Author: Tara Micka

PRESS RELEASE

The Oregon Health Authority announced the twelfth COVID-19 related death of a Baker County resident today. Baker County Commissioner Mark Bennett says, “Our thoughts and prayers are with their family and friends as they grieve. I recognize that there are still many people in our community coping with sickness and loss from this virus. Even though case numbers have dropped and people are getting vaccinated, we all know this isn’t over yet. To everyone who’s grieving, you have my sincere condolences.”

The Oregon Health Authority reported, “Oregon’s 2,329th COVID-19 death is an 81-year-old man in Baker County who tested positive on March 8 and died on March 11 at St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center Boise. He had no underlying conditions.”

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.

JOINT PRESS RELEASE

Settler’s Park, a memory care community in Baker City, is responding to an outbreak of COVID-19 in the residential community. Fifteen cases have been reported as of March 2, 2021. The Settler’s Park team initiated COVID-19 testing for all residents and staff. At this time, the majority of individuals are currently experiencing mild to no symptoms.

Residents who test positive are self-isolating in their apartments and are being cared for by well-trained staff wearing PPE to mitigate additional spread of COVID-19. The Settler’s Park team communicates directly with residents, families and team members when positive COVID-19 cases are confirmed in the community.

Jackie Wirth, the Executive Director of Settler’s Park, says, “The health and wellbeing of our residents and team members are our greatest priority. While individuals at our community have tested positive for COVID-19, we continue working together to care for our residents, protect the safety of our team members, and protect the people in our community. We are closely monitoring developments and guidelines with respect to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) from the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization as well as other expert sources. We are also working closely with and at the direction of local healthcare authorities. In addition, we are following enhanced internal protocols in order to help control the spread of COVID-19. Our community is supported by a Senior Lifestyle affiliated task force and management team comprised of various disciplines to aid us in our preparation, readiness, communication, and management of the COVID-19 coronavirus.”

The Baker County Health Department is working closely with staff at Settler’s Park to support efforts to contain the spread of the virus, including providing second doses of vaccine to those who were eligible, and first doses of vaccine to residents and staff who were not vaccinated previously but chose to receive a vaccine now. Health Department Director Nancy Staten says, “We will continue to support Settler’s Park in their work, and walk alongside them as they fight this virus.”

PRESS RELEASE

Today, Baker County was notified by the Oregon Health Authority of two new COVID-19 related deaths of Baker County residents. This brings the total COVID-19 related deaths reported in the County to nine.

County Commissioner Mark Bennett says, “Even though the County’s risk level has improved, the virus continues to spread in our community. These reports weigh heavily on everyone. I want their friends and family to know how saddened we are for their loss, and we offer our condolences to everyone who is grieving.”

The Oregon Health Authority reported, “Oregon’s 2,213th COVID-19 death is an 87-year-old woman in Baker County who tested positive on Feb. 24 and died on Feb. 26 at her residence. She had underlying conditions. Oregon’s 2,214th COVID-19 death is an 88-year-old man in Baker County who tested positive on Feb. 24 and died on Feb. 26 at his residence. He had underlying conditions.”

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