KWSO COVID-19 UPDATE 5/20/21

The Warm Springs Community COVID-19 Update today reports 1 new case of COVID-19 from 25 tests conducted on Wednesday (05/19/21) at the Warm Springs Health & Wellness Center. There was 1 case reported from an outside facility. There are currently 4 active cases of COVID-19 and 3 close contacts being monitored.

The Oregon Health Authority’s COVID-19 Weekly Report, this week, shows decreases in daily cases and increases in hospitalizations and deaths from the previous week. For County risk levels this week: Benton, Deschutes, Hood River, Lincoln and Washington counties have vaccinated over 65% of residents 16 and older with at least one dose. That moves those 5 counties into the Lower Risk Level starting tomorrow. Counties need to have a vaccination rate of at least 65% to move out of the COVID-19 High Risk category. Jefferson County is at 47.1%, Wasco County is at 52.1%. For people who live in Warm Springs, 16 and older – we have a 53.4% vaccination rate.

TESTING

If you would like to be tested for COVID-19 – check in at the front gate at the Warm Springs Health & Wellness Center and they will direct you where to go.

10971 tests have been conducted at the Health & Wellness Center – 759 Total Positive Cases resulted
98 positive tests have come from outside facilities
There have been a total of 857 cases of COVID-19 in Warm Springs since the Pandemic Began.

VACCINATIONS

There is a Youth & Adolescent COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic scheduled for Monday May 24^th between 1-7pm at the Warm Springs Health & Wellness Center for those 12 and older. Increasing the number of youth vaccinated against COVID-19 will help protect elders and other vulnerable members of our community while helping us reach community immunity. Call 541-553-2131 with any questions.

Vaccination appointments can be made for anyone 12 years or older who is Indian Health Service eligible, OR who lives or works in Warm Springs or who is a family member of someone that qualifies in one of those three ways. Call the Warm Springs Health & Wellness Center vaccine appointment line at 541-553-2131

Jefferson County Public Health will be hosting a Walk-In Community COVID Family Vaccination Clinic this Saturday. The clinic is free of charge and health insurance is not required. Families can be vaccinated Saturday 9am – 3pm at the Madras First Baptist Church (85 NE A St, Madras, OR 97741) This clinic is for ages 12 and older (12-14 years need parent/guardian present). There is an adult clinic set for Friday afternoon, May 28^th from 1-4 at the Jefferson County Community/Senior Center (860 SW Madison St. Madras, OR 97741. This clinic for anyone 18 and older. To learn more you can call Jefferson County Public Health at 541-475-4456 or online visit https://www.jeffco.net/publichealth/page/covid-19-vaccination-information

GUIDANCE

Facemasks are still required in Tribal offices and public places on the Warm Springs Reservation. The local COVID-19 response team will continue to monitor the data and make recommendations based on the health and safety of the Tribal Membership.

The Centers for Disease Control guidance says that even people who are fully vaccinated should wear masks when using public transportation, in hospitals and health care clinics and long-term care facilities. School students and teachers will still need to be masked and keep a safe distance apart. HERE is more information from the CDC about what activities are safe for vaccinated and unvaccinated people.

It’s important to recognize that there is no way to know if someone without a mask has been fully vaccinated and so continuing to protect yourself and others by wearing a facemask in public places is still a good idea.

HOSPITALIZATION & DEATHS