Jackson County reports two more deaths from COVID-19

MEDFORD, Oregon – Jackson County public health officials have reported two more deaths attributed to the coronavirus, as ongoing outbreaks at local long-term care facilities continue to claim lives.

According to Jackson County Public Health, the patients were a 72-year-old woman who tested positive on October 26 and an 82-year-old man who tested positive on November 2. Both died on November 21 at Asante Rogue Regional in Medford. While the man had underlying health issues, the presence of other conditions is still confirmed in the woman.

The latest two deaths bring Jackson County’s total to 25.

As of Tuesday, outbreaks at a handful of local long-term care facilities had resulted in 15 deaths – eight at Avamere Three Fountains, two at Avamere Health Services in Rogue Valley and five at Table Rock Memory Care.

Daily rates of coronavirus cases have fallen slightly in Jackson County. After several days with more than 100 new cases last week, Tuesday saw 56 new cases. Either way, concern remains that Thanksgiving gatherings could cause cases to explode again in the coming weeks.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended that people postpone their vacation trips. Oregon, Washington and California have collectively issued a travel advisory, advising against non-essential travel, particularly out of state.

“It’s not ideal to have to cancel or change your vacation plans,” says Dr. Jim Shames, Jackson County health manager. “But it’s worth protecting our friends, family and loved ones. When we travel, the virus also travels. “

Jackson County Public Health has stressed that getting a negative test result before a Thanksgiving rally does not preclude the need to follow safety measures – including wearing a mask before and after your meal, and wearing a mask. limitation of time spent indoors. Because it takes 2 to 14 days after exposure to become infectious, you can get a negative test result in the morning and become infectious that night.

“The approach to Thanksgiving will be different this year,” the agency said. “Celebrating virtually or with members of your own household … presents the lowest risk of spread.”