April 4, 2020

100 new cases of COVID-19 were announced this morning bringing the statewide total to 999. Union County remains at a total of three confirmed cases. There are no new cases reported in Wallowa County which remains at one confirmed case. The Wallowa County case is not located in Wallowa County but is a resident of the County. Total completed tests in Oregon is 18,925 of which 17,926 are negative.

The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has released guidance on cleaning and disinfecting your home to help you and your family stay healthy.
• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces daily in household common areas (e.g. tables, hard-backed chairs, doorknobs, light switches, remotes, handles, desks, toilets, sinks)
• For electronics, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products. Consider use of wipeable covers for electronics. If no manufacturer guidance is available, consider the use of alcohol-based wipes or spray containing at least 70% alcohol to disinfect touch screens. Dry surfaces thoroughly to avoid pooling of liquids.
• Household cleaners and EPA-registered disinfectants that are appropriate for the surface can be used, following label instructions. Labels contain instructions for safe and effective use of the cleaning product including precautions you should take when applying the product, such as wearing gloves and making sure you have good ventilation during use of the product. Find an EPA-registered disinfectant here: https://www.epa.gov/…/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars…
o Wear disposable gloves when handling dirty laundry from an ill person and then discard the gloves after each use. If using reusable gloves, those gloves should be dedicated for cleaning and disinfection of surfaces for COVID-19 and should not be used for other household purposes. Clean hands immediately after gloves are removed.
o If no gloves are used when handling dirty laundry, be sure to wash hands afterwards.
o If possible, do not shake dirty laundry. This will minimize the possibility of dispersing virus through the air.
o Launder items as appropriate in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. If possible, launder items using the warmest appropriate water setting for the items and dry items completely. Dirty laundry from an ill person can be washed with other people’s items.
o Clean and disinfect clothes hampers according to guidance above for surfaces. If possible, consider placing a bag liner that is either disposable or can be laundered.

The next update will be released on Monday, April 6, 2020 unless significant changes occur.