Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team - Daily Local Update - April 29, 2020
Douglas Co. Government
(Douglas County, Ore.) There are a lot of people working the front lines of the pandemic. But, sometimes we forget to give credit to those that are working in necessary and support roles in our community. Today, we want to send out kudos to all mail and package carriers with the United States Postal Service, United Parcel Service, Federal Express, DHL and other local delivery companies for continuing to provide these crucial services. Also, we would like to extend appreciation to all the food and material delivery workers who are helping to keep local businesses open during the crisis by delivering meals, groceries, medical supplies and building materials. Thank you for all you do to keep our communities going. We encourage you to continue to support local businesses.
Local COVID-19 Test Results
As of 12:00 pm, April 29, 2020, there are no new cases of COVID-19 in Douglas County. For the thirteenth day in a row, the total number of positives in Douglas County remains at twenty-three. Of the twenty-three, fifteen have recovered. There have been zero deaths and 1023 negative tests for COVID-19 in the county. One of the twenty-three people that have tested positive is still hospitalized. Douglas Public Health Network continues their epidemiologic investigations, identifying individuals who may have had close contact with individuals that have tested positive for COVID-19 and advising quarantine. Fifteen of the individuals who tested positive earlier have now recovered. DPHN defines recovery as an end to all symptoms after a positive test for COVID-19.
Get Tested & Testing
DPHN led another through clinic on Tuesday, April 28, 2020, in Roseburg in which 26 residents were tested. The next drive through clinic will be on Friday, May 1, 2020. 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.
The first drive thru testing site was piloted in the county on March 17, 2020, there have been 395 people tested in the drive through clinics alone, additional testing continues in hospitals, urgent cares and clinics simultaneously. 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 reports new cases once a day on its website at www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus. The Oregon Health Authority is also releasing the daily situation status report, which is produced jointly with Oregon Office of Emergency Management. It details the overall picture of the COVID-19 outbreak within the state and the response across government agencies. Read more here about the daily situation status report.
Umpqua Health Alliance (UHA) works on behalf of Douglas County’s roughly 26,000 Oregon Health Plan members, connecting them to medical care, behavioral health services, and oral and dental care through local providers. UHA, a subsidiary of Umpqua Health, is one of Oregon’s 15 Coordinated Care Organizations, or CCOs, which represent networks of local health care providers who collaborate to ensure that OHP members get the care they need. CCOs operate under contract with the state, and among other priorities, focus on prevention and helping people manage chronic conditions to reduce emergency department visits. The core values of UHA are accessibility, compassion, trust, community and professionalism. UHA has about 160 employees in Douglas County.
UHA was a natural addition to the Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, and joined the team in March. Dr. Tanveer Bokhari, UHA’s Vice President of Quality and Health Equity, is part of the team and worked to develop internal models to take stock of local hospital capacity and plan for a potential surge in COVID-19 cases. He also helped plan for alternative care sites to create bed capacity outside of Mercy, and figure out a transportation plan between Mercy, the VA, the alternative care sites and other locations. At the time UHA joined the DCCRT, it was already working internally to adjust its own protocols in response to COVID-19. Bokhari developed a task force within the organization that included members of UHA’s executive team. Many employees began working remotely. UHA also began assisting its network of clinics in their COVID-19 responses. In addition to taking internal precautions and working with the DCCRT, UHA was also looking outward to see how it could help the community. It provided about $150,000 in assistance to nonprofits and other entities in Douglas County for the month of April, and will continue this giving in future months.
Bokhari said the formation of the DCCRT ensured that all of the key players were working together to provide a unified response to COVID-19 and consistent messaging to the public. “The team is very energized because they had great leadership,” he said, including Commissioner Tim Freeman and KC Bolton of Aviva Health. He said the extensive behind-the-scenes collaboration that occurred through the DCCRT paves the way for continued collaboration in the future.
“We should be a changed community for the better after this experience of working together,” Bokhari said.
