OHA State Health Officer Dr. Dean Sidelinger speaking during today’s media availability: "I want to share some stories about what we are seeing and how cases can quickly spread in the community."
"10 people got together for a family party – 2 people at the party were likely infectious at the time, though they didn’t have symptoms. In total, these 2 cases have led to 20 reported cases – spread across 10 households."
"At least 2 of the people work w/vulnerable groups. One person lived in a multi-generational house w/high-risk family members. Even though the people at the party weren’t at a higher risk for complications, many of the people who got sick potentially exposed individuals who are."
"Nearly 20 people rented a beach house where they were together for 3 days. Nobody had symptoms during the trip, but 4 were potentially infectious at the time. 12 people from the trip got sick. These cases have links to 5 workplace outbreaks with a total of >300 cases so far."
"These examples show that even a small number of people – if they have multiple exposures – can lead to large numbers of cases."
"As we approach the fall, one focus is on creating an environment where it is safe for students and staff to return to school. Right now, we do not meet the statewide metric for returning to in-person classroom instruction, which is having less than 5% positivity for #COVID19."
"15 counties do meet the metric for prioritizing resumption of K-3 instruction. They are:
o Benton
o Clatsop
o Coos
o Crook
o Curry
o Douglas
o Gilliam
o Harney
o Josephine
o Klamath
o Lake
o Lane
o Tillamook
o Wallowa
o Wheeler"
"While our #COVID19 data shows we are doing better than many other states, the virus continues to be a threat in our communities and we’re not close to keeping the infection rate at a level we’d need to safely reopen all schools across Oregon."
"Statewide, our case counts are averaging under 300 a day. In order to meet the reopening metric, that number would have to drop to about 60 per day."
"Our recent modeling indicates that transmission is slowing - a pattern we have seen since early July. One of the scenarios indicates that with a 10% decrease in transmission we can get that number to .75, which is where we need to be – at or below—for an extended period."
"It’s a heavy lift, but we’re making progress. Our collective actions have reduced transmission rates since the increase we saw after we re-opened, and we see that confirmed by the decline in new infections and hospitalizations."
"We all need to keep doing our part to slow the spread of #COVID19:
-- Stay at least 6 feet apart from people outside your household
-- Limit the size of your social get-togethers
-- Wear your face covering when you are outside your house"
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Dr. Dean Sidelinger, deputy state health officer and state epidemiologist, providing an update this morning: “We are now well into the new year, with spring rapidly approaching, and I’m happy to report there’s reason for optimism in the months ahead.”
“Overall, respiratory virus hospitalizations in Oregon have decreased significantly. And influenza and RSV spread in our communities continues to decrease, which means even fewer hospitalizations are expected in coming weeks.”
“We are keeping an eye on a recent uptick in COVID-19 activity, and we remain alert to the possibility of a second influenza wave driven by influenza B.”
Dr. Dean Sidelinger, deputy state health officer and state epidemiologist, providing an update this morning: “Thank you for joining us. As we begin 2023, I am hopeful for the situation we are facing.”
"As we did during December’s monthly media briefing, I will share what we know about the status of the three respiratory viruses we’ve been watching closely over the past few months, including RSV, influenza and COVID-19. I will also provide a brief update on mpox."
“For everyone who is sick or caring for a child or loved one – my thoughts are with you. We are still seeing Oregonians get sick.”
Dr. Dean Sidelinger, OHA state health officer and state epidemiologist, speaking at today's news conference with @ORDeptEd Director Colt Gill: "I’d like to elaborate on some of the changes that are being made to the resiliency framework."
"It’s important to remember that while the worst of the current surge is behind us, #COVID19 still exists. It will continue to cause disease, even as we transition into a post-pandemic phase."
"It’s important to remember that while the worst of the current surge is behind us, #COVID19 still exists. It will continue to cause disease, even as we transition into a post-pandemic phase."
Dr. Dean Sidelinger, OHA state health officer and state epidemiologist: "Today marks the 2nd anniversary of our first #COVID19 case in Oregon. Since that time, we’ve experienced unprecedented disruption and loss. Oregon has logged 690,000+ cases and 6,500+ COVID-19 deaths."
"Each death is a heart-breaking reminder of the threat #COVID19 poses. We’ve lost family members, friends, colleagues and neighbors. My thoughts go out to everyone who has lost someone to the virus and those still battling the disease or helping a loved one recover."
"Since that first case, we’ve learned how to protect each other and our communities against #COVID19. We’ve also learned about the resilience and the resolve of Oregonians have shown in fighting back against the virus."
Dr. Dean Sidelinger, OHA state health officer and state epidemiologist, at today's news conference: "The highly contagious #Omicron variant is driving an alarming spike in #COVID19 infections, virus-related hospitalizations and test positivity, that we have seen in recent days."
"Today, OHA will report 10,451 new daily cases of #COVID19, a sobering reminder of the formidable challenge that lies ahead."
"This is not the way any of us wanted to begin the new year. We are all tired of taking steps to fight this virus. We are anxious as we hear from more of our family and loved ones who are sick with – or were exposed to – #COVID19."
Dr. Dean Sidelinger, OHA State Health Officer and State Epidemiologist, speaking at this morning's press conference: "Daily #COVID19 cases and hospitalizations are slowly coming down from record-highs, indicating that Oregonians are once again stepping up to fend off the virus."
"Our ability to sustain this hopeful progress and regain the upper hand over the coming weeks is dependent upon getting more adult Oregonians vaccinated, and on all of us continuing to wear masks and reconsidering plans that put us or others at higher risk of getting #COVID19."
"I want to emphasize that this latest surge is far from finished. The #DeltaVariant remains a formidable threat. We're still totaling 1,000+ #COVID19 related hospitalizations a day. These capacity levels are not sustainable. Our health system remains under significant stress."