.
As of Friday morning, a total of 1,203 COVID-19 test results from Josephine County have been reported to the Oregon Health Authority.
CURRY:
All four of Curry County's confirmed cases have reportedly recovered as of April 29. The County reports that 146 people have been tested and returned negative results.
SISKIYOU:
Siskiyou County officials say that there remain five confirmed COVID-19 cases in the county, and all five of those people have since recovered from the illness.
There have been a total of 247 negative test results, and two tests remain pending.
Total number of confirmed cases by county for the southern Oregon and Siskiyou County region:
- Jackson: 49
- Klamath: 39
- Josephine: 21
- Lake: 0
- Curry: 4
- Siskiyou: 5
Tune into NewsWatch 12 at 5:00 and 6:00 p.m. tonight for the most up to date Coronavirus numbers and information.