Use the ‘Stay Home” Time to Prepare Your Home for Wildfire Season
Dry conditions abound in Douglas County, and this stay-at-home time is an excellent opportunity to prepare your home for wildfire season. And you may even want to start this weekend; Saturday is the National Fire Protection Association’s Community Wildfire Preparedness Day. Here are some things you and your family can do to protect your home, family and community:
“COVID-19 has changed community dynamics and created more time at home for many Oregon residents – time that can be used to clear brush from around homes and other preparedness activities,” said Jenna Trentadue, National Fire Plan Coordinator with ODF. “Even with physical distancing requirements in place, we can all still do our part on May 2 to be more prepared for wildfire.”
Safe + Strong Site Offers Resources in 12 Languages
Do you have questions about health care, unemployment, transportation or food assistance in the time of COVID-19? Are you looking for educational resources, or ideas on how to talk to your kids about the virus? Oregon has set up a one-stop-shop that offers links to resources in 12 languages. The “Safe + Strong” website has information on everything from SNAP benefits to resources for immigrants and information on how to sign up for Oregon Health Plan.
“Information is changing fast. Our goal is to give you the clearest, most up-to-date news and resources you need to help you make the best decisions for you and your family,” the site states. “Share with your friends and family.”
The Safe + Strong site also offers downloadable fliers for community organizations to distribute on topics including the use of face masks and how to spot symptoms of COVID-19. The resources are available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Russian, Arabic, Korean, simplified Chinese, traditional Chinese, Somali, Hmong, Marshallese and Chuukese.
Marine Board Urges Boaters: Be Safe, Practice Physical Distancing During COVID-19
The Oregon Marine Board understands that boaters are anxious and wanting to gear up to hit the water this Spring and Summer. They wanted to remind boaters to keep safety in mind with regard to cold water temperatures, as well as their responsibility for staying close to home and practicing physical distancing under the State’s Home, Save Lives” executive orders.
“For many of us, we have a natural urge to get outside this time of year -the water calls to us,” said Larry Warren, Director for the Marine Board. “We aim to consistently remind people about ways they can stay safe while they’re on the water, and in light of COVID-19, we also ask this year that you take additional steps to protect yourself, your family, and the people around you. Use your good judgment and if you venture out to go boating, be fluid and adaptable to rapidly changing situations.” Click here to read the rest of the story about safe boater guidelines and regulations during the COVID-19 crisis.
Daily Tips: Workout Wednesday
Are you a fan of Madonna, Beyoncé or Bon Jovi? Feel like dancing? Check out the “Move With Colour” YouTube Channel, which has dozens of free 10- to 45-minute instructional dance videos from low key to masters. They’re short and fun and designed to get you moving, sweating and smiling. One video has an ‘80s theme; others are focused on funk, disco or cardio jazz. Video titles include “Ugly Zumba,” “It’s Not Hip Hop,” “I’m a Belieber,” and “Boy Band.” Dancing is a great way to get exercise while sprinkling some joy into your day!
Funding Available Through Umpqua Health Alliance, Douglas County’s Coordinated Care Organization
Umpqua Health Alliance, Douglas County’s Coordinated Care Organization, is looking for opportunities to come alongside our community partners in this challenging time. If your agency has a project or program that is experiencing a specific need relating to COVID-19, please contact us for information on how to apply for funding. We're in this together, and UHA is here to help! Please contact Heidi Larson at hlarson@umpquahealth.com for more information.
Surround Yourself with Healthier, Easier Choices
Blue Zones Project works with communities and individuals to make healthy choices easier by transforming the environments around us to support and encourage well-being. Strategies around well-being grow from research into the original blue zones areas, where residents reach age 100 more often than in other places. During this time of social distancing, we could all use some inspiration on how to reshape our home environment with “healthy and easy” always in mind.
Here’s what you’ll find on the new Healthier at Home website:
Check out the new Healthier at Home site to find ways to continue to live longer, better, even during COVID-19.
