COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus)
Reopening Information / Reapertura
Marion County COVID-19 Data Dashboard
Marion County Health & Human Services has an important role in responding to reports of COVID-19 in our community. We have activated our Department Operations Center (DOC) and are working closely with our local, state, and federal partners as the situation evolves.
For general information about the novel coronavirus, please call 2-1-1. Click here to sign up for daily updates from Oregon Health Authority about COVID-19. As always, if you are not feeling well, please contact your health care provider.
Please see our Data Dashboard for information about COVID-19 cases in Marion County. The dashboard details cases over time with information about age groups, hospitalizations, and negative tests.
Frequently Asked Questions
The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
- Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
- Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
- These droplets can land in the mouths or noses or people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
Some recent studies have suggested that COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.
Spread from contact with contaminated surfaces or objects
It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be in the main way the virus spreads.
Community spread means people have been infected with the virus without being a close contact with a diagnosed case or related to travel.
Symptoms of the novel coronavirus include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. If you are concerned you may have the novel coronavirus, call your healthcare provider to identify the safest way to receive care.
To minimize the risk of spread, health officials are working with healthcare providers to promptly identify and evaluate any suspected cases.
Experts are still learning about the range of illness from novel coronavirus. Reported cases have ranged from mild illness (similar to a common cold) to sever pneumonia that requires hospitalization. So far, deaths have been reported mainly in older adults who had other health conditions.
Social distancing is the best way to prevent getting COVID-19. The Governor's order to "Stay Home, Save Lives" encourages residents to stay home unless absolutely necessary for essential trips (such as the grocery store or pharmacy), and to avoid gatherings of ten or more people.
The following steps are also important to reduce your risk of contracting the virus:
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with sick people or animals.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw it away. If you don't have a tissue, cough into your elbow.
Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces that you frequently touch.
Wear a cloth face mask when you will be in areas where it is difficult to avoid others.
There are no medications specifically approved for coronavirus. Most people with mild coronavirus illness will recover on their own by drinking plenty of fluids, resting, and taking pain and fever medications. However, some cases develop pneumonia and require medical care or hospitalization.
Oregon Health Authority has a list of additional Frequently Asked Questions
While the impact COVID-19 will have in the United States is still unknown, it is always a good idea to be prepared for natural and other disasters. The following resources provide important tips and information to help you prepare yourself and your family for emergencies:
Additional Sources of Information
The following are reliable sources for information about the novel coronavirus:
For general information about the novel coronavirus, please call 2-1-1.