SEATTLE – DEA is holding its 19th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, Oct. 24 with 145 collection sites throughout the Pacific Northwest. The nationwide event aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications.

Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.

Collection sites will adhere to local COVID-19 guidelines and regulations in order to maintain the safety of all participants and local law enforcement.  There are 16 collection sites in Alaska, 40 in Idaho, 33 in Oregon and 56 in Washington State. 

“The initiative – now in its tenth year – addresses a vital public safety and public health issue,” said DEA Acting Administrator Timothy Shea. “Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Together with our partners, we are not only holding National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, but offering other ways to dispose of unwanted, unused, and expired prescription medications.”

"Stop, drop and roll, no questions asked,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Keith Weis. He further stated that, “With more people staying at home, we must remain vigilant, keeping our loved ones safe by cleaning out our medicine cabinets.” 

If you can’t find a Take Back Day drop-off site near you, there are other ways to keep your medications safe until the next Take Back Day, dispose of them, or drop them at a year-round collection location. Given the ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency, DEA wants to ensure that the public is aware of other ways they can dispose of unwanted prescription drugs without having to leave their homes. Both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency have tips on how to safely dispose of drugs at home.

In addition to DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, prescription drugs can be disposed of at any of the 11,000 DEA authorized collectors at any time throughout the year. For more information, visit: https://apps2.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/pubdispsearch/spring/main?execution=e1s1.

DEA also encourages the public to reach out to their local law enforcement to find out if they have any permanent drug disposal locations throughout their local community.

DEA and its partners will collect tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms. DEA will also accept vape pens or other e-cigarette devices from individual consumers, only after the batteries are removed from the devices. If the battery cannot be removed, individual consumers can check with large electronic chain stores who may accept the vape pen or e-cigarette devices for proper disposal. Liquids, including intravenous solutions, syringes and other sharps, and illegal drugs cannot be dropped off. This service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

For more information on DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, and to find a collection site near you, visit www.deatakeback.com

 

ROSEBURG, Ore. - Detectives arrested a Roseburg man Thursday evening on charges of Invasion of Personal Privacy.

On Thursday, October 22, 2020, the Sheriff's Office took a report that hidden cameras had been discovered in the bedroom of a minor female known to the suspect, 48-year-old Robert Wayne Roady of Roseburg.

Detectives conducted interviews and executed a search warrant at Roady's residence in the 2000-block of Linnell Avenue. During the search warrant, detectives found evidence pertaining to the investigation.

Roady, a Police Officer with the Roseburg Veteran's Administration, was contacted and interviewed by detectives at the Sheriff's Office. Roady admitted to placing the cameras in the room of a 14-year-old female for sexual purposes. Through the investigation, two additional minor victims were identified and additional evidence was discovered.

Roady was lodged at the Douglas County Jail on nine (9) counts of Invasion of Personal Privacy in the First Degree (Class C Felony). Additional charges are being considered pending further investigation.

Detectives are continuing their investigation at this time. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Detectives Division at (541) 440-4458, referencing case number 20-4914.

TENMILE, Ore. - Attentive Marine Deputies discovered a serious injury vehicle crash on Wednesday while on their way to patrol Ben Irving Reservoir. 

Shortly before 10:45 am on Wednesday, October 21, 2020, a Marine Deputy and Cadet were driving to the boat ramp at Ben Irving Reservoir when the Marine Cadet observed a vehicle over a steep embankment near the water. Once they got out of their vehicle, a woman could be heard yelling for help. 

The deputies made an immediate request for fire and medical to respond along with a steep angle rescue team. 

The female, identified as 65 year-old Marie Scarlett Wise of Roseburg, was found to be outside of her vehicle conscious and breathing, but unable to move. Wise reported she had crashed two days before being discovered. However, deputies later learned that Wise left Bandon at 10:47 am on Tuesday, October 20, 2020. The actual date and time of the crash is unknown at this time. 

Fire and EMS crews were able to get Wise to the roadway and transported her to the boat ramp where she was then transported by REACH Air Medical Services helicopter to Riverbend Hospital. She is currently in stable condition. 

The Sheriff's Office was assisted by Tenmile Fire Department, Winston-Dillard Ambulance, Douglas County Fire District #2 Steep Angle Rescue Team and REACH Air Medical Services.

The cause of the crash is currently under investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Douglas County Sheriff's Office at 541-440-4471 referencing case number 20-4883.   

GLIDE, Ore. - Two Glide women were awakened Wednesday morning to find an intruder in their home. They confronted the intruder who left before calling police. 

Dispatchers received a call around 6:00 am on Wednesday, October 21, 2020 of an intruder inside of a home in the 1900-block of Glide Loop Drive. The caller stated she had woken up to find an unknown adult male in her kitchen. She and another adult female in the home confronted the male who left. 

Deputies along with Oregon State Police Troopers responded and were able to identify the male from a photograph taken by the homeowner as 30-year-old Michael Lowell Gilligan of Medford. 

While searching the area, deputies located Gilligan walking on North Umpqua Highway with a backpack. They observed him enter a vehicle owned by Glide School District and look through several compartments. Deputies detained Gilligan and learned he had entered another vehicle in the area and stolen the backpack he was wearing. 

Gilligan was arrested and lodged at the Douglas County Jail on the following charges: 

• Burglary I
• Unlawful Entry into a Motor Vehicle x2
• Theft II
• Criminal Mischief III

Deputies state Gilligan was also in possession of a gallon of milk and a can of beets, which are suspected of being stolen. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Douglas County Sheriff's Office at 541-440-4471 referencing case number 20-4875.

Welcome to the Oregon FBI’s Tech Tuesday segment. Last week, we talked about some ways that the FBI’s Protected Voices campaign can help you spot misinformation and disinformation this election season. 

Now, we are just one week away from election day, and we have some more tips on dealing with how bad actors can use spoofing to try to impact your vote. 

Foreign actors and cybercriminals use spoofed domains and email accounts to appear legitimate. Through them, the bad actors can disseminate false information; gather valid usernames, passwords, and email addresses; collect personally identifiable information; and spread malware, leading to further compromises and potential financial losses. 

Cyber actors set up spoofed domains with slightly altered characteristics of legitimate domains. A spoofed domain may feature an alternate spelling of a word ("electon"?instead of?"election"), or use?"[.]com"?in place of?"[.] gov." 

Members of the public could unknowingly visit spoofed domains while seeking information regarding the 2020 election. Additionally, cyber actors may use a seemingly legitimate email account to entice the public into clicking on malicious files or links. 

The FBI urges all Americans to critically evaluate the websites they visit and the emails sent to their personal and business email accounts and to seek out reliable and verified information on the election. 

Here are some other recommendations: 

• Verify the spelling of web addresses and email addresses that look trustworthy but may, in reality, just be close imitations of legitimate election websites. 

• Seek out information from trustworthy sources, verifying who produced the content and considering their intent. One option: the Election Assistance Commission (https://www.eac.gov). That group provides a vast amount of verified information and resources. 

• Ensure operating systems and applications are updated to the most current versions. 

• Update anti-malware and anti-virus software and conduct regular network scans. 

• Use strong two-factor authentication if possible, via biometrics (such as face or fingerprint scans), hardware tokens, or authentication apps. 

• Do not open e-mails or attachments from unknown individuals. Do not communicate with unsolicited e-mail senders. 

• Never provide personal information of any sort via e-mail.  

The FBI is responsible for investigating malign foreign influence operations and malicious cyber activity targeting election infrastructure and other U.S. democratic institutions.  

Report potential federal election crimes to the FBI. In Oregon, you can call us at (503) 224-4181 or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov. 

Finally – learn more about how you can protect your vote with the FBI’s Protected Voices campaign. You can find more resources at www.fbi.gov/protectedvoices or www.fbi.gov/elections.

### 

Suspect Arrested in White City Homicide

WHITE CITY,OR–On 102220 at 1001 hours, dispatch received a report of an assault with a weapon at 8005 Gladstone Ave., White City, Oregon. Deputies found the victim deceased at the scene and learned the suspect had fled on foot. 

The investigation has determined that the victim was stabbed with a knife by a male who frequented  the address. The victim was a resident at the house.

The victim is identified as Amanda Gail Berthelot, 63 years old, of White City, Oregon.

The suspect was originally contacted approximately 90 minutes after the stabbing in the 2600 block of Falcon St in White City. He was detained on a Parole Violation on an Original charge of Unlawful Use of a Weapon and lodged at Jackson County Jail.

The suspect is identified as Hector Cruz Orozco, birthdate 08/24/1996  who has multiple listed addresses in  White City.

On 102320 additional charges were added on Orozco. He is now charged with Murder, Animal Abuse I and Tampering With Evidence. The animal abuse stems from an earlier incident involving the suspect killing a dog.

The suspect is lodged at Jackson County Jail. The case will be reviewed by the Jackson County Grand Jury.

The Major Assault Death Investigation Unit was activated and JCSO investigators were assisted by members of the Oregon State Police, the OSP Crime Lab, Medford PD, Central Point PD, Ashland PD and the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office.

On October 26, 2020 shortly before 1:00 p.m., the Lane County Sheriff's Office received a report of a train crash involving a pedestrian on Jasper Rd. near Mount Vernon Rd. in Springfield.  Deputies responded with Pleasant Hill Goshen Fire and Rescue and located a male near the tracks who was pronounced deceased on scene.  

The Lane County Sheriff's Office is investigating the death with the Lane County Medical Examiner's Office. The identity of the deceased has not yet been determined.   

Bob Straub Parkway is temporarily closed at Jasper Road as deputies investigate, and is anticipated to be reopened around approximately 4:00 p.m.

 

 

On October 15th, 2020, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office was made aware of a subject making threats against public employees and buildings.  Sources indicated 44-year-old Otis resident Daniel Scott Kessler was in possession of firearms and was preparing to harm specific law enforcement officers and the Lincoln County Courthouse. A prior court order prohibited Kessler from lawfully possessing firearms.

Detectives from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office conducted an investigation with assistance from the Lincoln City Police Department; Federal Bureau of Investigation; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and Oregon State Police.  It became apparent over the course of the investigation that Kessler’s threats were credible, and he had the means to follow through with his plans.

Investigators applied for a search warrant for Kessler’s Otis residence, which was executed on October 20th.  Kessler was in possession of several firearms when he was taken into custody during the execution of the search warrant.  Despite the allegations of threats to law enforcement, no use of force was required to take Kessler into custody.

Kessler is charged with two counts of Furnishing a Firearm Used in a Felony, four counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and three counts of Unlawful Possession of Firearms.  Kessler also had an outstanding warrant for his arrest for unrelated crimes. Kessler was arraigned on the charges in court on October 20th.  After a brief hearing, Judge Branford denied bail and Kessler is currently being held in the Lincoln County Jail without the possibility of release. 

The incident remains under investigation by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and its partner agencies.  Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Abigail Dorsey with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office at (541) 265-0777. 

  TIP OF THE WEEK

 

Date:           10/22/20                         FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:      Sheriff Curtis Landers

                   541-265-0654

                   s@co.lincoln.or.us">clanders@co.lincoln.or.us

 

                                                                       ODOT WORK ZONES

If you notice when driving around the county and to other areas of the state any road work taking place, that may mean reduced speed limits and traffic delays in work zones.  Did you know that 4 out of 5 work zone crash victims are NOT the workers?  It is actually the drivers and their passengers traveling through the work zone areas.  Inattention and speed are the most common causes of work zone crashes. Oregon averages 488 work zone crashes per year.  That is one crash every 18 hours!

Work zones are dangerous for everyone even when workers are not visible.  That is why ODOT lowers the speed limits in work zones.  Exceeding work zone speed limits can be especially hazardous for numerous reasons:

• Traffic patterns may change day to day.
• Roads may be rough, uneven or covered with debris.
• Temporary lanes may be narrow with abrupt edges.
• Roadside equipment may obstruct views.

Travelers are often caught off guard by work zone hazards. Distracted driving and driving in excess of the speed limit reduces the necessary reaction time to avoid a crash. When you see orange signs, cones and barrels on the roadway, PAY EXTRA ATTENTION!  Those are your clues to be prepared for unexpected obstacles and stopped or slowing cars. So slow down, stay alert, avoid distractions and put down the phone.

For more information about work zone safety, go to ODOT's website at:

www.oregon.gov/ODOT/Safety/Pages/Work-Zone.aspx

For more information and tips, visit our website at www.lincolncountysheriff.net and Like us on Facebook at Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office – Oregon.

On Tuesday, October 27, 2020 at approximately 4:11 A.M., an officer from the Salem Police Department came upon a male lying on the shoulder of the Interstate 5 northbound onramp from Market St. It was determined the male pedestrian had been struck by a vehicle. He was taken to the hospital and is being treated for serious injuries.

Oregon State Police responded to investigate. The vehicle that struck the pedestrian did not stay at the scene or provide medical assistance to the injured pedestrian.  

Oregon State Police is looking for a 2008 - 2011 royal/metallic blue Ford Fusion.  The Fusion should have damage to the right front bumper and the passenger side mirror.

If you have any information regarding the original incident or have any information regarding the Ford Fusion you are asked to call the Oregon State Police Northern Command Center at 1-800-442-0776 or OSP and leave information for Trooper Don Chuhlantseff OSP case # SP20-305654.  

Reynolds was eastbound on Hwy 224 attempting to turn left onto Folsom Rd. when the collision occurred

On Monday, October 26, 2020, at approximately 5:06 P.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a two vehicle crash on Hwy 224 at the intersection of Folsom Rd.

Preliminary investigation revealed a Harley Davidson motorcycle, operated by Jonathan Kraemer (36) of Estacada, was  westbound on Hwy 224 when a Mitsubishi Galant, operated by Christopher Reynolds (47) of Estacada, turned left from eastbound Hwy 224 to Folsom Rd directly into the path of Kraemer and they collided.

Kraemer sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

Reynolds was not injured.

OSP was assisted by Clackamas County Sheriff's Office, Estacada Fire Department, and ODOT. 

On Saturday, October 24, 2020 at approximately 6:35 A.M., Oregon State Police and emergency personnel responded to a single vehicle crash on Hwy 569 near Goble Lane.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a Honda motorcycle, operated by Nickolas White (34) from Eugene, had crashed sometime earlier.  

White sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

White had been reported to Lane County Sheriff's Office as a missing person.

Investigation is continuing.

OSP was assisted by ODOT.

On Monday, October 26th, 2020 just before 0830 A.M., Roseburg Police Officers went to the Howard Johnson motel in Roseburg to attempt to arrest Trask Austin Phelps.  Phelps' probation officer called and reported he received information Phelps was at the motel, and Phelps had an active warrant for his arrest.  

When Officers arrived and tried contacting Phelps at the room, he tried going out the back window.  As he was emerging from the window, an officer could see Phelps was holding a handgun in each hand.  The officer challenged Phelps, and tried to Tase him but the Taser missed, and Phelps retreated back into the room.  Phelps then ran out the front door, but the officers on that side no longer saw him carrying any firearms.  A foot pursuit ensued through several yards and businesses in the area and Phelps was eventually caught hiding under a shed on Neuner Street.  Officers challenged Phelps at gunpoint, and he gave up and was arrested without further incident.

During the investigation, officers learned the two guns Phelps was holding were reported stolen from local car break-ins in the Harvard area during the past week.  Officers were able to locate numerous other pieces of stolen property that linked Phelps to several other local car break-ins.

Trask Austin Phelps, 35 years of age from Roseburg, was lodged at Douglas County Corrections on the following charges: Unauthorized Entry Into a Motor Vehicle X 5, Felon in Possession of a Firearm X 2, Theft I X 2, Theft II, Theft III, and on an Oregon State Parole Board warrant.  Roseburg Police Detectives are continuing the investigation and are currently applying for a search warrant in anticipation of recovering more stolen property.  

Update October 27, 2020

The victim in yesterday’s shooting on Pipebend Pl NE has been identified as Herman Leslie Graham III, age 48 of Salem.  An autopsy performed today, October 27, 2020, by the Oregon State Medical Examiner's Office determined the cause of death is gunshot wounds, and the manner of death is homicide. 

Salem Police Department detectives arrested Manuel Elisha North, age 46 of Eugene, in connection with the shooting. He was lodged at the Marion County Correctional Facility charged with the following crimes:

- Murder in the second degree

- Bias Crime in the first degree

- Unlawful use of a weapon

North is scheduled to be arraigned today at the Marion County Circuit Court annex.  As this is a pending criminal case, no further details will be released.  Inquiries should be directed to the Marion County District Attorney's Office.

# # #

Salem, Ore. — On Monday, October 26, 2020, at approximately 1:30 p.m. Salem Police officers responded to the 3300 block of Pipebend PL NE on a report of a shooting. Arriving officers confirmed that one person had been shot and is deceased. At least one person was detained at the scene.

Detectives have responded and will have the street closed for the next few hours for processing.

There is no threat to the general public.

This is an active case and no other information will be released today.

# # #

GLIDE -- The 24-hour lane closures that have been in effect on Oregon 138E (North Umpqua Highway) between Idleyld and Steamboat (milepost 19-39) will be lifted at 5 p.m. today, Oct. 23.

Cleanup work related to the Archie Creek Fire will resume on Sunday, Oct. 25, and will continue each Sunday to Friday for the next several weeks. Motorists should expect daytime (7 a.m. to 5 p.m.) lane closures and 20 minute delays between Idleyld and Steamboat. All lanes are expected to be open each Saturday.

Multiple work zones will be in place through this area. Flaggers will provide traffic control as needed.

All forest lands in this area are closed within the burn area. Motorists are advised to stay in their cars and avoid parking along the shoulder due to ongoing hazardous conditions.

Visit www.TripCheck.com for the latest information on road and travel conditions.

##ODOT##

Roseburg, Ore. – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Roseburg District, will hold a virtual meeting to present findings from the Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team, on Thursday, October 22, 2020, at 4:00 p.m. The BAER team compiles an initial report on fire impacted resources and provides recommendations on stabilizing burned areas to minimize additional damage.  

The BAER presentation will be hosted virtually, and open to the public on the Zoom platform with alternate methods for attendance available.  

To access the meeting, please use one of the methods outlined below:  

Join ZoomGov Meeting 
https://blm.zoomgov.com/j/1608330362?pwd=WUE1NUdRUlM1c1pLWUw0QnptUW4yQT09 
Meeting ID: 160 833 0362 
Passcode: 262068 

 

One tap mobile 
+16692545252,,1608330362# US (San Jose) 
+16468287666,,1608330362# US (New York) 

 

Dial by your location 
        +1 669 254 5252 US (San Jose) 
        +1 646 828 7666 US (New York) 
        833 568 8864 US Toll-free 

Meeting ID: 160 833 0362 
Find your local number: https://blm.zoomgov.com/u/adR65tWHzr 

 

Join by SIP 
1608330362@sip.zoomgov.com 

 

Join by H.323 
161.199.138.10 (US West) 
161.199.136.10 (US East) 
52 
61 
100.140 
Meeting ID: 160 833 0362 
Passcode: 262068 

 

For further information on BLM managed public lands and closure information within the Roseburg District, please contact Cheyne Rossbach at 541-579-0648 or by e-mail at: ossbac@blm.gov" target="_blank">crossbac@blm.gov. 

 

-BLM- 

 

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The agency’s mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. Diverse activities authorized on these lands generated $96 billion in sales of goods and services throughout the American economy in fiscal year 2017. These activities supported more than 468,000 jobs.  

EUGENE, Ore.—A Bend, Oregon resident was sentenced to 36 months’ imprisonment today for running an illicit Butane Honey Oil (BHO) extraction lab on rural Bend property, announced U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams.

Jacob Genaro Robe, 31 years old, was sentenced to 3 years in federal prison and 3 years’ supervised release.

“BHO extraction is a highly volatile and dangerous process that has resulted in explosions injuring and killing Oregon residents. When Oregon citizens passed state laws legalizing and regulating the manufacture of marijuana products including BHO, it was meant to bring those black market operations into the light of day and create safeguards protecting the health and safety of Oregon consumers” said U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams. “Those laws are ineffective without enforcement. As this case demonstrates, there are individuals who will violate laws in pursuit of profits over consumer protections and we stand ready to hold them accountable.”

According to court documents, Robe and his brother created a vertical operation growing marijuana, manufacturing BHO and distributing it in other states for significant profit. On March 27, 2018, an Oregon State Police trooper stopped Jacob Robe for a traffic violation near Klamath Falls, Oregon.  The officer recognized signs of drug trafficking and eventually located more than $20,000 in cash, BHO, and hallucinogenic mushrooms.

The Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team had previously received information regarding defendant and his brothers having a BHO lab and selling BHO in other states, and detectives served a search warrant on the brothers’ rural property in Bend, Oregon.  Also found were freezers with marijuana, drying racks with sheets of BHO and jars with their logo “THE BHOys.” (Photos)

In an unattached two-story structure approximately 179 large, mature, marijuana plants were located along with around 280 starter plants.  Law enforcement located an indoor marijuana grow with hundreds of plants, a closed-loop BHO lab, 18 pounds of BHO, 200 pounds of marijuana and thirteen firearms. Police located the firearms in various places in the residence, including positioned near the front door (photo) in the kitchen (photo) and in Robe’s bedroom.

On November 25, 2019 Robe was charged by information, and on January 29, 2020 pleaded guilty to conspiracy to manufacture and distribute marijuana.

Robe forfeited $23,000 in U.S. currency.

            The Drug Enforcement Administration, Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team and Oregon State Police investigated this case. It was prosecuted by Jeffrey S. Sweet, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon, and the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office.

            # # #

PORTLAND, Ore.—U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams announced today that a Hillsboro, Oregon, resident has been charged with assaulting a federally deputized Portland Police officer with the pointed end of an umbrella and interfering with law enforcement officers performing their official duties during a civil disorder event.

            A federal grand jury in Portland has returned a two-count indictment charging Skyler Roy Rider, 18, with Civil Disorder and Assaulting a Federal Officer.

            According to court documents, late on the evening of October 6, 2020 and into October 7, a crowd gathered and a march began at Elizabeth Caruthers Park located in the 3500 block of South Moody Avenue. The group walked to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) building on South Macadam Avenue. Portland Police Bureau (PPB) officers observed many in the crowd carrying shields, wearing helmets, gas masks, and body armor. As the group marched towards the ICE building, support vehicles followed them as they blocked streets.  

            As the crowd arrived at the ICE building, people in the crowd were observed flashing lights in the eyes of Federal Protection Services (FPS) officers as they stood outside the ICE building. People in the crowd were observed throwing rocks at the FPS officers and at one point, someone in the crowd threw a flaming object onto the roof of the ICE building. Due to the criminal acts, FPS officers moved the crowd back towards Elizabeth Caruthers Park.

            Later, the crowd again began marching towards the ICE building, blocking the streets. The PPB incident commander declared the event an unlawful assembly and the crowd was given multiple warnings over a loudspeaker to leave the area or face possible arrest, use of crowd control munitions to include tear gas.  The crowd did not leave the area, but remained in the middle of the street. A PPB officer assigned to the Rapid Response Team, deputized as a U.S. Marshal to protect federal personnel and property during civil disorder events, observed a subject later identified as Skyler Roy Rider, holding a distinct blue and white umbrella, in a line of others blocking the street holding shields. The PPB officer determined there was probable cause to arrest Rider for disorderly conduct and interfering with a peace officer.  As the officer approached Rider to arrest him, Rider lowered the umbrella with both hands and forcibly jabbed the officer in the chest with the pointed end of the umbrella. The force caused the officer to gasp and curl over in pain. Rider ran from the officer and other officers came to assist and placed Rider into custody for assaulting a public safety officer.

            Following the arrest of Rider, he was found to be dressed in all black wearing a gas mask and body armor. In his pockets were two water bottles. Video was later viewed by the PPB officer showing Rider throwing a water bottle at FPS officers earlier in the evening.

 Skyler Roy Rider, made an initial appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge Jolie Russo, was arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and ordered released pending a two-day jury trial scheduled to begin on December 29, 2020.

            The Portland Police Bureau and the FBI investigated this case. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.

            An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

# # #

PORTLAND, Ore.—U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams announced today that an Astoria, Oregon man has been charged with Civil Disorder during protest activities in Portland.

            Ty John Fox, 23, is charged in a one-count indictment with Civil Disorder in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. Section 231(a)(3).

            According to the court record, on the evening of September 6, 2020, Fox was part of a group protesting near the Portland Police Bureau’s (PPB) East Precinct building. Fox was seen on video with other protesters, who had formed a line in the street across from PPB officers and Oregon State Police troopers. Fox can be seen, while walking behind the line of protesters, turning toward the camera, using a torch lighter to ignite a large, cylindrical firework, and throwing the device over the protesters toward the officers. Moments later, an explosion and flash occurred near the officers. He was arrested later that night.

             Fox made his initial appearance in federal court today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Youlee Yim You.  He was arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and ordered released pending a two-day jury trial scheduled to begin on December 29, 2020.

            The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated this case.  It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

            An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) is pleased to announce the graduation of Basic Corrections Local #BCL042 on Friday October 30, 2020 at 10 a.m., at the Oregon Public Safety Academy, in Salem, Oregon. 

Due to the COVID 19 pandemic and the need for social distancing the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training regret that this ceremony will be closed to the public. However, we would like to publicly congratulate Basic Corrections Local class #042 on their successful completion of basic training. 

