Month: December 2021

Case counts rising again

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COVID-19 cases are on the rise again in Malheur County, and the Health Department urges everyone to be mindful of others as we go about our business, by wearing masks in indoor public spaces, frequent handwashing, get tested at the first sign of symptoms and get vaccinated.

To be tested for COVID-19, contact your primary care physician, your local clinic or pharmacy, or you may be able to find an at-home test in a pharmacy – contact your local pharmacy to ask about availability. Testing sites may be found at https://govstatus.egov.com/or-oha-covid-19-testing and vaccine sites may be found at https://getvaccinated.oregon.gov. If you have a child who attends a Malheur County school and has symptoms or was exposed to the positive case at school, contact their school, which may have free testing available.

COVID-19 vaccinations are available at local physician’s offices and clinics, pharmacies, the Health Department, and at various vaccine events throughout the county. To stay up-to-date on vaccine events, keep an eye on the MCHD calendar of events.

Positions to close Jan. 7

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The Malheur County Health Department currently has several positions open. Two of those will close to applicants Jan. 7, 2022.

Tobacco Prevention and Education Program/Health Equity – see job description here. This full-time, permanent position with benefits requires a person who is self-motivated, goal-oriented and detail focused. *Closes Jan. 7.

Public Health Emergency Preparedness/Community Engagement – see job description here. This full-time, permanent position with benefits requires a person who is self-motivated, goal-oriented and detail focused. *Closes Jan. 7.

Peer Recovery Mentor (three positions open) – see job description here. If you know anyone who is passionate about helping people, who has at least two years in recovery, please refer them to the county website to apply.

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Wednesday vaccination clinics continue into new year, extended hours ends this week

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Parents who want to get kids vaccinated before they return to school in the new year are encouraged to bring the child to the Malheur County Health Department 1108 SW 4th St., clinic in Ontario, Wednesday, Dec. 29, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. This will be the last of our extended hours clinics.

Beginning next week, every Wednesday will see walk-in vaccination clinics from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Health Department. All childhood vaccines, and most adult vaccines will be available, including all doses of the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines.

Please call 541-889-7279 if you have questions.

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Celebrating faith safely this holiday season

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While we still need to take safety precautions to protect against COVID-19, the good news is that thanks to the protection offered by vaccinations, boosters and face masks, we are better able this year to safely participate in faith traditions. Here are some ways you can protect yourself and those around you.

The Oregon Health Authority offers these tips for safely worshipping.

People who are at high risk should consider these low-risk activities:

  • Attend online services.
  • Attend outdoor services, either with a mask or where it is possible to maintain safe distance from others.
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Having guests over this winter?

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Having visitors in your home this winter? While opening windows can improve ventilation in your home during the visit, it might be too cold to do so comfortably. If possible, try cracking open a window for a little while. You can also take other steps to improve ventilation in your home, like upgrading your HVAC filter, running a HEPA purifier, and using your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans. Taking steps to improve ventilation can reduce the number of COVID-19 particles in your home’s air. Check out the CDC’s new interactive tool to see how to prevent virus particles from accumulating in your home.

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Vaccine clinic hours

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The clinic at the Malheur County Health Department will have extended hours for one more Wednesday in 2021. Dec. 29, the clinic, at 1108 SW 4th St. in Ontario will be open from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. for walk-in vaccinations.

Beginning Jan. 5, the clinic will be open every Wednesday in 2022 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. for walk-in vaccinations.

For more information, contact the Malheur County Health Department at 541-889-7279.

Three vaccination events coming soon

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There are three COVID-19 vaccination events coming in the next few days in Malheur County – two in Nyssa and one in Vale.

Friday, Dec. 17, at Vale City Hall, 150 A St. E, Eastern Oregon Center for Independent Living will host a vaccine clinic from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event will be for people 18 and older, and will feature all doses of Moderna and Johnson and Johnson vaccines, as well as high and regular dose influenza vaccines and the flu mist. Flyers for the event are in English and Spanish.

Saturday, Dec. 18, COVID-19 vaccines will be given by Eastern Oregon Center for Independent Living for people ages 5 and older at the Tex-Mex Express, 400 Thunderegg Blvd. in Nyssa from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. All three brands of vaccine will be available. Flyers for the event in English and Spanish.

Tuesday, Dec. 21, all three COVID-19 vaccines, as well as flu vaccines, will be available at the Nyssa Middle School, cafeteria, 101 S. 11th St., from 3-5 p.m. This event is hosted by the Malheur County Health Department, and is for anyone 5 and older. Look here for flyers in English and Spanish.

Rides to vaccine events can be accessed by calling 541-889-3119.

Prepare now for winter driving

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We’ve already seen some snow in Malheur County, and now is the time to make sure your vehicle, and you, are ready to hit the road safely this winter.

Some tips:

Always check the weather for your route and use Tripcheck.com for road conditions. Keep a winter emergency kit in your vehicle. Suggested items include:

✔️ Phone charger, warm clothes, blankets

✔️ First aid kit, bottled water and non-perishable snacks

✔️ Jumper cables, flashlight with batteries, road flares

✔️ Ice scraper, shovel, tire chains if needed

✔️ Winterize your vehicle, keep a full tank of gas and a spare tire

✔️ Visit ready.gov/car for more tips

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Applications open for new statewide tobacco retail license program

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All retailers must get license to sell tobacco products by Jan. 1, 2022

The application for businesses to apply for the state’s new tobacco retail license is now available.

The Oregon Department of Revenue opened the application portal for businesses to apply for a tobacco retail license on Dec. 1. By Jan. 1, 2022, retailers in Oregon must have a tobacco retail license to sell tobacco products and inhalant delivery systems – also known as “e-cigarettes” or “vape” – to consumers, per Senate Bill 587.

Retailers can get an annual license for $953 through Revenue Online on the Department of Revenue Statewide Tobacco Retail License website. The fee is set annually to support the cost of running the licensing program, educating retailers and conducting compliance checks.

There are three exceptions to the license requirement: Retailers operating on tribal lands do not need a license. Retailers licensed by the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission or the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program to sell inhalant delivery systems without nicotine do not need a license. Retailers in jurisdictions that already had their own tobacco retail license program may be required to continue to apply with their local jurisdiction. See the Statewide Tobacco Retail License website for details.

“It’s still too easy for young people to get their hands on tobacco in Oregon,” said Rachael Banks, director of the Oregon Health Authority Public Health Division. “This license is a necessary next step to protect the next generation from nicotine addiction.”

The new tobacco retail license requirement gives the state more enforcement authority to ensure that businesses follow tobacco laws, including not selling to people younger than 21. Studies show that nearly 90% of people who use tobacco start before they turn 18, and experience from other states, shows that tobacco retail licensing can reduce youth access to tobacco. Oregon was previously one of only seven states that didn’t require a tobacco retail license.

The Department of Revenue will begin checking that retailers have a license in January. Penalties may be issued to those who are not licensed. OHA public health educational visits on tobacco sales laws will also begin in the new year, and compliance checks – and associated penalties – will begin July 1, 2022.

Retailers with questions about how to apply for a license should visit the Department of Revenue’s Statewide Tobacco Retail License website, email trl.help@dor.oregon.gov, or call 503-945-8120.

Source: Oregon Health Authority press release 12/14/2021