As of 2/28/2020, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) had a news release: Oregon announces first, presumptive case of novel Coronavirus.
Coronavirus Info and Influenza prevention - Espanol
Oregon Health Authority resource - Espanol - Haga clic aqui
What does a presumptive case mean...This means there are strong indication of coronavirus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta will confirm the presence of novel coronavirus through additional testing with results being shared sometime this weekend. As soon as we know more we will update this site.
We are reminded that coronavirus is not spread by casual contact, like passing someone on the street. Rather, by close contact within six feet of someone coughing or sneezing. There is no vaccination for coronavirus, but there is a vaccine for the flu and it is not too late to get a flu vaccine.
What this means for our school community...Administration and I are monitoring the information shared by health authorities and will continue to update the community as we get information. We know our public health authorities are working hard and we are confident that through their investigations they will control and prevent the spread of this infection to the greater community. We also know that we have an excellent health care in this country to care for any individual that may get exposed. So, please rest assured that we are doing all we can to keep our school community safe and informed.
We now have COVID-19 documents available in multiple languages:
Health officials advise the same familiar message we have followed for the flu:
- Cover your coughs & sneezes
- Wash hands frequently (or use hand sanitizer)
- Stay at home at the first sign of symptoms (fever, cough, cold)
Health officials continue investigating as they urge good hand hygiene, covering coughs, staying home if sick.
An adult resident of Washington County has been tested initially, but further confirmation by CDC in Atlanta is pending and should be known sometime this weekend. This person is now in appropriate isolation and care. The individual spent time in a school in the Lake Oswego School District and may have exposed students and staff there.
Public health officials will investigate potential exposures there and contact employees and families of children to let them know the next steps. The individual has been isolated and is being cared for at Kaiser Permanente Westside Medical Center in Hillsboro. OHA epidemiologists are working closely with public health investigators at Washington County Department of Health and Human Services to identify close contacts of the case.
OHA officials continue to recommend people in Oregon take everyday precautions to prevent the spread of many respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19 and influenza:
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces that are often touched.
- Take care of your health overall. Staying current on your vaccinations, including flu vaccine, eating well and exercising all help your body stay resilient.
- Consult CDC’s travel website for any travel advisories and steps to protect yourself if you plan to travel outside of the US.
For more information: Espanol - Haga clic aquí
Attached are two printable infographic image cards that give guidance on prevention and symptom information of coronavirus. CoronavirusSymptoms.png and CoronavirusPrevention.png.
The risk of getting influenza is much higher than the risk of exposure to COVID-19. Please see our "Preventing Influenza" page (page link here) for more information.
If you have symptoms of fever, cough, or breathing problems stay home from school or work and call your doctor.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
Agnes Albert, RN, BSN, CIC
District School Nurse
North Marion School District Nurse
Desk: 503-678-7140
Office: 503-678-8500
Fax: 503-678-8510
agnes.albert@nmarion.k12.or.us