DHD #10: Oceana COVID-19 cases ‘continue to climb.’

A drive-through COVID-19 testing site at Northwest Health Services in Shelby.

DHD #10: Oceana COVID-19 cases ‘continue to climb.’

By Allison Scarbrough, Editor.

OCEANA COUNTY – District Health Department #10 (DHD#10) reports that cases “continue to climb in Oceana County due to outbreaks at some farms and businesses in the area.”

“Many cases were initially asymptomatic (not showing symptoms) when they went to work, so they passed all screening efforts implemented by their employers. Nevertheless, these individuals inadvertently exposed co-workers, as well as family and household members, who subsequently became infected.”

Oceana County currently has 183 cases of COVID-19, said Public Information Officer Jeannine Taylor Tuesday, June 23. It is the highest number of positive cases in the health department’s 10-county jurisdiction. A total of 71 people in Oceana County have recovered and three have died.

Recoveries are “based on whether individuals are still alive 30 days past the confirmed date,” states DHD #10’s website.

“It is a combination of outbreaks at farms and businesses,” said Taylor. “Those individuals are going home and spreading it to their families. A jump in cases has happened in the last two weeks.

“Most businesses are doing their part to implement safety measures,” she said. “Employers can’t control what employees do after work.”

Taylor declined to specify which businesses and farms are experiencing outbreaks due to privacy concerns.

“The virus spreads very quickly when in close proximity to others, which is why we are seeing families and households become infected, causing the overall numbers to increase,” said Kevin Hughes, Health Officer for DHD#10. “We continue to stress the importance of social distancing, wearing face coverings, avoiding touching eyes, nose, and mouth, and continually washing hands to prevent getting or spreading the virus.”

“Now that many area stores and restaurants are open and people are venturing out, it is more important than ever to continue following prevention guidelines,” states a DHD #10 press release. “Employers are required to follow the Governor’s Executive Order 2020-114 to protect workers, and Executive Order 2020-115 regarding events, gatherings, and businesses. By adhering to these orders, businesses and individuals will make a significant impact on preventing further spread of COVID-19.”

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