Baker County in ‘extreme risk’ category, fourth COVID-19 related death reported

PRESS RELEASE

18 new COVID cases were reported in Baker County yesterday, the highest single day report yet. As COVID cases continue to rise, take precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones.

On Wednesday, December 3, Baker County was placed in the ‘extreme risk’ category by the State of Oregon. Under the ‘extreme risk’ category, certain activities continue to be restricted similar to the recent “freeze” restrictions, including indoor dining and attending gyms. The full guidance for counties by risk category can be viewed here. Governor Brown’s COVID-19 webpage reports, “The Oregon Health Authority will examine and publish county data weekly. County risk levels will be reassigned every two weeks. The first week’s data will provide a “warning week” to prepare counties for potential risk level changes. The next assignment of risk levels will take effect Dec. 18.”

Additionally, Baker County regrets to report that this week, the Oregon Health Authority confirmed a fourth COVID-19 related death of a Baker County resident. Our hearts go out to the family and friends who have lost a loved one. The Oregon Health Authority reported on December 1, “Oregon’s 913th COVID-19 death is a 95-year-old man in Baker County who tested positive on Nov. 26 and died Nov. 26. His place of death is being confirmed. He had underlying conditions.”

Nancy Staten, Baker County Health Department Director, says, “The Health Department is working all the time to prevent COVID-19 from spreading in our community, and it’s so difficult to learn of a death related to this virus. I’m very sorry for this gentleman’s family and friends, and for our whole community’s loss.”

To protect the privacy and well-being of the family, and to maintain compliance with health information privacy regulations, no further information about the individual will be released by the County. We encourage everyone to be respectful as a family in our community grieves.