North Central Public Health District Health Officer Dr. Mimi McDonell gave an optimistic report to the Wasco County Commission on Wednesday, presenting statistics showing only five COVID-19 cases were reported for the week that ended August 16, and the positive test rate dropped to 1.4%.  McDonell said it’s a trend that could lead to the opportunity for schools to be able to return to in-person learning, but stressed that it is not a given the trend will continue.  She says it’s important for people to keep wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing.  Oregon’s positive COVID-19 test rate for the week ended August 16 was 5.1%.  That mark needs to get below 5% to let most larger schools become eligible to reopen.