Document text
New COVID-19 cases down in Jackson County By Vickie Aldous Dec 15, 2022 03:56 PM A A Newly diagnosed COVID-19 cases fell over the past week in Jackson County, reversing a weekslong trend of rising cases. Oregon Health Authority reported 252 new COVID-19 cases in Jackson County during the past week, down from 276 cases the week before. For Josephine County, OHA reported 103 new COVID-19 cases during the past week, down from 107 the week before. Josephine County cases began dipping last week after a weekslong increase. One Josephine County resident died of COVID-19-related causes over the past week, and none died in Jackson County, according to preliminary OHA data. Deaths can take time to categorize as OHA receives and analyzes information from health care facilities and death certificates. Statewide, OHA reported 4,020 new COVID-19 cases for the past week, down from 4,534 the week before. Across Oregon, 13 people died of COVID-19-related causes over the past week, compared with five who died the previous week, according to preliminary OHA data. Oregon hospitals were caring for 315 patients with the COVID-19 virus this week, down from 322 the week before. Hospitals in Jackson and Josephine counties were caring for 45 patients with the virus this week compared with 48 the week before, according to hospitalization data. Intensive care units at the four hospitals in the Rogue Valley were 92% full this week, with four open beds among the hospitals. Non-ICU beds were 90% full, with 42 open beds, according to hospitalization data. Although the pressure on hospital beds has eased from COVID-19, Rogue Valley hospital emergency departments remain under strain from cases of the flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus. RSV normally causes mild, cold-like symptoms but is hitting babies, kids and adults hard this year. Vaccinations against the flu and COVID-19 are available at county health departments, doctors’ offices and many local pharmacies. Reach Mail Tribune reporter Vickie Aldous at 541-776-4486 or [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @VickieAldous.