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PRESS RELEASE

The Baker 5J School District is working with Baker County’s Health and Emergency Management Departments on plans for students returning to area schools this fall. As the district plans for the students being in the classroom, Superintendent Mark Witty and each of the school principals are evaluating how best to protect students and staff with advice from public health officials. Public Health Officer Dr. Eric Lamb says, “The Health Department is working closely with the School District and Oregon Health Authority to come up with a plan to get our kids back to school while keeping our community as safe as possible. The mainstays of that process will continue to include frequent handwashing, and social distancing, not just for students, but for our community as well.”

The Baker County Health Department will be reviewing the plans for each school in the county, including private schools. The District is updating the Baker 5J School District’s communicable disease plan, and developing the ‘Operational Blueprint for Reentry’ plan required by the Oregon Department of Education as part of the Ready Schools, Safe Learners guidelines released in June. She and other District leaders are coordinating their work with the Baker County Health Department and Public Health Officer Dr. Eric Lamb. The District is developing measures to reduce the potential for the virus to spread, including hand hygiene, disinfecting plans, physical distancing, and transportation, as well as establishing how the District will coordinate with the Baker County Health Department on outbreak response protocols, reporting, and response to new cases in the school setting.

The draft ‘Operational Blueprint for Reentry’ and updated communicable disease plan will be presented to the School Board at their July 16 meeting, and the District will be seeking public input. Superintendent Witty said, “We appreciate the professionalism and expertise provided by the Baker County Health Department as we address critical issues related to COVID – 19. Baker School District will be relying on the knowledge and expertise of Baker County’s Health Department staff and the Public Health Officer as we develop plans to safely open and operate schools next fall that maximizes in person instruction while keeping students, staff and our community safe.”

The Ready Schools, Safe Learners guidance from the Oregon Department of Education says, “Each Operational Blueprint for Reentry must address eight essential elements including Public Health Protocols; Equity; Instruction; and Family and Community Engagement. By August 15 or prior to the beginning of the 2020-21 school year, the local school board (or private school operator) must review the Operational Blueprint for Reentry and make it available to the community online. The blueprints will require that every school, under the direction of the district, determine whether they teach all students on site, teach all students through new comprehensive distance learning or utilize a hybrid model.”

The plans for each school will be available during registration, and the District will continue to inform the community about the options available for students this fall.

PRESS RELEASE

Baker County has been notified of one new confirmed case of Coronavirus in the county, bringing total cases to seven. The first case was reported on May 6, 2020, and the other six cases have been reported between June 30 – July 4, 2020.

The Baker County Health Department is conducting case investigation and contact tracing to identify anyone who may have come into close contact with the individual who tested positive in the last 14 days. If you are identified as someone who was a close contact and may be at risk for COVID-19, you will be notified. Please support the Health Department’s contact tracing efforts by having voicemail available in the event you cannot answer. As required by law, the Health Department protects individual privacy while investigating cases.

Any individual who tests positive for COVID-19 is asked to isolate at home for 14 days to prevent the spread of illness to other people in the community. With the public health investigation ongoing, you can reduce your risk of contracting the virus by wearing face coverings in public, maintaining 6 feet of distance between yourself and others, and washing your hands regularly. People who have mild signs of COVID-19 should stay home, unless the signs of illness are serious enough that they would normally seek health care. Call your healthcare provider before going in to make a plan for how to be seen, while avoiding the spread of illness to others. Signs of COVID-19 include fever, cough and difficulty breathing. For a full list of symptoms and information about when to seek emergency medical attention visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html.

As COVID-19 cases increase in Baker County and surrounding areas, stay safe and protect our community by taking the precautions recommended by health authorities.

PRESS RELEASE

Baker County has been notified of two new confirmed cases of Coronavirus in the county. The Baker County Health Department case investigation and contact tracing is underway for each of the new cases. Baker County now has a total of 6 cases.

The Baker County Health Department will be conducting case investigation and contract tracing to identify anyone who may have come in close contact with the individuals who tested positive in the last 14 days. If you are identified as someone who was a close contact and may be at risk for COVID-19, you will be notified. Please support the Health Department’s contact tracing efforts by having voicemail available in the event you cannot answer. As required by law, the Health Department protects individual privacy while investigating cases.

Any individual who tests positive for COVID-19 is asked to isolate at home for 14 days to prevent spread of the illness to other people in the community. With the public health investigation ongoing, you can reduce your risk of contracting the virus by wearing face coverings in public, maintaining 6 feet of distance between yourself and others, and washing your hands regularly. People who have mild signs of COVID-19 should stay home, unless the signs of illness are serious enough they would normally seek health care. Call your healthcare provider before going in to make a plan for how to be seen, while also avoiding the spread of the illness to others. Signs of COVID-19 include fever, cough and difficulty breathing. For a full list of symptoms and when to seek emergency medical attention visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html.

With the recent increase in COVID-19 cases in Baker County, surrounding areas and the nation, Baker County reminds residents to stay safe while celebrating this holiday weekend. Support our local businesses, and keep in mind that masks are now required in indoor public spaces statewide. If you have questions about the requirements or exemptions, see the Oregon Health Authority guidance.

County officials have heard concerns from a number of residents about the Haines Stampede Rodeo event on the 3rd and 4th. The Haines Stampede Rodeo organizers have been in contact with Baker County Emergency Management and are aware of the state’s requirements for outdoor events. Organizers have modified the event based on the state guidelines. If you attend the rodeo or another event this weekend, please be mindful of the changes.

Baker County is not an enforcer of the state guidelines for businesses or events, but Baker County will work with the managers and organizers to obtain and understand the applicable state guidance. If you have questions about the current requirements for businesses, the Baker County business information line is available for questions at 541-523-0015 on weekdays.

Have a safe holiday weekend however you choose to celebrate.