Your local health department would like to inform you of our response to the recent surge in COVID-19 cases in our community.

As of Nov. 2, we have 38 total coronavirus cases in Harney County, the majority of which occurred in the last month.

Several schools in our area — including Slater Elementary School, Hines Middle School, and Burns High School — moved to comprehensive distance learning for two weeks to slow the spread through their schools and our broader community. They are planning to reopen on Nov. 12. Harney County Health Department is working very closely with the administrations of all schools in the county to keep children safe and in school.

However, we cannot keep our community open without your help. To combat the continual spike in cases, and in an effort to get a handle on the situation, we are holding a coronavirus testing event on Thursday, Nov. 5 at the Harney County Fairgrounds from 3-5 p.m. We are encouraging all residents to come get tested, regardless of symptoms or contacts. It is completely free. Any adults will be administered a rapid test, with results in around 15-20 minutes. If parents wish to have their children (anyone under 18) tested, the child will be administered a send-out test with results within 3-5 days. Our rapid test are not used often on children. The testing will be drive up.

The health department is also providing a flu clinic for anyone wishing to receive a flu vaccine. Most insurances cover 100 percent of the cost of the flu vaccine. We will have cash options for those without insurance.

If you have any questions, please reach out to the Harney County Health Department at 541-573-2271.