August 30, 2020 1:00 p.m.

County Public Health Officer Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer has confirmed the death of a third county resident from the COVID-19 virus.

An update from the Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team said the 70-year woman passed away on Saturday at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center in Portland. She tested positive for COVID-19 on August 9th and was initially hospitalized in Eugene before being transferred to Portland last Thursday.

Dr. Dannenhoffer said through their investigation of this case, it was discovered that the virus was acquired because of out-of-state travel, and social gatherings. Exposure to individuals that were unknowingly asymptomatic or mildly sick with COVID-19, infected the vulnerable family member with devastating results. Dannenhoffer said DCCRT continues to encourage residents to be cautious about traveling outside the county and asks residents to delay travel, consider stay-cations, and utilize phone or video calling with family and friends.

No new positive test results for COVID-19 have been reported, as of Sunday. The total number of cases remains at 177. Of those, 160 are people that have had positive test results and 17 are presumptive. Along with the newly reported death, 10 people are in isolation. 10,348 people have tested negative for COVID-19 in the county.

The next drive through testing clinic with the Douglas Public Health Network will be Tuesday in Roseburg.

Go to www.douglaspublichealthnetwork.org for more local information about COVID-19.