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PRESS RELEASE

Gov. Kate Brown announced Thursday that Baker County has been successful in reducing the spread of COVID-19 sufficiently enough to be removed from the County Watch List. Commissioner Mark Bennett said of the change, “We’re pleased to see the rate of COVID-19 spread has reduced over the last few weeks, and I thank the Baker County Health Department for all the work they’ve done to get good information to those who have tested positive and their contacts. The Health Department’s work is absolutely instrumental in keeping the virus in check. The virus is still present in our community, and we see new cases almost daily. Please continue taking care of yourselves and your loved ones by staying home when you’re sick, washing your hands frequently, and using distance and face coverings to keep from spreading the virus. Let’s be proactive in protecting each other and get our schools open again.”

Counties are placed on the Watch List when COVID-19 is spreading quickly and public health officials are unable to trace the spread to specific sources. The following counties remain on the County Watch List: Jackson, Jefferson, Malheur, Morrow, and Umatilla Counties.

“I want to commend county officials and community members in Baker County for their efforts in curbing community spread of COVID-19,” said Governor Brown. “Their work in reducing community transmission warrants removal from the Watch List, and is a good reminder of how we can reduce the spread of this disease if we work together.”

PRESS RELEASE

Baker County was deeply saddened to receive notice of a second COVID-19 related death in the county. The individual had underlying medical conditions.

“I want the family and friends of this person to know that the Health Department extends our deepest sympathy for your loss. This situation is very serious for many Baker County residents, and I ask everyone in our community to take the steps recommended by public health to prevent spreading the virus.” says Nancy Staten, Baker County Health Department Director.

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.

PRESS RELEASE

It is with heavy hearts that Baker County announces the first COVID-19 related death in the county. The individual was a resident at Meadowbrook Place Assisted Living Community in Baker City, and had underlying medical conditions.

“This is a very sad day for our community. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Resident health and safety continues to be our top priority. We are doing everything we can to stop the spread of COVID-19 within our community, including staying in very close communication with local and state health officials to ensure we are taking all the appropriate steps. Due to respect for the resident and family we will not share personal information. Again, this is a sad day and we ask you to remember the member of our family that passed away,” said Deanna Smith, Regional Director of Operations for Concepts in Community Living, the management company for Meadowbrook Place.

Nancy Staten, Baker County Health Department Director, says, “I really hoped this wouldn’t happen in our community. My heart goes out to the family, friends and loved ones of this individual, and we at the Health Department all extend our deepest sympathies. This is a sad reality of how COVID-19 can affect those at high risk, and as a community, we are responsible for protecting each other.”

To protect the privacy and well-being of the family and to maintain compliance with HIPAA 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.