March 14, 2020 7:15 p.m.
There are now 36 presumptive cases of COVID-19 in Oregon as of Saturday.
A release from the Oregon Health Authority said there are six new cases of the virus.
OHA is reporting 3 new cases in Washington County, 2 new cases in Deschutes County and 1 new case in Linn County.  The Linn County case is at the Veterans’ Home in Lebanon. 1 of the Deschutes County cases traveled to a country where the virus is actively spreading. The remaining cases are believed to be community acquired.
Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs Director Kelly Fitzpatrick said with the latest test results, “our concerns and efforts remains focused on our 9 honored veteran residents who are presumptive positive for COVID-19”. He said ODVA is working vigilantly with the Oregon Health Authority, Linn County Public Health and other partners to ensure all possible steps are being taken to help mitigate additional impact to the residents and staff at the facility.
The release said health officials continue to urge all Oregonians to take steps to protect those who are most vulnerable to complications from COVID-19. Those who are considered “high risk” include adults 60 and older, anyone with a serious health condition, including lung or heart problems, kidney disease or diabetes or anyone who has a suppressed immune system.
The release said people vulnerable to complications should follow Federal Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations to stay home as much as possible, and avoid gatherings.
Every resident should take basic steps to protect those most at risk:
*Never visit a hospital or long-term care facility if you have a fever or cough illness.
*Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
*Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
*Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
*Stay home if you feel ill
OHA said that COVID-19 spreads like flu, when someone who is sick coughs or sneezes close to another person. After someone contracts COVID-19, illness usually develops within 14 days. Symptoms mirror those of the flu including fever, cough, runny nose, headache, soar throat and general feelings of illness. That has made it more difficult for health officials to identify sick individuals and stop the virus from spreading