June 23, 2020
The Oregon Department of Justice has issued a scam alert for people who are pretending to be contact tracers. These imposters send emails and text messages with links to fraudulent websites. Clicking on the link may download software onto a device, providing access to an array of your personal and financial information. If you receive an email or a text message you think might be from a scammer posing as a contact tracer, do not click on any links. A complaint can be filed at www.oregonconsumer.gov. For more information on what you can expect from state, local, or tribal health department contact tracing efforts, visit www.healthoregon.org/contacttracing. The Center for Human Development, Union County Public Health will never ask you for your social security number, immigration status, or financial information.
Today, Oregon Health Authority announced 19 new confirmed cases for Union County bringing the total number of COVID-19 cases to 282. This total includes the 15 tests announced yesterday afternoon from the testing event held late last week. Additional test results returned today were minimal. Union County has a total of 1,281 negative tests returned according to the Oregon Health Authority website. Yesterday, the negative testing total was 1,255. Wallowa County has a total of eight cases. Investigations, contact tracings, and additional testing are underway in both counties. Statewide, there are a total of 7,274 cases.
Individuals who have been tested are reminded that self-isolation/quarantine is necessary to lower the chance of spreading illness. This includes not attending any activities or gatherings outside your home such as work, school, health care, faith-based facilities, grocery stores, restaurants, etc. Do not allow any visitors to your home. Do not touch others or have them touch you. To do so while isolated/quarantined could further spread the disease.
It is vital that workplaces support employees who are required to quarantine and not ask them to go to work in these situations. We ask that local employers to make it easy for people to make the choice to stay home by promoting working from home when possible, applying paid sick leave policies liberally, and linking employees to any workplace resources available. We also realize that for many employers and employees that this is a difficult situation. Multiple resources are available through wraparound services to include financial assistance, food bank information, grocery pickup/delivery, health insurance, and Veterans services. Information is available at: https://neojic.unioncountyor.gov/2020/06/23/wrap-resources/.
An additional testing clinic has been set up for Thursday, June 25 and is being supported by the Union County Incident Management Team to assist the Center for Human Development, Union County Public Health. The appointments have been filled through contacts identified from investigations and contact tracing. An estimated 80 tests are scheduled to be completed. Oregon Health Authority issued guidance stating that with the support of the Union County supervising physician, local emergency medical technicians are authorized to conduct COVID-19 tests. Union County issued a request to the local fire departments and ambulance services for volunteers interested in becoming trained to issue the COVID-19 test and received an excellent response. Imbler Rural Fire Protection District will be participating in the testing clinic.