Information and Resources about Coronavirus (COVID-19)
For the OJMCHE community:
I write to you with some guidelines and recommendations made by the government and public health agencies, including the State Department and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
On February 28 at a press conference, Oregon state officials announced the state’s first presumed case of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in a person from Washington County who works in a school in Lake Oswego. State and local authorities responded quickly to the case. Governor Brown confirmed that Oregon has set up a Coronavirus Response Team to interact with state and local health authorities, hospitals, community health partners, and school districts to coordinate preparations and potential responses to COVID-19. On Sunday, a second case was confirmed, related to the first.
It is important to note that the immediate health risk to the general Oregon and U.S. public and our OJMCHE community remains low. What we ask now is for all of us to remain focused on prevention.
Prevention Strategies
No vaccine currently exists to prevent coronavirus disease. The CDC recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:
- Social distancing: refrain from hugging and handshaking where possible.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a face mask. The CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a face mask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19. Face masks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Always wash hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.
To help reduce the risk of getting and spreading viral respiratory infections, including the COVID-19, here is some helpful information:
COVID-19 Outbreak Information
For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, please refer to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website.
Local information can be tracked through Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Multnomah County Health (MCH)
Accessing Medical Care
If you experience symptoms consistent with COVID-19 please contact your healthcare provider. OJMCHE is continuing to take precautions to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and will be preparing for the potential that COVID-19 could affect the museum. Should any actions be necessary we will inform you via email and the OJMCHE website.
We are committed to the health and safety of our staff, members, and community and will provide further updates as necessary.
Sincerely,
Judy Margles
OJMCHE Director