Weekly COVID-19 outbreak update for Nov. 3, 2021

Published 6:00 pm Thursday, November 4, 2021

Editor’s note: The state and county data for this update is current as of Nov. 3, 2021. The national data is current as of Nov. 4, 2021.

JOHN DAY — There are no active outbreaks of COVID-19 in Grant County, according to the latest weekly update from the Oregon Health Authority.

While that doesn’t mean the county is COVID-free, it does mean there are no known case clusters that meet the state’s definition of an outbreak.

A report issued Wednesday, Nov. 3, by OHA shows no ongoing outbreaks at schools, workplaces, congregate care facilities or child care centers in Grant County.

In addition, a previously reported outbreak at Humbolt Elementary School in Canyon City has now been declared resolved. That outbreak reached a total of 16 cases, with the most recent having started on Oct. 4.

The state agency defines a school outbreak as two or more cases of COVID-19 among students, staff members or volunteers within a school setting. An outbreak is declared resolved when there have been no new cases within the last 28 days.

As of Wednesday, Nov. 3, Grant County has recorded 1,024 cases of COVID-19 and 14 deaths from the disease since the pandemic began, OHA data shows. The state has reported a cumulative total of 371,001 cases and 4,543 deaths.

However, OHA announced on Oct. 21 that it had discovered a backlog of reports including an additional 550 COVID-related fatalities that have not yet been incorporated into the state’s death toll. Those deaths were not previously counted because of a technical error, the agency said.

As of Thursday, Nov. 4, the United States has had about 46.3 million cases of COVID-19 and 751,514 COVID-related deaths, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University.

COVID-19 vaccines have been proven safe and are still the most effective way to prevent the spread of the disease, according to the Grant County Health Department.

Area residents who are interested in receiving the vaccine can contact the following entities to schedule an appointment:

• Grant County Health Department: 541-575-0429

• Strawberry Wilderness Clinic: 541-575-0404

• Len’s Drug: 541-575-0629

• Grant Union SBHC: 541-575-0366

Referral information is available by calling Canyon Creek Clinic at 541-575-1263.

The Grant County Health Department continues to encourage all residents to take the following precautions:

• Get vaccinated against COVID-19.

• Wear a mask in doors and when outside if you cannot maintain 6 foot distancing.

• Maintain 6 feet of distancing, if possible, indoors and outdoors.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.

• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.

• Stay home if you feel ill.

After someone contracts COVID-19, if they develop symptoms, they will usually appear within 14 days. Symptoms include:

• Fever or chills

• Cough

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

• Fatigue

• Muscle or body aches

• Headache

• New loss of taste or smell

• Sore throat

• Congestion or runny nose

• Nausea or vomiting

• Diarrhea

Anyone who presents with these symptoms is urged to call 211 or their health care provider.