The Clatsop County Public Health Department announced Friday, March 27 that it has been informed of the third presumptive case of COVID-19 coronavirus in the county.
The individual is a male between 35 and 54 years of age and a south-county resident. He is a contact of another south-county individual who was reported as the county’s second COVID-19 case on Wednesday, March 25.
The county’s first identified case, a female north-county resident, was announced Monday; she was not reported to be a contact of the other two cases. All three individuals are convalescing at home under quarantine.
Following reports of positive COVID-19 tests, Public Health staff move immediately according to the department’s established case investigative process to contact the individuals in order to gather information on others they have had contact with, and in turn to contact those people about self-quarantine guidelines. Department staff check twice daily with positive-case contacts to ensure they are properly self-isolating.
Local and state health officials continue to urge all Oregonians to take steps to protect themselves, and especially those who are most vulnerable to complications from COVID-19. Those 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.
To help control the spread of the illness the public is urged to follow Oregon Gov. Kate Brown’s March 23 executive order to stay home to the maximum extent possible.
Every resident should take these basic steps to protect themselves and those most at risk:
• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Stay home if you feel ill.