Members of Graduating Class BCL042:

Deputy Sheriff Brett Baese

Washington County Sheriff's Office

 

Deputy Sheriff Aidan Baltunis

Deschutes County Sheriff's Office

 

Deputy Sheriff Ashley Bowman

Multnomah County Sheriff's Office

 

Deputy Sheriff Dante Burgess

Multnomah County Sheriff's Office

 

Deputy Sheriff Parker Castano

Washington County Sheriff's Office

 

Deputy Sheriff Timothy Ebner

Deschutes County Sheriff's Office

 

Deputy Sheriff Shyanne Fine

Harney County Sheriff's Office

 

Corrections Officer Joshua Fortner

Springfield Police Department

 

Deputy Sheriff Bryan Giblin

Multnomah County Sheriff's Office

 

Deputy Sheriff Jessica Goodwin-Strom

Benton County Sheriff's Office

 

Deputy Sheriff Autumn Halfman

Deschutes County Sheriff's Office

 

Deputy Sheriff Ana Hawit

Josephine County Sheriff's Office

 

Deputy Sheriff Morgan Holcomb

Umatilla County Sheriff's Office

 

Deputy Sheriff Jacob Holverson

Yamhill County Sheriff's Office

 

Deputy Sheriff Jacqueline Jones

Multnomah County Sheriff's Office

 

Deputy Sheriff Travis King

Deschutes County Sheriff's Office

 

Deputy Sheriff Jaime Kmetic

Baker County Sheriff's Office

 

Deputy Sheriff Marjorie Laney

Columbia County Sheriff's Office

 

Deputy Sheriff Kodi Lavrusky

Deschutes County Sheriff's Office

 

Deputy Sheriff Cole LeBlanc

Multnomah County Sheriff's Office

 

Deputy Sheriff Samuel Macklin

Multnomah County Sheriff's Office

 

Deputy Sheriff Vanity Massey

Washington County Sheriff's Office

 

Deputy Sheriff Samantha Myers

Deschutes County Sheriff's Office

 

Corrections Officer Kevin Nateras

Washington County Community Corrections

 

Deputy Sheriff Anthony Nelson

Washington County Sheriff's Office

 

Deputy Sheriff Alexis Ober

Crook County Sheriff's Office

 

Deputy Sheriff Paxton Parazoo

Deschutes County Sheriff's Office

 

Deputy Sheriff Huy Phan

Multnomah County Sheriff's Office

 

Deputy Sheriff Kevin Ponce

Malheur County Sheriff's Office

 

Deputy Sheriff Robert Reynolds

Harney County Sheriff's Office

 

Deputy Sheriff Kyle Richard

Lane County Sheriff's Office

 

Deputy Sheriff Dakota Schaumburg

Deschutes County Sheriff's Office

 

Deputy Sheriff Jay Schmidt

Multnomah County Sheriff's Office

 

Deputy Sheriff Sarah Stewart

Curry County Sheriff's Office

 

Deputy Sheriff Kim Stidum

Multnomah County Sheriff's Office

 

Deputy Sheriff Julee Tappero

Multnomah County Sheriff's Office

 

Deputy Sheriff Brittnee Taylor

Multnomah County Sheriff's Office

 

Corrections Officer Annita Tipton

Washington County Community Corrections

 

Deputy Sheriff Lindsey Ward

Harney County Sheriff's Office

 

## Background Information on the BPSST and DPSST ##

The Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) operates the Oregon Public Safety Academy which spans more than 235 acres in Salem. The Academy is nationally recognized for its innovative training programs and active stakeholder involvement.  Eriks Gabliks serves as the Director, and Darren Bucich, Fire Chief of McKenzie Fire & Rescue, serves as the Chair of the Board. The department implements minimum standards established by the Board for the training and certification of more than 40,000 city, tribal, county and state law enforcement officers, corrections officers, parole and probation officers, fire service personnel, telecommunicators, emergency medical dispatchers and private security providers.

DPSST provides training to more than 25,000 students each year throughout Oregon and at the Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem certifies qualified officers at various levels from basic through executive; certifies qualified instructors; and reviews and accredits training programs throughout the state based on standards established by the Board.

Wednesday, Oct. 28 is the last day for residents in one of the 8 designated counties - Clackamas, Douglas, Jackson, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, and Marion – to apply for Disaster SNAP benefits.

“Any resident who has not yet submitted an online application is encouraged to do so before it is too late,” urged Dan Haun, Self-Sufficiency Programs Director.

Due to the pandemic, the application will be completely online. If you need assistance, please call 2-1-1 or reach out to the Aging and Disability Resource Connection at 1-855-ORE-ADRC.

After submitting your application, you will be contacted over the phone to complete your required interview. You will need to provide information on your household members, income, resources, and disaster-related expenses. Please note, an Oregon Department of Human Services worker will never ask for your debit or credit card number.

For more information, or to apply, visit https://www.oregon.gov/dhs/ASSISTANCE/FOOD-BENEFITS/Pages/DSNAP.aspx.

Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (DSNAP) provides temporary food assistance for households affected by a natural disaster. DSNAP provides one month of benefits on an Oregon EBT card to eligible disaster survivors and can facilitate the issuance of supplemental SNAP benefits for ongoing households. To be eligible for DSNAP, a household must live or work in the disaster area, have been affected by the disaster, and meet certain DSNAP eligibility criteria.

###

(Salem, Ore.) – Dennis Johnson, an infant born Nov. 14, 2019, went missing with his parents Kayla Burk and Joseph Johnson from Portland, Ore. on Oct. 20, 2020. The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) believes that Dennis may be at risk and is searching for him to assess his safety.

ODHS asks the public to help in the effort to find Dennis Johnson. Anyone who suspects they have information about the location of Dennis Johnson or his parents Kayla Burk and Joseph Johnson should call 911 or the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline at 1-855-503-SAFE (7233). They are believed to be in the Portland metro area.

Name: Dennis Johnson
Date of birth: Nov. 14, 2019
Height: 29 inches
Weight: 20 pounds
Eye color: Blue
Hair color: Blonde
Portland Police Bureau Case #20-319821
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children #1404759

Report child abuse to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233).  This toll-free number allows you to report abuse of any child or adult to the Oregon Department of Human Services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.

###

(Salem, Ore.) – Mya Miranda, age 16, a foster child who went missing from Boardman, Ore. on Oct. 17, 2020, was found on Oct. 22, 2020. The Oregon Department of Human Services, Child Welfare Division is thankful for the community support to find her.

A small number of children in foster care may be in significant danger when they run away or have gone missing. As DHS works to do everything it can to find these missing children and ensure their safety, media alerts will be issued in some circumstances when it is determined necessary. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child.

Report child abuse to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233).  This toll-free number allows you to report abuse of any child or adult to the Oregon Department of Human Services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.

###

A waiver approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) allows Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Disaster SNAP recipients in the following 23 counties to purchase hot or prepared foods from authorized SNAP retailers until Nov. 20.

Approved counties: Benton, Clackamas, Columbia Coos, Curry, Deschutes, Douglas, Hood River, Jackson, Josephine, Jefferson, Klamath, Lake, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Multnomah, Polk, Tillamook, Wasco, Washington, and Yamhill.

Normally, SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase "hot food products prepared for immediate consumption." This restriction is being waived following the severe winds and wildfires that led to the displacement of many residents and left them without access to a kitchen to prepare meals. Examples of allowable prepared foods include hot deli foods, fountain drinks, including but not limited to coffee and tea, a slice of hot/prepared pizza, hot soup, salad bars, and sandwiches.

This waiver will last through Nov. 20 and allows SNAP and DSNAP recipients to use their benefits to buy prepared food at any participating retailer that accepts SNAP EBT cards. Restaurant purchases are still prohibited.

For more information about the hot food waiver, visit https://www.oregon.gov/dhs/ASSISTANCE/FOOD-BENEFITS/Pages/DSNAP-Hot-Foods-Waiver.aspx.

Emergency Allotment Update
Oregon also received approval from FNS to provide maximum emergency allotment benefits for SNAP recipients in November. The emergency allotments, see schedule below, will bring families not receiving the maximum SNAP allotment for their household size to the maximum for the seventh consecutive month.

Issuance date (SNAP recipients will see the benefit the following day)

• Nov. 10: Current SNAP households not receiving the SNAP maximum allotment
• Nov. 27: New SNAP recipients between Nov. 10 and Nov. 27

For more information about Emergency Allotments, and to view the maximum allotment amounts, visit https://www.oregon.gov/dhs/ASSISTANCE/FOOD-BENEFITS/Pages/About-SNAP.aspx.

Oregonians who receive SNAP can contact their local SSP, APD or AAA office for more information. Find a local office at oregon.gov/DHS/Offices/Pages/index.aspx

To determine the maximum allotment for your household and view the FAQ, visit https://www.oregon.gov/dhs/assistance/food-benefits/pages/about-snap.aspx.

Administered by ODHS, SNAP is a federal program that provides food assistance to approximately 1 million eligible, low-income families and individuals in Oregon, including many older adults and people with disabilities. Oregonians in need can apply for benefits, including SNAP, child care, cash assistance and Medicaid. Learn more at https://govstatus.egov.com/or-dhs-benefits. For local resources in your area, such as food or shelter, please call 2-1-1 or reach out to the state’s Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) at 1-855-ORE-ADRC or 1-855-673-2372.

Salem – Oregon OSHA has fined a general contractor in Roseburg more than $38,000 for multiple serious job safety violations, including repeatedly failing to follow the minimum requirements to protect workers from fall hazards that could kill them.

The division cited Mid Oregon Builders LLC following an inspection prompted by a confidential complaint. The inspection included an examination of work activity at residential construction sites in Sutherlin, Winston, and Roseburg; interviews of employees and a supervisor; and a review of the company’s recordkeeping practices.

In one violation, the company failed to follow requirements to implement adequate fall protection systems – such as personal fall arrest or guardrail systems – where workers are exposed to falling six feet or more to a lower level. One example involved roofing work at a jobsite in Sutherlin, where the company left employees in danger of potentially falling at least 13 feet.

The failure to comply with Oregon OSHA’s six-foot trigger-height requirements was a repeat violation by Mid Oregon Builders. In fact, it was the fourth such violation committed by the company since October 2018.

Under Oregon OSHA’s rules, penalties multiply when employers commit repeat offenses. In this case, the division cited Mid Oregon Builders $36,000 for not ensuring employees are protected from falling when working six feet or more above a lower level.

Falls are the leading cause of death in the construction industry.

“Our fall protection requirements are designed to prevent serious injury or death, and they have proven effective at protecting workers,” said Michael Wood, administrator for Oregon OSHA. “Repeatedly failing to take them seriously demonstrates a lack of responsibility and serves only one purpose – to further put lives at risk.”

The citation against Mid Oregon Builders proposes a total fine of $38,390. In addition to the repeat violation, the citation includes the following four serious violations:

• The company did not ensure employees were trained by a competent person qualified in the use and operation of fall protection systems, such as guardrail systems and personal fall arrest systems. Proposed penalty: $490.
• The company did not take all reasonable steps to provide adequate fall protection and to ensure employees used protective systems while working on elevated surfaces so they could safely accomplish their work. Proposed penalty: $1,400.
• The employer did not provide copies of injury and illness records for 2019 in a timely manner. Proposed penalty: $150.
• The employer did not enter each recordable injury or illness on the proper documents in a timely manner for 2018 and 2019. Proposed penalty: $350.

The citation issued against Mid Oregon Builders includes a standard penalty reduction based on the small size of the company. In addition to the increase in the penalty for the repeat violation, the fine amount reflects upward adjustments for the company’s poor faith and negative history. 

In addition to its enforcement activities, Oregon OSHA offers employers resources to help improve workplace safety and health. These resources include the division’s Fall Protection Suite of online video training and its A-to-Z topic page about fall protection.

Learn more about help provided by Oregon OSHA’s consultation services, technical staff, and additional education and training services.

###

Oregon OSHA, a division of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, enforces the state’s workplace safety and health rules and works to improve workplace safety and health for all Oregon workers. For more information, visit osha.oregon.gov.

The Department of Consumer and Business Services is Oregon’s largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. For more information, go to www.dcbs.oregon.gov.

SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Board of Forestry will meet at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 4. In compliance with Gov. Kate Brown’s directive on social distancing to slow the spread of COVID-19, this will be a virtual public meeting.

The meeting agenda includes:

• A landowner appealed their addition to the forest patrol assessment roll and requested a hearing before the Board
• An update on fire season
• A presentation on the Board’s statutory authority regarding rulemaking and policymaking for carbon and climate
• A series of guest presenters will provide information on topics relating to forest carbon accounting framework
• Information on the urban and community forestry achievements, and forestry research relative to human health and urban livability
• Information on the Oregon Global Warming Commission Executive Order 20-04

View the agenda for additional topics to be discussed at https://www.oregon.gov/odf/board/pages/bofmeetings.aspx.

The meeting will be livestreamed and written public comment will be accepted. There is no live testimony for Board decision item one. Written testimony can be submitted before or after the meeting to oardofForestry@oregon.gov">BoardofForestry@oregon.gov. The board packet and livestream option are available at https://www.oregon.gov/odf/board/pages/bofmeetings.aspx.

Accommodations for people with disabilities, and special materials, services, or assistance can be arranged by calling ODF’s Public Affairs Office at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting at 503-945-7200.

The Oregon Board of Forestry consists of seven citizens nominated by the Governor and confirmed by the Oregon Senate. Responsibilities include appointing the State Forester, setting management direction for state-owned forests, adopting rules governing timber harvest and other practices on private forestland, and promoting sustainable management of Oregon’s 30 million-acre forestland base. More information about the Board is available at https://www.oregon.gov/odf/board/pages/aboutbof.aspx.

 

WHO:              David Gerstenfeld, Acting Director, Oregon Employment Department

WHEN:            Wed., Oct. 28, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. PT

WHAT:            Oregon Employment Department Acting Director David Gerstenfeld will hold a video conference media briefing to share updates on unemployment claims processing, adjudication, and UI payroll taxes on Wed. Oct. 28 at 1:00 p.m. PT.

WHERE:         Via Zoom video conference; Members of the media must RSVP for call information by emailing OED_Communications@oregon.gov by 12:00 p.m. PT on Wed., Oct. 28. Video conference information will be provided to all reporters who RSVP.

OTHER:          The Oregon Employment Department is updating a claims processing progress data dashboard daily. Visit this link for week-day updates. A recording of the video conference will be email after the media briefing concludes.

###

 

Equal Opportunity program — auxiliary aids and services available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Contact: (503) 947-1794. For people who are deaf or hard of hearing, call 711 Telecommunications Relay Services.

October 27, 2020

Media contact: OHA External Relations 971-673-2097, covid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us">orcovid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us

OHA releases COVID-19 Wastewater monitoring data

Today, OHA is beginning to display data related to its statewide COVID-19 wastewater monitoring project. The data shows where the virus is detected in small- to medium-sized communities around the state.

Currently there are 29 communities participating on the project. A map shows if COVID-19 is “detected” or “not detected” in a community. It is important to note that if the virus was “not detected”, it does not mean that the community is free of COVID-19. Instead, it means that the virus may still be present in the area but below detection levels.

The monitoring serves as an “early warning” system to tell us if COVID-19 is spreading silently in communities. It is meant to help public officials try to prevent potential outbreaks or, if necessary, move resources to a community. OHA launched the project in the early fall with funding from the CDC.

October 27, 2020

Contact:Tara Chetock, 971-304-9917, a.a.chetock@dhsoha.state.or.us">tara.a.chetock@dhsoha.state.or.us (meeting information or accommodation)

What: A public meeting of the Oregon Health Policy Board.

When: November 3, 8:30 a.m. to noon.

Where: Virtual meeting only. The public can join remotely via Zoom or a conference line. Join via Zoom at https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1603370005?pwd=MFJyeDEwRXFVejBnS2pkUWEwWDNrUT09 or call in to the meeting on a mobile device at +16692545252,,1603370005#,,,,0#,,807163#.

Agenda:

• Welcome, roll call and minutes approval.
• Director’s update.
• COVID-19 stakeholder Presentation: Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs.
• Committee updates.
• Public comment.
• Discussion: Health Equity Committee recommendations.

For more information and meeting materials, please visit the OHPB meeting webpage at https://www.oregon.gov/oha/OHPB/Pages/index.aspx.

# # #

Everyone has a right to know about and use Oregon Health Authority (OHA) programs and services. OHA provides free help. Some examples of the free help OHA can provide are:

• Sign language and spoken language interpreters.
• Written materials in other languages.
• Braille.
• Large print.
• Audio and other formats.

If you need help or have questions, please contact Tara Chetock at 971-304-9917, 711 TTY, a.a.chetock@dhsoha.state.or.us">tara.a.chetock@dhsoha.state.or.us, at least 48 hours before the meeting.

October 27, 2020

Media contact: OHA External Relations 971-673-2097, covid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us">orcovid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us

Oregon reports 391 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 9 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed nine more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 664, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 391 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today bringing the state total to 42,808.

The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Baker (5), Benton (3), Clackamas (35), Clatsop (1), Columbia (3), Coos (5), Crook (2), Curry (1), Deschutes (5), Douglas (9), Harney (11), Jackson (25), Jefferson (1), Josephine (2), Klamath (5), Lake (1), Lane (31), Linn (6), Malheur (10), Marion (72), Multnomah (72), Polk (3), Umatilla (22), Union (1), Wallowa (2), Wasco (1), Washington (50), Wheeler (1), and Yamhill (6).

Oregon’s 656th COVID-19 death is a 63-year-old woman in Washington County who tested positive on July 8 and died on Oct. 4 in her residence. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 657th COVID-19 death is a 79-year-old woman in Wasco County who tested positive on Sept. 18 and died on Oct. 24 in her residence. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 658th COVID-19 death is a 66-year-old woman in Multnomah County who tested positive on Oct. 14 and died on Oct. 24 at Providence Portland Medical Center. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 659th COVID-19 death is a 67-year-old man in Multnomah County who tested positive on Oct. 5 and died on Oct. 23 at Providence Portland Medical Center. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 660th COVID-19 death is a 62-year-old man in Umatilla County who tested positive on Oct. 4 and died on Oct. 21 at Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland, Washington. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 661st COVID-19 death is an 82-year-old man in Multnomah County who tested positive on Oct. 8 and died on Oct. 25 at Adventist Health Portland. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 662nd COVID-19 death is a 52-year-old man in Morrow County who tested positive on Aug. 25 and died on Oct. 24 at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 663rd COVID-19 death is a 64-year-old man in Douglas County who tested positive on Sept. 25 and died on Oct. 25 at OHSU. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 664th COVID-19 death is a 66-year-old woman in Douglas County who tested positive on Oct. 18 and died on Oct. 24 at Mercy Medical Center. She had underlying conditions.

---

Stay informed about COVID-19:

Oregon response: The Oregon Health Authority leads the state response.

United States response: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leads the U.S. response.

Global response: The World Health Organization guides the global response.

October 26, 2020

Contact: Adrienne Mullock, 971-673-3384, IENNE.P.MULLOCK@dhsoha.state.or.us">adrienne.p.mullock@dhsoha.state.or.us (meeting information or accommodation)

What: A public meeting of the Oregon Social Determinants of Health Measurement Workgroup. The workgroup's purpose is to recommend a measure related to the social determinants of health for consideration by the Metrics and Scoring Committee and the Health Plan Quality Metrics Committee.

When: November 2, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: By Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4311711742 and listen-only conference line at 669-900-9128, meeting ID 431 171 1742.

Agenda: Welcome, introductions, agenda; environmental scan presentation; small group breakouts; break; large group discussion of measure concepts; public comment period (12:45-12:55 p.m.), wrap up and next steps.

For more information, please visit the committee's webpage at https://www.oregon.gov/oha/HPA/ANALYTICS/Pages/sdoh-measure.aspx.

# # #

Everyone has a right to know about and use Oregon Health Authority (OHA) programs and services. OHA provides free help. Some examples of the free help OHA can provide are:

• Sign language and spoken language interpreters.
• Written materials in other languages.
• Braille.
• Large print.
• Audio and other formats.

If you need help or have questions, please contact Adrienne Mullock at 971-673-3384, or IENNE.P.MULLOCK@dhsoha.state.or.us">adrienne.p.mullock@dhsoha.state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.

October 26, 2020

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed two more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 655, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 339 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today bringing the state total to 42,436.

The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Benton (1), Clackamas (41), Clatsop (1), Columbia (7), Coos (8), Crook (2), Deschutes (10), Douglas (1), Jackson (15), Josephine (1), Klamath (1), Lake (2), Lane (37), Linn (7), Malheur (2), Marion (40), Multnomah (90), Polk (4), Sherman (1), Umatilla (5), Union (1), Washington (56), and Yamhill (6).

Oregon’s 654th COVID-19 death is a 61-year-old man in Douglas County who tested positive on Oct. 19 and died on Oct. 25 in his residence. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 655th COVID-19 death is a 96-year-old woman in Washington County who tested positive on Oct. 9 and died on Oct. 23 in her residence. She had underlying conditions.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

Oregon response: The Oregon Health Authority leads the state response.

United States response: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leads the U.S. response.

Global response: The World Health Organization guides the global response.

 

October 26, 2020

Program contact: Hilary Harrison, 503-209-1949, y.harrison@dhsoha.state.or.us">hilary.harrison@dhsoha.state.or.us

What: A regular public meeting of the System of Care Advisory Council.

When: November 3, 12:30-4:30 p.m.

Where: By webinar at https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/706039269 or by teleconference at 872-240-3212, access code 706-039-269. Please note only council members may speak until the public comment time.

Agenda: The full agenda can be found on the advisory council's webpage at https://www.oregon.gov/oha/HSD/BH-Child-Family/Pages/SOCAC.aspx. The meeting will include time for public comment.

Details: Senate Bill 1 (2019) established a Governor-appointed System of Care Advisory Council to improve the efficacy and effectiveness of the state and local continuum of care that provides services to youth and young adults. The council's immediate work is to develop and maintain a state System of Care and a comprehensive long-range plan for a coordinated state system.

# # #

Everyone has a right to know about and use Oregon Health Authority (OHA) programs and services. OHA provides free help. Some examples of the free help OHA can provide:

• Sign language and spoken language interpreters.
• Written materials in other languages.
• Braille.
• Large print.
• Audio and other formats.

If you need help or have questions, please contact Hilary Harrison at 503-209-1949, 711 TTY, or y.harrison@dhsoha.state.or.us">hilary.harrison@dhsoha.state.or.us at least two business days before the meeting.

October 25, 2020

Oregon reports 366 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 0 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — The state’s death toll from COVID-19 is unchanged from yesterday and remains at 653, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 366 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today bringing the state total to 42,101.

The new cases are in the following counties: Baker (6), Benton (5), Clackamas (17), Clatsop (1), Columbia (3), Coos (2), Crook (4), Deschutes (13), Douglas (4), Jackson (20), Jefferson (1), Josephine (3), Klamath (2), Lake (1), Lane (30), Lincoln (2), Linn (5), Malheur (6), Marion (88), Morrow (2), Multnomah (82), Polk (1), Umatilla (5), Union (1), Wallowa (2), Washington (57), and Yamhill (3).

See table below for total cases, deaths, and negative tests by county.

County	Cases1	Total deaths2	Negative tests3
Baker	120	3	2190
Benton	441	6	17922
Clackamas	3097	65	74155
Clatsop	242	0	6657
Columbia	259	1	8469
Coos	238	0	8675
Crook	107	2	3059
Curry	57	1	2325
Deschutes	1123	13	37810
Douglas	349	5	15204
Gilliam	11	0	358
Grant	11	0	1030
Harney	23	0	935
Hood River	277	1	5807
Jackson	1669	6	40772
Jefferson	604	9	5564
Josephine	267	3	14366
Klamath	410	3	11716
Lake	35	0	1051
Lane	2354	27	80284
Lincoln	517	13	9765
Linn	803	15	20497
Malheur	1915	38	6241
Marion	5819	108	58845
Morrow	545	6	2029
Multnomah	9137	160	172797
Polk	650	15	11628
Sherman	18	0	385
Tillamook	70	0	3575
Umatilla	3349	44	15271
Union	466	2	5082
Wallowa	44	2	1194
Wasco	347	15	5874
Washington	5739	75	110514
Wheeler	1	0	184
Yamhill	987	15	20919
Total	42101	653	783149

1This includes cases confirmed by diagnostic testing and presumptive cases. Presumptive cases are those without a positive diagnostic test who present COVID-19-like symptoms and had close contact with a confirmed case. County of residence for cases may change as new information becomes available. If changes occur, we will update our counts accordingly.

2For additional details on individuals who have died from COVID-19 in Oregon, please refer to our press releases.

3This includes cases who test negative and are not epi-linked to a confirmed case.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

Oregon response: The Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Office of Emergency Management lead the state response.

United States response: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leads the U.S. response.

Global response: The World Health Organization guides the global response.

# # #

October 24, 2020

Oregon reports 399 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 4 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed four more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 653, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 399 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today bringing the state total to 41,739.

The new cases  are in the following counties: Benton (3), Clackamas (25), Clatsop (4), Columbia (3), Crook (3), Deschutes (13), Douglas (3), Harney (2), Jackson (33), Jefferson (4), Josephine (1), Klamath (3), Lane (32), Lincoln (4), Linn (10), Malheur (12), Marion (48), Multnomah (99), Polk (5), Umatilla (17), Wallowa (2), Washington (71), and Yamhill (2).

Oregon’s 650th COVID-19 death is a 73-year-old woman in Multnomah County who tested positive on Oct. and died on Oct. 17, at Grand Strand Medical Center in South Carolina. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 651st COVID-19 death is a 69-year-old woman in Malheur County who tested positive on Oct. 7 and died on Oct. 19. Place of death is being confirmed. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 652nd COVID-19 death is an 87-year-old man in Washington County who tested positive on Oct. 3 and died on Oct. 17, at Tuality Community Hospital. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 653rd COVID-19 death is a 75-year-old woman in Marion County who tested positive on Sept. 28 and died on Oct. 22, at Salem Hospital. She had underlying conditions.

See table below for total cases, deaths, and negative tests by county.

County	Cases1	Total deaths2	Negative tests3
Baker	114	3	2176
Benton	436	6	17873
Clackamas	3081	65	73862
Clatsop	241	0	6636
Columbia	256	1	8428
Coos	236	0	8614
Crook	103	2	3033
Curry	57	1	2313
Deschutes	1110	13	37522
Douglas	345	5	15127
Gilliam	11	0	358
Grant	11	0	1019
Harney	23	0	926
Hood River	277	1	5790
Jackson	1650	6	40651
Jefferson	603	9	5540
Josephine	263	3	14322
Klamath	408	3	11688
Lake	34	0	1051
Lane	2326	27	79928
Lincoln	515	13	9725
Linn	798	15	20339
Malheur	1909	38	6215
Marion	5733	108	58403
Morrow	543	6	2026
Multnomah	9055	160	172097
Polk	648	15	11516
Sherman	18	0	384
Tillamook	70	0	3560
Umatilla	3344	44	15223
Union	465	2	5073
Wallowa	42	2	1192
Wasco	347	15	5834
Washington	5681	75	109971
Wheeler	1	0	183
Yamhill	985	15	20805
Total	41,739	653	779,403

1This includes cases confirmed by diagnostic testing and presumptive cases. Presumptive cases are those without a positive diagnostic test who present COVID-19-like symptoms and had close contact with a confirmed case. County of residence for cases may change as new information becomes available. If changes occur, we will update our counts accordingly.