Blood supplies are seriously low and leaving home to donate blood is considered a lifesaving need. If you are healthy and feeling well, then giving blood is a safe and great way to help your community. The Red Cross has implemented sanitizing and social distancing policies to ensure you’re safe while making a lifesaving donation. Anyone interested in donating must make an appointment by visiting www.redcrossblood.org or calling (800) 733-2767.
4/30/2020 9:00 am - 2:00 pm North Bend High School, North Bend
Stay Informed with the Accurate Information
Your Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Public Health Officer, Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer and the Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team have been working hard to cooperatively provide accurate and timely information and a response to Douglas County residents. If you have questions about resources available, call the COVID-19 hotline, staffed by local volunteers at (541) 464-6550. Stay up to date on COVID-19 in Douglas County on the DPHN website at www.douglaspublichealthnetwork.org. Find additional information on state, federal and international COVID-19 response from the following websites: Oregon Health Authority, Centers for Disease Control, World Health Organization and by calling or logging onto 211Info.
Local case data includes all tests done in the county, and are not exclusive to DPHN testing. Further, reporting numbers are accurate as of time listed on this release. These numbers may not match other organizations, who report at different times of the day.
(Douglas County, Ore.) There are a lot of people working the front lines of the pandemic. But, sometimes we forget to give credit to those that are working in necessary and support roles in our community. Today, we want to send out kudos to all mail and package carriers with the United States Postal Service, United Parcel Service, Federal Express, DHL and other local delivery companies for continuing to provide these crucial services. Also, we would like to extend appreciation to all the food and material delivery workers who are helping to keep local businesses open during the crisis by delivering meals, groceries, medical supplies and building materials. Thank you for all you do to keep our communities going. We encourage you to continue to support local businesses.
Local COVID-19 Test Results
As of 12:00 pm, April 29, 2020, there are no new cases of COVID-19 in Douglas County. For the thirteenth day in a row, the total number of positives in Douglas County remains at twenty-three. Of the twenty-three, fifteen have recovered. There have been zero deaths and 1023 negative tests for COVID-19 in the county. One of the twenty-three people that have tested positive is still hospitalized. Douglas Public Health Network continues their epidemiologic investigations, identifying individuals who may have had close contact with individuals that have tested positive for COVID-19 and advising quarantine. Fifteen of the individuals who tested positive earlier have now recovered. DPHN defines recovery as an end to all symptoms after a positive test for COVID-19.
Get Tested & Testing
DPHN led another through clinic on Tuesday, April 28, 2020, in Roseburg in which 26 residents were tested. The next drive through clinic will be on Friday, May 1, 2020. 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.
The first drive thru testing site was piloted in the county on March 17, 2020, there have been 395 people tested in the drive through clinics alone, additional testing continues in hospitals, urgent cares and clinics simultaneously. 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 reports new cases once a day on its website at www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus. The Oregon Health Authority is also releasing the daily situation status report, which is produced jointly with Oregon Office of Emergency Management. It details the overall picture of the COVID-19 outbreak within the state and the response across government agencies. Read more here about the daily situation status report.
Umpqua Health Alliance (UHA) works on behalf of Douglas County’s roughly 26,000 Oregon Health Plan members, connecting them to medical care, behavioral health services, and oral and dental care through local providers. UHA, a subsidiary of Umpqua Health, is one of Oregon’s 15 Coordinated Care Organizations, or CCOs, which represent networks of local health care providers who collaborate to ensure that OHP members get the care they need. CCOs operate under contract with the state, and among other priorities, focus on prevention and helping people manage chronic conditions to reduce emergency department visits. The core values of UHA are accessibility, compassion, trust, community and professionalism. UHA has about 160 employees in Douglas County.
