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MEDFORD, Ore. — Jackson County Public Health (JCPH) has reported an ongoing investigation at long-term care facility Avamere Three Fountains after a 54 COVID-19 case outbreak and one fatality on Nov. 9.
Jackson County Health Officer Dr. Jim Shames said the outbreak can be traced back to one or multiple large gatherings, including a birthday party. The investigation started on Nov. 3 and involves 8 staff members and 46 residents with confirmed cases of COVID-19.
"We had a multi-generational birthday party. A great time was had by all and I am sure they were happy to hug each other," Shames said. "And then, some people went off to work in a daycare center - they had an outbreak. Some people went off to work in a nursing home - they had an outbreak. That's how this happens."
Avamere is one of the nine long-term care facilities in Jackson
County that has played a significant role in the increase of COVID-19
outbreaks. The nine facilities have three or more staff and/or residents
that have tested positive for COVID-19.
JCPH said the risk of severe illness from COVID-19 increases with age
especially for people in their 60s or 70s like most in long-term care
facilities.
"These are fragile people, they have chronic underlying diseases, they're older, they don't have the same immune protection by in large as younger individuals," Dr. Shames said. "When there is a case in a nursing home residence, things can happen very quickly, which is exactly what we're seeing."
JCPH said Avamere has been a collaborative partner with them, along with the other eight facilities. Shames said they have been testing everyone twice a week for COVID as well as wearing masks, gowns, gloves and social distancing.
"There's certainly a lot of diligence and the issue is really what's happening at the community at large," Shames said. "I mean, I can't stress enough that when people sort of fragrantly don't follow the guidelines, this is what happens."
Shames said the COVID-19 case outbreak is an issue larger than in just long term care facilities. Jackson County reported 41 new COVID-19 cases on Nov. 9 bringing the total reported COVID-19 cases in the county to 2,382. JCPH said they are seeing a trend statewide due to social gatherings of various sizes, which is increasing case counts.
"It's a community responsibility issue and I think what we're seeing
at this nursing home (Avamere) as well as other nursing homes, is kind
of the consequences of that," Shames said.
Shames said if people want to see students back in school buildings, they must start following COVID-19 guidelines.
"You've
got to take the restrictions more seriously. People are tired of the
separation and the masks and I get that," Shames said. "But, sometimes
you have to do things you don't really want to do in order to get the
things that you really want."
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