2For additional details on individuals who have died from COVID-19 in Oregon, please refer to our press releases.

3This includes cases who test negative and are not epi-linked to a confirmed case.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

Oregon response: The Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Office of Emergency Management lead the state response.

United States response: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leads the U.S. response.

Global response: The World Health Organization guides the global response.

# # #

October 23, 2020

Oregon reports 550 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 3 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed three more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 649, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 550 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today, bringing the state total to 41,348. The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Baker (1), Benton (9), Clackamas (48), Columbia (3), Coos (5), Crook (7), Curry (1), Deschutes (11), Douglas (3), Grant (1), Harney (1), Hood River (4), Jackson (33), Jefferson (1), Josephine (1), Klamath (1), Lane (52), Lincoln (2), Linn (19), Malheur (13), Marion (57), Morrow (1), Multnomah (135), Polk (3), Umatilla (21), Union (1), Wasco (2), Washington (91), and Yamhill (23).

NOTE: Today OHA reported the highest daily case count since the beginning of the pandemic. Preliminary data show this increase is due to continued widespread community transmission resulting in small clusters and outbreaks across the state.

Today’s case count is again a reminder that Oregonians cannot let their guards down. OHA published new face covering guidance this week, which requires that people consistently wear face coverings while indoors at their workplace or all other places where they will be in contact with people from outside their household. OHA has also asked Oregonians to rethink Halloween – avoid traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating, avoid costume parties with people outside their own households and wear a face covering, because a Halloween mask won’t protect against COVID-19.

“We all need to aggressively adhere to the face covering guidance and always wear a mask,” said Shimi Sharief, MD, OHA senior health advisor. “We know everyone is tired and we all wish this would go away, but the reality is this disease is spreading in Oregon and it’s on all of us to protect ourselves and each other.”

Video links

Here are links to videos regarding today's news release, in English and Spanish, with the Oregon Health Authority's Emilio DeBess, DVM, MPVM.

• OHA is reporting 550 COVID-19 cases today.
• OHA está reportando 550 casos de COVID-19.

Media availability today

With today’s case count, media are invited to join OHA senior health advisor Shimi Sharief, MD, at 2:30 p.m. to discuss causes. Please dial 877-226-8189 and enter access code 3589208.

Oregon’s 647th COVID-19 death is an 82-year-old woman in Marion County who tested positive on Oct.12 and died Oct. 21 at Salem Hospital. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 648th COVID-19 death is a 79-year-old woman in Multnomah County who tested positive on Sept. 21 and died Oct. 11 at Adventist Health Portland. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 649th COVID-19 death is a 68-year-old man in Multnomah County who tested positive on Sept. 27 and died Oct. 18 at Adventist Health Portland. He had underlying conditions.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

Oregon response: The Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Office of Emergency Management lead the state response.

United States response: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leads the U.S. response.

Global response: The World Health Organization guides the global response.

# # #

October 23, 2020

What: A public meeting of the Oregon Cannabis Commission’s Governance and Frame Working Subcommittee.

Agenda: TBD.

When: Nov. 4, 1-3 p.m.

Where: By Zoom conference call at 669-254-5252, meeting ID 160 669 4177.

Background: The Oregon Cannabis Commission was established in the 2017 legislative session through HB 2198. The commission consists of the state health officer or designee and an eight member-panel appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the senate. The commission is tasked with determining a possible framework for future governance of the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program, steps to address research on cannabis in areas of public health policy and public safety policy, agronomic and horticultural best practices, and medical and pharmacopoeia best practices. The commission also advises the Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon Liquor Control Commission regarding statutes governing medical and retail cannabis. Visit www.Healthoregon.org/cannabiscommission for more information.

# # #

Everyone has a right to know about and use the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) Programs and services. OHA provides free help. Some examples of the free help OHA can provide are:

• Sign language and spoken language interpreters.
• Written material in other languages.
• Braille.
• Large print.
• Audio and other formats.

If you need help or have questions, please contact Shannon McFadden at 971-673-3181, 711 TTY or shannon.m.mcfadden@state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 23, 2020

OHA releases 2021 capitation rates

The Oregon Health Authority has finalized the 2021 capitation rates for coordinated care organizations (CCOs). These rates are the per-member-per-month amounts the state pays CCOs to coordinate health care for Oregonians who are members of the Oregon Health Plan (OHP). The rate increase represents a 3.4% rate of growth for 2021.

"As this public health emergency wears on, we are working to ensure we have the necessary funding to provide quality care to more than 1.2 million Oregonians," said David Baden, OHA chief financial officer. "Improving care while controlling costs is as important as ever, as more of our neighbors need access to health coverage through the Oregon Health Plan."

The average net payment in 2021 is $467, which is approximately 3.4% more than the comparable average per-member-per-month payment in 2020.

Due to the passage of HB 2267 in the Legislature’s 2019 session, 2020 rates were recalculated this summer and were applied retroactively to January 2020. The recalculation accounts for changes to CCO member enrollment during the transition from 2019 to 2020 contracts, as well as the unexpected increase in the OHP population due to the public health emergency and the limits the federal government put on Medicaid disenrollment.

There are 12 rate categories for CCOs, which take into account the average cost for members in these specific categories. For example, the state pays CCOs more for members who have disabilities than it does for children because members with disabilities generally have higher health care costs. The rates are also based on average provider rate costs in each region.

A full breakdown of final amended 2021 CCO rates can be found on OHA's website.

# # #

October 23, 2020

What: A public meeting of the Research and Leadership Subcommittee of the Oregon Cannabis Commission.

Agenda: TBD.

When: Nov. 12, 1-3 p.m.

Where: By Zoom conference call at 669-254-5252, meeting ID 160 898 0705.

Background: The Oregon Cannabis Commission was established in the 2017 legislative session through HB 2198. The commission consists of the state health officer or designee and an eight member-panel appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the senate. The commission is tasked with determining a possible framework for future governance of the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program, steps to address research on cannabis in areas of public health policy and public safety policy, agronomic and horticultural best practices, and medical and pharmacopoeia best practices. The commission also advises the Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon Liquor Control Commission regarding statutes governing medical and retail cannabis. Visit www.Healthoregon.org/cannabiscommission for more information.

# # #

Everyone has a right to know about and use the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) Programs and services. OHA provides free help. Some examples of the free help OHA can provide are:

• Sign language and spoken language interpreters.
• Written material in other languages.
• Braille.
• Large print.
• Audio and other formats.

If you need help or have questions, please contact Shannon McFadden at 971-673-3181, 711 TTY or shannon.m.mcfadden@state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.

October 22, 2020

What: A public meeting of the Health Equity Subcommittee of the Oregon Cannabis Commission.

Agenda: TBD.

When: Nov. 10, 2-3:30 p.m.

Where: By Zoom conference call at 669-254-5252, meeting ID 160 096 5260.

Background: The Oregon Cannabis Commission was established in the 2017 legislative session through HB 2198. The commission consists of the state health officer or designee and an eight member-panel appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the senate. The commission is tasked with determining a possible framework for future governance of the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program, steps to address research on cannabis in areas of public health policy and public safety policy, agronomic and horticultural best practices, and medical and pharmacopoeia best practices. The commission also advises the Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon Liquor Control Commission regarding statutes governing medical and retail cannabis. Visit www.Healthoregon.org/cannabiscommission for more information.

# # #

Everyone has a right to know about and use the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) Programs and services. OHA provides free help. Some examples of the free help OHA can provide are:

• Sign language and spoken language interpreters.
• Written material in other languages.
• Braille.
• Large print.
• Audio and other formats.

If you need help or have questions, please contact Shannon McFadden at 971-673-3181, 711 TTY or shannon.m.mcfadden@state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.

October 22, 2020

What: A public meeting of the Patient Equity Subcommittee of the Oregon Cannabis Commission.

Agenda: TBD.

When: Nov. 5, 1-4 p.m.

Where: By Zoom conference call at 669-254-5252, meeting ID 161 933 7927.

Background: The Oregon Cannabis Commission was established in the 2017 legislative session through HB 2198. The commission consists of the state health officer or designee and an eight member-panel appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the senate. The commission is tasked with determining a possible framework for future governance of the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program, steps to address research on cannabis in areas of public health policy and public safety policy, agronomic and horticultural best practices, and medical and pharmacopoeia best practices. The commission also advises the Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon Liquor Control Commission regarding statutes governing medical and retail cannabis. Visit www.Healthoregon.org/cannabiscommission for more information.

# # #

Everyone has a right to know about and use the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) Programs and services. OHA provides free help. Some examples of the free help OHA can provide are:

• Sign language and spoken language interpreters.
• Written material in other languages.
• Braille.
• Large print.
• Audio and other formats.

If you need help or have questions, please contact Shannon McFadden at 971-673-3181, 711 TTY or shannon.m.mcfadden@state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.

 

October 22, 2020

What: A regular public meeting of the Oregon Cannabis Commission.

Agenda: Review and vote to finalize recommendation letter; legislative strategy; Cannabis Equity bill; OLCC update – legislative concept; Oregon Medical Marijuana Program procedure change on inspections; vote on amending bylaws; final remarks and next steps; voting on chair and co-chair for 2021; public comment.

When: Nov. 2, 1-4 p.m.

Where: By conference at 669-254-5252, meeting ID 161-464-4853.

Background: The Oregon Cannabis Commission was established in the 2017 legislative session through HB 2198. The commission consists of the state health officer or designee and eight members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the senate. The commission is tasked with determining a possible framework for future governance of the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program, steps to address research on cannabis in areas of public health policy and public safety policy, agronomic and horticultural best practices, and medical and pharmacopoeia best practices. The commission also advises the Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon Liquor Control Commission regarding statutes governing medical and retail cannabis. Visit www.Healthoregon.org/cannabiscommission for more information.

# # #

Everyone has a right to know about and use the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) Programs and services. OHA provides free help. Some examples of the free help OHA can provide are:

• Sign language and spoken language interpreters.
• Written material in other languages.
• Braille.
• Large print.
• Audio and other formats.

If you need help or have questions, please contact Shannon McFadden at 971-673-3181, 711 TTY or shannon.m.mcfadden@state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.

 

 

October 22, 2020

What: An ad hoc meeting of the Public Health Advisory Board.

Agenda: Discuss the Health Equity Committee recommendations to the Oregon Health Policy Board related to equity and the COVID-19 response.

When: Oct. 27, 4-5 p.m. The meeting is open to the public. A public comment period will be held at the end of the meeting.

Where: Zoom conference call: 669-254-5252, meeting ID 161 427 7278.

Oregon’s Public Health Advisory Board provides guidance for Oregon’s governmental public health system and oversees the implementation of public health modernization and Oregon’s State Health Improvement Plan.

# # #

Everyone has a right to know about and use Oregon Health Authority (OHA) programs and services. OHA provides free help. Some examples of the free help OHA can provide are:

• Sign language and spoken language interpreters.
• Written materials in other languages.
• Braille.
• Large print.
• Audio and other formats.

If you need help or have questions, please contact Cara Biddlecom at 971-673-2284, 711 TTY, or a.m.biddlecom@dhsoha.state.or.us">cara.m.biddlecom@dhsoha.state.or.us, at least 48 hours before the meeting.

 

October 22, 2020

Media contact: Jonathan Modie, 971-246-9139, phd.communications@dhsoha.state.or.us

OHA sees 70% increase in Oregon opioid deaths during April, May

Illicit fentanyl appears to be driving spike; connection to pandemic unclear

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority saw an alarming spike in opioid overdose deaths in Oregon this past spring compared to last year, and public health experts believe use of illicit fentanyl and methamphetamine is driving the increase.

Analysts in the Injury and Violence Prevention Section at the OHA Public Health Division found that Oregon saw a nearly 70% increase in the number of overdose deaths during April and May 2020 compared to the same time in 2019. There also was a nearly 8% increase in the number of overdose deaths during the first quarter of 2020 compared to the same period in 2019.

The preliminary data come from the State Unintentional Drug Overdose Reporting System (SUDORS), which includes combined and abstracted data from medical examiners and death certificates.

Additionally, the analysis found, between April and May 2020 there was a 28% increase in overdose deaths, and a more than 15% increase in overdose deaths between March and April. And opioid-involved deaths accounted for almost 73% of total overdose deaths in May 2020.

Of opioid-involved deaths, the data show, fentanyl and heroin continue to be the drugs most frequently involved, and fentanyl-involved deaths accounted for almost 40% of total overdose deaths in May 2020.

The analysis also uncovered a continuing alarming trend in methamphetamine use: Methamphetamine/amphetamine-involved deaths accounted for more than 40% of all overdose deaths in May 2020.

What’s unclear is what effect the COVID-19 pandemic may have had on opioid misuse in Oregon.

“Until more data become available, it is premature to say how much of the spike in overdose deaths is attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Tom Jeanne, M.D., MPH, deputy state health officer and deputy state epidemiologist at the Public Health Division. “However, the realization that we will be dealing with COVID-19 for some time, and other stressors related to jobs, school and social isolation, may increase feelings of anxiety and depression, and that can lead to a harmful level of alcohol or other drug use.”

OHA continues to monitor and post finalized opioid data on its Prescribing and Drug Overdose Data Dashboard at https://www.oregon.gov/oha/ph/preventionwellness/substanceuse/opioids/pages/data.aspx.

Health officials are reminding people that opioid use disorder can be successfully treated. Those who need help to stop using opioids can talk to their health care providers or view OHA’s list of resources. In addition, Oregon law allows lay people to carry and use naloxone, a medication that can be used to reverse an opioid overdose, on other people. Learn more about naloxone.

Oregon-based nonprofit Lines for Life and OHA recently launched the Safe + Strong Helpline at 1-800-923-4357 (800-923-HELP). The line offers free, 24-7 emotional support and resource referral to anyone who needs it—not only those experiencing a mental health crisis. The Safe + Strong Helpline is a response to needs for emotional support around disasters like COVID-19 and wildfires and was funded by the CARES Act. Callers are routed to a counselor who can provide emotional support, mental health triage, drug and alcohol counseling, crisis counseling or just connection.

October 22, 2020

Media contact: OHA External Relations 971-673-2097, covid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us">orcovid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us

Oregon reports 373 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 11 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed 11 more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 646, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 373 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today bringing the state total to 40,810.

The new cases are in the following counties: Benton (6), Clackamas (25), Clatsop (3), Columbia (1), Coos (2), Crook (6), Deschutes (13), Douglas (8), Harney (3), Hood River (1), Jackson (31), Jefferson (2), Josephine (3), Klamath (3), Lane (29), Linn (6), Malheur (18), Marion (37), Multnomah (81), Polk (3), Umatilla (13), Union (6), Wasco (10), Washington (59), and Yamhill (4).

Oregon’s 636th COVID-19 death is an 83-year-old man in Baker County who tested positive on Oct. 4 and died on Oct. 18, at St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Idaho. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 637th COVID-19 death is a 74-year-old man in Malheur County who tested positive on Aug. 26 and died on Oct. 13, at St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Idaho. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 638th COVID-19 death is a 77-year-old man in Malheur County who tested positive on Sept.15 and died on Oct. 6, at St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Idaho. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 639th COVID-19 death is an 87-year-old woman in Multnomah County who tested positive on Sept. 24 and died on Oct. 11, in her residence. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 640th COVID-19 death is a 94-year-old woman in Lane County who tested positive on Sept. 24 and died on Oct.4. Presence of underlying conditions and place of death are being confirmed.

Oregon’s 641st COVID-19 death is a 96-year-old woman in Washington County who tested positive on Oct. 6 and died on Oct. 20, in her residence. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 642nd COVID-19 death is an 84-year-old woman in Linn County who tested positive on Oct.12 and died on Oct.15, in her residence. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 643rd COVID-19 death is a 53-year-old man in Umatilla County who tested positive on Sept. 27 and died on Oct. 19, at Legacy Meridian Park Medical Center. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 644th COVID-19 death is a 57-year-old man in Malheur County who tested positive on Sept.16 and died on Oct. 17, at St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Idaho. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 645th COVID-19 death is a 64-year-old man in Douglas County who tested positive on Oct. 19 and died on Oct. 17, in his residence. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 646th COVID-19 death is a 75-year-old woman in Multnomah County who tested positive on Oct. 11 and died on Oct. 18, at Kaiser Westside Medical Center. She had underlying conditions.

---

Stay informed about COVID-19:

Oregon response: The Oregon Health Authority leads the state response.

United States response: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leads the U.S. response.

Global response: The World Health Organization guides the global response.

The Oregon State Marine Board met virtually on October 21 for their quarterly meeting which was live-streamed from the agency’s Salem office. The Board accepted a petition and opened rulemaking on Prineville Reservoir for a small, no-wake zone; adopted new rules for North and South Twin Lakes in Deschutes County and the Willamette River in the vicinity of Ross Island; and directed staff to propose additional rules for the Lower Willamette River.

In August, the Marine Board received a petition from the Crook County Sheriff’s Office and Prineville Reservoir State Park requesting the Marine Board establish a “No-Wake Zone adjacent to the Prineville Reservoir State Park Marina extending across the Reservoir to the west shore of West Robert’s Bay.” This slow no-wake zone would be in effect from May 1 through October 1. Local rules (Oregon Administrative Rule 250-020-0073) currently prohibit boaters from operating in excess of slow no-wake speed within 200’ of the shoreline on Prineville Reservoir, but the proposed rules would extend that restriction from shore-to-shore near the marina. The agency will solicit written public comments on the proposed rule language in the coming weeks.

The Board also adopted rules that allow for the use of electric motors on North and South Twin Lakes for boaters with disabilities. Boat Operations in Deschutes County (Oregon Administrative Rule 250-020-0091 is now amended to read, “A person must not use a motor to propel a boat unless the motor is electric, the boat is not operated in excess of slow no-wake speed, and the operator of the boat has a disability or operates the boat on behalf of a passenger who has a disability. Documentation of eligibility shall be produced at the request of any peace officer and includes any documentation of disability issued by a federal, state, or county governmental agency.” The proposed rule language reflects direction from the Board and the Board’s ongoing interest in ensuring boating opportunities for all Oregonians.  

After a vibrant and candid discussion on the multitude of stakeholder concerns on the Lower Willamette River, the Board took multiple actions. Rules were adopted that extend the Holgate Channel slow no-wake zone to include the entire channel, as it was previously unregulated north of the mouth of Ross Island Lagoon. The Board also adopted rules that create seasonal pass-through zones directly north and south of Ross Island. In these pass-through zones, boat speed is not limited, but towed watersports are restricted and personal watercraft (jet ski) operators are prohibited from prolonged use above 5 mph.

After adoption of the rules described above, the Board also directed staff to propose two additional regulations for the Lower Willamette. The first was to extend the adopted pass-through zones to also include the area between the two, therefore creating one large pass-through zone between the Hawthorne Bridge and the southern tip of the Waverly Marina. The second was to enact 100 ft. slow no-wake buffers around all docks and on-water structures between the Waverly Marina and Willamette Falls.

Additionally, wakeboarding and towing of inflatables would be restricted within 200 feet of these structures, and wake surfing would be restricted within 300 feet. The agency will solicit comments on the proposed regulations beginning on December 1, and the Board will formally vote, and potentially adopt, this second set of regulations at their next meeting scheduled on January 27, 2021

To view the agenda and other meeting materials visit https://www.oregon.gov/osmb/info/Pages/Board-and-Public-Meetings.aspx. The meeting can be viewed on the Marine Board’s YouTube channel.

                                                                       ###

The Oregon Office of Emergency Management has posted the Oregon Wildfire Recovery Update for Oct. 26, 2020, to the Oregon Wildfire Resources page. See today's Wildfire Recovery update here. 

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

Glide, Ore. - October 22, 2020 - Damage from the Archie Creek Fire in the Umpqua National Forest. Photo by David Yost/FEMA

File: DLY_2501.jpg

Lincoln County, Ore. - September 21, 2020 - A lone mailbox sits on the groud after its post was destroyed by the Echo Mountain Complex fire near Lincoln City Oregon. Photo by Jeff Markham/FEMA

File: 2020-21-09_OR_4562_EchoMtnFire_5790.jpg

The Oregon Office of Emergency Management has posted the Oregon Wildfire Recovery Update for Oct. 23, 2020, to the Oregon Wildfire Resources page. See today's Wildfire Recovery update here. 

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

Phoenix, Ore. - October 9, 2020 - Damage from the Almeda wildfire. Photo by David Yost/FEMA
File: 2020-09-10_4562_Phoenix_DLY_2428.jpg

Glide, Ore. - October 22, 2020 - New growth emerges from the remains of the Archie Creek Fire in the Umpqua National Forest. Photo by David Yost/FEMA
File: DLY_2509.jpg

CORRECTION: FACEBOOK LIVE WITH DR. BOB WILL CONTINUE ON TUESDAY NIGHTS, BUT FRIDAY NIGHTS WILL BE A RECORDED COVID-19 UPDATE AND Q&A VIDEO PRESENTATION

Correction, our apologies, we were mistaken with the changes to Dr. Bob and DPHN’s Facebook COVID-19 Updates. Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Douglas County Public Health Officer will continue to do his Facebook “Live Q&A Updates” on Tuesday nights at 6:00 pm, but starting this week (October 26, 2020), his Friday night updates will be replaced with a pre-recorded video update and question/answer presentation that will air on DPHN’s Facebook page on Friday nights at 6:00 pm. Residents are still able to submit their COVID-19 questions to Dr. Bob, but we now ask that you email your questions to: Facebookquestions@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org. Dr. Bob and the DPHN team will do their best to respond to as many questions as they can during their weekly video recordings.  Please tune in Tonight, Tuesday, October 27, 2020 for Facebook Live with Dr. Bob, and then on Friday, October 30, 2020 at 6:00 pm for the new weekly COVID-19 Update and Q&A Video presentation with Dr. Bob, hosted by DPHN on the DPHN Facebook page.  https://www.facebook.com/DouglasPublicHealthNetwork/

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Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the agencies that make up the DCCRT

JOINT INFORMATION CENTER PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – October 27, 2020

DOUGLAS COUNTY COVID-19 RESPONSE TEAM - DAILY UPDATE

 

(Douglas County, Ore.) Douglas County COVID-19 Test Results:  The Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team remains committed to our local COVID-19 response.  As of 12:00 pm today, Tuesday, October 27, 2020, there are EIGHT people with new positive test results and ONE new presumptive since our noon case update yesterday.  The total number of cases (people with positive test results and presumptive) in Douglas County is now at 360.  Currently, there are THREE Douglas County COVID-19 patients that are being hospitalized locally.

 

SCHEDULE UPDATE: TUNE IN FRIDAY NIGHTS AT 6 PM FOR THE NEW WEEKLY COVID-19 UPDATE AND Q&A VIDEO PRESENTATION WITH DR. BOB

If you have not already heard the news, we are making changes to the weekly live COVID-19 question and answer sessions with Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Douglas County Public Health Officer.  Starting this week (October 26, 2020), we will no longer be doing “Live Q&A Updates” on Tuesday and Friday nights on the DPHN Facebook page.  Instead, Dr. Bob and the team at DPHN will be pre-recording a weekly video update and question/answer presentation that will air on DPHN’s Facebook page on Friday nights at 6:00 pm.  Residents are still able to submit their COVID-19 questions to Dr. Bob, but we now ask that you email your questions to: ookquestions@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org">Facebookquestions@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org.  Dr. Bob and the DPHN team will do their best to respond to as many questions as they can during their weekly video recordings.  Please tune in on Friday, October 30, 2020 at 6:00 pm for the new weekly COVID-19 Update and Q&A Video presentation with Dr. Bob, hosted by DPHN on the DPHN Facebook page.

 

Douglas County, OR - COVID-19 - Case Update
Date	Friday, October 23, 2020	Saturday, October 24, 2020	Sunday, October 25, 2020	Monday, October 26, 2020	Today, Tuesday, October 27, 2020
Total COVID-19 Cases	342	347	349	351	360
People with Positive PCR or Antigen Test Results	304	308	309	310	318
Presumptive	38	39	40	41	42
Total Currently Hospitalized	6	5	4	3	3
Total Currently in Isolation	50	50	49	49	51
Total COVID-19 Related Deaths	5	5	7	8	8
Total Negative Test Results	15,108	15,217	15,301	15,387	15,450

Our daily update includes the total number of cases in Douglas County, which combines people with positive test results and presumptives. We provide a breakout of the people with positive test results and presumptives in the chart above. Please note there will be times when a presumptive will move to a positive test result, and our total case number will not change because the case has already been counted, instead you will see an adjustment to our breakout numbers for positive test results and presumptives.

 

How Do We Stop the Spread of COVID-19 In Douglas County?  

The key to stopping the continued spread of the coronavirus is, YOU.  Yes, prevention is the best medicine.  Yes, prevention equals kindness to others.  It really is simple and true that we can control the spread of this deadly virus with simple, everyday prevention measures.  If each and every individual in our county would make a real concerted effort to follow the recommended COVID health and safety guidelines, we could see a huge decrease in our case numbers.  That means we need each and everyone one of you to make sound choices, evaluate and change how you interact with others and work on implementing COVID safe activities into your daily lives. These measures are not just for your safety, but for the safety of our kids, our grandparents, our coworkers, our first responders, our teachers and our businesses.  We know we sound like a broken record, but our primary focus is to do everything we can to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of our residents.  With the Fall and Winter holidays on the horizon, people trying to plan social activities and parents expressing remote teaching fatigue, it’s important that everyone get on board with COVID-19 prevention measures.  The DCCRT team, under the direction of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, along with Dr. Dannenhoffer and Douglas Public Health Network continue to encourage residents to protect themselves, their loved ones and their communities by practicing these simple, basic health and safety prevention measures to stop the spread of the coronavirus. 

• Make a habit of washing and sanitizing your hands, regularly.  That means washing after you eat, if you touch new surfaces, go to the bathroom, open a door, go to the store, go to the post office or after a meeting.  Remember, also to try and avoid touching your face as much as possible. 
• Stay at least six feet apart from anyone that is not from your immediate household.  This means paying attention to the distance stickers at the store, the bank, at restaurants and at businesses.  Please be respectful and polite, by giving people ample space.
• Stay home from work, school and play if you are sick.  This includes not running errands or going shopping or inviting visitors to your home.  If you need help, reach out to friends, family or utilize an app or businesses that offer no contact deliveries/services. 
• Minimize travel, especially out of the state and limit visitors to your home.
• Wear a mask were recommended.

