In an effort to help keep the community informed, Harney District Hospital (HDH) would like provide an update regarding the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and answer some of the questions that you might have.

— COVID-19 cases —

As of Monday, Aug. 30, Harney County has had 595 positive COVID-19 cases since the pandemic began. The county has had 11 COVID-related deaths since the beginning of the pandemic. Oregon Health Authority (OHA) publishes case information for each county every week day (Monday through Friday). You can find the most up-to-date case information for Harney County online at: https://govstatus.egov.com/OR-OHA-COVID-19.

— Why have there been so many air ambulance flights? —

Although you’ll find top-notch services, staff, and technology at HDH, some of our patients must be transported to another facility because they require a higher level of care. Patients have been transported from HDH to other facilities via air ambulance for a wide range of medical conditions. Due to staffing levels, HDH Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is currently unable to transport patients out of the area via ground ambulance, which has contributed to the increase in air ambulance flights.

— Should I be worried about staffing? —

HDH is continuing to do everything possible to retain and recruit healthcare professionals to care for you. Two new primary care providers, Drs. Tim Tetzlaff and Lincoln Mosier, joined HDH Family Care Clinic in August. HDH also welcomed Dr. Emery Chang (general surgery) and Dr. David Mehr (emergency department) this summer.

On Thursday, Aug. 19, Gov. Kate Brown outlined the steps that Oregon is taking to support hospitals during the ongoing surge in cases and hospitalization, including deploying the National Guard and nurse strike teams. These resources will be deployed to hospitals experiencing the highest surges in cases and hospitalizations first.

— How will the vaccine mandate impact HDH? —

Although HDH is concerned about how Gov. Brown’s mandate could impact staffing throughout the organization, the hospital and all of its affiliated entities remain committed to caring for the community. Your health and safety will always be our number one priority. HDH leadership has been meeting with staff both one-on-one and in groups to address concerns, answer questions, and receive feedback regarding the vaccine mandate. CEO Dan Grigg will continue to bring these questions and concerns to the governor and other state leaders. 

— How can I help healthcare staff? —

• Please do not visit the emergency department for COVID-19 testing, unless you require emergency care for your symptoms. 

The emergency department is under significant strain caring for patients with COVID-19 and other serious medical conditions. Please see “When to seek emergency medical attention for COVID-like symptoms” for more information.

If you have symptoms of COVID-19, but do not require emergency care, call HDH Family Care Clinic, Harney County Health Department, or your primary care provider to determine whether you should be tested for the virus. HDH Family Care clinic can be reached at 541-573-2074, and the health department can be reached at 541-573-2271. Please call ahead before arriving at either facility. 

If you have any other medical condition that doesn’t require emergency care, please contact your primary care provider. Your provider will help you get the care you need while saving the emergency department from added strain.

• Please continue to protect yourself and others against COVID-19. Get vaccinated, wear a mask, practice good hand hygiene, maintain physical distancing, and stay home when you are sick. If you are still unsure about whether you should receive a COVID-19 vaccine, talk to your primary care provider or find facts on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) website:  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/index.html.

• Please avoid high-risk activities. Now is not the best time to attempt to break the world record for chainsaw juggling! All kidding aside, you can help healthcare staff by avoiding any activity that could result in serious injury and increase strain on the emergency department.

• Please respect our patients’ privacy. Everyone has the right to privacy when receiving medical care. We urge you not to take photos or videos of patients or share their medical information without their consent.

— When to seek emergency medical attention for COVID-like symptoms —

Anyone who is showing these signs should seek emergency medical care immediately:
• trouble breathing;
• persistent pain or pressure in the chest;
• new confusion;
• inability to wake or stay awake;
• pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone.

*This list does not include all of the possible symptoms. If you or someone you know are experiencing any other symptoms that are severe or concerning, please call 911 or the hospital at 541-573-7281. Notify the operator that you are seeking care for someone who has or may have COVID-19.

What should I do if I test positive for COVID-19?

Testing positive for COVID-19 can make anyone feel nervous. Knowing what to do when you get a positive test result is important for your health and the health of people around you. The first thing to know is that you should do the same things, whether you are fully vaccinated, partially vaccinated, or unvaccinated.

Here’s what to do if you have COVID-19:

1. Stay home and stay separate from others.
— If you have symptoms, you can be around others after:
• you have no fever for 24 hours without the use of medicine, AND
• your symptoms improve, AND
• at least 10 days have passed since your first symptoms.

— If you don’t have symptoms, you can be around others after:
• 10 days have passed since your test, and you have no symptoms. 

2. Tell your close contacts right away.
• If you had or have symptoms: Contact the people you were in close contact with beginning two days before your symptoms began. Close contact means being within 6 feet of someone for 15 minutes or more over the course of a day, with or without a mask or face covering.
• If you did not or do not have symptoms: Contact the people you were in close contact with beginning two days before you took your COVID-19 test.

3. Stay near your phone.
The Harney County Health Department is currently experiencing a surge in cases, which is straining case investigation and contract tracing resources. If you test positive for COVID-19, stay near your phone. The health department will contact you as soon as possible.  

If you need help, you can:
• Call the Harney County Health Department at 541-573-2271 if you need support to isolate.
• Call your healthcare provider if you’re concerned that your symptoms are not improving.
• Call 911 if you have these severe symptoms:
—  difficulty breathing;
— pain or pressure in the chest or belly;
— inability to drink or keep liquids down;
— new confusion or inability to wake up;
— bluish lips or face.