A health care worker prepares a COVID-19 shot.

Editor’s note: The data for this update is current as of Dec. 15, 2021.

JOHN DAY — There are no active COVID-19 outbreaks in Grant County.

According to a weekly update from the Oregon Health Authority released on Wednesday, Dec. 15, no ongoing outbreaks have been reported at schools, workplaces, congregate care facilities or child care centers in the county.

However, that does not mean that the county is free of the disease.

As of Wednesday, Dec. 8, Grant County has recorded 1,108 cases of COVID-19, up 16 from the week before, OHA data shows. The county has also logged 17 deaths from the disease since the pandemic began, including two in the last three weeks.

The state has reported a cumulative total of 403,329 cases and 5,508 deaths.

The United States has had about 50.4 million cases of COVID-19 and 802,502 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.

Oregon is nearing its statewide goal of having at least 80% of residents age 18 or older vaccinated against COVID-19. According to the latest OHA report, 79.9% of adult Oregonians have had at least one COVID shot, 73.4% have completed their primary vaccine series and 27.2% have had a booster shot.

Grant County, meanwhile, remains one of the least-vaccinated parts of the state, with just 50% of adults having received the COVID-19 vaccine, according to OHA data. That ranks 34th out of Oregon’s 36 counties.

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.