 

UPDATED: OHA Reporting and Definition for Recovered

As per the Oregon Health Authority COVID-19 Investigative Guidelines, the number of recovered cases is no longer being assessed or reported by OHA.  Up until May 1st, 2020 recovery from COVID-19 was defined as being afebrile (not feverish), without the use of antiphyretics (medicine to reduce a fever), and having resolution of cough, shortness of breath and diarrhea for at least 72 hours.  As more was learned about symptoms, recovery and contagious period, the definition of recovered changed.   Beginning May 1st, OHA stopped reporting recovered cases while also separating recovery from contagious or isolation period.  Many cases were no longer contagious, as they were outside of the contagious period, but still having lingering symptoms.  To be consistent with OHA and to adapt as we learn more about this new virus, we removed the column in our chart listing recovered cases.  At that point, we added the number of those in isolation, roughly indicating active or infectious cases of COVID-19 in Douglas County.

 

Currently, DPHN is supporting 51 cases in isolation, as well as another 249 contacts in quarantine in Douglas County.  Isolation is recommended for confirmed and presumptive cases, quarantine is recommended for contacts of confirmed or presumptive cases.  Currently, staff is supporting 300 total contacts in isolation/quarantine.  This number represents a snapshot of the significant amount of work being done by our county and our public health to help control the spread of COVID-19.

 

Getting Tested & Testing Clinics

The next drive-through testing clinic will be today, Tuesday, October 27, 2020, in Roseburg. As a reminder, if you are having symptoms of COVID-19 including cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches and pains, diarrhea, sore throat or decreased sense of smell and taste, talk to your health care provider about being tested for COVID-19.  Patients without a Primary Care Provider, that are looking for a COVID-19 test should contact the Sutherlin Aviva Health Clinic at (541) 459-3788. The first drive-through testing site was piloted in the county on March 17, 2020, there have been 1698 people tested in 84 drive-through clinics, while additional testing continues in hospitals, urgent cares and clinics. The drive-through clinics are led by DPHN, in conjunction with partner agencies including; Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Public Works, local volunteers and local health professionals.

 

Oregon COVID-19 Case Update

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reports new cases once a day on their website at www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus. OHA also releases a daily situation status report and a weekly report that details the overall picture of the COVID-19 outbreak within our state.  The daily report details positive and presumptive cases, as well as deaths by county and statewide, while the weekly report is more in depth and includes statistical data related the severity of cases by age, gender, zip codes, ethnicity, as well as information on workplace and senior care facility outbreaks in Oregon. Find additional information on the state or Federal COVID-19 response go to Oregon Health Authority, Centers for Disease Control, and 211Info.  

 

Oregon COVID-19 Presumptive

OHA expanded their reporting for COVID-19 case management to now include presumptive COVID-19 cases in their total case number.  DPHN is reporting the number of people with new positive test results and any new presumptives and uses the OHA’s definition of presumptive as having had close contact with a known, confirmed COVID-19 case, showing symptoms and not yet having a positive nasal swab/PCR or antigen test for COVID-19.  Testing continues, as DPHN has been holding 2-3 clinics a week and hospitals, urgent cares and clinics continue to test.  DPHN continues their epidemiologic investigations, identifying individuals who may have had close contact with individuals that have tested positive for COVID-19, advising and supporting quarantine and isolation.

 

Travel Caution: Please Limit Travel, Social Gatherings and Visitors

Our recent surge in cases can be attributed to travel and unwitting and unintentional behavior by residents choosing to attend or host social gatherings where COVID-19 guidelines for social distancing, food preparation, hand washing and masks are not being followed.  Cases have been linked to travel and social gatherings including: birthday parties, weddings, funerals, prayer groups, play dates, visiting family members and school events. Again, we ask that you take a moment and revisit how you are socializing and please protect yourself, your loved ones and our communities from the spread of this virus.  We encourage you to delay travel, consider stay-cations and reschedule visits from out-of-the-area friends and family to a later date.  We continue to identify people with positive test results that have chosen to travel out of Oregon to visit relatives or to take vacations.  While traveling those individuals and families have come in contact with someone with COVID-19 and brought it back to Douglas County.  Other cases and outbreaks were the direct result of someone coming to Douglas County to visit and bringing the virus with them and infecting their host family.  Please stay safe and remember to be kind to others. Stopping the increase of COVID-19 cases in our county is really up to YOU, our citizens.

 

REMINDER: Drive-Thru Flu Clinic Friday, October 30 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

DPHN, partnering with emergency management and medical personnel from around Douglas County, is conducting a second drive-thru point of dispensing (POD) emergency preparedness exercise to practice for a rapid dispensing of medications during a public health emergency on Friday, October 30, 2020 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Douglas County Fairgrounds.  The exercise will include dispensing free flu vaccines to community members 6 months and older to the first 300 participants each day.  POD participants will receive a free flu vaccination administered by area health professionals. They will remain socially distanced in their vehicle throughout the exercise. During the event, participants will be directed through the exercise with local officials and community volunteers. They will be asked to complete a brief intake form, receive medical screening if indicated, proceed to a vaccination station for a free flu vaccine and then exit the exercise. The intake form may be completed and printed prior to arrival by using the Dispense Assist website at https://www.dispenseassist.net/flu.html.  These exercises help our community prepare for public health emergencies and are in partnership with several local and state agencies including Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians, Oregon Health Authority, Aviva Health, Mercy Medical Center, Umpqua Community College and Red Cross.

 

REMINDER: Aviva Health Offering Veterans Free Drive-Thru Flu Shots at the 2020 Veterans’ Day Parade

Shared from Aviva Health. Aviva Health is providing area veterans with the option to get a free drive-thru flu shot at this year’s ‘Reverse’ Douglas County Veterans Day Parade on Wednesday, November 11, starting at 11:00 am. The 2020 Veterans Day Parade will be a reverse format at the Douglas County Fairgrounds.  The Douglas County Veterans Day Parade Committee have planned a reverse parade, where floats and other elements of the parade remain stationary while visitors to the event drive by them in their cars. Proper social distancing and masking guidelines will be followed to protect people from COVID-19.  Aviva Health typically hosts a Veterans Day event at its Roseburg campus called Vets and Their Pets, but the pandemic forced the organization to cancel this year’s festivities. Still, Aviva Health intends to honor and assist those who have served in a meaningful way. 

 

 

LOCAL COVID-19 INFORMATION

Stay Informed with Accurate Local Information

Stay up to date on COVID-19 in Douglas County on the Douglas County Government website or the DPHN website.  Your Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Public Health Officer, Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer, DPHN and the Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team (DCCRT) have been working hard to cooperatively provide accurate and timely information to Douglas County residents since March 8, 2020.  Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the agencies that make up the DCCRT. 

 

Douglas County Resource/COVID-19 Hotline: (541) 464-6550:

Douglas County Commissioners and Douglas Public Health Network have added a resource and referral service to the current COVID-19 hotline for Douglas County residents.  The added service will help residents get connected to resources and services due to the local wildfires.  Referral and resource information will be available about local emergency shelters, livestock and animal boarding options, donation locations, volunteer opportunities, welfare check referrals, food and water resources and help with health and wellness questions.  This is NOT the hotline for Fire Updates or Evacuation information.  Please contact or follow DFPA and DCSO for the most up-to-date wildfire information.  The Resource/COVID-19 Hotline is (541) 464-6550.  It is staffed from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, 7 days a week until further notice. 

 

Questions about Governor’s Reopening or Statewide Rules?  If you have questions or need more information go to the Governor’s COVID-19 website at https://govstatus.egov.com/or-covid-19/ or call the Business Oregon's Navigator Hotline at (833) 604-0880.  For information on COVID-19 in Oregon, call 211 or visit 211info

 

Who Do You Contact to Report Compliance Issues with the Governor’s Statewide Rules?  Please do not call 911, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office or Douglas County Offices to report compliance issues with the Governor’s orders.  The Governor has directed the State offices for Oregon Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) and the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) to be the enforcement agencies responsible for ensuring restaurants, bars, and other businesses comply with COVID-related rules.  For more information or to report compliance issues contact:

OSHA: (800) 922-2689 or OSHA website or OLCC (503) 872-5000 or OLCC website

 

###

 

Contact Tamara Howell, Public Information Officer, Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, (541) 670-2804 cell/(541) 957-4896 tjhowell@co.douglas.or.us

Contact Vanessa Becker, Public Information Officer, Douglas Public Health Network, (541) 817-6552 cell (541) 440-3571 vanessa@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org

Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the agencies that make up the DCCRT

JOINT INFORMATION CENTER PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – October 26, 2020

DOUGLAS COUNTY COVID-19 RESPONSE TEAM - DAILY UPDATE

 

(Douglas County, Ore.) Douglas County COVID-19 Test Results:  The Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team remains committed to our local COVID-19 response.  As of 12:00 pm today, Monday, October 26, 2020, there is ONE person with a new positive test result, ONE new presumptive and sadly ONE death since our noon case update yesterday.  The total number of cases (people with positive test results and presumptive) in Douglas County is now at 351.  Currently, there are THREE Douglas County COVID-19 patients that are being hospitalized locally.

 

EIGHTH COVID-19 RELATED DEATH OF A DOUGLAS COUNTY RESIDENT

Our Douglas County Public Health Officer, Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer, has confirmed the death of our eighth Douglas County resident from the COVID-19 virus. Our eighth COVID related death is a 64-year-old man who passed away last night, Sunday, October 25, 2020, at Oregon Health Sciences University Hospital in Portland, Oregon.  He tested positive for COVID-19 and was hospitalized on Friday, September 25, 2020.  In the interest of privacy for the individual’s loved ones, no additional information will be released.  Each death related to COVID-19 is painful for all Douglas County residents, and a reminder of the terrible impact COVID-19 has had in our local communities. The Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Dr. Dannenhoffer, DPHN staff and the DCCRT Team extend our heartfelt condolences and sympathies to all family members, friends, relatives, co-workers and community members of those who have passed after contracting this deadly virus.

 

“It is truly heartbreaking that we are announcing another COVID-19 related death today.  We have now lost three beloved Douglas County residents in the last two days.  On behalf of my family, my fellow Board of Commissioners, Dr. Dannenhoffer, DPHN staff and the DCCRT team, we send our sincere condolences and prayers to all the family members and friends,” commented Commissioner Tim Freeman. “Over the last six weeks we have seen a 45% increase in reported cases in Douglas County, and we also sadly reported four of our eight deaths.  As you can see this virus continues to be actively spreading in our communities. We cannot stress enough the importance of staying vigilant in protecting yourselves, the ones you love and all of our communities from the continued spread of this deadly virus!”

 

Douglas County, OR - COVID-19 - Case Update
Date	Thursday, October 22, 2020	Friday, October 23, 2020	Saturday, October 24, 2020	Sunday, October 25, 2020	Today, Monday, October 26, 2020
Total COVID-19 Cases	341	342	347	349	351
People with Positive PCR or Antigen Test Results	303	304	308	309	310
Presumptive	38	38	39	40	41
Total Currently Hospitalized	4	6	5	4	3
Total Currently in Isolation	49	50	50	49	49
Total COVID-19 Related Deaths	5	5	5	7	8
Total Negative Test Results	15,049	15,108	15,217	15,301	15,387

 

Our daily update includes the total number of cases in Douglas County, which combines people with positive test results and presumptives. We provide a breakout of the people with positive test results and presumptives in the chart above. Please note there will be times when a presumptive will move to a positive test result, and our total case number will not change because the case has already been counted, instead you will see an adjustment to our breakout numbers for positive test results and presumptives.

 

CHANGES COMING TO OUR COVID FACEBOOK Q&A WITH DR. BOB DANNENHOFFER

Please tune in on Friday, October 30, 2020 at 6:00 pm for the next and new weekly COVID Q&A video presentation with Dr. Bob, hosted by DPHN on the DPHN Facebook page.  Starting this week (October 26, 2020), Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer and DPHN will be making changes to the days and formats for our COVID-19 Facebook Video broadcasts featuring Dr. Bob, your Douglas County Public Health Officer.  The videos will now be pre-recorded, and will be aired on DPHN’s Facebook page only on Friday nights at 6:00 pm.  Residents are still able to submit their COVID-19 questions to Dr. Bob, but we now ask that you email your questions for a response to: ookquestions@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org">Facebookquestions@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org.  Dr. Bob and the DPHN team will do their best to respond to as many questions as they can in their weekly video recordings.

 

NEW VIDEO FOR PARENTS CONCERNED WITH COVID AND SCHOOLS

Dr. Bob and the team at DPHN did a quick FAQ video for parents of kids that are impacted by the school outbreaks. Click on the links to get some answers for the most commonly asked questions regarding COVID's impact on kids, parents, students and schools. You can check out the video on the DPHN Facebook page or the DPHN YouTube channel.

 

How Do We Stop the Spread of COVID-19 In Douglas County?  

The key to resolving the continued spread of the coronavirus is, YOU.  Yes, prevention is the best medicine.  Yes, prevention equals kindness to others.  It really is simple and true that we can control the spread of this deadly virus with prevention measures.  If each and every individual in our county would make a real concerted effort to follow the recommended COVID health and safety guidelines, we could see a huge decrease in our case numbers.  That means we need each and everyone one of you to make sound choices, evaluate and change how you interact with others and work on implementing COVID safe activities into your daily lives. These measures are not just for your safety, but for the safety of our kids, our grandparents, our coworkers, our first responders, our teachers and our businesses.  We know we sound like a broken record, but our primary focus is to do everything we can to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of our residents.  With the Fall and Winter holidays on the horizon, people trying to plan social activities and parents expressing remote teaching fatigue, it’s important that everyone get back on track with COVID-19 prevention measures.  The DCCRT team, under the direction of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, along with Dr. Dannenhoffer and Douglas Public Health Network continue to encourage residents to protect themselves, their loved ones and their communities by practicing prevention measures to stop the spread of the coronavirus.  Residents can help to protect themselves, their families and their friends by following these simple, basic health and safety precautions:

 

• Make a habit of washing and sanitizing your hands, regularly.  That means washing after you eat, if you touch new surfaces, go to the bathroom, open a door, go to the store, go to the post office or after a meeting.  Remember, also to try to avoid touching your face as much as possible. 
• Stay at least six feet apart from anyone that is not from your immediate household.  This means paying attention to the distance stickers at the store, the bank, at restaurants and at businesses.  Please be respectful and polite, by giving people ample space.
• Stay home from work, school and play if you are sick.  This includes not running errands or going shopping or inviting visitors to your home.  If you need help, reach out to friends, family or utilize an app or businesses that offer no contact deliveries. 
• Minimize travel, especially out of the state and limit visitors to your home.
• Wear a mask were recommended.

 

UPDATED: OHA Definition for Recovered

We wanted to let you know that as per the Oregon Health Authority COVID-19 Investigative Guidelines, the number of recovered is no longer being assessed or reported.  Up until May 1st, 2020 recovery from COVID-19 was defined as being afebrile (not feverish), without the use of antiphyretics (medicine to reduce a fever), and having resolution of cough, shortness of breath and diarrhea for at least 72 hours.  As more was learned about symptoms, recovery and contagious period, the definition of recovered changed.   Beginning May 1st, OHA stopped reporting recovered cases while also separating recovery from contagious or isolation period. Many cases were no longer contagious as they were outside of the contagious period, but still having lingering symptoms.  To be consistent with OHA and to adapt as we learn more about this new virus, we removed the column in our chart listing recovered cases.  At that point, we added the number of those in isolation, roughly indicating active or infectious cases of COVID-19.

 

Currently, DPHN is supporting 49 cases in isolation, as well as another 256 contacts in quarantine in Douglas County.  Isolation is recommended for confirmed and presumptive cases, quarantine is recommended for contacts of confirmed or presumptive cases.  Currently, staff is supporting 305 total contacts in isolation/quarantine.  This number represents a snapshot of the significant amount of work being done by our county and our public health to help control the spread of COVID-19.

 

Getting Tested & Testing Clinics

The next drive-through testing clinic is Tuesday, October 27, 2020, in Roseburg. As a reminder, if you are having symptoms of COVID-19 including cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches and pains, diarrhea, sore throat or decreased sense of smell and taste, talk to your health care provider about being tested for COVID-19.  Patients without a Primary Care Provider, that are looking for a COVID-19 test should contact the Sutherlin Aviva Health Clinic at (541) 459-3788. The first drive-through testing site was piloted in the county on March 17, 2020, there have been 1698 people tested in 84 drive-through clinics, while additional testing continues in hospitals, urgent cares and clinics. The drive-through clinics are led by DPHN, in conjunction with partner agencies including; Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Public Works, local volunteers and local health professionals.

 

Oregon COVID-19 Case Update

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reports new cases once a day on their website at www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus. OHA also releases a daily situation status report and a weekly report that details the overall picture of the COVID-19 outbreak within our state.  The daily report details positive and presumptive cases, as well as deaths by county and statewide, while the weekly report is more in depth and includes statistical data related the severity of cases by age, gender, zip codes, ethnicity, as well as information on workplace and senior care facility outbreaks in Oregon. Find additional information on the state or Federal COVID-19 response go to Oregon Health Authority, Centers for Disease Control, and 211Info.  

 

Oregon COVID-19 Presumptive

OHA expanded their reporting for COVID-19 case management to now include presumptive COVID-19 cases in their total case number.  DPHN is reporting the number of people with new positive test results and any new presumptives and uses the OHA’s definition of presumptive as having had close contact with a known, confirmed COVID-19 case, showing symptoms and not yet having a positive nasal swab/PCR or antigen test for COVID-19.  Testing continues, as DPHN has been holding 2-3 clinics a week and hospitals, urgent cares and clinics continue to test.  DPHN continues their epidemiologic investigations, identifying individuals who may have had close contact with individuals that have tested positive for COVID-19, advising and supporting quarantine and isolation.

 

COVID-19 Travel Caution: Please Limit Travel, Social Gatherings and Visitors

Our recent surge in cases can be attributed to travel and unwitting and unintentional behavior by residents choosing to attend or host social gatherings where COVID-19 guidelines for social distancing, food preparation, hand washing and masks are not being followed.  Cases have been linked to travel and social gatherings including: birthday parties, weddings, funerals, prayer groups, play dates, visiting family members and school events. Again, we ask that you take a moment and revisit how you are socializing and please protect yourself, your loved ones and our communities from the spread of this virus.  We encourage you to delay travel, consider stay-cations and reschedule visits from out-of-the-area friends and family to a later date.  We continue to identify people with positive test results that have chosen to travel out of Oregon to visit relatives or to take vacations.  While traveling those individuals and families have come in contact with someone with COVID-19 and brought it back to Douglas County.  Other cases and outbreaks were the direct result of someone coming to Douglas County to visit and bringing the virus with them and infecting their host family.  Please stay safe and remember to be kind to others. Stopping the increase of COVID-19 cases in our county is really up to YOU, our citizens.

 

Red Cross: Please Consider Donating Blood

The American Red Cross still has an urgent need for blood donations to prevent another blood shortage. Donors are needed to make and keep scheduled appointments to help meet the current need. If you are healthy, feeling well and eligible to give blood or platelets, you are urged to make an appointment to donate as soon as possible. COVID-19 safe donation measure are in place.  Donate your blood and save a life.  Remember, appointments are required, visit www.redcrossblood.org  or call (800) 733-2767 to schedule today.

 

Upcoming Local Blood Drives:

Monday, October 26                 1:00 pm – 6:30 pm       Roseburg Blood Donation Center, 1176 NW Garden Valley Blvd.

Monday, October 26                 12:30 pm – 5:30 pm      LDS Church, 2001 W. Bertha Ave., Roseburg

Wednesday, October 28            10:30 am - 3:30 pm      Glide Rural Fire Protection District, 18910 N Umpqua Hwy, Glide

Thursday, October 29               9:00 am - 2:00 pm        Winston Community Center, 440 SE Grape Ave, Winston

Friday, October 30                    10:00 am – 3:00 pm      Roseburg Public Safety Center, 700 SE Douglas Ave., Roseburg

Monday, November 2               1:00 pm – 6:30 pm       Roseburg Blood Donation Center, 1176 NW Garden Valley Blvd.

Tuesday, November 3               10:00 am – 3:30 pm      Milo Academy, 324 Milo Drive, Days Creek

Friday, November 6                  10:30 am – 4:30 pm      Roseburg Blood Donation Center, 1176 NW Garden Valley Blvd.

Friday, November 6                  10:30 am – 4:00 pm      Sutherlin Community Center, 150 S Willamette St., Sutherlin

Monday, November 9               10:30 am - 3:00 pm      Glide Rural Fire Protection District, 18910 N Umpqua Hwy, Glide

Thursday, November 12             10:00 am - 3:00 pm      Roseburg Blood Donation Center, 1176 NW Garden Valley Blvd.

Thursday, November 12             10:00 am - 3:00 pm      Lower Umpqua Hospital, 600 Ranch Rd, Reedsport

Monday, November 16             10:00 am - 3:00 pm      McMenamins Roseburg, 700 SE Sheridan, Roseburg

Tuesday, November 17             12:00 pm - 5:00 pm      Abby's Legendary Pizza, 2585 Diamond Lake Blvd, Roseburg

Tuesday, November 17             1:00 pm - 6:00 pm        New Life Church, 1723 NE Vine Street, Roseburg

 

REMINDER: Drive-Thru Flu Clinic Friday, October 30 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

DPHN, partnering with emergency management and medical personnel from around Douglas County, is conducting a second drive-thru point of dispensing (POD) emergency preparedness exercise to practice for a rapid dispensing of medications during a public health emergency on Friday, October 30, 2020 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Douglas County Fairgrounds.  The exercise will include dispensing free flu vaccines to community members 6 months and older to the first 300 participants each day.  POD participants will receive a free flu vaccination administered by area health professionals. They will remain socially distanced in their vehicle throughout the exercise. During the event, participants will be directed through the exercise with local officials and community volunteers. They will be asked to complete a brief intake form, receive medical screening if indicated, proceed to a vaccination station for a free flu vaccine and then exit the exercise. The intake form may be completed and printed prior to arrival by using the Dispense Assist website at https://www.dispenseassist.net/flu.html.  These exercises help our community prepare for public health emergencies and are in partnership with several local and state agencies including Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians, Oregon Health Authority, Aviva Health, Mercy Medical Center, Umpqua Community College and Red Cross.

 

REMINDER: Aviva Health Offering Veterans Free Drive-Thru Flu Shots at the 2020 Veterans’ Day Parade

Shared from Aviva Health. Aviva Health is providing area veterans with the option to get a free drive-thru flu shot at this year’s ‘Reverse’ Douglas County Veterans Day Parade on Wednesday, November 11, starting at 11:00 am. The 2020 Veterans Day Parade will be a reverse format at the Douglas County Fairgrounds.  The Douglas County Veterans Day Parade Committee have planned a reverse parade, where floats and other elements of the parade remain stationary while visitors to the event drive by them in their cars. Proper social distancing and masking guidelines will be followed to protect people from COVID-19.  Aviva Health typically hosts a Veterans Day event at its Roseburg campus called Vets and Their Pets, but the pandemic forced the organization to cancel this year’s festivities. Still, Aviva Health intends to honor and assist those who have served in a meaningful way. 

 

 

LOCAL COVID-19 INFORMATION

Stay Informed with Accurate Local Information

 

Stay up to date on COVID-19 in Douglas County on the Douglas County Government website or the DPHN website.  Your Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Public Health Officer, Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer, DPHN and the Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team (DCCRT) have been working hard to cooperatively provide accurate and timely information to Douglas County residents since March 8, 2020.  Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the agencies that make up the DCCRT. 

 

Douglas County Resource/COVID-19 Hotline: (541) 464-6550:

Douglas County Commissioners and Douglas Public Health Network have added a resource and referral service to the current COVID-19 hotline for Douglas County residents.  The added service will help residents get connected to resources and services due to the local wildfires.  Referral and resource information will be available about local emergency shelters, livestock and animal boarding options, donation locations, volunteer opportunities, welfare check referrals, food and water resources and help with health and wellness questions.  This is NOT the hotline for Fire Updates or Evacuation information.  Please contact or follow DFPA and DCSO for the most up-to-date wildfire information.  The Resource/COVID-19 Hotline is (541) 464-6550.  It is staffed from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, 7 days a week until further notice. 

 

Questions about Governor’s Reopening or Statewide Rules?  If you have questions or need more information go to the Governor’s COVID-19 website at https://govstatus.egov.com/or-covid-19/ or call the Business Oregon's Navigator Hotline at (833) 604-0880.  For information on COVID-19 in Oregon, call 211 or visit 211info

 

Who Do You Contact to Report Compliance Issues with the Governor’s Statewide Rules?  Please do not call 911, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office or Douglas County Offices to report compliance issues with the Governor’s orders.  The Governor has directed the State offices for Oregon Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) and the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) to be the enforcement agencies responsible for ensuring restaurants, bars, and other businesses comply with COVID-related rules.  For more information or to report compliance issues contact:

OSHA: (800) 922-2689 or OSHA website or OLCC (503) 872-5000 or OLCC website

 

###

 

Contact Tamara Howell, Public Information Officer, Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, (541) 670-2804 cell/(541) 957-4896 tjhowell@co.douglas.or.us

Contact Vanessa Becker, Public Information Officer, Douglas Public Health Network, (541) 817-6552 cell (541) 440-3571 vanessa@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org

Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the agencies that make up the DCCRT

JOINT INFORMATION CENTER PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – October 25, 2020

DOUGLAS COUNTY COVID-19 RESPONSE TEAM - DAILY UPDATE

 

(Douglas County, Ore.) Douglas County COVID-19 Test Results:  The Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team remains committed to our local COVID-19 response.  As of 12:00 pm today, Sunday, October 25, 2020, there is ONE person with a new positive test result, ONE new presumptive and sadly TWO deaths since our noon case update yesterday.  The total number of cases (people with positive test results and presumptive) in Douglas County is now at 349.  Currently, there are THREE Douglas County COVID-19 patients that are being hospitalized.  One Douglas County patient is being hospitalized out of the area, and two Douglas County patients are being hospitalized locally.

 

Sixth and Seventh COVID-19 Related Deaths of Douglas County Residents

Our Douglas County Public Health Officer, Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer, has confirmed the deaths of our sixth and seventh Douglas County residents from the COVID-19 virus. Our sixth COVID related death is a 66-year-old woman who passed away yesterday, Saturday, October 24, 2020 in Roseburg, Oregon. She tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday, October 19, 2020. In the interest of privacy for the individual’s loved ones, no additional information will be released.  Our seventh COVID related death is a 61-year-old man who passed away today, Sunday, October 25, 2020 in Roseburg, Oregon.  He tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday, October 19, 2020.  In the interest of privacy for the individual’s loved ones, no additional information will be released.

