As COVID-19 continues to spread, local agencies have ramped up their efforts to enforce social distancing guidelines while supporting their communities through the pandemic.
While Oregon Health Authority has confirmed a total of 316 cases of COVID-19 — including 11 fatalities — throughout the State of Oregon since the start of the outbreak, Hood River and Wasco counties had no cases to contribute to those rising numbers until this week.
Wasco County had its first presumptive positive case of COVID-19 confirmed the evening of March 25 out of the Oregon Veterans’ Home in The Dalles. The individual, a male resident in the 60-80 age range, had no known contact with a confirmed case and had not traveled to a country where the virus is circulating, so the case is being investigated as a community-acquired case, said an Oregon Health Authority press release. They have been in isolation since March 19.
“On behalf of North Central Public Health District, I would like to extend support to those affected by the diagnosis of COVID-19 in this beloved individual who served our country, and to commend the incredible work of the staff of Oregon Veterans’ Home in The Dalles. They have worked diligently and tirelessly to care for their residents,” said Dr. Miriam McDonell, health officer for North Central Public Health District.
“We are doing our utmost to combat the spread of this disease, and to provide information, resources and guidance to all in Wasco, Sherman and Gilliam counties, “ McDonell said. “In these times of uncertainty and hardship, I know the compassion and integrity of our residents will enable us to protect our most vulnerable, and provide help to any neighbors in need.”
While Oregon Health Authority has confirmed a total of 316 cases of COVID-19 — including 11 fatalities — throughout the State of Oregon since the start of the outbreak, Hood River and Wasco counties had no cases to contribute to those rising numbers until this week.
Wasco County had its first presumptive positive case of COVID-19 confirmed the evening of March 25 out of the Oregon Veterans’ Home in The Dalles. The individual, a male resident in the 60-80 age range, had no known contact with a confirmed case and had not traveled to a country where the virus is circulating, so the case is being investigated as a community-acquired case, said an Oregon Health Authority press release. They have been in isolation since March 19.
“On behalf of North Central Public Health District, I would like to extend support to those affected by the diagnosis of COVID-19 in this beloved individual who served our country, and to commend the incredible work of the staff of Oregon Veterans’ Home in The Dalles. They have worked diligently and tirelessly to care for their residents,” said Dr. Miriam McDonell, health officer for North Central Public Health District.
“We are doing our utmost to combat the spread of this disease, and to provide information, resources and guidance to all in Wasco, Sherman and Gilliam counties, “ McDonell said. “In these times of uncertainty and hardship, I know the compassion and integrity of our residents will enable us to protect our most vulnerable, and provide help to any neighbors in need.”
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