Pandemic: The county is getting more and more virus tests as the number of cases increases. news

Columbia County public health manager Michael Paul said the county had the highest number of six cases recorded per day earlier this month.

According to Paul, the Columbia County Public Health Service was able to increase virus testing.

“We can now track and contact the case within 24 hours,” Paul said during a previous presentation by the Columbia County Commission on Wednesday, 22 July. “But it has been confirmed that lab reports are delayed in receiving them. People are not receiving lab reports, so people are not quarantined and outbreaks spread faster.”

Then Chairman Henry Heimler said: However, he said that he could not return the test results in a timely manner. If someone in the state suggests that we can improve our ability to test, I would argue that processing tests are part of the test. I’m a little worse when they suggest that all they are doing is delaying results but doing more testing. “

Paul revealed that the state was able to increase testing from May and April, but turnaround times did not necessarily increase. If no results come, it means that public health officials can’t contact infected people, Paul said.

“In a commercial lab, it can take up to two weeks to collect a sample,” says Paul. “People sometimes don’t even get infected after getting results.”

That means people who don’t know they’re infected will not be quarantined while they are still contagious. This is reflected in the test data, showing an increase in positive cases from 2% to 6%. Ratio of early May and June.

“It shows that the outbreaks are expanding,” Paul said.

Columbia County, in Region 1 of the state, has five hospitals in a “green state.” That is, eight hospitals that are not overwhelmed by patients and report “in a yellow state” are nearing full. , According to Paul.

Paul reported that as of July 22, there were 2.9 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the United States and more than 140,000 deaths. But he said the data suggests that the number of cases could be much higher, and that active cases could be about 4 million.

Paul projected the death toll by listing the death toll of American citizens in the recent war. 211,000 people were killed in the Vietnam War, 30,000 people in the Iraq War, and 22,000 people in the Afghanistan War.

“COVID-19 will be the third leading cause of death by all age groups, if the recently published forecast is reached,” Paul said.

But Oregon is doing better than other states, Paul said. COVID-19 cases, which were targeted to the elderly group at the beginning of the pandemic, have recently moved to most cases between the ages of 20 and 29, accounting for over 20% of all new cases within that age group. Occupy

In a more detailed breakdown of the case demographics, Paul states that the new cases are fairly comparable in sex, with COVID-19 having slightly more females. 14% of cases are in people working in meetings, and 10% of cases are in healthcare workers.

Paul sometimes said he hears suggestions that infecting everyone is a good solution.

“It’s not a good solution at all,” Paul said. “Most people are not infected. When that happens, the healthcare system is overwhelmed.”

Regarding mask wear, Paul said there is evidence that men are less likely to wear masks than women.

“It’s pretty decent to do at this point, just put on the mask,” Paul said. “Women can encourage men and pressure peers. Women have been shown to be good encouragers of this action.”

Paul said the Columbia County Department of Public Health will continue to take protective measures to delay the spread of the virus, including receiving new personal protective equipment (PPE) from the state in the coming days. PPE shipments include masks, gowns, gloves and hand sanitizers for local businesses and healthcare services.

Mr Paul said the county representatives are still working to implement anti-pandemic measures at local businesses, such as wearing masks and socializing 6 feet. When public health receives a complaint that a shop or restaurant does not have a health and safety policy in place, Paul says that the health officer must either write a letter to the business operator or call the business and the complaint and what they must obey. State order told to notify.

According to Paul, county representatives have not yet visited the sites of companies allegedly in violation of the Health and Safety Directive.

On Wednesday, July 22, Governor Kate Brown announced new state-wide health and safety measures, including effective face coverage and new business requirements from Friday, July 24.

Governor Brown has revealed that additional restrictions will be needed unless COVID-19 penetration begins to slow.

“Oregon, we together ventured on ice, and that ice began to crack. We had measures to protect ourselves and our community before it fell on the ice. Must be taken,” Brown said. “So it’s time for further action that slows the spread of this disease. Please note that this is not an on or off switch. This disease is something we have to live with for the time being. But when you see the numbers increase, you have to deal with them in order: you have to dim the lights, you need to reduce the scale, limit interactions, and take more precautions. there is.”

Beginning Friday, July 24th, the following new requirements will apply:

• All Oregon people over the age of 5 will need face coverings if they cannot maintain a 6-foot distance indoors from public spaces.

• You’ll still need a face cover for indoor workouts and outdoor workouts where you can’t maintain a 6-foot distance outdoors.

• The maximum indoor capacity is limited to 100 for all Phase II County facilities and Phase I or II County restaurants and bars.

• A restaurant and bar is required to stop serving customers at 10 pm throughout the state.

Following Governor Brown’s announcement, the Oregon Department of Health released the following information

Face coverings or masks are available state-wide for all adults and for all children ages 5 and up from Friday, July 24, in all indoor public spaces and outdoors where physical distance is not possible. You will need.

To help people in Oregon understand the requirements, the Oregon Department of Health has created a website resource aimed at providing the latest information on face covers and masks as a clearinghouse, from requirements to FAQs.

We must all play a role in controlling the spread of COVID-19 in Oregon. New evidence suggests that wearing a mask can protect you and the people you love from the spread and capture of COVID-19. This is a way for each of us to empower our communities, our families, and ourselves.

COVID-19 is spread by respiratory droplets when people cough, sneeze, talk, laugh or sing. Face coverings help contain those droplets. The virus may be asymptomatic and unaware that it is infected.

When properly worn, the face cover should cover the person’s nose and mouth and fit snugly on the sides of the face. You can use different types of face covers, such as handmade fabric face covers, scarves and bandanas. Wash thoroughly after use.

COVID 19 is widespread in our state. All Oregons can work together to flatten the curve and get it or lower the risk to others.

• Cover your face when a physical distance of 6 feet is not possible
• Avoid large numbers of people and limit socializing
• wash hands
• Stay home when ill