 

Each death related to COVID-19 is painful for all Douglas County residents, and a reminder of the terrible impact COVID-19 has had in our local communities. The Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Dr. Dannenhoffer, DPHN staff and the DCCRT Team extend our heartfelt condolences and sympathies to all family members, friends, relatives, co-workers and community members of those who have passed after contracting this deadly virus.

 

“Today is a tremendously sad day with the report of two more deaths of Douglas County residents from the COVID-19 virus.  To the family and friends of these beloved community members, on behalf of my family, my fellow Board of Commissioners, Dr. Dannenhoffer, DPHN staff and the DCCRT team, we send our sincere condolences and prayers,” commented Commissioner Tim Freeman. “Again, we are reminded of the fact that this virus is still actively spreading in our communities. We cannot stress enough the importance of staying vigilant in protecting yourselves, the ones you love and all of our communities from the continued spread this deadly virus!”

 

 

Douglas County, OR - COVID-19 - Case Update
Date	Wednesday, October 21, 2020	Thursday, October 22, 2020	Friday, October 23, 2020	Saturday, October 24, 2020	Today, Sunday, October 25, 2020
Total COVID-19 Cases	333	341	342	347	349
People with Positive PCR or Antigen Test Results	298	303	304	308	309
Presumptive	35	38	38	39	40
Total Currently Hospitalized	5	4	6	5	3
Total Currently in Isolation	45	49	50	50	49
Total COVID-19 Related Deaths	4	5	5	5	7
Total Negative Test Results	14,930	15,049	15,108	15,217	15,301

Our daily update includes the total number of cases in Douglas County, which combines people with positive test results and presumptives. We provide a breakout of the people with positive test results and presumptives in the chart above. Please note there will be times when a presumptive will move to a positive test result, and our total case number will not change because the case has already been counted, instead you will see an adjustment to our breakout numbers for positive test results and presumptives.

Please Help Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 In Douglas County

During the difficult times of this pandemic, like today with the loss of two more cherished residents, the DCCRT Team, under the direction of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, along with Dr. Dannenhoffer and Douglas Public Health Network, want to again remind residents of the importance of being kind to one another and in taking extra care in helping us to slow the spread of COVID-19.  We know we keep reiterating this same message, but our primary focus is to do everything we can to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of our citizens.  With the onset of cold/flu season, holidays approaching, schools returning to in-person instruction, people clamoring for social activities and parents expressing remote teaching fatigue, it’s important that everyone stay true with the very simplest of COVID-19 prevention measures.  It is definitely not the time to forgo your preventative COVID-19 health and safety measures.  If you still want to partake in social activities, we ask that you do so with safety and COVID protection in mind. The DCCRT team continues to encourage residents to protect themselves, their loved ones and their communities by practicing prevention measures to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

 

Residents can help to protect themselves, their families and our communities from the spread of COVID-19 by following these simple, basic health and safety precautions:

 

• Make a habit of washing and sanitizing your hands.  That means washing after you eat, touch new surfaces, go to the bathroom, go to the store, go to the post office or after a meeting.  Remember also to try to avoid touching your face as much as possible. 
• Stay at least six feet apart from anyone that is not from your immediate household.  This means paying attention to the distance stickers at the store, the bank, at restaurants and at businesses.  Please be respectful and polite, by giving people ample space. Stay home from work, school and play if you are sick.  This includes not running errands or going shopping or inviting visitors to your home.  If you need help, reach out to friends, family or utilize an app or businesses that offers no contact deliveries. 
• Minimize travel, especially out of the state and limit visitors to your home.
• Wear a mask were recommended.

 

Our recent cases can be attributed to travel and unwitting and unintentional behavior by residents choosing to attend or host social gatherings where COVID-19 guidelines for social distancing, food preparation, hand washing and masks are not being followed.  Cases have been linked to social gatherings including: birthday parties, weddings, funerals, prayer groups, play dates, visiting family members and school events. Again, we ask that you take a moment and revisit how you are socializing and please protect yourself and your loved ones from the spread of this virus.  Please stay safe and remember to be kind to others. Stopping the increase of COVID-19 cases in our county is really up to YOU, our citizens.

 

CHANGES COMING TO FACEBOOK Q&A WITH DR. BOB DANNENHOFFER

Starting the week of October 26, 2020, Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer and DPHN will be making changes to the days and formats for our COVID-19 Facebook Video broadcasts featuring Dr. Bob.  The videos will now be pre-recorded, and will aired on Facebook on Friday nights at 6:00 pm.  Residents will still be able to submit questions to Dr. Bob, but we now ask that you email your questions to us at: ookquestions@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org">Facebookquestions@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org.  Dr. Bob and team will do their best to respond to as many questions as they can in their weekly video recording. 

 

So, please join us on Friday, October 30, 2020 for our new weekly COVID Q&A Video with Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, your Douglas County Public Health Officer at 6:00 pm, hosted  by DPHN and found on the DPHN Facebook page. 

 

UPDATED: OHA Definition for Recovered

We wanted to let you know that as per the Oregon Health Authority COVID-19 Investigative Guidelines, the number of recovered is no longer being assessed or reported.  Up until May 1st, 2020 recovery from COVID-19 was defined as being afebrile (not feverish), without the use of antiphyretics (medicine to reduce a fever), and having resolution of cough, shortness of breath and diarrhea for at least 72 hours.  As more was learned about symptoms, recovery and contagious period, the definition of recovered changed.   Beginning May 1st, OHA stopped reporting recovered cases while also separating recovery from contagious or isolation period. Many cases were no longer contagious as they were outside of the contagious period, but still having lingering symptoms.  To be consistent with OHA and to adapt as we learn more about this new virus, we removed the column in our chart listing recovered cases.  At that point, we added the number of those in isolation, roughly indicating active or infectious cases of COVID-19.

 

Currently, DPHN is supporting 49 cases in isolation, as well as another 251 contacts in quarantine in Douglas County.  Isolation is recommended for confirmed and presumptive cases, quarantine is recommended for contacts of confirmed or presumptive cases.  Currently, staff is supporting 300 total contacts in isolation/quarantine.  This number represents a snapshot of the significant amount of work being done by our county and our public health to help control the spread of COVID-19.

 

Getting Tested & Testing Clinics

The next drive-through testing clinic is Tuesday, October 27, 2020, in Roseburg. As a reminder, if you are having symptoms of COVID-19 including cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches and pains, diarrhea, sore throat or decreased sense of smell and taste, talk to your health care provider about being tested for COVID-19.  Patients without a Primary Care Provider, that are looking for a COVID-19 test should contact the Sutherlin Aviva Health Clinic at (541) 459-3788. The first drive-through testing site was piloted in the county on March 17, 2020, there have been 1698 people tested in 84 drive-through clinics, while additional testing continues in hospitals, urgent cares and clinics. The drive-through clinics are led by DPHN, in conjunction with partner agencies including; Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Public Works, local volunteers and local health professionals.

 

Oregon COVID-19 Case Update

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reports new cases once a day on their website at www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus. OHA also releases a daily situation status report and a weekly report that details the overall picture of the COVID-19 outbreak within our state.  The daily report details positive and presumptive cases, as well as deaths by county and statewide, while the weekly report is more in depth and includes statistical data related the severity of cases by age, gender, zip codes, ethnicity, as well as information on workplace and senior care facility outbreaks in Oregon. Find additional information on the state or Federal COVID-19 response go to Oregon Health Authority, Centers for Disease Control, and 211Info.  

 

Oregon COVID-19 Presumptive

OHA expanded their reporting for COVID-19 case management to now include presumptive COVID-19 cases in their total case number.  DPHN is reporting the number of people with new positive test results and any new presumptives and uses the OHA’s definition of presumptive as having had close contact with a known, confirmed COVID-19 case, showing symptoms and not yet having a positive nasal swab/PCR or antigen test for COVID-19.  Testing continues, as DPHN has been holding 2-3 clinics a week and hospitals, urgent cares and clinics continue to test.  DPHN continues their epidemiologic investigations, identifying individuals who may have had close contact with individuals that have tested positive for COVID-19, advising and supporting quarantine and isolation.

 

COVID-19 Travel Caution: Please Limit Travel, Social Gatherings and Visitors

We will continue to encourage residents to be cautious about traveling or inviting people from outside our county, and instead encourage our residents to delay travel, consider stay-cations and reschedule visits from out-of-the-area friends and family to a later date.  We continue to identify people with positive test results that have chosen to travel out of Oregon to visit relatives or to take vacations.  While traveling those individuals and families have come in contact with someone with COVID-19 and brought it back to Douglas County.  We have expanded our list of states directly related to our cases though travel, they include Alaska, Washington, California, Idaho, Nevada, Arizona, Texas, Louisiana, Florida, Tennessee, Michigan, Ohio, Massachusetts and Wyoming.  A few other cases were the result of a family member coming to Douglas County to visit, brought the virus with them and infected their host family.

 

REMINDER: Drive-Thru Flu Clinic October 30 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Douglas Public Health Network, partnering with emergency management and medical personnel from around Douglas County, will be conducting a second drive-thru point of dispensing (POD) emergency preparedness exercise to practice rapid dispensing of medications during a public health emergency on Friday, October 30, 2020 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Douglas County Fairgrounds.  The first exercise was on October 16, 2020.  The exercise will include dispensing free flu vaccines to community members 6 months and older to the first 300 participants each day.  If a widespread disease or other emergency were to occur, it may be necessary for the local health department to activate PODs to dispense large amounts of vaccinations, antibiotics or other medicines to the community. This POD exercise is a great opportunity or community members to get vaccinated against the flu and be involved in emergency preparedness planning in Douglas County.  POD participants will receive a free flu vaccination administered by area health professionals. They will remain socially distanced in their vehicle throughout the exercise. During the event, participants will be directed through the exercise with local officials and community volunteers. They will be asked to complete a brief intake form, receive medical screening if indicated, proceed to a vaccination station for a free flu vaccine and then exit the exercise. The intake form may be completed and printed prior to arrival by using the Dispense Assist website at https://www.dispenseassist.net/flu.html.  These exercises help our community prepare for public health emergencies and are in partnership with several local and state agencies including Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians, Oregon Health Authority, Aviva Health, Mercy Medical Center, Umpqua Community College and Red Cross.

 

REMINDER: Aviva Health Offering Veterans Free Flu Shots at 2020 Veterans’ Day Parade

Shared from Aviva Health. Aviva Health is providing area veterans free flu shots at this year’s Douglas County Veterans’ Day Parade Wednesday, November 11, at 11:00 am. Organizers of this year’s event are planning a reverse parade, where floats and other elements of the parade will remain stationary while visitors to the event drive by them in their cars. Proper social distancing and masking guidelines will be followed to protect people from COVID-19.  Aviva Health typically hosts a Veterans’ Day event at its Roseburg campus called Vets and Their Pets, but the pandemic forced the organization to cancel this year’s festivities. Still, Aviva Health intends to honor and assist those who have served in a meaningful way. 

 

 

LOCAL COVID-19 INFORMATION

Stay Informed with Accurate Local Information

 

Stay up to date on COVID-19 in Douglas County on the Douglas County Government website or the DPHN website.  Your Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Public Health Officer, Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer, DPHN and the Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team (DCCRT) have been working hard to cooperatively provide accurate and timely information to Douglas County residents since March 8, 2020.  Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the agencies that make up the DCCRT. 

 

Douglas County Resource/COVID-19 Hotline: (541) 464-6550:

Douglas County Commissioners and Douglas Public Health Network have added a resource and referral service to the current COVID-19 hotline for Douglas County residents.  The added service will help residents get connected to resources and services due to the local wildfires.  Referral and resource information will be available about local emergency shelters, livestock and animal boarding options, donation locations, volunteer opportunities, welfare check referrals, food and water resources and help with health and wellness questions.  This is NOT the hotline for Fire Updates or Evacuation information.  Please contact or follow DFPA and DCSO for the most up-to-date wildfire information.  The Resource/COVID-19 Hotline is (541) 464-6550.  It is staffed from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, 7 days a week until further notice. 

 

Questions about Governor’s Reopening or Statewide Rules?  If you have questions or need more information go to the Governor’s COVID-19 website at https://govstatus.egov.com/or-covid-19/ or call the Business Oregon's Navigator Hotline at (833) 604-0880.  For information on COVID-19 in Oregon, call 211 or visit 211info

 

Who Do You Contact to Report Compliance Issues with the Governor’s Statewide Rules?  Please do not call 911, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office or Douglas County Offices to report compliance issues with the Governor’s orders.  The Governor has directed the State offices for Oregon Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) and the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) to be the enforcement agencies responsible for ensuring restaurants, bars, and other businesses comply with COVID-related rules.  For more information or to report compliance issues contact:

OSHA: (800) 922-2689 or OSHA website or OLCC (503) 872-5000 or OLCC website

 

###

 

Contact Tamara Howell, Public Information Officer, Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, (541) 670-2804 cell/(541) 957-4896 tjhowell@co.douglas.or.us

Contact Vanessa Becker, Public Information Officer, Douglas Public Health Network, (541) 817-6552 cell (541) 440-3571 vanessa@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org

Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the agencies that make up the DCCRT

JOINT INFORMATION CENTER PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – October 24, 2020

DOUGLAS COUNTY COVID-19 RESPONSE TEAM - DAILY UPDATE

 

(Douglas County, Ore.) Douglas County COVID-19 Test Results:  The Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team remains committed to our local COVID-19 response.  As of 12:00 pm today, Saturday, October 24, 2020, there are FOUR people with new positive test results and ONE new presumptive since our noon case update yesterday.  The total number of cases (people with positive test results and presumptive) in Douglas County is now at 347.  Currently, there are FIVE Douglas County COVID-19 patients that are being hospitalized.  One Douglas County patient is being hospitalized out of the area, and four Douglas County patients are being hospitalized locally.

 

Douglas County, OR - COVID-19 - Case Update
Date	Tuesday, October 20, 2020	Wednesday, October 21, 2020	Thursday, October 22, 2020	Friday, October 23, 2020	Today, Saturday, October 24, 2020
Total COVID-19 Cases	328	333	341	342	347
People with Positive PCR or Antigen Test Results	294	298	303	304	308
Presumptive	34	35	38	38	39
Total Currently Hospitalized	5	5	4	6	5
Total Currently in Isolation	43	45	49	50	50
Total COVID-19 Related Deaths	4	4	5	5	5
Total Negative Test Results	14,843	14,930	15,049	15,108	15,217

Our daily update includes the total number of cases in Douglas County, which combines people with positive test results and presumptives. We provide a breakout of the people with positive test results and presumptives in the chart above. Please note there will be times when a presumptive will move to a positive test result, and our total case number will not change because the case has already been counted, instead you will see an adjustment to our breakout numbers for positive test results and presumptives.

 

Help Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 In Douglas County

During the difficult times of this pandemic, the DCCRT Team, under the direction of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, along with Dr. Dannenhoffer and Douglas Public Health Network, would like to remind residents of the importance of being kind to one another and to take extra care in helping us to slow the spread of COVID-19 in order to protect your health, your family’s health and the health of our communities.  Today, again we reported several new cases.  We know we keep reiterating this message, but our primary focus is to do everything we can to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of our citizens.  Today, as noted above, we reported new cases.  With the onset of cold/flu season, holiday happenings on the horizon, some schools people yearning for social activities and parents already expressing remote teaching fatigue, it’s important that everyone get back on track with COVID-19 prevention measures.  It is definitely not the time to forgo your preventative COVID-19 health and safety measures.  If you still want to partake in social activities, we ask that you do so with safety and COVID protection in mind. The DCCRT team continues to encourage residents to protect themselves, their loved ones and their communities by practicing prevention measures to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

 

Residents can help to protect themselves, their families and our communities from the spread of COVID-19 by following these simple, basic health and safety precautions:

 

• Make a habit of washing and sanitizing your hands.  That means washing after you eat, touch new surfaces, go to the bathroom, go to the store, go to the post office or after a meeting.  Remember also to try to avoid touching your face as much as possible. 
• Stay at least six feet apart from anyone that is not from your immediate household.  This means paying attention to the distance stickers at the store, the bank, at restaurants and at businesses.  Please be respectful and polite, by giving people ample space.
• Stay home from work, school and play if you are sick.  This includes not running errands or going shopping or inviting visitors to your home.  If you need help, reach out to friends, family or utilize an app or businesses that offers no contact deliveries. 
• Minimize travel, especially out of the state and limit visitors to your home.
• Wear a mask were recommended.

 

Our recent cases can be attributed to travel and unwitting and unintentional behavior by residents choosing to attend or host social gatherings where COVID-19 guidelines for social distancing, food preparation, hand washing and masks are not being followed.  Cases have been linked to social gatherings including: birthday parties, weddings, funerals, prayer groups, play dates, visiting family members and school events. Again, we ask that you take a moment and revisit how you are socializing and please protect yourself and your loved ones from the spread of this virus.  Please stay safe and remember to be kind to others. Stopping the increase of COVID-19 cases in our county is really up to YOU, our citizens.

 

UPDATED: OHA Definition for Recovered

We wanted to let you know that as per the Oregon Health Authority COVID-19 Investigative Guidelines, the number of recovered is no longer being assessed or reported.  Up until May 1st, 2020 recovery from COVID-19 was defined as being afebrile (not feverish), without the use of antiphyretics (medicine to reduce a fever), and having resolution of cough, shortness of breath and diarrhea for at least 72 hours.  As more was learned about symptoms, recovery and contagious period, the definition of recovered changed.   Beginning May 1st, OHA stopped reporting recovered cases while also separating recovery from contagious or isolation period. Many cases were no longer contagious as they were outside of the contagious period, but still having lingering symptoms.  To be consistent with OHA and to adapt as we learn more about this new virus, we removed the column in our chart listing recovered cases.  At that point, we added the number of those in isolation, roughly indicating active or infectious cases of COVID-19.

 

Currently, DPHN is supporting 50 cases in isolation, as well as another 260 contacts in quarantine in Douglas County.  Isolation is recommended for confirmed and presumptive cases, quarantine is recommended for contacts of confirmed or presumptive cases.  Currently, staff is supporting 310 total contacts in isolation/quarantine.  This number represents a snapshot of the significant amount of work being done by our county and our public health to help control the spread of COVID-19.

 

Getting Tested & Testing Clinics

The next drive-through testing clinic is Tuesday, October 27, 2020, in Roseburg. As a reminder, if you are having symptoms of COVID-19 including cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches and pains, diarrhea, sore throat or decreased sense of smell and taste, talk to your health care provider about being tested for COVID-19.  Patients without a Primary Care Provider, that are looking for a COVID-19 test should contact the Sutherlin Aviva Health Clinic at (541) 459-3788. The first drive-through testing site was piloted in the county on March 17, 2020, there have been 1698 people tested in 84 drive-through clinics, while additional testing continues in hospitals, urgent cares and clinics. The drive-through clinics are led by DPHN, in conjunction with partner agencies including; Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Public Works, local volunteers and local health professionals.

 

Oregon COVID-19 Case Update

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reports new cases once a day on their website at www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus. OHA also releases a daily situation status report and a weekly report that details the overall picture of the COVID-19 outbreak within our state.  The daily report details positive and presumptive cases, as well as deaths by county and statewide, while the weekly report is more in depth and includes statistical data related the severity of cases by age, gender, zip codes, ethnicity, as well as information on workplace and senior care facility outbreaks in Oregon. Find additional information on the state or Federal COVID-19 response go to Oregon Health Authority, Centers for Disease Control, and 211Info.  

 

Oregon COVID-19 Presumptive

OHA expanded their reporting for COVID-19 case management to now include presumptive COVID-19 cases in their total case number.  DPHN is reporting the number of people with new positive test results and any new presumptives and uses the OHA’s definition of presumptive as having had close contact with a known, confirmed COVID-19 case, showing symptoms and not yet having a positive nasal swab/PCR or antigen test for COVID-19.  Testing continues, as DPHN has been holding 2-3 clinics a week and hospitals, urgent cares and clinics continue to test.  DPHN continues their epidemiologic investigations, identifying individuals who may have had close contact with individuals that have tested positive for COVID-19, advising and supporting quarantine and isolation.

 

COVID-19 Travel Caution: Please Limit Travel, Social Gatherings and Visitors

We will continue to encourage residents to be cautious about traveling or inviting people from outside our county, and instead encourage our residents to delay travel, consider stay-cations and reschedule visits from out-of-the-area friends and family to a later date.  We continue to identify people with positive test results that have chosen to travel out of Oregon to visit relatives or to take vacations.  While traveling those individuals and families have come in contact with someone with COVID-19 and brought it back to Douglas County.  We have expanded our list of states directly related to our cases though travel, they include Alaska, Washington, California, Idaho, Nevada, Arizona, Texas, Louisiana, Florida, Tennessee, Michigan, Ohio, Massachusetts and Wyoming.  A few other cases were the result of a family member coming to Douglas County to visit, brought the virus with them and infected their host family.

 

 

Facebook Live with Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer

Join us Tuesday, October 27, 2020 for the next virtual town hall Q&A with Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, your Douglas County Public Health Officer at 6:00 pm, hosted  by DPHN and found on the DPHN Facebook page.  In the meantime, check out Dr. Bob’s latest video with his creative ‘Trick-or-Treat’ candy delivery system.  As always, please remember be safe and be kind. https://www.facebook.com/DouglasPublicHealthNetwork/videos/661129401468910/

 

Reverse Parade Format for 2020 Douglas County Veterans Day Parade

Parade: Wednesday, November 11

Entry Deadline: Friday, October 30

 

The Douglas County Board of Commissioners wanted to remind everyone about the upcoming Douglas County Veterans Day Parade this year, and encourage those able to participate and/or attend to join us in honoring our local military heroes.  The annual Veterans Day Parade, organized and run by the Douglas County Veterans Day Parade Committee, will take place on Wednesday, November 11, 2020, starting at 11:00 am.  However, in light of the current social gathering guidelines, as well as concern for our resident’s health and safety due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year it will be a “Reverse” parade.  Which means that the floats will be stationary, while the parade viewers will be the ones driving by in vehicles.  The parade route has also been moved to the Douglas County Fairgrounds in order to provide proper distancing for staging of the parade entries.  The Commissioners and Parade Officials encourage those able to design, craft and enter a float or gather a band or static display, to do so by the fast approaching entry deadline of Friday, October 30, 2020. 

 

The Douglas County Veterans Day Parade is a long-anticipated tradition that is held every year on Veterans Day. It is often referred to as the greatest Veterans Day Parade in Oregon, and on several occasions it has been the largest.  The 2020 Grand Marshals will be Military Doctors & Nurses, while the theme is “Embrace the past –Engage the present –Envision the future.”  We invite you to join us for the 2020 Veterans Day Parade at the Douglas County Fairgrounds, however, due to the circumstances, we ask that you please follow the guidelines that have been designed for the safety, protection and enjoyment of all participating.

 

2020 Douglas County Veterans Day Reverse Parade Information and Guidelines

• Due to Covid-19 this year’s Veterans Day Parade will be a “Reverse” Parade.
• The parade entries will be stationary, while the viewers drive past along the parade route in vehicles.
• It will be on Wednesday, November 11, 2020 at 11:00 am
• It will be at the Douglas County Fairgrounds and not in downtown Roseburg this year.
• Click here to see a map of the 2020 Douglas County Veterans Day Parade route. 
• All parade entries are asked to be in place by 10:00 am and parade officials will allow the community to start driving through at 11:00 am
• Parade floats will be staged in the North Parking Lot of the Douglas County Fairgrounds.
• Static parade displays in West Parking Lot of the Douglas County Fairgrounds.
• The bands will be in the Grandstands, adjacent to the racetrack.
• There will also be an optional drive-thru flu clinic and food trucks available.  The flu clinic will be behind the grand-stands and food trucks will be located at the end of the parade route in the racetrack pits.
• Parade viewers and participants must follow the posted signs and directions of Parade Officials/Staff. 
• Parade viewers are asked to stay in their vehicles, and not make any pit stops along the parade route.
• All entries must check in to receive their staging location.
• No support vehicles will be allowed in staging areas.
• Facemasks are required for anyone not able to maintain 6-foot distancing, per state guidelines.
• All entries will obey instructions and take directions from parade control units, aligners and police officers concerning the operating and staging of vehicles for this reverse parade.
• Floats will need to stay in the staging area from the start to the end of the parade.
• If parade viewers wish to stop at the end of the parade to visit the food trucks, they will need to make sure to follow the posted guidelines and directions of Parade Officials/Staff.

 

The Douglas County Veteran’s Day Parade entry deadline is Friday, October 30, 2020 by 5:00 pm.  Your entry must include your completed parade application, and since there is no judging this year, the $5.00 entry fee has been waived.  Late entries will be notified of space availability.  The Veterans Day Parade Committee reserves the right, for safety purposes to deny entry either prior to or during the parade to any entry not adhering to the rules or following the directions of the Law Enforcement personnel or Parade Officials. If you have questions, please contact the Douglas County Veterans Day Parade Committee at (503) 504-8198.

 

Douglas County Veteran’s Day Parade Entry Applications are available online at: https://www.co.douglas.or.us/veterans/parade.asp

 

Douglas County Veteran’s Day Parade Entry Applications may be mailed to:

Veterans Day Parade Committee, PO Box 1124, Roseburg, Oregon 97470

 

We hope you are able to join us for the 2020 Veterans Day Parade at the Douglas County Fairgrounds on Wednesday, November 11, 2020.

 

REMINDER: Drive-Thru Flu Clinic October 30 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Douglas Public Health Network, partnering with emergency management and medical personnel from around Douglas County, will be conducting a second drive-thru point of dispensing (POD) emergency preparedness exercise to practice rapid dispensing of medications during a public health emergency on Friday, October 30, 2020 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Douglas County Fairgrounds.  The first exercise was on October 16, 2020.  The exercise will include dispensing free flu vaccines to community members 6 months and older to the first 300 participants each day.  If a widespread disease or other emergency were to occur, it may be necessary for the local health department to activate PODs to dispense large amounts of vaccinations, antibiotics or other medicines to the community. This POD exercise is a great opportunity or community members to get vaccinated against the flu and be involved in emergency preparedness planning in Douglas County.  POD participants will receive a free flu vaccination administered by area health professionals. They will remain socially distanced in their vehicle throughout the exercise. During the event, participants will be directed through the exercise with local officials and community volunteers. They will be asked to complete a brief intake form, receive medical screening if indicated, proceed to a vaccination station for a free flu vaccine and then exit the exercise. The intake form may be completed and printed prior to arrival by using the Dispense Assist website at https://www.dispenseassist.net/flu.html.  These exercises help our community prepare for public health emergencies and are in partnership with several local and state agencies including Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians, Oregon Health Authority, Aviva Health, Mercy Medical Center, Umpqua Community College and Red Cross.

