Jackson County Public Health reported three more deaths attributed to coronavirus on Tuesday, bringing the county’s death toll since the beginning of the pandemic to 44.
Public health officials gave the following information about each of the three patients:
- Jackson County’s 42nd COVID-19 death is a 71-year-old female who tested positive on November 16 and died on December 5 at Asante Three Rivers Medical Center in Grants Pass, OR. The patient had underlying conditions.
- Jackson County’s 43rd COVID-19 death is a 73-year-old male who tested positive on November 25 and died on December 5 at Providence Medford Medical Center. The patient had underlying conditions.
- Jackson County’s 44th COVID-19 death is a 76-year-old male who tested positive on November 30 and died on December 6 at Providence Medford Medical Center. The patient had underlying conditions.
Jackson County also reported 106 new cases of the virus on Tuesday, noting that COVID-19 remains widespread in the area. According to Jackson County Public Health, 559 new cases were reported over last week — a new weekly record high.
“Jackson County Public Health understands that most people are burnt out from hearing about COVID-19 and using the strategies to prevent the spread of COVID-19. But, it remains essential to continue to use multiple non-pharmaceutical strategies to prevent the spread of COVID-19,” the agency said in a statement.
“We understand that communities are exhausted from dealing with this, but we cannot let our guards down yet,” said Dr. Jim Shames, Jackson County Health Officer.
Jackson County cited findings from the CDC that no single strategy can control the pandemic. Instead, health officials urge a “multipronged approach” using all available evidence-based strategies at the individual and community levels. Those methods can help break transmission chains and address high levels of community transmission; reduce related illnesses and deaths; and mitigate the pandemic’s economic impact.