Oregon has passed another sad milestone
With today’s count of 30 deaths, Oregon has surpassed 1,000 total coronavirus deaths since the start of the pandemic with a total of 1,003 lives lost. The state has also recorded the highest case count in a single day with 2,176 new confirmed and presumptive cases bringing the state total to 81,437.
At today’s news conference OHA Director Patrick Allen said, “Our hearts go out to the loved ones of each of these individuals. Every death represents an empty seat at a holiday dinner, a warm hug that is missed, a winter morning walk that cannot happen. We mourn every one of them.”
Oregon’s first shipment of vaccines are expected to arrive soon, but it will be several months before it is available to the general public. Until then, it’s important to continue to minimize close contact with others, keep gatherings small, wear a face covering and wash hands frequently.
Taking care during difficult times
Winter can be difficult even in the best of times, but this year people in Oregon might find the season even more troubling. Being gentle with yourself and adjusting your expectations can help during times of stress and anxiety. Setting small actionable steps can be helpful when coping with stress and anxiety.
Here are some ideas:
- Make a list of the top three things that you want to get done each day.
- Find time to practice deep breathing.
- Make a list of things that you feel grateful for.
- Decide to do something physical. Even a short walk around the block or doing some stretches can be helpful.
- Help others while you help yourself: check in with friends and neighbors to offer support, especially to those who might be struggling more during this time.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has more information on Coping with Stress during Infectious Disease Outbreaks.
It’s okay to ask for help. COVID-19 has changed our lives, and it can feel difficult for anyone. There’s support for you and the people you love. Local mental and emotional health resources for support can be found at Safe + Strong or you can call the Safe + Strong Helpline at 1-800-923-HELP (4357). The line offers free, 24-7 emotional support and resource referral to anyone who needs it – not only those experiencing a mental health crisis. (800-923-HELP).
Guidance for faith institutions, funeral homes, mortuaries and cemeteries
Oregon faith Institutions, funeral homes, mortuaries and cemeteries have new guidance for the number of people allowed to attend in-person gatherings.
Gathering size is based on the county risk level and the guidance also suggests the following methods of worshipping together:
- Live-streaming performances to attendees to limit the size of in-person gatherings. When singing or playing instruments, consider moving the performance outdoors.
- When playing brass and wind instruments, consider moving the performance outdoors and covering the instruments to keep droplets from spreading when using the instrument.
- Consider using amplifiers or other sound enhancing equipment to reduce the need to yell or increase the volume of the performers’ voices.
- Consider increasing physical distancing greater than six (6) feet apart between individuals outdoors.
More information is available on Sector Guidance – Faith Institutions, Funeral Homes, Mortuaries and Cemeteries.
COVID-19 latest projections
Today, Oregon Health Authority released its latest modeling, which shows a projected increase in COVID-19 cases even though more Oregonians are staying home and physically distancing.
The model shows each person with COVID-19 is infecting an average of 1.25 people, as of Nov. 19, one day after the statewide freeze was enacted.
- The current level of transmission could generate “exponential” growth, resulting in approximately 2,000 new daily cases and 75 additional daily hospitalizations by Dec. 24.
- If the spread of COVID-19 reached the levels from mid-October, new daily cases could reach 2,700 and patients needing hospitalization would increase to 110 per day.
- The model does consider the time period during Thanksgiving.
The model also shows that Oregonians are practicing physical distancing at the highest levels since the beginning of the summer and that a majority of Oregonians are wearing face coverings when outside, or indoors where six feet of distance cannot be maintained.
Oregon reports 2,176 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 30 new deaths
Friday, Oregon marked a tragic milestone in the COIVID-19 pandemic,” said Gov. Kate Brown. “The Oregon Health Authority reported 30 deaths today, a record, and the number pushed us past the 1,000th death since the start of this crisis. This disease has touched every Oregonian. It has taken a devastating toll on our families, our communities, our businesses and our physical and mental wellbeing.
“On this somber day, our hearts go out to all the families and friends who have lost a loved one and to all Oregonians who have suffered and sacrificed during this pandemic.”
The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported at 12:01 today are in the following counties: Baker (15), Benton (25), Clackamas (176), Clatsop (15), Columbia (8), Coos (30), Crook (20), Curry (6), Deschutes (129), Douglas (28), Gilliam (1), Grant (3), Harney (3), Hood River (27), Jackson (172), Jefferson (33), Josephine (37), Klamath (97), Lane (127), Lincoln (11), Linn (65), Malheur (37), Marion (188), Morrow (18), Multnomah (388), Polk (43), Sherman (1), Tillamook (4), Umatilla (74), Union (20), Wasco (21), Washington (319), Yamhill (35).
Oregon’s 974th COVID-19 death is an 85-year-old man in Washington County who tested positive on Nov. 20 and died on Dec. 1 at Kaiser Westside Medical Center. He had underlying conditions.
Oregon’s 975th COVID-19 death is a 78-year-old man in Multnomah County who tested positive on Nov. 25 and died on Nov. 28 at Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center. He had underlying conditions.
Oregon’s 976th COVID-19 death is a 79-year-old woman in Lane County who tested positive on Nov. 16 and died on Dec. 2 at McKenzie Willamette Medical Center. She had underlying conditions.
