COVID-19
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What does COVID-19 mean?
The name of this disease is coronavirus disease 2019, abbreviated as COVID-19. In COVID-19, ‘CO’ stands for ‘corona,’ ‘VI’ for ‘virus,’ ‘D’ for disease, and '19' for '2019,' the year is was discovered.
COVID-19 data shows promise, but the Delta variant is far from finished
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Today, Dr. Sidelinger shared promising news about COVID-19 hospitalization and case rates, but also warned that we still need to work together to help Oregon defeat the pandemic.
Daily cases and hospitalizations slowly declining, but still a concern
Unvaccinated people continue to account for an overwhelming majority of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in Oregon and across the country. The data shows that:
You can read the full article on Oregon Vaccine News. |
Need help? Visit the Oregon Employment Department’s resources webpage for available programs and services
Since federal benefit programs ended Sept. 4, you may be looking for help. The Oregon Employment Department has put together a resources webpage where you can find out about programs and services available to you, like SNAP, rental and housing help, small business assistance and more.
Outdoor mask mandate issued for most public outdoor settings
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On Aug. 24, Governor Kate Brown announced a new rule that will require people in Oregon to mask in most public outdoor settings — regardless of vaccination status — where physical distancing is not possible. The rule will go into effect Friday, Aug. 27.
You can read the full story on Oregon Vaccine News. |
Additional dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine recommended for immunocompromised
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup have all recommended an additional dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine be administered to people with moderately to severely compromised immune systems.
“This official CDC recommendation — which follows FDA’s decision to amend the emergency use authorizations of the vaccines — is an important step in ensuring everyone, including those most vulnerable to COVID-19, can get as much protection as possible from COVID-19 vaccination,” said CDC Director Rochelle P. Walensky, MD, MPH in an Aug. 13 media statement.
Read more about this recommendation on the Oregon Vaccine News blog.
“This official CDC recommendation — which follows FDA’s decision to amend the emergency use authorizations of the vaccines — is an important step in ensuring everyone, including those most vulnerable to COVID-19, can get as much protection as possible from COVID-19 vaccination,” said CDC Director Rochelle P. Walensky, MD, MPH in an Aug. 13 media statement.
Read more about this recommendation on the Oregon Vaccine News blog.
Governor Brown reinstates statewide masking mandate
Today 8/11/2021, Governor Kate Brown and Oregon Health Authority leaders announced that indoor mask use will be mandatory starting Friday, Aug. 13, in response to surging COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.
Governor Brown’s announcement comes on the same day that Oregon is reporting a record number of COVID-19 hospitalizations for the second day in a row. The recent spread of COVID-19, largely caused by the emergence of the Delta variant, is prompting the Governor to take immediate action.
“Wearing a mask should give you confidence that you are not infecting others,” said Governor Brown. “Masks are also our best bet at keeping our schools and businesses open.”
To learn more about the new masking mandate, today’s press conference and other policies that have gone into effect to prevent the further spread of COVID-19, visit the Oregon Vaccine News blog.
Governor Brown’s announcement comes on the same day that Oregon is reporting a record number of COVID-19 hospitalizations for the second day in a row. The recent spread of COVID-19, largely caused by the emergence of the Delta variant, is prompting the Governor to take immediate action.
“Wearing a mask should give you confidence that you are not infecting others,” said Governor Brown. “Masks are also our best bet at keeping our schools and businesses open.”
To learn more about the new masking mandate, today’s press conference and other policies that have gone into effect to prevent the further spread of COVID-19, visit the Oregon Vaccine News blog.
Oregon will require masks indoors for K-12 schools this upcoming school year
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Today, in line with the CDC’s updated guidance, Governor Kate Brown directed OHA and the Oregon Department of Education to create a rule to require masks indoors for K-12 schools statewide for the upcoming school year. This is critical to ensure Oregon children can return to full-time in-person learning this fall with minimal disruptions. Because many children are not yet eligible to be vaccinated, masks are crucial to help keep our kids safe in the classroom.