UHA was a natural addition to the Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, and joined the team in March. Dr. Tanveer Bokhari, UHA’s Vice President of Quality and Health Equity, is part of the team and worked to develop internal models to take stock of local hospital capacity and plan for a potential surge in COVID-19 cases. He also helped plan for alternative care sites to create bed capacity outside of Mercy, and figure out a transportation plan between Mercy, the VA, the alternative care sites and other locations. At the time UHA joined the DCCRT, it was already working internally to adjust its own protocols in response to COVID-19. Bokhari developed a task force within the organization that included members of UHA’s executive team. Many employees began working remotely. UHA also began assisting its network of clinics in their COVID-19 responses. In addition to taking internal precautions and working with the DCCRT, UHA was also looking outward to see how it could help the community. It provided about $150,000 in assistance to nonprofits and other entities in Douglas County for the month of April, and will continue this giving in future months.
Bokhari said the formation of the DCCRT ensured that all of the key players were working together to provide a unified response to COVID-19 and consistent messaging to the public. “The team is very energized because they had great leadership,” he said, including Commissioner Tim Freeman and KC Bolton of Aviva Health. He said the extensive behind-the-scenes collaboration that occurred through the DCCRT paves the way for continued collaboration in the future.
“We should be a changed community for the better after this experience of working together,” Bokhari said.
Use the ‘Stay Home” Time to Prepare Your Home for Wildfire Season
Dry conditions abound in Douglas County, and this stay-at-home time is an excellent opportunity to prepare your home for wildfire season. And you may even want to start this weekend; Saturday is the National Fire Protection Association’s Community Wildfire Preparedness Day. Here are some things you and your family can do to protect your home, family and community:
- Remove any debris and dry leaves within 3 to 5 feet of your home’s foundation – or, better yet, within 30 feet or your home if possible to create even more defensible space. Make sure there are no wood piles close to the home.
- Keep your roof and gutters free of downed tree limbs, broken branches and leaves.
- Sweep porches, and rake under decks, sheds and play structures. Remove any items stored under decks. Gasoline cans and portable propane tanks should never be stored indoors, and should be kept away from your home.
- Mow grasses to a height of 4 inches or less.
- Pool resources with neighbors to pay for a chipper service, or a large debris bin to remove slash.
- Share wildfire safety information with your neighbors – perhaps via email in order to maintain social distancing. You can find some information here.
- Create an emergency evacuation plan for you and your family. How will you communicate with each other? What items do you need to bring with you (medications, etc.)? Where will you meet if you are separated? How will you evacuate pets or livestock? If you already have a plan, consider whether it may need to be adjusted due to COVID-19.
- Update your emergency preparedness kit.
In light of COVID-19, the National Wildfire Protection Association warns against getting together with your neighbors to plan for preparedness. Instead, work on your own home and postpone any neighborhood gatherings until social distancing restrictions have been lifted and it is safe to meet. In the meantime, you can communicate with your neighbors online, and share information on your activities through email, Facebook or other electronic means.
“COVID-19 has changed community dynamics and created more time at home for many Oregon residents – time that can be used to clear brush from around homes and other preparedness activities,” said Jenna Trentadue, National Fire Plan Coordinator with ODF. “Even with physical distancing requirements in place, we can all still do our part on May 2 to be more prepared for wildfire.”
Safe + Strong Site Offers Resources in 12 Languages
Do you have questions about health care, unemployment, transportation or food assistance in the time of COVID-19? Are you looking for educational resources, or ideas on how to talk to your kids about the virus? Oregon has set up a one-stop-shop that offers links to resources in 12 languages. The “Safe + Strong” website has information on everything from SNAP benefits to resources for immigrants and information on how to sign up for Oregon Health Plan.
“Information is changing fast. Our goal is to give you the clearest, most up-to-date news and resources you need to help you make the best decisions for you and your family,” the site states. “Share with your friends and family.”
The Safe + Strong site also offers downloadable fliers for community organizations to distribute on topics including the use of face masks and how to spot symptoms of COVID-19. The resources are available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Russian, Arabic, Korean, simplified Chinese, traditional Chinese, Somali, Hmong, Marshallese and Chuukese.
