Author: Tara Micka

PRESS RELEASE

With schools throughout Oregon being closed since March 16, concerns are growing regarding the reporting of child abuse and neglect. The Oregon Department of Human Services released data indicating that calls to the child abuse hotline have declined approximately 70% since the closure of Oregon schools.

In Baker County, members of the child abuse multidisciplinary team (MDT) continue to meet weekly to discuss allegations of child abuse and neglect. This specialized team consists of representatives from various disciplines, including: Department of Human Services, District Attorney, law enforcement, school personnel, mental health, parole and probation, and medical personnel.

Greg Baxter, the Baker County District Attorney and MDT Chair, hasn’t seen a decrease in the number of child abuse reports being made locally. Reports continue to come in to the hotline and are being staffed by the MDT. Although reports remain steady, Baxter stresses how valuable each community member is in the fight against child abuse. “It’s important to realize that protecting children in Baker County is a responsibility that falls on each of us. We cannot rely solely on mandatory reporters to make that call.” says Greg Baxter.

If you suspect that a child is being abused or neglected, call the DHS Hotline at 1-855-503-7233 or make a report with local law enforcement.

PRESS RELEASE

Late yesterday evening, the Oregon Supreme Court placed a hold on the preliminary injunction that was issued by Baker County Circuit Court Judge Matthew Shirtcliff earlier in the day. This hold will be in effect until the Supreme Court hears the state’s petition to dismiss the injunction, and the Supreme Court has not set a date for that yet. As a result, Governor Brown’s Executive Orders remain in effect.

Baker County continues moving forward in Phase 1 of the reopening plan. Baker County Business Liaison Jeff Nelson reminds everyone to expect changes as businesses reopen their doors. Nelson explains that businesses have had to adapt to meet the state reopening standards, and failing to comply with those standards could put a business in danger of fines from OSHA, penalties that could affect their liquor license or food handlers license, or even being ordered by the state to close again. “As businesses welcome customers back, customers can also welcome our businesses back by supporting businesses in these changes and being flexible. The business owners did not choose these requirements, but they are making it work and doing a great job to keep the community safe. Supporting our local businesses through this change is a great show of support for the community as a whole. Businesses have made some really innovative changes to serve their customers right now, it’s neat to see.” Nelson welcomes any businesses that may have questions during this transition to reach out to him at 541-523-0015.

PRESS RELEASE

The Baker County Health Department reminds everyone to stay vigilant to the symptoms of COVID-19 and continue taking steps to stop the spread of the virus. Preventing the spread of COVID-19 is vital for a healthy community and a healthy economy.

In May, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention expanded its list of Coronavirus symptoms. A variety of symptoms have been reported, and the severity varies with each case. This list includes the most common symptoms; however, others have been reported. Please consult your medical provider for any symptoms that are severe or concerning to you. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.

Symptoms:
● Fever
● Cough
● Difficulty breathing
● Chills
● Repeated shaking with chills
● Muscle pain
● Headache
● Sore Throat
● New loss of taste or smell

Symptoms that required immediate medical attention:
● Difficulty breathing
● Shortness of breath
● Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
● New confusion or inability to rouse
● Blue face or lips

If you are experiencing possible symptoms of COVID-19 and it is not an emergency:

• Stay home and reduce contact with household members as much as possible.
• Contact your primary physician by phone. They will give you instructions about how to limit exposure to others and let you know if you need to seek medical care.

Here are some simple ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19:

• Limit social and recreational activities where social distancing cannot be maintained.
• Stay at least 6 feet from others and use face coverings in public settings.
• Cover your cough and sneeze with a tissue or cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, rather than into your hands.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, mouth or face.
• Clean your hands regularly and thoroughly with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if you can’t wash your hands.
• If you’re sick, isolate yourself until 72 hours after both fever and cough have gone away without the use of fever-reducing medicine.

For more information:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html