The following are “top line messages” from the Harney County Health Department:

• Many people are worried about the way COVID-19 is affecting our communities. The disruptions to daily life are challenging for all of us, yet important to slowing the spread of COVID-19.

• Slowing the spread helps protect our most vulnerable community members and will help keep our health system working when we need it most.

• We know we are asking a lot of Oregonians in order to protect our communities. We continue to need your help.

• Please continue to practice social distancing as outlined in Gov. Kate Brown’s orders.

Help us keep our health system strong:

• If you have symptoms that are mild enough that you would not typically seek medical treatment, stay home, rest, and monitor your symptoms.

• People who need nonemergency medical care should call their healthcare provider before showing up at a clinic.

• If they are physically able, individuals who need emergency care should tell 911 and the hospital about any known exposure to someone with COVID-19 and travel to any affected areas.

• Older adults and people who have serious chronic medical conditions (such as heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease) are at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19.

• Older adults and people with underlying health conditions can help stay safe and healthy if they take steps to protect themselves. In addition to taking everyday precautions, such as practicing good hand hygiene, they should also avoid people who are sick and minimize the number of essential trips they make.

• There is no racial or ethnic group that is any more likely to get COVID-19 or spread it to others.

• These measures are intended to help us “flatten the curve” or slow the number of people who are ill at any given time to ensure our health systems continue to function well when we need them most.

• We continue to work with our partners to adjust our COVID-19 response strategies as needed.

• Oregon Health Authority will continue to share the latest information with you so you can know how to best protect yourself and your family.

What to do if you are sick:

• Stay home except to get medical care.

• People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 are able to recover at home. Do not leave, except to get medical care. Do not visit public areas.

• Stay in touch with your doctor. Call before you get medical care. Be sure to get care if you feel worse or you think it is an emergency.

• Avoid public transportation

Separate yourself from other people in your home. This is known as home isolation.

• Stay away from others. As much as possible, you should stay in a specific “sick room” and away from other people in your home. Use a separate bathroom, if available.

• Limit contact with pets and animals. You should restrict contact with pets and other animals, just like you would around other people.

Call ahead before visiting your doctor.

• If you have a medical appointment, call your doctor’s office or emergency department, and tell them you have or may have COVID-19. This will help the office protect themselves and other patients.

Wear a facemask if you are sick.

• If you are sick, you should wear a facemask when you are around other people and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office.

• If you are caring for others: If the person who is sick is not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then people who live in the home should stay in a different room. When caregivers enter the room of the sick person, they should wear a facemask. Visitors, other than caregivers, are not recommended.

Clean your hands often.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. This is especially important after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food.