 

REMINDER: Aviva Health Offering Veterans Free Flu Shots at 2020 Veterans’ Day Parade

Shared from Aviva Health. Aviva Health is providing area veterans free flu shots at this year’s Douglas County Veterans’ Day Parade Wednesday, November 11, at 11:00 am. Organizers of this year’s event are planning a reverse parade, where floats and other elements of the parade will remain stationary while visitors to the event drive by them in their cars. Proper social distancing and masking guidelines will be followed to protect people from COVID-19.  Aviva Health typically hosts a Veterans’ Day event at its Roseburg campus called Vets and Their Pets, but the pandemic forced the organization to cancel this year’s festivities. Still, Aviva Health intends to honor and assist those who have served in a meaningful way. 

 

 

LOCAL COVID-19 INFORMATION

Stay Informed with Accurate Local Information

 

Stay up to date on COVID-19 in Douglas County on the Douglas County Government website or the DPHN website.  Your Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Public Health Officer, Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer, DPHN and the Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team (DCCRT) have been working hard to cooperatively provide accurate and timely information to Douglas County residents since March 8, 2020.  Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the agencies that make up the DCCRT. 

 

Douglas County Resource/COVID-19 Hotline: (541) 464-6550:

Douglas County Commissioners and Douglas Public Health Network have added a resource and referral service to the current COVID-19 hotline for Douglas County residents.  The added service will help residents get connected to resources and services due to the local wildfires.  Referral and resource information will be available about local emergency shelters, livestock and animal boarding options, donation locations, volunteer opportunities, welfare check referrals, food and water resources and help with health and wellness questions.  This is NOT the hotline for Fire Updates or Evacuation information.  Please contact or follow DFPA and DCSO for the most up-to-date wildfire information.  The Resource/COVID-19 Hotline is (541) 464-6550.  It is staffed from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, 7 days a week until further notice. 

 

Questions about Governor’s Reopening or Statewide Rules?  If you have questions or need more information go to the Governor’s COVID-19 website at https://govstatus.egov.com/or-covid-19/ or call the Business Oregon's Navigator Hotline at (833) 604-0880.  For information on COVID-19 in Oregon, call 211 or visit 211info

 

Who Do You Contact to Report Compliance Issues with the Governor’s Statewide Rules?  Please do not call 911, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office or Douglas County Offices to report compliance issues with the Governor’s orders.  The Governor has directed the State offices for Oregon Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) and the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) to be the enforcement agencies responsible for ensuring restaurants, bars, and other businesses comply with COVID-related rules.  For more information or to report compliance issues contact:

OSHA: (800) 922-2689 or OSHA website or OLCC (503) 872-5000 or OLCC website

 

###

 

Contact Tamara Howell, Public Information Officer, Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, (541) 670-2804 cell/(541) 957-4896 tjhowell@co.douglas.or.us

Contact Vanessa Becker, Public Information Officer, Douglas Public Health Network, (541) 817-6552 cell (541) 440-3571 vanessa@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org

Update: Corrected Link Address for Parade Appilcation

https://www.co.douglas.or.us/veterans/parade.asp

 

Douglas County Board of Commissioners

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 23, 2020

 

Reverse Parade Format for 2020 Douglas County Veterans Day Parade

Parade: Wednesday, November 11 - Entry Deadline: Friday, October 30

 

(Roseburg, Oregon) – The Douglas County Board of Commissioners wanted to remind everyone about the upcoming Douglas County Veterans Day Parade this year, and encourage those able to participate and/or attend to join us in honoring our local military heroes.  The annual Veterans Day Parade, organized and run by the Douglas County Veterans Day Parade Committee, will take place on Wednesday, November 11, 2020, starting at 11:00 am.  However, in light of the current social gathering guidelines, as well as concern for our resident’s health and safety due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year it will be a “Reverse” parade.  Which means that the floats will be stationary, while the parade viewers will be the ones driving by in vehicles.  The parade route has also been moved to the Douglas County Fairgrounds in order to provide proper distancing for staging of the parade entries.  The Commissioners and Parade Officials encourage those able to design, craft and enter a float or gather a band or static display, to do so by the fast approaching entry deadline of Friday, October 30, 2020. 

 

 

            The Douglas County Veterans Day Parade is a long-anticipated tradition that is held every year on Veterans Day. It is often referred to as the greatest Veterans Day Parade in Oregon, and on several occasions it has been the largest.  The 2020 Grand Marshals will be Military Doctors & Nurses, while the theme is “Embrace the past –Engage the present –Envision the future.”  We invite you to join us for the 2020 Veterans Day Parade at the Douglas County Fairgrounds, however, due to the circumstances, we ask that you please follow the guidelines that have been designed for the safety, protection and enjoyment of all participating.

2020 Douglas County Veterans Day Reverse Parade Information and Guidelines

• Due to Covid-19 this year’s Veterans Day Parade will be a “Reverse” Parade.
• The parade entries will be stationary, while the viewers drive past along the parade route in vehicles.
• It will be on Wednesday, November 11, 2020 at 11:00 am
• It will be at the Douglas County Fairgrounds and not in downtown Roseburg this year.
• Click here to see a map of the 2020 Douglas County Veterans Day Parade route. 
• All parade entries are asked to be in place by 10:00 am and parade officials will allow the community to start driving through at 11:00 am
• Parade floats will be staged in the North Parking Lot of the Douglas County Fairgrounds.
• Static parade displays in West Parking Lot of the Douglas County Fairgrounds.
• The bands will be in the Grandstands, adjacent to the racetrack.
• There will also be an optional drive-thru flu clinic and food trucks available.  The flu clinic will be behind the grand-stands and food trucks will be located at the end of the parade route in the racetrack pits.
• Parade viewers and participants must follow the posted signs and directions of Parade Officials/Staff. 
• Parade viewers are asked to stay in their vehicles, and not make any pit stops along the parade route.
• All entries must check in to receive their staging location.
• No support vehicles will be allowed in staging areas.
• Facemasks are required for anyone not able to maintain 6-foot distancing, per state guidelines.
• All entries will obey instructions and take directions from parade control units, aligners and police officers concerning the operating and staging of vehicles for this reverse parade.
• Floats will need to stay in the staging area from the start to the end of the parade.
• If parade viewers wish to stop at the end of the parade to visit the food trucks, they will need to make sure to follow the posted guidelines and directions of Parade Officials/Staff.

 

            The Douglas County Veteran’s Day Parade entry deadline is Friday, October 30, 2020 by 5:00 pm.  Your entry must include your completed parade application, and since there is no judging this year, the $5.00 entry fee has been waived.  Late entries will be notified of space availability.  The Veterans Day Parade Committee reserves the right, for safety purposes to deny entry either prior to or during the parade to any entry not adhering to the rules or following the directions of the Law Enforcement personnel or Parade Officials. If you have questions, please contact the Douglas County Veterans Day Parade Committee at (503) 504-8198.

 

Douglas County Veteran’s Day Parade Entry Applications are available online at: https://www.co.douglas.or.us/veterans/parade.asp

 

Douglas County Veteran’s Day Parade Entry Applications may be mailed to:

Veterans Day Parade Committee, PO Box 1124, Roseburg, Oregon 97470

 

We hope you are able to join us for the 2020 Veterans Day Parade at the Douglas County Fairgrounds on Wednesday, November 11, 2020.

 

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Contact: Tamara Howell, Douglas County Emergency Communications & Community Engagement Specialist (PIO)

(541) 670-2804 cell - (541) 957-4896 office - tjhowell@co.douglas.or.us

Douglas County Local Public Safety Coordinating Council - Temporary Justice Reinvestment Subcommittee

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 23, 2020

 

Notice of Virtual Meeting

Douglas County Local Public Safety Coordinating Council (LPSCC) Justice Reinvestment (JRI) Subcommittee

Monday, October 26, 2020

 

(Roseburg, OR) The Douglas County Local Public Safety Coordinating Council (LPSCC), Justice Reinvestment (JRI) Subcommittee will hold its next meeting on Monday, October 26, 2020 at 12:00 pm via a virtual conference format.

 

Due to COVID-19, we are taking extra precautions, therefor the meeting will be conducted virtually. We will accommodate any member of the public who wishes to join the meeting via video or by phone. For information on how you can listen in on this meeting, please email the LPSCC Coordinator, Melissa McRobbie-Toll at melissa@co.douglas.or.us or call (541) 450-9768.

 

The meeting agenda is attached and also available at: www.co.douglas.or.us.

 

Douglas County attempts to provide public accessibility to its services, programs and activities. If accommodation is needed to participate in this meeting, please contact (541) 450-9768 at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled meeting time.

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Contact: Melissa McRobbie-Toll

Programs & Partnerships (LPSCC) Coordinator, Douglas County

(541) 450-9768 cell - melissa@co.douglas.or.us

Douglas County Local Public Safety Coordinating Council (LPSCC) - Behavioral Health Subcommittee

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 23, 2020

 

 

Notice of Virtual Meeting

Douglas County Local Public Safety Coordinating Council (LPSCC) Behavioral Health Subcommittee

Tuesday, October 27, 2020

 

            (Roseburg, OR) The next Douglas County Local Public Safety Coordinating Council (LPSCC) - Behavioral Health Subcommittee meeting will take place on Tuesday, October 27, 2020 at 12:00 pm via a virtual conference format.

Due to COVID-19, we are taking extra precautions, therefor the meeting will be conducted virtually. We will accommodate any member of the public who wishes to join the meeting via video or by phone. For information on how you can listen in on this meeting, please email the LPSCC Coordinator, Melissa McRobbie-Toll at melissa@co.douglas.or.us or call (541) 450-9768.

 

The meeting agenda is attached and also available at: www.co.douglas.or.us

 

Douglas County attempts to provide public accessibility to its services, programs and activities. If accommodation is needed to participate in this meeting, please contact (541) 450-9768 at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled meeting time.

 

 

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Contact Melissa McRobbie-Toll

Programs & Partnerships (LPSCC) Coordinator, Douglas County

(541) 450-9768 cell - melissa@co.douglas.or.us

 

Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the agencies that make up the DCCRT

JOINT INFORMATION CENTER PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – October 23, 2020

DOUGLAS COUNTY COVID-19 RESPONSE TEAM - DAILY UPDATE

 

(Douglas County, Ore.) Douglas County COVID-19 Test Results:  The Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team remains committed to our local COVID-19 response.  As of 12:00 pm today, Friday, October 23, 2020, there is ONE person with a new positive test result since our noon case update yesterday.  The total number of cases (people with positive test results and presumptive) in Douglas County is now at 342.  Currently, there are SIX Douglas County COVID-19 patients that are being hospitalized.  One Douglas County patient is being hospitalized out of the area, and five Douglas County patients are being hospitalized locally.

 

Douglas County, OR - COVID-19 - Case Update
Date	Monday, October 19, 2020	Tuesday, October 20, 2020	Wednesday, October 21, 2020	Thursday, October 22, 2020	Today, Friday, October 23, 2020
Total COVID-19 Cases	319	328	333	341	342
People with Positive PCR or Antigen Test Results	285	294	298	303	304
Presumptive	34	34	35	38	38
Total Currently Hospitalized	6	5	5	4	6
Total Currently in Isolation	49	43	45	49	50
Total COVID-19 Related Deaths	4	4	4	5	5
Total Negative Test Results	14,752	14,843	14,930	15,049	15,108

Our daily update includes the total number of cases in Douglas County, which combines people with positive test results and presumptives. We provide a breakout of the people with positive test results and presumptives in the chart above. Please note there will be times when a presumptive will move to a positive test result, and our total case number will not change because the case has already been counted, instead you will see an adjustment to our breakout numbers for positive test results and presumptives.

 

Help Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 In Douglas County

During the difficult times of this pandemic, the DCCRT Team, under the direction of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, along with Dr. Dannenhoffer and Douglas Public Health Network, would like to remind residents of the importance of being kind to one another and to take extra care in helping us to slow the spread of COVID-19 in order to protect your health, your family’s health and the health of our communities.  Today we had another surge in cases, along with the sad report of another death.  We know we keep reiterating this message, but our primary focus is to do everything we can to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of our citizens.  Today, as noted above, we reported a significant spike in new cases.  With the onset of cold/flu season, holiday happenings on the horizon, some schools people yearning for social activities and parents already expressing remote teaching fatigue, it’s important that everyone get back on track with COVID-19 prevention measures.  It is definitely not the time to forgo your preventative COVID-19 health and safety measures.  If you still want to partake in social activities, we ask that you do so with safety and COVID protection in mind. The DCCRT team continues to encourage residents to protect themselves, their loved ones and their communities by practicing prevention measures to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

 

Residents can help to protect themselves, their families and our communities from the spread of COVID-19 by following these simple, basic health and safety precautions:

 

• Make a habit of washing and sanitizing your hands.  That means washing after you eat, touch new surfaces, go to the bathroom, go to the store, go to the post office or after a meeting.  Remember also to try to avoid touching your face as much as possible. 
• Stay at least six feet apart from anyone that is not from your immediate household.  This means paying attention to the distance stickers at the store, the bank, at restaurants and at businesses.  Please be respectful and polite, by giving people ample space.
• Stay home from work, school and play if you are sick.  This includes not running errands or going shopping or inviting visitors to your home.  If you need help, reach out to friends, family or utilize an app or businesses that offers no contact deliveries. 
• Minimize travel, especially out of the state and limit visitors to your home.
• Wear a mask were recommended.

 

Our recent cases can be attributed to travel and unwitting and unintentional behavior by residents choosing to attend or host social gatherings where COVID-19 guidelines for social distancing, food preparation, hand washing and masks are not being followed.  Cases have been linked to social gatherings including: birthday parties, weddings, funerals, prayer groups, play dates, visiting family members and school events. Again, we ask that you take a moment and revisit how you are socializing and please protect yourself and your loved ones from the spread of this virus.  Please stay safe and remember to be kind to others. Stopping the increase of COVID-19 cases in our county is really up to YOU, our citizens.

 

UPDATED: OHA Definition for Recovered

We wanted to let you know that as per the Oregon Health Authority COVID-19 Investigative Guidelines, the number of recovered is no longer being assessed or reported.  Up until May 1st, 2020 recovery from COVID-19 was defined as being afebrile (not feverish), without the use of antiphyretics (medicine to reduce a fever), and having resolution of cough, shortness of breath and diarrhea for at least 72 hours.  As more was learned about symptoms, recovery and contagious period, the definition of recovered changed.   Beginning May 1st, OHA stopped reporting recovered cases while also separating recovery from contagious or isolation period. Many cases were no longer contagious as they were outside of the contagious period, but still having lingering symptoms.  To be consistent with OHA and to adapt as we learn more about this new virus, we removed the column in our chart listing recovered cases.  At that point, we added the number of those in isolation, roughly indicating active or infectious cases of COVID-19.

 

Currently, DPHN is supporting 50 cases in isolation, as well as another 230 contacts in quarantine in Douglas County.  Isolation is recommended for confirmed and presumptive cases, quarantine is recommended for contacts of confirmed or presumptive cases.  Currently, staff is supporting over 280 total contacts.  This number represents a snapshot of the significant amount of work being done by our county and our public health to help control the spread of COVID-19.

 

Getting Tested & Testing Clinics

The next drive-through testing clinic is Today, Friday, October 23, 2020, in Roseburg. As a reminder, if you are having symptoms of COVID-19 including cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches and pains, diarrhea, sore throat or decreased sense of smell and taste, talk to your health care provider about being tested for COVID-19.  Patients without a Primary Care Provider, that are looking for a COVID-19 test should contact the Sutherlin Aviva Health Clinic at (541) 459-3788. The first drive-through testing site was piloted in the county on March 17, 2020, there have been 1682 people tested in 83 drive-through clinics, while additional testing continues in hospitals, urgent cares and clinics. The drive-through clinics are led by DPHN, in conjunction with partner agencies including; Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Public Works, local volunteers and local health professionals.

 

Oregon COVID-19 Case Update

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reports new cases once a day on their website at www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus. OHA also releases a daily situation status report and a weekly report that details the overall picture of the COVID-19 outbreak within our state.  The daily report details positive and presumptive cases, as well as deaths by county and statewide, while the weekly report is more in depth and includes statistical data related the severity of cases by age, gender, zip codes, ethnicity, as well as information on workplace and senior care facility outbreaks in Oregon. Find additional information on the state or Federal COVID-19 response go to Oregon Health Authority, Centers for Disease Control, and 211Info.  

 

Oregon COVID-19 Presumptive

OHA expanded their reporting for COVID-19 case management to now include presumptive COVID-19 cases in their total case number.  DPHN is reporting the number of people with new positive test results and any new presumptives and uses the OHA’s definition of presumptive as having had close contact with a known, confirmed COVID-19 case, showing symptoms and not yet having a positive nasal swab/PCR or antigen test for COVID-19.  Testing continues, as DPHN has been holding 2-3 clinics a week and hospitals, urgent cares and clinics continue to test.  DPHN continues their epidemiologic investigations, identifying individuals who may have had close contact with individuals that have tested positive for COVID-19, advising and supporting quarantine and isolation.

 

COVID-19 Travel Caution: Please Limit Travel, Social Gatherings and Visitors

We will continue to encourage residents to be cautious about traveling or inviting people from outside our county, and instead encourage our residents to delay travel, consider stay-cations and reschedule visits from out-of-the-area friends and family to a later date.  We continue to identify people with positive test results that have chosen to travel out of Oregon to visit relatives or to take vacations.  While traveling those individuals and families have come in contact with someone with COVID-19 and brought it back to Douglas County.  We have expanded our list of states directly related to our cases though travel, they include Alaska, Washington, California, Idaho, Nevada, Arizona, Texas, Louisiana, Florida, Tennessee, Michigan, Ohio, Massachusetts and Wyoming.  A few other cases were the result of a family member coming to Douglas County to visit, brought the virus with them and infected their host family.

 

 

Facebook Live with Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer

Join us Today, Friday, October 23, 2020 for the next virtual town hall Q&A with Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, your Douglas County Public Health Officer at 6:00 pm, hosted  by DPHN and found on the DPHN Facebook page.  In the meantime, check out Dr. Bob’s latest video with his creative ‘Trick-or-Treat’ candy delivery system.  As always, please remember be safe and be kind. https://www.facebook.com/DouglasPublicHealthNetwork/videos/661129401468910/

 

Food Security and Farmworker Safety Funds Application Deadline Sunday, October 25

Shared from OHA. Oregon’s agriculture producers have a few days left to submit an application for Food Security & Farmworker Safety funds. Sunday, Oct. 25 is the last day to apply for reimbursement for eligible COVID-19 mitigation costs. Please visit: https://www.oregon.gov/oweb/fsfs/Pages/index.aspx for more information.

 

New Guidance Adds Protocols for Bowling Alleys and Skating Rinks

Shared from OHA.  OHA issued new Phase One Guidance for Bowling Alleys and Skating Rinks yesterday, Thursday, October 22, 2020. Bowling alleys and skating rinks were previously prohibited from opening in Phase One counties, and the new guidance addresses health and safety protocols specific to bowling alleys and skating rinks. OHA continues to look at other sectors that have unique characteristics and do not fit in guidance categories.

 

COVID-19 Housing Protections for Agricultural Workers Extended

Shared from Oregon.gov. Yesterday, Thursday, October 22, 2020, Oregon extended COVID-19 protections for agricultural workers in employer-provided housing through the off season. Executive Order 20-58 addresses requirements related to physical distancing, sanitation, and isolation in order to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 among Oregon's agricultural workers, farmers and ranchers, and surrounding communities.  Executive Order 20-58 implements requirements that mirror provisions of Oregon OSHA’s temporary rules that are set to expire on October 24. The Governor’s Executive Order is in effect through April 30 while Oregon OSHA works to adopt permanent rules.  A full copy of Executive Order 20-58 is available here.

COVID-19 resources and financial assistance for Oregon’s agricultural producers and workers are available. For more information, visit:

• Oregon Food Security and Farmworker Safety Program - https://www.oregon.gov/oweb/fsfs/Pages/index.aspx
• Oregon Worker Relief Fund - https://workerrelief.org/quarantine-fund/

 

Downtown Roseburg Neewollah 2020 Goes Virtual

Shared from Downtown Roseburg Association.  The Downtown Roseburg Association has extended the deadline for the Neewollah Virtual Costume Parade contest to October 30! Visit bit.ly/neewollah2020 and submit a photo of your Halloween costume (from this year or a previous year) to be entered to WIN one of 10 Grand Prizes. This virtual costume contest is open to all ages. ?Y?NLG?Y?NLG?Y?NLG Winners will be randomly selected on Halloween day, October 31! ?Y?NLG?Y?NLG?Y?NLG. 

 

This October the 52ND Annual Neewollah Parade is going virtual. Roseburg Town Center hosts a virtual costume parade for all ages, beginning October 17, 2020. Participants can submit a photo of their creative Halloween costume at bit.ly/neewollah2020 from October 17 to October 26, 2020. Approved submissions are automatically entered to win one of ten Grand Prizes announced on Halloween, October 31, 2020. A gallery of all entries will display online so everyone can see each other’s Halloween creativity. In addition to the virtual costume contest, on October 30 from 2pm – 6pm bring your kids by the Roseburg Town Center office at 612 SE Jackson St, Suite 2 to pick up free Trick-or- Treat bags for the kids. Trick-or-Treat bags are first come, first serve to the first 2,000 kids.  Social distancing protocols will be in place, and please wear your mask.  Downtown Roseburg hosts the Neewollah Parade each Halloween in the center of downtown. Every year thousands of kids attend the event with their parents. 2020 marks the 52ND year for Neewollah and given the pandemic and consideration of all safety precautions, the event looks a bit different. In 2020, Neewollah is reimagined as a community-wide virtual costume parade, and a Halloween treat bag pick-up for the kiddos.

 

“This year the event is designed to be socially distant, and we partnered with the Douglas County Board of Commissioners who have been tasked with addressing this pandemic in our community.” -Todd Boyd, Roseburg Town Center Co-President

 

“The Douglas County Board of Commissioner are proud to support organizations that are working outside the box to create COVID-conscience environments for their annual events during this worldwide pandemic. We applaud the efforts of the downtown Roseburg Association in fashioning a virtual Neewollah parade format this year that will help to keep this annual Halloween tradition alive.” – Commissioner Tim Freeman.

 

Find the 2020 Neewollah event poster attached, which provides all the specific event details. In addition to the title sponsor, the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Tim Freeman, Chris Boice and Tom Kress, a special thank you to this year’s sponsors: Aviva Health, Paul L. Bentley Architect, Umpqua Bank, Pacific Power, Hawks & Co. Realtors, Spirit of Halloween, Roseburg Senior Center, i.e. ENGINEERING, and Bell Sister Flats.  Happy Halloween!

 

Umpqua Community College Announces Positive Case

Shared from the UCC.  In a notice posted to their Facebook page yesterday, Thursday, October 22, 2020 at 2:58 pm, Umpqua Community College officials, announced that they were notified by DPHN and Dr. Dannenhoffer, our Douglas County Public Health Officer, that a student at UCC has tested positive for COVID-19.  Officials at UCC have been proactive in their approach in dealing with this event to help mitigate the spread of the virus.  Below is a copy of the notice that was posted yesterday:

 

“We have been notified that a UCC student has tested positive for COVID-19. We are sharing this message with all members of the community to provide awareness. The student last attended a class on campus on Friday, Oct. 16. The student is currently quarantined at home. Out of an abundance of caution, 9 other classmates and the instructor are also in quarantine. It is important to note that if you were exposed to this positive case, you would have been notified by now.

 

We greatly appreciate our community’s continued care for each other, and your willingness to navigate the many disruptions to protect the health and safety of our College. We continue to urge everyone to continue doing their part: Stay healthy, physical distance, wear a face covering, and conduct self-wellness checks. If you are sick, stay home.”

 

“UCC is appreciative of the quick response, collaborative efforts, and good advice from county health experts that helps keep us all safe and healthy,” commented Dr. Debra Thatcher, President of Umpqua Community College.

 

For reference: The Oregon Health Authority issues a weekly COVID-19 report that publishes data on schools with in-person instruction, child/day care centers, businesses and care facilities that meet their outbreak criteria.  The cut off for that report is Sunday each week, so this event will not be listed until their Wednesday, October 28, 2020 report.  As of last week, OHA’s policy related to school outbreaks is to report outbreaks with 1 or more cases in school settings at any place of learning for students from kindergarten through twelfth grade, or a subset, with at least 30 students enrolled. Case counts include all persons linked to the outbreak (epilinks), which may include household members or other close contacts of cases, and not just employees, staff or students at the school. According to OHA, the notice is to inform the public of potential COVID-19 exposure and to provide transparency surrounding COVID-19 in schools. School is defined as any place of learning for students from kindergarten through twelfth grade, or a subset, with at least 30 students enrolled. This includes, but is not limited to, public schools, private schools, parochial and charter schools. Staff is defined as any person who works full time or part-time at the school, regardless of their position. A volunteer is defined as any person who volunteers onsite.  OHA attributes cases through use of what, they define as an epidemiological link or an epilink. An epilink is a place or person or a group who’ve tested positive for COVID-19 have in common, such as a school, workplace, facility or family member. When OHA declares a school or care facility outbreak, which it does on a weekly basis, it does not mean that the location was the source of the outbreak, only that the worksite is the shared “epilink.”

