Yesterday, Malheur County surpassed 2,000 COVID-19 cases. Our thoughts are with those who are sick, those who are caring for are ill, and those who have lost someone during this pandemic.

The Malheur County Health Department (MCHD) strives to share as much COVID-19 case information as possible on the COVID-19 Cases page of our website and the COVID-19 Resources page for links to additional data sources.

The data table shown above shows the data from the week of the first COVID-19 case in Malheur County through the end of October. A few notable metrics:

• The “New Total” under the “Weekly” column shows the number of tests that are reported for any Malheur County residents. With a decreasing number of tests being done, the percentage of those tests that are positive is likely to be higher.
• The “Weekly Positivity Rate” is more important to our current testing needs than the “Cumulative Positive Rate,” because 6.5% of the population of Malheur County has already tested positive and with more limited testing earlier in the pandemic, our rate over time is likely higher than what we could achieve currently with more tests available for more people. Also, the state is now counting new negative or positive tests if the previous test was more than 90 days ago. This should significantly help our positivity rate if more people are tested repeatedly.
• To help reduce the spread of COVID-19, we need to know who is infected and isolate them and quarantine their contacts. This can not be done without testing. While increased testing may increase case numbers in the short term, it does reduce the spread of the virus when people know they are infected or exposed and follow guidance.
• To help reduce the positive rate, more people need to be tested.

With so much data to evaluate, it’s important to keep in mind why the data is important. We need the public to be informed and know the current risk of COVID-19 around them to keep themselves and others safe. Everyone in Malheur County should follow these simple steps can save lives by to slowing the spread of COVID-19:

• Follow the statewide requirement to wear a face covering when in indoor public spaces and outdoors when six feet of distance cannot be maintained.
• Limit social gatherings to groups of 10 indoors and 25 outdoors.
• Wash your hands often with running water and soap for 20 seconds.
• If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes using your sleeve or a tissue, not your bare hand.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Stay home and away from the rest of your household if you’re feeling sick.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Quarantine according to public health direction if you are in close contact with a known case.
• Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces that are frequently touched surfaces at home and at work, including your mobile devices.

MCHD officials also ask that the public stay informed and educated through trustworthy sources of information, such as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Safe + Strong Oregon.