Jackson County reports 76 COVID-19 cases, 3 deaths

Vickie Aldous, Mail Tribune, Medford, Ore.
·3 min read

Oct. 21—Jackson County Public Health reported 76 new COVID-19 cases Wednesday and three more COVID-19-related deaths.

The Jackson County residents who passed away were an 82-year-old woman who died at Good Samaritan Hospital in California, an 85-year-old man who died at Providence Medford Medical Center and an 85-year-old man who died at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford. All had underlying health conditions, Jackson County Public Health said.

On Wednesday, 55 COVID-19 patients were in Jackson and Josephine county hospitals, with 15 in intensive care. Five were on ventilators, according to state hospitalization data.

The two counties had one open ICU bed among their four hospitals Wednesday.

Asante, which runs three Rogue Valley hospitals, reported Wednesday that 86% of its hospitalized COVID-19 patients are unvaccinated, 90% of COVID-19 patients in intensive care are unvaccinated and 100% of COVID-19 patients on ventilators are unvaccinated.

Among patients who died with COVID-19 in the past 90 days, 86% were unvaccinated, Asante said.

Statewide, the Oregon Health Authority reported 1,343 new COVID-19 cases and nine deaths Wednesday.

The other six people who died ranged in age from 63 to 95 and lived in Josephine, Grant, Umatilla, Multnomah, Linn and Clackamas counties, OHA said.

The nine deaths statewide mark a drop-off from recent days when deaths numbered in the dozens daily.

With Halloween approaching Oct. 31, Jackson County Public Health offered tips for maintaining safety during the pandemic.

Unlike Halloween in 2020, the nation now has safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines, Jackson County Public Health said.

Health officials urged everyone 12 and older to get vaccinated.

COVID-19 shots in the U.S. are approved for people 12 and older. Reviews are under way to see whether shots will be approved for younger age groups.

When trick-or-treating, public health officials advise:

* Stay outdoors if you gather with people from another household.

* Keep six feet of distance from others you pass.

* Wear a proper face covering. A plastic costume mask is not a COVID-19-safe face covering. Remember, it's not safe to wear a costume mask over a face covering, but decorating a child's face covering might bring an added touch of fun to their costume. Also remember it's not safe for children younger than 2 to wear a mask.

* If one house looks a bit crowded with fellow trick-or-treaters, wait or try another house that isn't as busy.

* Wear a mask while handing out treats.

If you decide to host a Halloween party, health officials said:

* Host the party outdoors in a space that allows for guests to stay six feet apart. Wear face coverings if you are within six feet of others.

* Discourage guests from crowding together.

* Keep the guest list small and stick with vaccinated guests (no children under 12).

* When eating and drinking with others who are not in your household and who have not been isolating for 10 days or longer, don't crowd the food table and maintain distance from other people. Wash your hands before and after eating. Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.

* If guests go inside, be prepared in advance by opening windows and running a fan or air purifier to maximize ventilation. Remind guests that when they are indoors to keep on their masks and physically distance.

For information on where to get vaccinated in Jackson County, see jacksoncountyor.org/hhs/COVID-19/Vaccine-Appointments/where-to get-vaccinated-in-jackson-county.

Reach Mail Tribune reporter Vickie Aldous at 541-776-4486 or valdous@rosebudmedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @VickieAldous.