 

REMINDER: Aviva Health: North Douglas County Free Flu Shot Clinics

Shared from Aviva Health. Flu season is upon us and the Aviva Health’s North County Clinic will be hosting free, no appointment necessary flu shot clinics on Friday, October 23, 2020, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm and again on Saturday, October 24, 2020 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. The Aviva Health North County Clinic is located at 316 West A Avenue in Drain. Click here for the event flyer. For more information about the free flu shot clinics contact Aviva Health at (541) 672-9596, or by email at info@aviva.health or by logging onto their website at www.aviva.health or their social media at www.facebook.com/avivahealthor

 

REMINDER: Drive-Thru Flu Clinic October 30 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Douglas Public Health Network, partnering with emergency management and medical personnel from around Douglas County, will be conducting a second drive-thru point of dispensing (POD) emergency preparedness exercise to practice rapid dispensing of medications during a public health emergency on Friday, October 30, 2020 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Douglas County Fairgrounds.  The first exercise was on October 16, 2020.  The exercise will include dispensing free flu vaccines to community members 6 months and older to the first 300 participants each day.  If a widespread disease or other emergency were to occur, it may be necessary for the local health department to activate PODs to dispense large amounts of vaccinations, antibiotics or other medicines to the community. This POD exercise is a great opportunity or community members to get vaccinated against the flu and be involved in emergency preparedness planning in Douglas County.  POD participants will receive a free flu vaccination administered by area health professionals. They will remain socially distanced in their vehicle throughout the exercise. During the event, participants will be directed through the exercise with local officials and community volunteers. They will be asked to complete a brief intake form, receive medical screening if indicated, proceed to a vaccination station for a free flu vaccine and then exit the exercise. The intake form may be completed and printed prior to arrival by using the Dispense Assist website at https://www.dispenseassist.net/flu.html.  These exercises help our community prepare for public health emergencies and are in partnership with several local and state agencies including Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians, Oregon Health Authority, Aviva Health, Mercy Medical Center, Umpqua Community College and Red Cross.

 

REMINDER: Aviva Health Offering Veterans Free Flu Shots at 2020 Veterans’ Day Parade

Shared from Aviva Health. Aviva Health is providing area veterans free flu shots at this year’s Douglas County Veterans’ Day Parade Wednesday, November 11, at 11:00 am. Organizers of this year’s event are planning a reverse parade, where floats and other elements of the parade will remain stationary while visitors to the event drive by them in their cars. Proper social distancing and masking guidelines will be followed to protect people from COVID-19.  Aviva Health typically hosts a Veterans’ Day event at its Roseburg campus called Vets and Their Pets, but the pandemic forced the organization to cancel this year’s festivities. Still, Aviva Health intends to honor and assist those who have served in a meaningful way. 

 

 

LOCAL COVID-19 INFORMATION

Stay Informed with Accurate Local Information

 

Stay up to date on COVID-19 in Douglas County on the Douglas County Government website or the DPHN website.  Your Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Public Health Officer, Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer, DPHN and the Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team (DCCRT) have been working hard to cooperatively provide accurate and timely information to Douglas County residents since March 8, 2020.  Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the agencies that make up the DCCRT. 

 

Douglas County Resource/COVID-19 Hotline: (541) 464-6550:

Douglas County Commissioners and Douglas Public Health Network have added a resource and referral service to the current COVID-19 hotline for Douglas County residents.  The added service will help residents get connected to resources and services due to the local wildfires.  Referral and resource information will be available about local emergency shelters, livestock and animal boarding options, donation locations, volunteer opportunities, welfare check referrals, food and water resources and help with health and wellness questions.  This is NOT the hotline for Fire Updates or Evacuation information.  Please contact or follow DFPA and DCSO for the most up-to-date wildfire information.  The Resource/COVID-19 Hotline is (541) 464-6550.  It is staffed from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, 7 days a week until further notice. 

 

Questions about Governor’s Reopening or Statewide Rules?  If you have questions or need more information go to the Governor’s COVID-19 website at https://govstatus.egov.com/or-covid-19/ or call the Business Oregon's Navigator Hotline at (833) 604-0880.  For information on COVID-19 in Oregon, call 211 or visit 211info

 

Who Do You Contact to Report Compliance Issues with the Governor’s Statewide Rules?  Please do not call 911, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office or Douglas County Offices to report compliance issues with the Governor’s orders.  The Governor has directed the State offices for Oregon Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) and the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) to be the enforcement agencies responsible for ensuring restaurants, bars, and other businesses comply with COVID-related rules.  For more information or to report compliance issues contact:

OSHA: (800) 922-2689 or OSHA website or OLCC (503) 872-5000 or OLCC website

 

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Contact Tamara Howell, Public Information Officer, Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, (541) 670-2804 cell/(541) 957-4896 tjhowell@co.douglas.or.us

Contact Vanessa Becker, Public Information Officer, Douglas Public Health Network, (541) 817-6552 cell (541) 440-3571 vanessa@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org

OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY

RICHARD L. WESENBERG JR., District Attorney

Justice Building · PO Box 1006 · Roseburg, OR 97470

(541) 440-4388 · FAX: (541) 440-4403

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 23, 2020

 

 

            (Douglas County, Ore.) On October 22, 2020, the Douglas County Grand Jury indicted Dustin Patrick Robinson on two counts of Manslaughter in the Second Degree, Driving While Under the Influence of Intoxicants, and Reckless Driving for the deaths of William McCullough IV and Mark Ritter that occurred on September 19, 2020.  The Oregon State Police arrested Robinson yesterday and lodged him at the Douglas County Jail.  Robinson is scheduled to be arraigned today (October 23, 2020) in courtroom 401 of the Douglas County Circuit Court at 1:15 pm. 

 

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Contact Information:       Allison Eichmann, Douglas County Deputy District Attorney

                                       (541) 440-4388

DOUGLAS COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 22, 2020

 

Commissioners Reassign Carr to the Douglas County Community Recovery Coordinator Position

 

(Douglas County, OR.)  The Douglas County Board of Commissioners, after further evaluation of the need in our county for post wildfire recovery support, decided to expand the Community Recovery Coordinator position to full time.  They are excited to announce that Dan Carr, currently the Juvenile Services and Development Manager in the Douglas County Juvenile Department, has been temporarily reassigned to fill the role as our County Community Recovery Coordinator.  He replaced Jenny Boyle, who was able to briefly step in and fill the much need role.

 

“We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Jenny, and the work she has done as the County’s Community Recovery Coordinator.  We were blessed to have her come out of semi-retirement, apply her expertise and get right to work, in what we knew would be a temporary role for her.  She has laid down a solid foundation for the County’s ongoing fire disaster recovery efforts,” commented Commissioner Tom Kress.  Her last day in the position was Friday, October 16, 2020. 

 

Carr, as a part of Douglas County’s fire response efforts, will continue to work directly with wildfire victims and their families impacted by the 2020 Labor Day fires that ignited and burned just over 142,000 acres along the North Umpqua River, east of Glide.  He will be, among other duties, mapping and tracking resources and connecting them to those directly affected by the local wildfires.  Additionally, Carr will be helping others find access to necessary resources.  He transitioned into the position late last week, and has quickly immersed himself in the emergency response applications, programs, community and resources available.  He is currently working directly with individuals, businesses and the County to connect those that need it most with valuable and long-term resources.

 

Carr, who has worked for Douglas County since 2001, brings with him a tremendously diverse background, and skill set that will surely benefit this position.  Along with his work in the Juvenile Department, he has also worked in the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and as a supervisor in the Douglas County Public Works, Work Crew Department.  Carr has worked in the emergency/first responder environment for most of his life, including stints with the United States Military and as a subcontractor for the Department of State. 

 

“Again, Douglas County is incredibly fortunate that we have someone of Dan’s caliber right here in our county, who was willing and ready to take on this new challenge.  We are also grateful to our Juvenile Department for supporting Dan and the Commissioners in this important work.  The recovery process for our neighbors, family and friends in the greater Glide area will take a lot of time, patience and support, and we are confident that Dan is the right person to connect the dots for the long-haul,” commented Kress

 

Carr will be working directly with the Douglas County Board of Commissioners.  If you are a victim of the recent wildfires and need resources, or you have resources available, or want to donate or volunteer, please contact Dan Carr at (541) 464-6410 or email him at r@co.douglas.or.us">dccarr@co.douglas.or.us.  There is a tremendous amount of work that needs to be accomplished in order to help our residents rebuild, rehome, revitalize and recover, so we ask that you please be patient and kind with one another and help our new Community Resource Coordinator.

 

 

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Contact Tamara Howell, Emergency Communications & Community Engagement Specialist (PIO)

(541) 670-2804 cell - (541) 957-4896 office - tjhowell@co.douglas.or.us

 

(Photo Attached)

Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the agencies that make up the DCCRT

JOINT INFORMATION CENTER PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – October 22, 2020

DOUGLAS COUNTY COVID-19 RESPONSE TEAM - DAILY UPDATE

 

(Douglas County, Ore.) Douglas County COVID-19 Test Results:  The Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team remains committed to our local COVID-19 response.  As of 12:00 pm today, Thursday, October 22, 2020, there are FIVE people with new positive test results, THREE new presumptives and ONE death to report since our noon case update yesterday.  The total number of cases (people with positive test results and presumptive) in Douglas County is now at 333.  Currently, there are FOUR Douglas County COVID-19 patients that are being hospitalized.  One Douglas County patient is being hospitalized out of the area, and three Douglas County patients are being hospitalized locally.  Also of note, as of today we have received over 15,000 negative test results and unfortunately, we have also surpassed 300 positive test results for Douglas County residents.

 

Fifth COVID-19 Related Death of a Douglas County Resident

Our Douglas County Public Health Officer, Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer, has confirmed the death of our fifth Douglas County resident from the COVID-19 virus. Our fifth COVID related death is a 64-year-old man who was found deceased on Saturday, October 17, 2020, at his residence in Myrtle Creek, Oregon.  During the post-mortem investigation conducted in partnership with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, the Douglas County Medical Examiner’s Office, DPHN and the Oregon Public Health Lab, multiple COVID-19 tests were performed and all returned positive test results.  Further, it was discovered, unbeknownst to DPHN, that he was directly linked to a positive Douglas County case that is currently in isolation.  He apparently had been sick with symptoms of the virus, but had not been tested for COVID-19 prior to his death.  He is the first post-mortem COVID-19 related death recorded in our county.  In the interest of privacy for the individual’s loved ones, no additional information will be released. Each death related to COVID-19 is painful for all Douglas County residents, and a reminder of the terrible impact COVID-19 has had in our local communities. The Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Dr. Dannenhoffer, DPHN staff and the DCCRT Team continue to extend our heartfelt condolences and sympathies to all family members, friends, relatives, co-workers and community members of those who have passed after contracting this deadly virus.

 

“This is an incredibly heartbreaking situation. The Douglas County Board of Commissioners are profoundly saddened by the death of a fifth county resident from the coronavirus. To the family and friends of this beloved community member, on behalf of my family, my fellow Board of Commissioners, Dr. Dannenhoffer, DPHN staff and the DCCRT team, we send our sincere condolences and prayers,” commented Commissioner Tim Freeman. “This is again a solemn reminder that the COVID-19 virus is still active in our communities. We continue to urge all of you, as the citizens of Douglas County to take all the appropriate precautions to protect yourselves, the ones you love, and help stop the spread of this virus!”

 

 

Douglas County, OR - COVID-19 - Case Update
Date	Sunday, October 18, 2020	Monday, October 19, 2020	Tuesday, October 20, 2020	Wednesday, October 21, 2020	Today, Thursday, October 22, 2020
Total COVID-19 Cases	316	319	328	333	341
People with Positive PCR or Antigen Test Results	282	285	294	298	303
Presumptive	34	34	34	35	38
Total Currently Hospitalized	4	6	5	5	4
Total Currently in Isolation	44	49	43	45	49
Total COVID-19 Related Deaths	4	4	4	4	5
Total Negative Test Results	14,692	14,752	14,843	14,930	15,049

 

Our daily update includes the total number of cases in Douglas County, which combines people with positive test results and presumptives. We provide a breakout of the people with positive test results and presumptives in the chart above. Please note there will be times when a presumptive will move to a positive test result, and our total case number will not change because the case has already been counted, instead you will see an adjustment to our breakout numbers for positive test results and presumptives.

 

Please Join Us in Helping to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 In Douglas County

During the difficult times of this pandemic, the DCCRT Team, under the direction of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, along with Dr. Dannenhoffer and Douglas Public Health Network, would like to remind residents of the importance of being kind to one another and to take extra care in helping us to slow the spread of COVID-19 in order to protect your health, your family’s health and the health of our communities.  Today we had another surge in cases, along with the sad report of another death.  We know we keep reiterating this message, but our primary focus is to do everything we can to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of our citizens.  Today, as noted above, we reported a significant spike in new cases.  With the onset of cold/flu season, holiday happenings on the horizon, some schools people yearning for social activities and parents already expressing remote teaching fatigue, it’s important that everyone get back on track with COVID-19 prevention measures.  It is definitely not the time to forgo your preventative COVID-19 health and safety measures.  If you still want to partake in social activities, we ask that you do so with safety and COVID protection in mind. The DCCRT team continues to encourage residents to protect themselves, their loved ones and their communities by practicing prevention measures to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

 

Residents can help to protect themselves, their families and our communities from the spread of COVID-19 by following these simple, basic health and safety precautions:

 

• Make a habit of washing and sanitizing your hands.  That means washing after you eat, touch new surfaces, go to the bathroom, go to the store, go to the post office or after a meeting.  Remember also to try to avoid touching your face as much as possible. 
• Stay at least six feet apart from anyone that is not from your immediate household.  This means paying attention to the distance stickers at the store, the bank, at restaurants and at businesses.  Please be respectful and polite, by giving people ample space.
• Stay home from work, school and play if you are sick.  This includes not running errands or going shopping or inviting visitors to your home.  If you need help, reach out to friends, family or utilize an app or businesses that offers no contact deliveries. 
• Minimize travel, especially out of the state and limit visitors to your home.
• Wear a mask were recommended.

 

Our recent cases can be attributed to travel and unwitting and unintentional behavior by residents choosing to attend or host social gatherings where COVID-19 guidelines for social distancing, food preparation, hand washing and masks are not being followed.  Cases have been linked to social gatherings including: birthday parties, weddings, funerals, prayer groups, play dates, visiting family members and school events. Again, we ask that you take a moment and revisit how you are socializing and please protect yourself and your loved ones from the spread of this virus.  Please stay safe and remember to be kind to others. Stopping the increase of COVID-19 cases in our county is really up to YOU, our citizens.

 

UPDATED: OHA Definition for Recovered

We wanted to let you know that as per the Oregon Health Authority COVID-19 Investigative Guidelines, the number of recovered is no longer being assessed or reported.  Up until May 1st, 2020 recovery from COVID-19 was defined as being afebrile (not feverish), without the use of antiphyretics (medicine to reduce a fever), and having resolution of cough, shortness of breath and diarrhea for at least 72 hours.  As more was learned about symptoms, recovery and contagious period, the definition of recovered changed.   Beginning May 1st, OHA stopped reporting recovered cases while also separating recovery from contagious or isolation period. Many cases were no longer contagious as they were outside of the contagious period, but still having lingering symptoms.  To be consistent with OHA and to adapt as we learn more about this new virus, we removed the column in our chart listing recovered cases.  At that point, we added the number of those in isolation, roughly indicating active or infectious cases of COVID-19.

 

Currently, DPHN is supporting 49 cases in isolation, as well as another 179 contacts in quarantine in Douglas County.  Isolation is recommended for confirmed and presumptive cases, quarantine is recommended for contacts of confirmed or presumptive cases.  This number represents a snapshot of the significant amount of work being done by our county and our public health to help control the spread of COVID-19.

 

Getting Tested & Testing Clinics

The next drive-through testing clinic will be Friday, October 23, 2020, in Roseburg. As a reminder, if you are having symptoms of COVID-19 including cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches and pains, diarrhea, sore throat or decreased sense of smell and taste, talk to your health care provider about being tested for COVID-19.  Patients without a Primary Care Provider, that are looking for a COVID-19 test should contact the Sutherlin Aviva Health Clinic at (541) 459-3788. The first drive-through testing site was piloted in the county on March 17, 2020, there have been 1682 people tested in 83 drive-through clinics, while additional testing continues in hospitals, urgent cares and clinics. The drive-through clinics are led by DPHN, in conjunction with partner agencies including; Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Public Works, local volunteers and local health professionals.

 

Oregon COVID-19 Case Update

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reports new cases once a day on their website at www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus. OHA also releases a daily situation status report and a weekly report that details the overall picture of the COVID-19 outbreak within our state.  The daily report details positive and presumptive cases, as well as deaths by county and statewide, while the weekly report is more in depth and includes statistical data related the severity of cases by age, gender, zip codes, ethnicity, as well as information on workplace and senior care facility outbreaks in Oregon. Find additional information on the state or Federal COVID-19 response go to Oregon Health Authority, Centers for Disease Control, and 211Info.  

 

Oregon COVID-19 Presumptive

OHA expanded their reporting for COVID-19 case management to now include presumptive COVID-19 cases in their total case number.  DPHN is reporting the number of people with new positive test results and any new presumptives and uses the OHA’s definition of presumptive as having had close contact with a known, confirmed COVID-19 case, showing symptoms and not yet having a positive nasal swab/PCR or antigen test for COVID-19.  Testing continues, as DPHN has been holding 2-3 clinics a week and hospitals, urgent cares and clinics continue to test.  DPHN continues their epidemiologic investigations, identifying individuals who may have had close contact with individuals that have tested positive for COVID-19, advising and supporting quarantine and isolation.

 

COVID-19 Travel Caution: Please Limit Travel, Social Gatherings and Visitors

We will continue to encourage residents to be cautious about traveling or inviting people from outside our county, and instead encourage our residents to delay travel, consider stay-cations and reschedule visits from out-of-the-area friends and family to a later date.  We continue to identify people with positive test results that have chosen to travel out of Oregon to visit relatives or to take vacations.  While traveling those individuals and families have come in contact with someone with COVID-19 and brought it back to Douglas County.  We have expanded our list of states directly related to our cases though travel, they include Alaska, Washington, California, Idaho, Nevada, Arizona, Texas, Louisiana, Florida, Tennessee, Michigan, Ohio, Massachusetts and Wyoming.  A few other cases were the result of a family member coming to Douglas County to visit, brought the virus with them and infected their host family.

 

Facebook Live with Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer

Join us Friday, October 23, 2020 for the next virtual town hall Q&A with Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, your Douglas County Public Health Officer at 6:00 pm, hosted  by DPHN and found on the DPHN Facebook page.  In the meantime, check out Dr. Bob’s latest video with his creative ‘Trick-or-Treat’ candy delivery system.  As always, please remember be safe and be kind. https://www.facebook.com/DouglasPublicHealthNetwork/videos/661129401468910/

 

Oakland School District Announces Positive Case

Shared from the Oakland School District.  In a notice posted to their website last night, Wednesday, October 21, 2020, Oakland School District Superintendent Patti Lovemark, announced that they were notified by DPHN and Dr. Dannenhoffer, our Douglas County Public Health Officer, that a student at Oakland Elementary School has tested positive for COVID-19.  Oakland School officials have been very proactive in their approach in dealing with this event to help mitigate the spread of the virus.  Below is a copy of the notice that was posted yesterday:

 

“Dear Students, Families, and Staff,

We were notified by Douglas Public Health Network and Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, our Douglas County Public Health Officer, that we have had one student test positive for COVID-19 at Oakland Elementary School. We are also working very closely with local public health and The Oregon Health Authority to notify parents of the children in the cohort that the child that tested positive was in and are asking them to quarantine for 14 days and monitor for symptoms.  If you have not been contacted, then your family is NOT at risk.

 

“We’ve had a lot of outbreaks lately, but this is an example of a district and a school that has gone above and beyond to prepare and protect students. They have instituted student cohorts to reduce risk and transmission of COVID-19. Their administration is working very closely with DPHN and myself to care for the one positive case and advise parents, families and staff that are close contacts. We deem that the risk is low to the school community and DPHN continues to be available to support the families that are quarantining.” Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, Douglas County Public Health Officer.

 

If your child was in the same cohort, or a staff member in the same cohort, and need to quarantine, you will be notified by school officials this evening. If you have concerns or questions about COVID-19, please call the Douglas Public Health Network hotline at 541-464-6550, 7 days a week between 8-5:00 pm.

 

Sincerely,
Patti Lovemark
Superintendent Oakland School District”

 

For reference: The Oregon Health Authority issues a weekly COVID-19 report that publishes data on schools with in-person instruction, child/day care centers, businesses and care facilities that meet their outbreak criteria.  The cut off for that report is Sunday each week, so this event will not be listed until their Wednesday, October 28, 2020 report.  As of last week, OHA’s policy related to school outbreaks is to report outbreaks with 1 or more cases in school settings at any place of learning for students from kindergarten through twelfth grade, or a subset, with at least 30 students enrolled. Case counts include all persons linked to the outbreak (epilinks), which may include household members or other close contacts of cases, and not just employees, staff or students at the school. According to OHA, the notice is to inform the public of potential COVID-19 exposure and to provide transparency surrounding COVID-19 in schools. School is defined as any place of learning for students from kindergarten through twelfth grade, or a subset, with at least 30 students enrolled. This includes, but is not limited to, public schools, private schools, parochial and charter schools. Staff is defined as any person who works full time or part-time at the school, regardless of their position. A volunteer is defined as any person who volunteers onsite.  OHA attributes cases through use of what, they define as an epidemiological link or an epilink. An epilink is a place or person or a group who’ve tested positive for COVID-19 have in common, such as a school, workplace, facility or family member. When OHA declares a school or care facility outbreak, which it does on a weekly basis, it does not mean that the location was the source of the outbreak, only that the worksite is the shared “epilink.”

 

Cobb Childcare and Preschool Announce Temporary Closure Due to Positive COVID Test

Shared from the Cobb Childcare and Preschool.  In a notice posted to their official Facebook page at 3:53 pm, Wednesday, October 21, 2020, Cobb Childcare and Preschool in Roseburg, Oregon, announced that they will be voluntarily closing their childcare center and preschool from October 21, 2020 through November 3, 2020, due to a staff member notifying them of a positive test result.  Cobb Childcare and Preschool officials, although not required and not considered an outbreak under OHA guidelines, are being very proactive in their approach in dealing with this event to help mitigate the spread of the virus.  Below is a copy of the notice that was posted yesterday:

 

“Cobb Childcare and Preschool is closed through November 3rd in a proactive response to a confirmed case of COVID-19. On October 20th, a staff member notified administration of their positive test result and we immediately took action in accordance with our COVID-19 Action Plan.

While we have not been required by any agency to close, the health and safety of our staff and students are of utmost priority, and we make this closure decision as part of our predetermined protocol and out of an abundance of caution; full closure will allow all families and staff to monitor for symptoms and ensure we are all able to return safely on November 4th.

We are continuing to work closely with the Douglas Public Health Network and are pleased that our stringent health and safety measures and preparedness allowed us to take swift action in response to this isolated incident.
 

If you have any questions about COVID, please call the DPHN Hotline at 541-464-6550, 8-5:00 seven days a week.”

 

Further, Cobb Childcare and Preschool Executive Director, Jessica Gaul, stated, “While we have not been required by any agency to cease operating, the health and safety of our staff and students are of utmost priority.  We made our temporary closure decision in accordance with our existing COVID-19 Action Plan and out of an abundance of caution. A full closure will allow all families and staff to monitor for symptoms and ensure our return on November 4th.  We are pleased that our stringent health and safety measures and preparedness allowed us to take swift action in response to this isolated incident. We look forward to welcoming our families back and continuing to provide high-quality care and early education for Douglas County families upon our reopening. Additionally, we would like to stress the continued importance of consistent health and safety measures such as increased frequency of environmental sanitation, consistent mask-wearing in shared spaces, frequent hand washing, and accurate daily health checks as our community continues to navigate this pandemic."

 

REMINDER: Aviva Health: North Douglas County Free Flu Shot Clinics

Shared from Aviva Health. Flu season is upon us and the Aviva Health’s North County Clinic will be hosting free, no appointment necessary flu shot clinics on Friday, October 23, 2020, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm and again on Saturday, October 24, 2020 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. The Aviva Health North County Clinic is located at 316 West A Avenue in Drain. Click here for the event flyer. For more information about the free flu shot clinics contact Aviva Health at (541) 672-9596, or by email at info@aviva.health or by logging onto their website at www.aviva.health or their social media at www.facebook.com/avivahealthor

 

REMINDER: Drive-Thru Flu Clinic October 30 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Douglas Public Health Network, partnering with emergency management and medical personnel from around Douglas County, will be conducting a second drive-thru point of dispensing (POD) emergency preparedness exercise to practice rapid dispensing of medications during a public health emergency on Friday, October 30, 2020 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Douglas County Fairgrounds.  The first exercise was on October 16, 2020.  The exercise will include dispensing free flu vaccines to community members 6 months and older to the first 300 participants each day.  If a widespread disease or other emergency were to occur, it may be necessary for the local health department to activate PODs to dispense large amounts of vaccinations, antibiotics or other medicines to the community. This POD exercise is a great opportunity or community members to get vaccinated against the flu and be involved in emergency preparedness planning in Douglas County.  POD participants will receive a free flu vaccination administered by area health professionals. They will remain socially distanced in their vehicle throughout the exercise. During the event, participants will be directed through the exercise with local officials and community volunteers. They will be asked to complete a brief intake form, receive medical screening if indicated, proceed to a vaccination station for a free flu vaccine and then exit the exercise. The intake form may be completed and printed prior to arrival by using the Dispense Assist website at https://www.dispenseassist.net/flu.html.  These exercises help our community prepare for public health emergencies and are in partnership with several local and state agencies including Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians, Oregon Health Authority, Aviva Health, Mercy Medical Center, Umpqua Community College and Red Cross.

 

REMINDER: Aviva Health Offering Veterans Free Flu Shots at 2020 Veterans’ Day Parade

Shared from Aviva Health. Aviva Health is providing area veterans free flu shots at this year’s Douglas County Veterans’ Day Parade Wednesday, November 11, at 11:00 am. Organizers of this year’s event are planning a reverse parade, where floats and other elements of the parade will remain stationary while visitors to the event drive by them in their cars. Proper social distancing and masking guidelines will be followed to protect people from COVID-19.  Aviva Health typically hosts a Veterans’ Day event at its Roseburg campus called Vets and Their Pets, but the pandemic forced the organization to cancel this year’s festivities. Still, Aviva Health intends to honor and assist those who have served in a meaningful way. 

 

 

LOCAL COVID-19 INFORMATION

Stay Informed with Accurate Local Information

 

Stay up to date on COVID-19 in Douglas County on the Douglas County Government website or the DPHN website.  Your Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Public Health Officer, Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer, DPHN and the Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team (DCCRT) have been working hard to cooperatively provide accurate and timely information to Douglas County residents since March 8, 2020.  Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the agencies that make up the DCCRT. 

