Tulelake New Times

Tulelakenews.com Todays News: November 21, 2020 Klamath Falls, Oregon.

“This virus is real, we are not minimizing that, we believe we can be nimble and flexible in a local response that’s appropriate for our community. Meantime, we ask our community to continue doing the common sense safety measures the CDC and Public Health have been recommending for months” said Commissioner Morris.

"County employees are here to serve the citizens, we have taken precautions to keep employees and citizens safe, as such County Offices will remain open." said Commissioner Boyd.

Cases by ZIP Code

ZIP code--------- Case count ---- Cases per 100,000
97601------ 180 --------- 801.5
97603------ 243 ---------823.0
97623------ 11 ----------476.2
97624------ 37 ---------1057.1
97632------ 11 ----------750.3
97633------ 18 ---------1322.6

Oregon Public Health Division Published November 18, 2020

Klamath Falls, Oregon. Let's set the record straight when it comes to using the term "top down approach", and laying blame for the cause of more cases of COVID-19 in Klamath County. According to Commissioner Kelley Minty Morris in a recent news release "This statewide approach does not fit Klamath County,”.

In Commissioner Kelley Minty Morris own words, “This statewide approach does not fit Klamath County,” said “We have a robust health care system, and we are confident the relationships in this community would ensure our health care professionals, and public health, would work together to decide what our community needs without the state’s interference. We do not need a top down approach from the state.”

Commissioner Donnie Boyd’s statement opposing the mandates, he noted the increased rates of suicide, domestic violence and substance abuse during the pandemic.

Commissioner Derrick DeGroot stressed fears that businesses would never reopen, as well as concerns about an increase in unemployment just as the holiday season arrives.

“Our businesses across Oregon will not survive another shutdown and thousands of Oregonians will lose their jobs, again, right before the holidays,” said state Rep. Mark Owens, R-Crane, in a statement issued soon after Brown disclosed her new orders.

State Sen. Dennis Linthicum, R-Klamath Falls, said that Brown is “fear-mongering to maintain power” and that her guidelines around Thanksgiving are an attempt to “further destroy the fabric of our society.”

Museum Manger Todd Kepple said they will follow direction from the county commissioners and are taking recommended precautions. Although much of the museum staff would be considered high risk for COVID-19 because of their age, Kepple said they each have their own office and that they are fortunate to have a big building to spread out in.

Chair-elect of Clackamas County Tootie Smith, appearing on Fox News, said: “We do not need to be treated as second-rate slaves in our own homes.”

Brown on Wednesday, the day her two-week “freeze” on activities took effect, said on Twitter that she is concerned the state’s hospitals would be overwhelmed if she didn’t take action.

The Weekend Edition is below of the this on going story. The VP of Sky Lakes Medical Services Grant Niskanen, M.D.has sent a letter to the editor, waiting for the H & N to post and print it disputing Misty's so called medical facts. Spoke with VP of Sky Lakes Medical Service yesterday on this very topic and he disputes her claims and his comments will be in the story to be posted soon.

Here is the Letter to the Edition below:

Letter: Misinformation surrounding COVID is troubling by Grant Niskanen, M.D. Klamath Falls

As a an older physician I have worked with HIV in the 1980s, SARS in 2003, H1N1 in 2009, and most recently COVID. What scares me is the misinformation that has been generated about COVID.

Some of that misinformation is: COVID did not kill these people, it was their underlying disease. The truth is 250,000 deaths to date have been associated with COVID. Those with underlying disease are more susceptible and COVID is an added stress to an already stressed body. The flu is similar but to a much lower degree with 34,200 deaths in 2018-19.

Another falsehood: COVID is just like the flu. The numbers above show the difference. The truth is that 99.5% of people who contract COVID will have mild to moderate disease. Yet these infections serve as vectors to the susceptible, 30% of whom will have prolonged symptoms lasting months.