Oregon’s 977th COVID-19 death is an 82-year-old woman in Marion County who tested positive on Nov. 6 and died on Nov. 23 at her residence. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.
Oregon’s 978th COVID-19 death is an 89-year-old woman in Multnomah County who tested positive on Nov. 17 and died at her residence. Date of death is being confirmed. She had underlying conditions.
Oregon’s 979th COVID-19 death is a 79-year-old woman in Multnomah County who tested positive on Nov. 8 and died at her residence. Date of death is being confirmed. She had underlying conditions.
Oregon’s 980th COVID-19 death is an 82-year-old woman in Multnomah County who tested positive on Nov. 30 and died on Dec. 1 at her residence. She had underlying conditions.
Oregon’s 981st COVID-19 death is a 77-year-old man in Polk County who tested positive on Nov. 23 and died on Dec. 1 at Salem Hospital. He had underlying conditions.
Oregon’s 982nd COVID-19 death is a 79-year-old man in Lane County who tested positive on Nov. 30 and died on Dec. 2 at his residence. He had underlying conditions.
Oregon’s 983rd COVID-19 death is a 67-year-old man in Multnomah County who tested positive on Nov. 29 and died on Dec. 3 at Providence Portland Medical Center. He had underlying conditions.
Oregon’s 984th COVID-19 death is a 74-year-old man in Washington County who tested positive on Nov. 20 and died on Dec. 2 at Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.
Oregon’s 985th COVID-19 death is a 79-year-old man in Marion County who tested positive on Nov. 17 and died on Dec. 3 at Salem Hospital. He had underlying conditions.
Oregon’s 986th COVID-19 death is a 76-year-old man in Lincoln County who tested positive on Nov. 23 and died on Nov. 29 at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center-Riverbend. He had underlying conditions. (YachatsNews Note: This victim is James Goodwin, 76, a longtime Waldport resident, his family has said on Facebook and in an interview with the Newport News-Times.)
Oregon’s 987th COVID-19 death is a 68-year-old man in Multnomah County who tested positive on Nov. 25 and died on Dec. 2 at his residence. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.
Oregon’s 988th COVID-19 death is a 79-year-old man in Multnomah County who tested positive on Nov. 18 and died on Dec. 2 at Portland VA Medical Center. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.
Oregon’s 989th COVID-19 death is a 77-year-old man in Jackson County who tested positive on Nov. 11 and died on Dec. 2 at Rogue Valley Medical Center. He had underlying conditions.
Oregon’s 990th COVID-19 death is an 89-year-old man in Douglas County who tested positive on Nov. 10 and died on Nov. 26 at his residence. He had underlying conditions.
Oregon’s 991st COVID-19 death is a 94-year-old woman in Jackson County who tested positive on Nov. 9 and died on Dec. 3 at her residence. She had underlying conditions.
Oregon’s 992nd COVID-19 death is a 94-year-old woman in Jackson County who tested positive on Nov. 10 and died on Dec. 1 at her residence. She had underlying conditions.
Oregon’s 993rd COVID-19 death is a 52-year-old woman in Klamath County who tested positive on Oct. 9 and died on Dec. 2 at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center. She had underlying conditions.
Oregon’s 994th COVID-19 death is a 59-year-old man in Klamath County who tested positive on Oct. 9 and died on Nov. 28 at St. Charles Medical Center-Bend. He had underlying conditions.
Oregon’s 995th COVID-19 death is a 77-year-old man in Marion County who tested positive on Nov. 15 and died on Nov. 15 at his residence. He had underlying conditions.
Oregon’s 996th COVID-19 death is a 76-year-old woman in Marion County who tested positive on Nov. 30 and died on Dec. 1 at her residence. She had underlying conditions.
Oregon’s 997th COVID-19 death is a 91-year-old man in Marion County who tested positive on Nov. 28 and died on Dec. 2 at Legacy Meridian Park Medical Center. He had underlying conditions.
Oregon’s 998th COVID-19 death is an 82-year-old man in Multnomah County who tested positive on Oct. 5 and died on Nov. 1 at his residence. He had underlying conditions.
Oregon’s 999th COVID-19 death is a 67-year-old man in Multnomah County who tested positive on Nov. 16 and died on Nov. 25 at Providence Portland Medical Center. He had underlying conditions.
Oregon’s 1000th COVID-19 death is a 67-year-old man in Multnomah County who tested positive on Nov. 10 and died on Nov. 23 at Adventist Medical Center. He had underlying conditions.
Oregon’s 1001st COVID-19 death is a 60-year-old man in Multnomah County who tested positive on Nov. 25 and died on Nov. 25 at his residence. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.
Oregon’s 1002nd COVID-19 death is a 90-year-old woman in Multnomah County who tested positive on Nov. 30 and died on Dec. 3 at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.
Oregon’s 1003rd COVID-19 death is a 96-year-old man in Washington County who tested positive on Nov. 17 and died on Nov. 24. Location of death and presence of underlying conditions are being confirmed.
COVID-19 hospitalizations
The number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients across Oregon decreased to 557, 2 fewer than yesterday. There are 115 COVID-19 patients in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds, six more than yesterday.
The total number of patients in hospital beds may fluctuate between report times. Numbers do not reflect admissions per day nor the length of hospital stay. Staffing limitations are not captured in this data and may further limit bed capacity.