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PRESS RELEASE

The Oregon Health Authority reported the sixteenth COVID-19 related death of a Baker County resident, saying “Oregon’s 2,805th death is a 59-year-old man from Baker County who tested positive on July 7 and died on July 13 at Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center. He had underlying conditions.”

Commissioner Mark Bennett said, “I send my condolences to his family and friends, I’m so sorry for their loss. We clearly still need to be aware that the virus continues to be active in our community, and variants are spreading that are even more contagious. Unfortunately, this isn’t over. I encourage everyone to be mindful of protecting themselves and others, especially those with underlying health risks.” 

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

COVID-19 cases are on the rise in Baker County, with a total of 19 cases reported last week (between June 13-19) and 19 cases so far this week. Health Department Director Nancy Staten said, “Unfortunately, this isn’t over yet. Some of the people we’re working with are quite sick, some are hospitalized. As life begins to normalize, COVID is still with us in our community, and we’re seeing it spread through work places and gatherings with family and friends. If you haven’t been vaccinated yet, do consider making an appointment, and if you’d like to learn more, explore the resources on www.bakercountycovid19.com.”

Staten added that some of the cases occurring in people who are known to be a close contact of someone else who was sick, but some are sporadic and they haven’t been able to identify the source. The Health Department encourages everyone to keep using protective measures like handwashing and social distancing to limit the chances of getting sick.

PRESS RELEASE

The Governor’s office announced Baker County is going to the lower risk category beginning Thursday, May 27. The county has been in the higher risk category since May 7.

The lower risk category allows eating and drinking establishments to increase occupancy to 50%, where currently in the higher risk category occupancy is limited to 25%. Indoor recreation and fitness establishments and indoor entertainment establishments are allowed to increase to 50% capacity as well.

County Commissioner Mark Bennett said, “We have been advocating with the Governor’s office to get back down to the lower risk category, and I’m so glad our businesses will begin Memorial Day weekend in the lowest risk category available.”

Specific guidance for each risk level is available on the Oregon Health Authority’s website.