Another lie: Hospitals and doctors are making money off COVID. The truth is a hospital loses on average $2,800 on a COVID patient. In addition, the more profitable elective procedures are being delayed to ensure bed space and staff is available to care for COVID patients. 453 rural hospitals are in danger of closing because of losses due to COVID.

Another bit of misinformation: Klamath is not being affected. The truth is that there has been a steady increase in the number of diagnoses and hospitalizations in the past several weeks.

What can the community do do stop the spread and prevent schools and businesses from closing: Wear a double layer face covering when in public. Stay at least 6 feet away, preferably more, from people when in public. Avoid crowds and gatherings. Family gatherings with people from outside of the immediate family are associated with significant increases in infection.

This will be a tough holiday season as is, and possibly worse if we do not do the above. There is hope with vaccines, but they are still months away. Be patient, stay safe and watch out for others.

Grant Niskanen, M.D.
Klamath Falls

November 18, 2020
Honorable Governor Kate Brown
900 Court St. NE, Room 254
Salem, OR 97301

Dear Governor Brown, Letter.

COVID-19 Updates

The crowd gathered around noon on both sides of Main Street, outside the Klamath County Courthouse, waving signs and flags. Some were decked out in tactical gear with radios and police scanners affixed to their vests. Very few wore masks.

Commissioner Kelley Minty Morris in a recent news release "This statewide approach does not fit Klamath County,”.

ATTN: Mary Dixon.

"I don't know where you shop, but I have never observed numerous individuals not wearing their masks. In fact, I observe the opposite. What are you going to do next, start taking names and making lists? Brown shirts and jackboots."

Now what were you saying, "never observed numerous individuals not wearing their masks." Hypocrite much there Mary Dixon? "Very few wore masks."

Nice try, like I said, Mary Dixon you are full of it. And the reason you did not observed them is because you were not paying attention or looking for people not wearing their masks.

Now what is your excuse for not facing, the Truth and "Fact's, Mary Dixon?

"The crowd gathered around noon on both sides of Main Street, outside the Klamath County Courthouse, waving signs and flags. Some were decked out in tactical gear with radios and police scanners affixed to their vests. Very few wore masks." As COVID cases jump, crowd gathers downtown to protest restrictions

Bye Bye Terry Clemens for your threats against the Governor of Oregon and elected offical, which you are not. Nothing more than a Trump Freak Terry Clemens full of hate the same way Trump is full of hate.

Health department shuts down pro-Trump rally in Milwaukee

We reviewed Terry Clemens's comment and removed it Today at 12:00 AM

We took it down because it violated our Community Standards.

Thanks again, James, for reporting this comment. Reports like yours help us to keep people on Facebook safe.

Other views: County leaders' rejection of statewide freeze dangerous and unacceptable

"While we appreciate Commissioner Minty Morris’ confidence in our “robust healthcare system,” to believe we are uniquely prepared or protected is dangerous and inaccurate."

"Commissioners Boyd and DeGroot cite the collateral impacts of shutdowns (domestic violence, substance abuse, mental health, economic insecurity) as justification for rebuking the statewide freeze. We see the immense impact this pandemic is having on our patients’ lives daily in the hospital and clinic. We also see patients suffering and fighting for their lives because some in our community are ignoring the mask mandate and physical distancing guidelines.

"We are tired of seeing unmasked patrons in the grocery store. We are tired of patients arguing with us about wearing masks in clinic appointments, and we fear that our elected officials’ statements will be interpreted by some as condoning this behavior."

What is it going to take for those people in denial to get it? But they want to interject their personal and political beliefs that have nothing to do with COVID-19, and the sooner they get it the sooner all of us can be safer and live through this pandemic and without being so ignorant.

And that includes those in power such as: Commissioner Minty Morris, along with Commissioners Boyd and DeGroot for not following the guide lines and set good examples of leadership, instead of the bad examples they are setting instead.

Jg TNT Radio Worldwide 102.7 fm

This story is developing. Check back at Tulelake New Times for updates.