 

Douglas County Resource/COVID-19 Hotline: (541) 464-6550:

Douglas County Commissioners and Douglas Public Health Network have added a resource and referral service to the current COVID-19 hotline for Douglas County residents.  The added service will help residents get connected to resources and services due to the local wildfires.  Referral and resource information will be available about local emergency shelters, livestock and animal boarding options, donation locations, volunteer opportunities, welfare check referrals, food and water resources and help with health and wellness questions.  This is NOT the hotline for Fire Updates or Evacuation information.  Please contact or follow DFPA and DCSO for the most up-to-date wildfire information.  The Resource/COVID-19 Hotline is (541) 464-6550.  It is staffed from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, 7 days a week until further notice. 

 

Questions about Governor’s Reopening or Statewide Rules?  If you have questions or need more information go to the Governor’s COVID-19 website at https://govstatus.egov.com/or-covid-19/ or call the Business Oregon's Navigator Hotline at (833) 604-0880.  For information on COVID-19 in Oregon, call 211 or visit 211info

 

Who Do You Contact to Report Compliance Issues with the Governor’s Statewide Rules?  Please do not call 911, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office or Douglas County Offices to report compliance issues with the Governor’s orders.  The Governor has directed the State offices for Oregon Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) and the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) to be the enforcement agencies responsible for ensuring restaurants, bars, and other businesses comply with COVID-related rules.  For more information or to report compliance issues contact:

OSHA: (800) 922-2689 or OSHA website or OLCC (503) 872-5000 or OLCC website

 

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Contact Tamara Howell, Public Information Officer, Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, (541) 670-2804 cell/(541) 957-4896 tjhowell@co.douglas.or.us

Contact Vanessa Becker, Public Information Officer, Douglas Public Health Network, (541) 817-6552 cell (541) 440-3571 vanessa@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org

The Lane County Board of Commissioners unanimously (4-0) approved the addition of 4.0 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) deputy sheriff positions in order to enhance rural patrol and service for the next five years.

 

Two FTE will be designated to work in the McKenzie River Valley area during the ongoing response, recovery and rebuilding related to the Holiday Farm Fire. The other two FTE will be assigned to the West Lane region. 

 

 “As most of our rural residents know, funding for the Sheriff’s Office has allowed for only minimal rural patrol over the past several years,” said Sheriff Cliff Harrold. “This new investment comes at a time when the McKenzie River area is in need of support and a sense of security as residents begin the rebuilding process. It also allows us to increase the level of service we can provide to West Lane County residents who live in the most geographically difficult area to provide law enforcement services. Overall, this will help reduce response times and increase our presence in rural communities.”

 

Prior to this new investment, funding for the Sheriff’s Office only provided 25 FTE to patrol 4,600 square miles of the county. Those 25 FTE, spread across 24 hours per day, seven days per week, provided about three deputies on at any given time to respond to calls throughout the county, resulting in very long response times for life safety calls, and often no response to property crime calls.

 

“We are thankful for the opportunity to provide designated District Deputies to both the McKenzie River Valley area and to the West Lane County area so we can continue to build those valuable relationships that result in safer communities,” said Harrold. “While this funding is temporary, we are hopeful that it leads to more conversations about how to fund public safety in the long term for Lane County residents and visitors.”

 

 

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Lane County Public Health (LCPH) was notified of 26 additional positive cases of COVID-19. This makes a total of  ?two thousand four hundred and nineteen cases. 

 

2,419 (+26) total cases-  Note that this includes confirmed and presumptive.

 

Of our cases (confirmed and presumptive): 

Hospitalized:12 (-3)

Deaths: 27

Infectious: 175 (-6)

 

 

At least 81,232 negative tests (total individuals tested by result)

 

Data regarding Lane County testing, patient status, case ZIP codes and more is available at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/localdata

 

The State of Oregon has created a COVID-19 web page with resources at http://coronavirus.oregon.gov.

 

 

Individuals who had contact with these community members will be contacted by Lane County Public Health so they can work with their health care providers on next steps. Communicable disease investigations are underway. If a public contact exposure point is identified, that information will be shared with the public.

 

 

 

 

 

Presumptive cases are people without a positive PCR test who have COVID-19-like symptoms and had close contact with a confirmed case. Though not confirmed by a positive diagnostic test, presumptive cases have a high likelihood of having COVID-19 because of the specific nature of the symptoms and known exposure.

 

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Have you voted but not returned your ballot to Lane County Elections?

 

Lane County Elections recommends that voters mail back their voted ballots to the Elections Office no later than Tuesday, October 27. After that date, Lane County Clerk Cheryl Betschart suggests voters return their ballots to one of the many official ballot drop sites available. Postage is no longer required.

 

A list of available drop sites is available online and enclosed with the voting material.

 

To be counted, all voted ballots must be received at the Elections Office or in an official drop site by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, 2020. Postmarks do not qualify ballots.

 

It may take more time this year for the United States Postal Service to process and deliver ballots – making it critical for voters who choose to mail their ballots to allow adequate time for processing and delivery.

 

Betschart shared several important reminders for voters to follow as they get their ballots ready to return. “Please call our office if you have any questions prior to casting your vote,” she said. “We want to make sure all registered voters can have their votes counted.”

 

• Each voter must sign the ballot return identification envelope that lists the voter’s printed name and address.
• Sign the ballot envelope in the same manner as your most current voter registration card.

 

Due to COVID-19, the Lane County Elections Office will be open to the public only on Friday, October 30; Monday, November 2; and Tuesday, November 3, Election Day. Check our web page at lanecountyor.gov for additional updates concerning office hours. When open, visitors will be required to observe physical distancing guidelines; masks are required. The Elections Office has a small quantity of masks available for visitors that do not have their own.

 

On all other dates, the Lane County Elections Office is closed to walk-ins. Assistance is available over the phone at 541-682-4234 (Mon-Fri 9am-Noon and 1-4pm, Election Day 7am-8pm) and via email at elections@lanecountyor.gov. Voters with issues that cannot be resolved via phone or email will be able to make an appointment to visit the Elections Office.

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Lane County Public Health (LCPH) was notified of 81 additional positive cases of COVID-19 over the weekend. This makes a total of two thousand three hundred and ninety three (2,393) positive cases.

Please note, this case count is a cumulative count from 8 AM Friday to 8 AM today (Monday)

 

2,393 (+81) total cases-  Note that this includes confirmed and presumptive.

 

Of our cases (confirmed and presumptive): 

Hospitalized:15 (+2)

Deaths: 27 

Infectious: 181(-26)

Persons Under Monitoring: 708 (-30)

 

 

At least 81,103 negative tests ?

 

Data regarding Lane County testing, patient status, case ZIP codes and more is available at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/localdata

 

The State of Oregon has created a COVID-19 web page with resources at http://coronavirus.oregon.gov.

 

 

Individuals who had contact with these community members will be contacted by Lane County Public Health so they can work with their health care providers on next steps. Communicable disease investigations are underway. If a public contact exposure point is identified, that information will be shared with the public.

 

 

 

 

 

Presumptive cases are people without a positive PCR test who have COVID-19-like symptoms and had close contact with a confirmed case. Though not confirmed by a positive diagnostic test, presumptive cases have a high likelihood of having COVID-19 because of the specific nature of the symptoms and known exposure.

 

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Lane County Parks’ popular Hendricks Bridge boat ramp has reopened after major improvements thanks to a partnership with the Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB) and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW). Hendricks Bridge Park closed on June 8, 2020 to begin the project.

 

The improvements included reconstructing and realigning the boat ramp, as well as expanding the parking area to reduce congestion and increase maneuverability.

 

“We are so grateful for the generous funding from the Oregon State Marine Board and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife,” said Lane County Parks Manager Brett Henry. “Making such dramatic improvements will really change the experience for people using the ramp for the better and increase their safety at the same time.”

 

Prior to the improvements, the boat ramp had deteriorated and there was a steep drop-off at the end of the ramp, which could damage boat trailers. The previous alignment of the boat ramp, combined with strong currents, made it difficult to launch and retrieve boats.

 

About Hendricks Bridge:

Hendricks Bridge boat ramp is located on the McKenzie River below Leaburg Dam. It is part of the larger 18-acre Hendricks Bridge Park east of Springfield on Highway 126 (38870 Hendricks Park Road, Springfield). The ramp typically averages 8,000 users per year; however, those numbers had decreased as the ramp deteriorated.

 

This section of river is popular with anglers, as well as floaters and paddlers and offers two popular river runs: Leaburg Dam to Hendricks Bridge, and Hendricks Bridge to Hayden Bridge.

 

 

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Voters must remember to sign their ballot return envelopes before mailing or returning their completed ballot back to Lane County Elections.

 

The signature is a security measure used to verify identity. County personnel who have received training in handwriting analysis compare it to signatures in the voter registration record. A ballot may only be counted if the signatures match.

 

“If your signature does not match or the return envelope is unsigned, someone from Lane County Elections will notify you and you will have until 14 days after the election to address the issue or the ballot will not be processed,” said Lane County Clerk Cheryl Betschart. “One of the most common reasons a signature does not match is an injury or medical condition that has affected a person’s motor skills.” 

 

Due to COVID-19, the Lane County Elections Office will be open to the public only on Friday, October 30; Monday, November 2; and Tuesday, November 3, Election Day. Check our web page at www.lanecountyor.gov for additional updates concerning office hours. When open, visitors will be required to observe physical distancing guidelines; masks are required. The Elections Office has a small quantity of masks available for visitors that do not have their own.

 

On all other dates, the Lane County Elections Office is closed to walk-ins. Assistance is available over the phone at 541-682-4234 (weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and on Election Day from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.) and via email at elections@lanecountyor.gov. Voters with issues that cannot be resolved via phone or email will be able to make an appointment to visit the Elections Office.

 

 

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In response to temperatures predicted to fall below freezing beginning this weekend, Lane County is opening emergency shelter beds at Lane Events Center. The shelter will operate under strict COVID-19 protocols.

 

“Egan Warming Center provides an incredible service to our unhoused community, but they are not scheduled to open until next month,” said County Administrator Steve Mokrohisky. “Lane County felt it was imperative to step into the breach and provide a temporary solution during this early cold weather.”

 

The emergency shelter beds will be available Sunday and Monday between the hours of 6:00 PM and 8:00 AM. Unhoused community members who wish to stay at Lane Events Center should check in with site volunteers at the Expo Hall building. Due to COVID-19 safety protocols, there will be limited capacity and spaces will be assigned on a first come, first served basis. Guests with symptoms will be offered space offsite to protect all guests.

 

St. Vincent de Paul, under contract with Lane County, will staff the emergency shelter.

 

Emergency shelter beds are more challenging to set up this year due to COVID-19. Providing adequate space reduces the capacity of each location and many Egan volunteers are in higher-risk categories and cannot serve this year.

 

“We remain committed to helping find and support solutions to homelessness,” said Mokrohisky. “It will take our whole community to be successful in this effort. This winter as COVID-19 restricts our already strained systems – we need churches, schools and other property owners to step forward and offer spaces to the Egan Warming Center.”

 

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Lane County Public Health notified of 69 additional positive COVID-19  cases. This makes a total of two thousand two hundred and forty two (2,242) cases.

 

Total Cases in Lane County: 2,312 (+69)

 

Infectious: 207 (+31)

 

Hospitalized: 13 (-1)

 

Suspected COVID-19 Deaths: 27

 

Persons Under Monitoring (PUMs): 738 (+4)

 

At least 79,980 negative tests 

 

Data regarding Lane County testing, patient status, case ZIP codes and more is available at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/localdata

 

The State of Oregon has created a COVID-19 web page with resources at http://coronavirus.oregon.gov.

Individuals who had contact with these community members will be contacted by Lane County Public Health so they can work with their health care providers on next steps. Communicable disease investigations are underway. If a public contact exposure point is identified, that information will be shared with the public.

 

Presumptive cases are people without a positive PCR test who have COVID-19-like symptoms and had close contact with a confirmed case. Though not confirmed by a positive diagnostic test, presumptive cases have a high likelihood of having COVID-19 because of the specific nature of the symptoms and known exposure.

 

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Voters are urged to return their ballots as early as possible to ensure they are received at Lane County Elections by the 8:00 p.m. deadline on Tuesday, November 3.

 

In order to be counted, ballots must be received at Lane County Elections by:

• Mail – Postmarks do not qualify ballots. Voters must mail their ballots with enough time for processing and delivery by the post office.
• Official Drop Boxes – There are 20 official drop boxes located throughout Lane County that will be available to voters until 8:00 p.m. on Election Day (November 3).

 

“It is incredibly important for voters to be aware of the Election Day deadline,” said Lane County Clerk Cheryl Betschart. “If a voter doesn’t mail their ballot early enough to ensure the Elections Office receives it before the deadline, or fails to get it to an official drop box before 8:00 p.m. on November 3, their vote cannot be counted.”

 

Due to COVID-19, the Lane County Elections Office will be open to the public only on Friday, October 30; Monday, November 2; and Tuesday, November 3, Election Day. Check our web page at lanecountyor.gov for additional updates concerning office hours. When open, visitors will be required to observe physical distancing guidelines; masks are required. The Elections Office has a small quantity of masks available for visitors that do not have their own.

 

On all other dates, the Lane County Elections Office is closed to walk-ins. Assistance is available over the phone at 541-682-4234 (weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and on Election Day from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.) and via email at elections@lanecountyor.gov. Voters with issues that cannot be resolved via phone or email will be able to make an appointment to visit the Elections Office.

 

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Lane County Public Health notified of 20 additional positive COVID-19  cases. This makes a total of two thousand two hundred and forty two (2,242) cases.

 

Total Cases in Lane County: 2,242 (+20)

 

Infectious: 176 (-28)

 

Hospitalized: 14 (+4)

 

Suspected COVID-19 Deaths: 27 (no change)

 

Persons Under Monitoring (PUMs): 734 (+66)

 

At least 76,695 negative tests

 

Data regarding Lane County testing, patient status, case ZIP codes and more is available at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/localdata

 

The State of Oregon has created a COVID-19 web page with resources at http://coronavirus.oregon.gov.

 

 

Individuals who had contact with these community members will be contacted by Lane County Public Health so they can work with their health care providers on next steps. Communicable disease investigations are underway. If a public contact exposure point is identified, that information will be shared with the public.

 

 

 

 

 

Presumptive cases are people without a positive PCR test who have COVID-19-like symptoms and had close contact with a confirmed case. Though not confirmed by a positive diagnostic test, presumptive cases have a high likelihood of having COVID-19 because of the specific nature of the symptoms and known exposure.

 

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Lane County Public Health notified of 20 additional positive COVID-19  cases. This makes a total of two thousand two hundred and forty two (2,242) cases.

 

Total Cases in Lane County: 2,242 (+20)

 

Infectious: 176 (-28)

 

Hospitalized: 14 (+4)

 

Suspected COVID-19 Deaths: 27 (no change)

 

Persons Under Monitoring (PUMs): 734 (+66)

 

At least 76,695 negative tests

 

Data regarding Lane County testing, patient status, case ZIP codes and more is available at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/localdata

 

The State of Oregon has created a COVID-19 web page with resources at http://coronavirus.oregon.gov.

 

 

Individuals who had contact with these community members will be contacted by Lane County Public Health so they can work with their health care providers on next steps. Communicable disease investigations are underway. If a public contact exposure point is identified, that information will be shared with the public.

 

 

 

 

 

Presumptive cases are people without a positive PCR test who have COVID-19-like symptoms and had close contact with a confirmed case. Though not confirmed by a positive diagnostic test, presumptive cases have a high likelihood of having COVID-19 because of the specific nature of the symptoms and known exposure.

 

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Lane County ballots were mailed on Thursday, October 15, 2020 and registered voters should have received their ballots by now.

 

Voters who did not receive their ballots in the mail should do one or more of the following:

 

• Go to www.oregonvotes.gov to confirm they are registered.

 

• If they have moved to any new address, even the apartment next door, they will need to update their registration. Voters can update online at www.oregonvotes.gov if they have a valid DMV license, identification card or permit number. The same website can be used to update or remove a mailing address. They can also complete a registration card and mail or deliver it to Lane County Elections.

 

Ballots may not be forwarded by law. If voters are not going to be at a regular residence or mailing address, they need to submit a request for an absentee ballot at the temporary location. If voters are unsure what to do, they should call Lane County Elections at 541-682-4234 to determine what action they must take in order to receive a ballot. 

 

Due to COVID-19, the Lane County Elections Office will be open to the public only on Friday, October 30; Monday, November 2; and Tuesday, November 3, Election Day. Check our web page at lanecountyor.gov for additional updates concerning office hours. When open, visitors will be required to observe physical distancing guidelines; masks are required. The Elections Office has a small quantity of masks available for visitors that do not have their own.

 

On all other dates, the Lane County Elections Office is closed to walk-ins. Assistance is available over the phone at 541-682-4234 (weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and on Election Day from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.) and via email at elections@lanecountyor.gov. Voters with issues that cannot be resolved via phone or email will be able to make an appointment to visit the Elections Office.

 

 

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On October 20th the Multnomah County Grand Jury issued a secret indictment charging retired Portland Police Officer Scott Groshong, 50, with Failure to Perform the Duties of a Driver to Injured Persons (Class B Felony), Assault in the Third Degree (Class C Felony), Official Misconduct in the First Degree (Class A Misdemeanor), and Official Misconduct in the Second Degree (Class C Misdemeanor).

The charges stem from an incident alleged to have occurred in the area of NW 9th and NW Everett Street in Portland on the night of June 15, 2020 while Groshong was on duty in an undercover capacity conducting surveillance during a protest.

The Portland Police Bureau initiated a criminal investigation into the incident on June 29, 2020.  At the time, Officer Groshong was notified of the criminal investigation and placed on modified duty.  On July 1, 2020, the Portland Police Bureau requested the Salem Police Department take over the criminal investigation.

Due to a conflict, then-Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill appointed the Marion County District Attorney’s Office as a special prosecutor.

Groshong retired from the Portland Police Bureau in August 2020 while the investigation was pending.

On October 22, 2020 Groshong turned himself in to law enforcement and was released on his own recognizance.   On October 26, 2020, he was arraigned on the secret indictment at the Multnomah County Justice Center.  His next court date is scheduled for December 14, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. before Judge Bushong.

Oregon Law prohibits the release of confidential grand jury information by any person, except for the district attorney or a law enforcement agency in effectuating an arrest.  Neither the Marion County District Attorney’s Office nor Salem Police Department was the source of any previously reported or published confidential information.

Prior to today's arraignment, inaccurate and incomplete information from unknown sources was improperly reported to the public commenting on a pending confidential criminal indictment.  The publication of inaccurate or incomplete information in any criminal matter is contrary to the proper function of the criminal justice system in Oregon.  It misleads the public, creates confusion, and may violate the due process of an accused or the constitutional rights of a victim. 

Any person with information about this case may contact Salem Police at 503-588-8477.

As this is a pending criminal case, no further information will be released.

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University (WOU) has announced several admissions policy changes, effective immediately. There is no application fee for freshman and transfer students until Sept. 1, 2021. Also, high school seniors and transfer students can self-report their cumulative grade point average when completing their admissions application.

 

“Western Oregon University recognizes that students are facing challenges with regard to their college search process,” said WOU Admissions Director Rob Findtner. “Families across Oregon and beyond are dealing with financial hardship and uncertainty. The elimination of the application fee removes a financial barrier and encourages students to apply for admission.”

 

Admitted students will be required to provide final official transcripts prior to enrolling at WOU. Students who wish to receive consideration for WOU scholarships must provide official transcripts by February 1 as the WOU scholarship application is due March 1.

 

“WOU also recognizes the pandemic has impacted our K-12 and higher education partners on many fronts, including the processing of official transcript requests,” Findtner said. “The opportunity for students to self-report their cumulative grade point average will alleviate the concerns associated with providing WOU an official transcripts at the time of application. The policy change also expedites the processing and response time for the Admissions office.”

 

Freshman admission will be based upon a student’s self-reported cumulative grade point average and their high school courses. WOU does not require the submission of ACT or SAT scores for freshmen. Transfer students are asked to provide their cumulative grade point average for each college or university attended when completing their application. Transfer admission will be based upon a student’s academic performance and the successful completion of college-level mathematics and writing courses. The application fee waiver does not apply to post-baccalaureate, non-admit, international, or graduate students.

 

WOU’s Admissions office is hosting several online events. The events listing is available here: https://network.wou.edu/portal/campus_visit

 

About Western Oregon University

Western Oregon University, founded in 1856 and located in Monmouth, is the state’s oldest public university. Serving approximately 4,500 students, WOU is a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution with nearly 75 percent of the student population being from Oregon. A significant portion of attendees are members of under-represented groups, veterans or non-traditional students. WOU is Oregon’s campus of choice for those seeking a transformative education in a supportive, student-centered learning community where classes are taught by faculty. Together we succeed.

The Board of Directors of Lane Education Service District will conduct a regular meeting of the Board on Tuesday, November 3, 2020, beginning at 5:00 p.m. 

Please visit www.lesd.k12.or.us for more information.

For Immediate Release - North Bend School District (10/22/2020 - 5:00 p.m.)

Today, North Bend School District experienced a 3rd case of a staff member testing positive for COVID-19. Out of caution, North Bend School District will be closed Friday, October 23rd for deep cleaning. All district buildings will be closed and all school instruction is canceled. All school activities scheduled for 10/23/2020 are also canceled.  Most staff will be staying home. Only custodial, maintenance, and food service staff will be allowed in the buildings. Food will only be provided at the middle school drive-up from 11:45-12:45 and select bus routes. Please check our website for food bus stop routes and times at www.nbend.k12.or.us.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Anne Marie Moss, ie@oregonfb.org">annemarie@oregonfb.org, 503.399.1701

BREAKING: Governor subverts public process with last-minute Executive Order

October 23, 2020, SALEM, OREGON: Oregon Farm Bureau is dismayed by the Governor’s decision to release a last-minute Executive Order extending the rules for employer-provided agricultural housing and shocked that the Governor would add criminal penalties to the enforcement of these rules.

Adoption of the original temporary COVID-19 rules for agriculture allowed no meaningful public input and resulted from an activist petition, not from any public health or scientific experts. Using an Executive Order to extend these rules subverts the public process yet again.   

There has not been an identified “outbreak” of COVID-19 in agricultural housing since the beginning of the pandemic, even before the temporary rules were adopted. OR-OSHA’s data shows that of the 11,617 complaints made to the agency, and subsequent violations found, agriculture represents only 33. Almost all of these cases were minor, such as not having enough posters displayed. The Oregon Health Authority has made it clear that social gatherings off-site are the major driver of continued spread of COVID-19, not on-farm employment and housing.

Outbreaks are actively occurring off-site in community-based and other housing. Because of bed-spacing, prohibition of bunk beds, and other technical requirements, the temporary rules reduced the amount of safe on-farm housing and pushed employees out into unregulated environments. Farmworker advocates acknowledge that community-based and off-site housing doesn’t require social distancing, yet this housing has not been the subject of increased regulation, scrutiny, or criminal penalties. OFB agrees with the need to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in housing, but believes there is a way to protect employees without displacing them.  

The Governor’s staff informed agricultural leaders of the Executive Order less than 24 hours before it was to be issued and would not share the text of the order with just hours to go before implementation. The use of an 11th hour Executive Order guarantees that no official public comment will be heard, no stakeholder perspectives will be taken into account, and it also subverts the requirements of the Oregon Administrative Procedures Act.  

Oregon’s farm families and the organizations that represent them have been working to make a positive difference in the fight against COVID-19 since March, including proactively discussing with OR-OSHA how best to protect farmworkers during this crisis. The state’s unfounded focus on agriculture hurts both farmers and their employees, while also diverting resources away from areas where COVID-19 spread is actually occurring.

Executive Orders must be reserved for true public health emergencies, not the subversion of public process. We are disappointed with today’s release of an Executive Order that will do little to promote the health and wellbeing of our most vulnerable communities and circumvents the required public process. 

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“Farm Bureau” is a registered trademark; please capitalize in all cases.

Oregon Farm Bureau (OFB) is a grassroots, nonpartisan, nonprofit, general farm organization representing the interests of farming and ranching families in the public and policymaking arenas. First established in Oregon at the county level in 1919 and the state level in 1932, Farm Bureau is organized in all 36 counties.

Oregon Farm Bureau President Barb Iverson comes from a multigenerational family farm from Woodburn, raising industrial hemp, grass seed, squash, vetch seed, hazelnuts, wine and table grapes, and operating the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival, which attracts over 160,000 visitors each year. Iverson is OFB’s 17th president.

Former APANO Executive Director will succeed longtime anti-hunger leader Leslie Sampson, who retires in December  

Oregon Food Bank is delighted to announce that Chi K. Nguyen will serve as the organization’s Interim Deputy Chief Executive Officer. Nguyen will take on the new role beginning November 2, in preparation for the retirement of 15-year Oregon Food Bank veteran Leslie Sampson. 

A mission-driven leader and the former Executive Director of Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon (APANO), Nguyen brings significant leadership experience from her work with APANO and as the founder of two small businesses. Nguyen has long been active in local and state government and policy, serving on the Governor’s Racial Justice Council and the Salem Area Mass Transit District Board. She has also represented King City, Oregon as a City Councilor.

“We are so honored to welcome Chi Nguyen to the Oregon Food Bank team — and couldn't be more excited about the combination of professional leadership and lived experience she brings to our efforts to emerge stronger from the crises our communities face,” shared CEO Susannah Morgan. “We are also saddened and overjoyed for Leslie Sampson to embark on her next chapter. The Oregon Food Bank community is incredibly grateful for her many years of dedication and accomplishment. We will continue to build upon the strong foundation she helped to create, pushing forward to end hunger for good.”

In addition to her leadership in the business, government and non-profit sectors, Nguyen brings important lived experience and perspective to the Oregon Food Bank leadership team — as an immigrant, an Asian-American and a multilingual speaker fluent in English, Vietnamese and French. She will play an integral role in advancing Oregon Food Bank’s mission to end hunger and its root causes.

Nguyen will serve through June 30, 2021 and will report to CEO Susannah Morgan. Her duties will include leading strategic implementation at Oregon Food Bank and overseeing two of OFB's departments, Operations and Partnerships and Programs. 

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About Oregon Food Bank

At Oregon Food Bank, we believe that food and health are basic human rights for all. We know that hunger is not just an individual experience; it is also a community-wide symptom of systemic barriers to employment, education, housing and healthcare — including racism, sexism and transphobia.

That’s why we work systemically to achieve our mission to end hunger and its root causes: we foster community connections to help people access nutritious food; and we build community power to dismantle systems and policies that drive hunger and poverty.