Umatilla County - OR issued the following announcement on Mar. 12.
Umatilla County Public Health (UCo Health) is appreciative of the community concern and support regarding the COVID19 Pandemic. We have worked with multiple health agencies and community partners to disseminate accurate and up-todate information since identifying the virus in Umatilla County, March 2020. UCo Health reports a total of 22,270 cases of COVID-19 in Umatilla County as of today’s Press Release, which represents the final Press Release regarding COVID-19 status in Umatilla County, barring any unforeseen circumstances. The Regional COVID-19 Dashboard will receive weekly updates on Wednesdays of each week. In the event that cases rise above 80 cases in a week, updates will shift back to updates daily.
Due to the monumental efforts of medical professionals, vaccine scientists, front line workers and the tireless efforts of the countless others who have supported them, including those in our community, we are now able to announce a transition from pandemic response to endemic response regarding the COVID-19 virus. An endemic phase virus status means that the virus is not causing the hospitalizations of the pandemic phase and that we have enough immunity in our population so that infection with the virus is kept to low levels.
That we have obtained endemic status is a testament to the hard work and sacrifice of all who have participated in the research and subsequent development and implementation of longstanding and new, innovative protocols and treatments. While some have been hard to maintain, their application has been for the health and wellness of all members of our community…locally, regionally and globally.
We continue to recognize that we have been in a very abnormal situation, with a once unknown conclusion, and as such it increased stress, fear and anxiety among Umatilla County residents. Counseling and support services are always accessible by calling our mental health partner, Community Counseling Solutions, at 866-343-4473. Interpretation services are available also.
UCo Health encourages Umatilla County residents to continue to prioritize your physical and mental health. Watch for common signs of distress (e.g. changes in appetite, difficulty concentrating, difficulty sleeping, worsening of chronic health problems, increased use of tobacco, alcohol or other drugs, etc.) and seek help if needed. There is additional help at the SAMHSA helpline, 1-800-985-5990. UCo Health continues to encourage individuals to stay home when exhibiting symptoms of respiratory illness. Respiratory illness does not target people of any certain age, race, ethnicity, country of origin or geographic location. It is important for businesses to ensure that employees are not coming to work sick. Employees should not be made to feel internal or external pressure to work through illness.
Businesses are encouraged to continue developing flexible leave policies to support employees who become ill and establish procedures for sending employees who are not feeling well home. Anyone who is exhibiting any symptoms of respiratory illness must stay home from work for 24-hours after all symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath, diarrhea, etc.) have resolved. We encourage individuals exhibiting symptoms such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath, to call your primary care provider FIRST to discuss the next steps. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.
UCo Health will continue to post information and spread awareness. COVID-19 is here to stay, it will continue to change, but the hope is our immune systems have encountered the virus/vaccine enough to reduce the severe impacts and more treatments are coming in the near future to assist those that do experience severe symptoms.
We continue to encourage individuals to continue to test for COVID-19 if you are feeling ill and to keep a testing supply on hand. Additionally, staying up on all of your vaccinations and any needed boosters is crucial to keeping your immune system ready to fight and prevent many severe illnesses. Masks are optional as of today, however if you are in close contact with those who are elderly and/or those who are immune compromised, please consider wearing your mask when in close contact with them or in highly populated situations.
UCoHealth will continue to update our Umatilla County Public Health Facebook page with information that affects the health of our community with information as it becomes available, continuing in our mission: Umatilla County Public Health is dedicated to promoting, protecting, and preserving the health of our community.
Original source can be found here.
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