A Lincoln County resident has been diagnosed with COVID-19, the Lincoln County Health Department announced Tuesday, but called it a “unique” case because the person developed the symptoms outside the county, had not been in the county recently and is now hospitalized elsewhere.
The case brings Oregon’s total to 209 – 20 more on Tuesday. In addition, the state reported three more deaths – all in the Portland area and ranging in age from 63 to 90 with underlying medical conditions. Eight Oregonians have now died from COVID-19.
The county said in a news release that the Lincoln County resident is over the age of 55, had no known contact with a confirmed case, and had not traveled from a foreign country where the virus is circulating. Because of that, the case is being investigated as a community-acquired case.
Nicole Fields, deputy director of the county’s public health department, said in a video posted on YouTube that the case was “unique” because the victim developed COVID-19 symptoms “while outside the county and had not returned prior hospitalization.”
Health department spokeswoman Susan Trachsel said officials are contacting people the victim had been in contact with. They are also outside Lincoln County, had not had a chance to come to Lincoln County and have agreed to self-quarantine at home for 14 days.
In announcing the Lincoln County case, the health department said it is in close coordination with Oregon Health Authority about the case and about testing in the county.
As testing capacity increases — with Labcorp and Quest Diagnostics in Oregon ramping up and clinical laboratories at some Oregon hospitals expected to begin testing by next week — officials expect the number of people who test positive with COVID-19 to rise.
“We are not talking anymore about stopping the spread of this virus,” Lincoln County health officer Dr. David Long said in a statement. “Without a vaccine and without medicine, our best bet as a community is to slow the spread so those who do get seriously ill can get the care they need from our health system.
“This virus has brought great disruption to our community and I foresee no ‘business as usual’ for weeks and possibly months ahead,” Long said.
The county said its health department and Samaritan Health Services, which operates two hospitals and various clinics in the county, are on high alert and geared up to care for patients affected by the coronavirus.
“Let us all do what we can to keep our health system strong and minimize the number of other people who must go through this,” Long said.
People considered “high risk” include adults 60 and older, or anyone with a serious health condition, including lung or heart problems, kidney disease, or diabetes, or anyone who has a suppressed immune system. People vulnerable to complications should follow recommendations to:
- Stay home as much as possible and avoid gatherings;
- 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.
The COVID-19 virus spreads like the flu, when someone who is sick coughs or sneezes with in six feet of another. After someone contracts COVID-19, illness usually develops within 14 days. Symptoms include fever and cough or difficult breathing.
Lincoln County residents can get local, state and federal updates and advice on the county’s health department website.