Oregon reports 12 new COVID-19 cases; Deschutes County now at 6

Four more Albany veterans' home residents test positive; state tally rises to 51

(Update: Four more Lebanon veterans' home residents test positive)

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Four more residents of the Oregon Veterans’ Home in Lebanon have tested positive for presumptive cases of COVID-19, the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs learned Monday, bringing the facility's total to 14 and the state's tally of cases to 51.

ODVA said Monday night it is collaborating closely with state health officials, and these four additional cases will be added to the state's overall COVID-19 numbers Tuesday, making the statewide total at least 51.

The veterans' home now has a total of 13 residents with presumptive positive cases of COVID-19. Twelve of the residents are veterans, and one is a veteran's spouse, the department said.

One staff member has also tested positive. The employee was sent home when symptoms appeared and has remained in isolation ever since, in accordance with established infection prevention protocols and public health guidelines.

“In the midst of this unprecedented public health crisis facing our state and nation, the focus and efforts of the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs and the Lebanon Veterans’ Home staff remain on our now 13 residents and one employee who have tested presumptive positive for COVID-19. Our staff are working tirelessly to provide the residents the best possible care and attention,” said ODVA Director Kelly Fitzpatrick.

“Though we’d hoped for the best, we always knew we were likely to receive more positive results as our partners at OHA continued testing for the virus. Our staff continue to diligently follow established infectious disease prevention protocols and public health guidelines. We know they are doing everything in their power to stop the spread of coronavirus and keep our community safe. All possible resources are being made available to support them in their critical work.”

ODVA said it is staying in regular communication with residents’ family members through email and other means. Family and the general public can also access current information at oregonveteranshomes.com or by calling the COVID-19 information line at 541-730-4344 for a recorded message that will be updated each day at noon.

Oregon now has a total of 47 people who have been diagnosed with COVID-19. The Oregon Health Authority late Monday announced eight new cases of the novel coronavirus as of 10:30 a.m., including two more in Deschutes County, for a total of six.

OHA reported two new cases each in Benton and Deschutes counties and one new case in Clackamas, Marion, Multnomah and Washington counties.

There have now been COVID-19 cases in 13 of Oregon's 36 counties, with the highest total, 14, in Washington County, followed by 10 in Linn County, due to an outbreak among veterans at the Oregon Veterans Home in Albany.

Of the 47 Oregon cases, 29 have been in the 55-and-older age group and 13 among people 35 to 54, one in the 25-to-34 age range, three among people 18 to 24 and one 17 or younger, the OHA reported.

A total of 689 persons under investigation have tested negative, the agency said, while 184 cases were pending as of Monday.

“I know it’s difficult to learn that we are seeing more active community spread of COVID-19, but this is something we’ve been expecting,” said Dean Sidelinger, M.D., M.S.Ed, State Health Officer and Epidemiologist, OHA Public Health Division. “It’s a good reminder to take steps to protect yourself, and vulnerable friends and family members, by washing your hands, covering your coughs and sneezes, and staying home and away from others if you’re sick.”

NewsChannel 21 on Monday asked Deschutes County health officials what they are and are not able to share about the patients who have tested positive. They said, as they have for the past several weeks, they are balancing people's right to privacy and protecting the public's health.

In the positive cases, as they trace contacts, they are most focused on times when the person was believed to have been within six feet of someone for more than an hour, posing the most risk to others. If that's confirmed, they said, more information will be released.

"A good example of that is if an individual was sick and went to the movies before they found out that they were positive. We would release that information to the public," said Morgan Emerson, preparedness coordinator with Deschutes County Health.

Officials continue to urge all Oregonians to take steps to protect themselves, their families and those who are most vulnerable to complications from COVID-19. Those considered “high risk” include adults 60 and older, or anyone with a serious health condition, including lung or heart problems, kidney disease, diabetes, or anyone who has a suppressed immune system.

People vulnerable to complications should follow federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations to stay home as much as possible and avoid gatherings.

Every resident should take these basic steps to protect themselves and those most at risk:

• Never visit a hospital or long-term-care facility if you have a fever or cough.
• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces like bathrooms, desks, countertops, doorknobs, computer keyboards, faucet handles, toys and cell phones.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Stay home and away from others if you are ill.

After someone contracts COVID-19, illness usually develops within 14 days. Symptoms mirror those of the flu, including fever, cough, runny nose, headache, sore throat and general feelings of illness.

Stay informed

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.