Health

Live updates: Oregon loosens rules on Umatilla County, as state’s COVID-19 death toll passes 400

By Staff (OPB)
Aug. 19, 2020 1 p.m. Updated: Aug. 20, 2020 1:01 a.m.

An eastern Oregon county hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic has improved enough to escape the tightest of state restrictions, according to an announcement late Wednesday from Oregon Gov. Kate Brown.

Brown said she has approved allowing Umatilla County to move into “Phase 1.” The county which includes the cities of Hermiston and Pendleton had some of the steepest increases in coronavirus cases earlier this summer, but state officials say they’re seeing encouraging signs that the virus is coming under better control. Since July 31, Umatilla County has been at “baseline” status, meaning non-essential businesses are required to close and restaurants serve food on a takeout-only basis.

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But now, based on advice from the Oregon Health Authority, and improving metrics, Brown says Umatilla County can return to Phase 1 this Friday. Among the improvements, the governor’s announcement points to a sharp drop in cases per 100,000 residents, from 394 to 205, as well as a decline in the county’s positivity rate, from 32% to 18.8%.

In announcing the change, Brown delivered a nuanced message, acknowledging efforts by community members to curb the virus’ spread, while also noting the risk of relaxing rules.

“As the county re-enters Phase 1, it’s important that all community members continue to be vigilant and follow the orders and guidelines we’ve put in place to protect health and save lives, including watching your distance, wearing a face covering, and washing your hands,” Brown said in her announcement Wednesday.

Oregon reports 400th COVID death, and climbing

Oregon reported 11 deaths to COVID-19 on Wednesday, bringing the novel coronavirus’ toll to 408 lives lost in the state. Health officials also reported 203 new diagnoses, bringing total confirmed infections since the start of the pandemic to 23,870.

Most of the deaths were in the greater Portland metro area. Six people died of the virus in Multnomah County; the youngest was a 60-year-old man, and the oldest was a 93-year-old woman. A 99-year-old Washington County woman died at home. Three Clackamas County residents died, all men, ranging in age from 84 to 94.

An 83-year-old Polk County woman also died.

In each case, the deceased had underlying medical conditions, the Oregon Health Authority said.

New diagnoses of the virus were spread across the state. In the Portland area, 41 people in Multnomah County were diagnosed, 25 in Washington County and 15 in Clackamas County.

In Marion County, officials reported 30 people were diagnosed. The state reported 24 diagnoses in Jackson County.

Oregon touts downward trend in new COVID-19 diagnoses, deaths, hospitalizations

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The Oregon Health Authority said Wednesday that the number of people getting infected with the coronavirus, entering the hospital while infected, or dying of the virus is trending downward.

In its weekly report, which compares Aug. 10-16 with previous weeks, the agency reported a 7% drop in new infections and a 19.5% drop in new hospitalizations. Deaths were down 20%, from 39 a week earlier to 31 in the week under review.

The state also reported that 5.4% of COVID-19 tests administered came back positive, consistent with the prior week.

Clark County, Washington, reports dip in new diagnoses

Health officials in Clark County, Washington, reported Wednesday that another five people tested positive for COVID-19, and none died. According to The Columbian, that’s the fewest new diagnoses reported by Clark County Public Health in more than two months.

Since the start of the pandemic, 2,330 people have been diagnosed with the virus in the county, and 45 have died.

Statewide, Washington has confirmed 68,264 COVID-19 diagnoses, 1,809 deaths and 6,358 hospitalizations linked to the virus, according to the latest figures available.

Washington to require more agricultural worker testing

Gov. Jay Inslee has updated his coronavirus proclamation so that it requires agricultural employers to test their workers broadly when health officials identify an outbreak that passes certain thresholds.

In addition, Washington Secretary of Health John Wiesman ordered Gebbers Farms, located in Okanogan County, to test all its employees in coming weeks. Gebbers Farms has suffered a significant outbreak of COVID-19, including the deaths of three employees.

Related: Inslee orders more COVID-19 testing for farm workers

At Oregon’s colleges and universities, a mix of approaches to fall term

Most of Oregon’s major public universities are taking a cautious approach to COVID-19 — with a heavy focus on online classes. But there are significant exceptions.

Oregon State University’s advanced science and engineering students may have to report to class for lab work and research. At OSU’s Bend campus, half of classes will meet in person.

And at a number of schools, both in Portland and across the state, many campuses are taking a hybrid approach to higher ed.

Related: Oregon universities continue to plan for fall term amid the COVID-19 pandemic

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