Currently there are several confirmed COVID-19 cases in Oregon. Testing in the United States is low and you should expect confirmed cases to rise exponentially as testing is ramped up across Oregon and the United States.

If you want to follow current case reporting through John Hopkins CSSE click on the following link: https://gisanddata.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/bda7594740fd40299423467b48e9ecf6

How is the COVID-19 Spread: The virus is spread through respiratory droplets, both large and aerosolized, and by direct contact. Depending on external factors the virus can remain on surfaces for days if it is not properly treated. There are now proven cases of community spread of this illness. What does that mean? It means Prepare, do not Panic. Please stay home if you have a fever/chills, cough and are sneezing uncontrollably, or are caring for someone who has these symptoms. Avoid large gatherings and consider social distancing. Please cover your cough by coughing into your elbow or using a tissue. Please wash your hands frequently. At Sage Health Center, our staff are also washing their hands as much as possible, increasing cleaning/disinfecting clinic surfaces, and staying home if we are sick. We will not charge for missed appointments or late cancellations due to illness.

Signs and Symptoms of Coronavirus (COVID-19): Symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to colds and flus we see all the time. The common symptoms are cough, fever, difficulty breathing, fatigue and muscle aches and pains. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.

Who is at Risk: We know older people and those with pre-existing conditions (especially cardio-pulmonary conditions) are at a much higher risk for more serious infection.

Younger healthy individuals are less likely to have serious symptoms BUT they are MORE LIKELY TO SPREAD the infection to others that may be more at risk/immune compromised. (Since testing has been low, this step is vital to help stop the spread of the virus)

If you suspect you or a loved one may have contracted the COVID-19 virus please contact the Deschutes County Public Health Department for screening and direction for testing: (541) 322-7400 Public Health Phone.

For general questions you can call the St. Charles Health/County Health Line at 541-699-5109.

You can also sign up to be on a mailing list for public health updates regarding COVID-19 here at Central Oregon Public Health Departments updates.

How to avoid being infected:
Wash your hands, often.

Social Distancing: Avoid large gatherings as a whole (concerts, sporting events, conferences, etc). The current guidance is to avoid crowds of 10 or more people. If you are considered at high risk, avoid ALL gatherings. Take general precautions surrounding certain social practices such as handshaking and hugging. Keep a distance of 6 feet between people when out in public.

Decontaminate all surfaces that might be touched before and after they have been touched.

All sick people MUST wear a mask at all times. No exceptions. If you or your loved ones are sick, do your part to NOT unnecessarily expose others. Stay home and contact your local health department about where to go for testing if you suspect COVID-19. (541) 322-7400 Public Health Phone.

Understand the importance of your role in helping to maintain proper hygiene, and preventing further spread of the virus.

Testing:
There are still limited tests available. Preparations have begun to make more testing available to the public, and a website is being created to provide citizens with locations for testing. This is still a work in progress, however, click here to obtain information directly from Deschutes County Health Department.

You can also sign up to be on a mailing list for public health updates regarding COVID-19 with the hyperlink listed above.

According to the White House Press briefing on 3/14/20 regarding COVID-19, testing will be free of charge to all citizens with and without insurance.

If you are sick and exhibiting symptoms, you do not have to get tested to know that you should stay home. Initiate self quarantine practices and stay home for 14 days.

For a complete list of testing centers in Deschutes County, click here.

Recommendations per the State of Oregon:
Governor Kate Brown’s Executive Orders (click this hyper link to see all orders):

COVID-19 Vaccine:
It is going to take time for the vaccine to be widely available and widely distributed here in Oregon. As we work to make vaccines widely available, the fastest way to get our schools, businesses and communities back open is to keep working together. We’re going to have to continue to use the tried-and-true methods we know stop the spread of this disease: wear a face covering, limit group size, keep distance, wash hands and stay home when sick. Please click here for vaccine sequencing on how the vaccine will be distributed or go to the following link https://covidvaccine.oregon.gov/. There is also a tool to help determine where you fall in the sequencing and to address FAQ on this same site.

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