Read the blog post here. |
Need a ride to your vaccination appointment? Help is available
There are so many things to take care of in our day-to-day lives that it can be difficult to prioritize our health. If you’re finding it difficult to get to a clinic or pharmacy to get vaccinated, 211 operators can help. They can provide transportation information and referrals based on your location and situation.
Call 211 or 1-866-698-6155 for help.
Call 211 or 1-866-698-6155 for help.
Summer Meals available for all kids in Oregon
The Summer Food Service Program also known as "Summer Meals" is available in hundreds of communities throughout Oregon, offering free meals and snacks to ALL kids 1-18. Community summer meal programs are open to all families without paperwork, income verification, and regardless of immigration status. To receive a meal, kids can just drop in during a site's designated meal times. Many programs also offer fun activities so kids can stay active and keep learning.
You can find out where Summer Meals are offered on this map.
You can find out where Summer Meals are offered on this map.
OHA issues revised quarantine guidance
New guidance released by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) allows Local Public Health Authorities to consider a shortened quarantine period for a person with COVID-19.
OHA is now recommending a 10-day quarantine or a seven-day quarantine with a negative COVID-19 test as acceptable. The shortened quarantine option is not recommended in high-risk settings such as long-term care facilities and other residential care settings.
However, in all cases, a 14-day quarantine is the safest option to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to others. Revised guidance for this new recommendation is being finalized.
People who have been fully vaccinated are not required to quarantine even after exposure to a person with COVID-19. A person is considered fully vaccinated if it has been two weeks or longer since they received the final dose of their vaccine series. People who are fully vaccinated are still encouraged to isolate and seek testing if they develop symptoms of COVID-19.
OHA is now recommending a 10-day quarantine or a seven-day quarantine with a negative COVID-19 test as acceptable. The shortened quarantine option is not recommended in high-risk settings such as long-term care facilities and other residential care settings.
However, in all cases, a 14-day quarantine is the safest option to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to others. Revised guidance for this new recommendation is being finalized.
People who have been fully vaccinated are not required to quarantine even after exposure to a person with COVID-19. A person is considered fully vaccinated if it has been two weeks or longer since they received the final dose of their vaccine series. People who are fully vaccinated are still encouraged to isolate and seek testing if they develop symptoms of COVID-19.
Lost your vaccination card? You can use your record of vaccination as proof
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Latest vaccine eligibility
Vaccinations are now available to everyone 12 and older in Oregon.
Getting your vaccine: Know before you go
If you have a vaccination appointment coming up, you may be wondering what it will be like and how to prepare for it.
Here’s what you can expect at the appointment:
Here’s what you can expect at the appointment:
- You, and the person who is vaccinating you, will need to wear a face covering that covers your mouth and nose.
- The shot will be given in your shoulder so it’s helpful to wear a short sleeve shirt.
- The vaccine is free.
- You are not required to show identification or to give them a social security number.
- If you have health insurance, you may be asked to show your insurance card so that the clinic can bill the administration fee to them.
- After getting a COVID-19 vaccine, you will be monitored on site for at least 15 minutes. Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines and rare severe allergic reactions.
- You should receive a vaccination card with the CDC logo on it. Hold onto that card. You may also want to take a picture of your vaccination card in case you misplace it.
- Schedule your second dose from the same site where you received your first.
Be aware: How to spot a vaccine scam
Unfortunately, people who are awaiting vaccine appointments can fall prey to scammers. Though there have not been reports of this sort of scam happening in Oregon, Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum released information to help people avoid being the target of fraud regarding COVID-19 vaccines.
Here are six tips on how to spot a vaccine scam:
If you have information, or think you may have fallen victim, to a fraud or scam contact the Oregon Department of Justice online at www.oregonconsumer.gov, or call the Attorney General’s Consumer Complaint Hotline at 877-877-9392.
Here are six tips on how to spot a vaccine scam:
- You cannot pay to get early access to the vaccine. If someone calls to offer an appointment for a payment, it is a scam.
