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PRESS RELEASE

Today, the Oregon Health Authority announced the twenty-seventh COVID-related death in Baker County. “Oregon’s 3,967th COVID-19 related death is a 71-year-old man from Baker County who tested positive on Sept. 21 and died on Oct. 4 at Providence St. Mary Medical Center in Walla Walla, Washington. He had underlying conditions.”

Health Department Director Nancy Staten said, “Our thoughts are with his friends and family, we’re saddened by this loss for them and our whole community.”

To protect the privacy and well-being of the family, 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 these families in our community are grieving.

PRESS RELEASE

Today, the Oregon Health Authority announced the twenty-sixth COVID-related death in Baker County. “Oregon’s 3,915th COVID-19 related death is a 70-year-old woman from Baker County who tested positive on Sept. 23 and died on Oct. 5 at Saint Alphonsus Medical Center. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.” 

Health Department Director Nancy Staten said, “The Health Department staff and I are so sorry for her friends and family. The toll COVID is taking on our community is painful. Please take care of each other, there are a lot of community members that need that right now.” 

To protect the privacy and well-being of the family, 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 these families in our community are grieving.

PRESS RELEASE

The Oregon Health Authority announced, “Oregon’s 3,757th COVID-19 related death is a 63-year-old man from Baker County who tested positive on Sept. 3 and died on Sept. 24 at Boise VA Medical Center. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.”

Health Department Director Nancy Staten said, “All of us here at the Health Department offer our condolences and our hopes for solace for his loved ones. This surge in cases has also brought a wave of losses for the county, and my heart goes out to each and every family member and friend who is grieving right now.”

In the months of August and September, eight COVID-19 related deaths of County residents have been reported, with ages spanning from 20 to 95. Although the Health Department doesn’t have the exact number, Staten says a lot more have been hospitalized. “While it’s still true that those with underlying health conditions are most likely to have complications, we’re seeing very healthy people without underlying conditions end up very sick and hospitalized. It’s not inevitable. If we all take simple steps- stay home when you’re sick, wash your hands frequently, avoid social situations where the virus can spread easily, and get vaccinated- we can do a lot to keep ourselves and each other safe.”

To protect the privacy and well-being of the family, 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 these families in our community are grieving.