April 17, 2020

No new COVID-19 cases have been reported in Union or Wallowa counties. The total for Union County remains at four cases. The total for Wallowa remains at one. In the state, there have been 1,785 positive cases with 70 people dying.

The NE Oregon Joint Information Center is working on a collecting a list of frequently asked Union and Wallowa County COVID-19 questions. Questions will include those asked at the public meeting held earlier this week. If you were unable to view the livestreamed meeting, the link to the video has been included here. https://www.facebook.com/414509335602202/videos/522371958445683/

Grande Ronde Hospital and Clinics providers are concerned that people who need treatment are not coming into the ER during the COVID-19 pandemic when they should be. One example is that the Emergency Department is reporting the normal numbers for patients being seen in the ER with symptoms of stroke is down. It is critical that you seek medical care if you are experiencing signs of stroke. Please remember the acronym FAST — F: Face drooping, A: Arm Weakness S: Slurred Speech T: Time to Call 9-1-1.

The Union County Search and Rescue team was deployed early this morning to Mt. Harris to assist a driver and passenger who were stuck in the snow. The driver and passenger were safely recovered, but the Union County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind the community to be smart while recreating. The Sheriff’s Office encourages social distancing and enjoying the outdoors, but do so safely and with the proper equipment.

Walla Walla County and Umatilla County continue to see a steady increase of positive COVID-19 cases. Walla Walla County has reported 27 cases and Umatilla County is reporting 23. Benton and Franklin Counties combined (Tri-Cities Area) are reporting 440 cases and 36 deaths. With these counties in close proximity to Union and Wallowa Counties, it is encouraged that citizens continue to exercise caution when traveling outside the county and practice physical distancing.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of La Grande Parks and Recreation Department is willing to run errands for elderly individuals or others unable to do so themselves. Assistance for those individuals is available for getting groceries or another item in town, the employees at the department are available. Send an email about the details of what is needed to mckayla.nitz@cityoflagrande.org, or call 541-962-1352.

Today wraps up National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. In appreciation of our local Dispatchers, we would like to honor and recognize them. Thank you for your work, personal sacrifices, and ability to provide calming reassurances and critical assistance to caller’s during their time of need. Thank a local Dispatcher!

The next update will be provided on Monday, April 20, 2020.