As the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 continues to sweep the globe, medical professionals, including those in Harney County, are attempting to “flatten the curve.”

The “curve” is a graph that shows the rise, peak, and decline of infections over a designated time period. (See photo).

Jolene Cawlfield, director of the Harney County Health Department, explained that, if everyone gets sick at the same time (the peak), there won’t be enough medical facilities to handle the numbers. However, if people take precautions to prevent the spread of the virus, and “flatten” the number of infections on any given day, medical facilities will have a better chance of treating the patients over a longer time period.

Those precautions include:
• washing your hands (often) with soap and water for at least 20 seconds;
• coughing or sneezing into your elbow;
• avoiding large gatherings;
• avoiding touching your face with unwashed hands;
• staying home if you feel ill;
• calling your healthcare provider before visiting a healthcare facility; and
• practicing social distancing (keeping a 6-foot distance from others).

Cawlfield said she hopes people take the precautions seriously because, as of now, they are the best methods for slowing the spread of the coronavirus. She went on to say that, like other new viruses that appear from time-to-time, humans don’t have previous exposure or immunity built up to battle COVID-19.

She referenced the H1N1 (Swine flu) outbreak in 2009 and noted that the number of cases began to decline when the warmer weather arrived.

Cawlfield said that the medical community is  hoping that an early spring and/or summer will arrive and possibly slow the spread down, giving medical facilities more time to deal with the coronavirus. She cautioned, however,  that the coronavirus could resurface in the fall when temperatures cool.

Those most susceptible to COVID-19 are the elderly; those with heart, lung, liver, or kidney problems; pregnant women; and those with immunocompromised diseases. Because they are more susceptible, extra precautions should be taken, such as self-quarantining.

As of March 16, there were 47 cases of COVID-19 reported in Oregon, but none in Harney County. One death has also been reported in the state. Cawlfield stated that, while there are no cases in Harney County, she wouldn’t be surprised if it were confirmed here within a month.

She said symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and sore throat. She also stressed that if you are feeling sick, stay home, or if it’s possible to work from home, do so. It is also recommended that you consider having a two-week supply of prescription and over-the-counter medications, food, and other essentials.

“We want to get ahead of this and flatten the curve,” Cawlfield said.

She added that residents can find daily updates on COVID-19 on the Oregon Health Authority website at www.oregon.gov/oha/pages/index.aspx