Marine Board Urges Boaters: Be Safe, Practice Physical Distancing During COVID-19
The Oregon Marine Board understands that boaters are anxious and wanting to gear up to hit the water this Spring and Summer. They wanted to remind boaters to keep safety in mind with regard to cold water temperatures, as well as their responsibility for staying close to home and practicing physical distancing under the State’s Home, Save Lives” executive orders.
“For many of us, we have a natural urge to get outside this time of year -the water calls to us,” said Larry Warren, Director for the Marine Board. “We aim to consistently remind people about ways they can stay safe while they’re on the water, and in light of COVID-19, we also ask this year that you take additional steps to protect yourself, your family, and the people around you. Use your good judgment and if you venture out to go boating, be fluid and adaptable to rapidly changing situations.” Click here to read the rest of the story about safe boater guidelines and regulations during the COVID-19 crisis.
Daily Tips: Workout Wednesday
Are you a fan of Madonna, Beyoncé or Bon Jovi? Feel like dancing? Check out the “Move With Colour” YouTube Channel, which has dozens of free 10- to 45-minute instructional dance videos from low key to masters. They’re short and fun and designed to get you moving, sweating and smiling. One video has an ‘80s theme; others are focused on funk, disco or cardio jazz. Video titles include “Ugly Zumba,” “It’s Not Hip Hop,” “I’m a Belieber,” and “Boy Band.” Dancing is a great way to get exercise while sprinkling some joy into your day!
Funding Available Through Umpqua Health Alliance, Douglas County’s Coordinated Care Organization
Umpqua Health Alliance, Douglas County’s Coordinated Care Organization, is looking for opportunities to come alongside our community partners in this challenging time. If your agency has a project or program that is experiencing a specific need relating to COVID-19, please contact us for information on how to apply for funding. We're in this together, and UHA is here to help! Please contact Heidi Larson at hlarson@umpquahealth.com for more information.
Surround Yourself with Healthier, Easier Choices
Blue Zones Project works with communities and individuals to make healthy choices easier by transforming the environments around us to support and encourage well-being. Strategies around well-being grow from research into the original blue zones areas, where residents reach age 100 more often than in other places. During this time of social distancing, we could all use some inspiration on how to reshape our home environment with “healthy and easy” always in mind.
Here’s what you’ll find on the new Healthier at Home website:
?oe" Simple actions with lasting impact
?oe" Engaging programs and activities
?oe" Feel-good resources and stories
?oe" Social news feeds for sharing
Check out the new Healthier at Home site to find ways to continue to live longer, better, even during COVID-19.
Blood supplies are seriously low and leaving home to donate blood is considered a lifesaving need. If you are healthy and feeling well, then giving blood is a safe and great way to help your community. The Red Cross has implemented sanitizing and social distancing policies to ensure you’re safe while making a lifesaving donation. Anyone interested in donating must make an appointment by visiting www.redcrossblood.org or calling (800) 733-2767.
4/30/2020 9:00 am - 2:00 pm North Bend High School, North Bend
5/01/2020 1:00 pm – 6:30 pm Roseburg Blood Donation Ctr, 1176 NW Garden Valley Blvd., Roseburg
5/01/2020 10:30 am - 04:00 pm Sutherlin Community Center, Sutherlin
Stay Informed with the Accurate Information
Your Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Public Health Officer, Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer and the Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team have been working hard to cooperatively provide accurate and timely information and a response to Douglas County residents. If you have questions about resources available, call the COVID-19 hotline, staffed by local volunteers at (541) 464-6550. Stay up to date on COVID-19 in Douglas County on the DPHN website at www.douglaspublichealthnetwork.org. Find additional information on state, federal and international COVID-19 response from the following websites: Oregon Health Authority, Centers for Disease Control, World Health Organization and by calling or logging onto 211Info.
Local case data includes all tests done in the county, and are not exclusive to DPHN testing. Further, reporting numbers are accurate as of time listed on this release. These numbers may not match other organizations, who report at different times of the day.
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