- Do not pay to sign up for the COVID-19 vaccine. Anyone who wants money to put you on a list, make an appointment for you, or reserve a spot in line is a scammer.
- Worried about cost? If you are uninsured, on Medicare, an employer plan, private insurance, or the Oregon Health Plan, you do not have to pay to get the vaccine. That is a scam.
- Ignore sales ads for the vaccine. The vaccine is only available through federal or state partners. You cannot buy it anywhere.
- Nobody legitimate will call, text or email about the vaccine and ask for your Social Security number, bank account information or credit card number.
- You are not required to provide a Social Security number when registering for a vaccine appointment.
If you have information, or think you may have fallen victim, to a fraud or scam contact the Oregon Department of Justice online at www.oregonconsumer.gov, or call the Attorney General’s Consumer Complaint Hotline at 877-877-9392.
Should people who have recovered from COVID-19 get vaccinated?
Unfortunately, re-infection is possible with COVID-19. Therefore, even if you have already had the virus and recovered, you may still be advised to get a COVID-19 vaccine. According to the CDC, COVID-19 vaccination should be offered to persons regardless of a history of COVID-19 infection, with or without symptoms.
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Oregon Emergency Rental Assistance Program can help qualified renters
As of May 19, 2021, qualified renters who have experienced financial hardship due to the coronavirus pandemic, and are at risk of homelessness or housing instability, may apply for the Oregon Emergency Rental Assistance Program (OERAP).
The program helps eligible low-income households with their past due rent and utilities. This program uses funds from the federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program, which allocated a collective total of $280 million to Oregon. In most cases, approved applications will result in payments made directly to landlords and utility providers.
The program helps eligible low-income households with their past due rent and utilities. This program uses funds from the federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program, which allocated a collective total of $280 million to Oregon. In most cases, approved applications will result in payments made directly to landlords and utility providers.
Governor extends mortgage foreclosure moratorium
Governor Brown extended Oregon’s mortgage foreclosure moratorium until September 30, 2021. This protects homeowners who have lost income due to the pandemic and have been struggling to keep up with mortgage payments. They now have until September 30 to begin repaying.
Air Quality - 9/23/2021 - 12pm
Source: AirNow.gov
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Facts about COVID-19 - How to protect yourself - How to Quarantine - How to Self-isolate
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Improving Ventilation in Your Home
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Smoking and vaping can make COVID-19 worseIf a person who smokes, or used to smoke, gets COVID-19, they are more likely to develop a serious case of the virus than someone who does not smoke. Quitting smoking protects you and others during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Alcohol consumption during COVID-19Alcohol use can increase the risk of acute respiratory distress syndrome and pneumonia, which are sometimes associated with COVID-19.
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Remember to prevent lead poisoning |
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If you are staying home more due to COVID-19 (or doing home renovations), that’s an important thing to keep in mind.
Everyday objects we encounter at home, such as paint, cosmetics, spices and soil all may contain lead. It’s especially important to test your home for lead if you have babies or small children, or before beginning a home renovation. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a great checklist for parents to determine if there is the danger of lead poisoning in their homes.
More information on preventing lead poisoning is available on the EPA web page.
Everyday objects we encounter at home, such as paint, cosmetics, spices and soil all may contain lead. It’s especially important to test your home for lead if you have babies or small children, or before beginning a home renovation. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a great checklist for parents to determine if there is the danger of lead poisoning in their homes.
More information on preventing lead poisoning is available on the EPA web page.
FACE COVERING FACTS
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Workplaces and Employers
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Lose income or hours at work due to COVID-19? You may be eligible for help with paying for rent, utilities, child care, or other benefits... Read More
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Paid leave available for COVID-19 quarantine or isolation
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Do you have to quarantine or isolate because of COVID-19 but don’t have paid time off?
A new program starts this week to help people who work in Oregon and need to quarantine or isolate due to COVID-19 exposure, but do not have access to COVID-19-related paid sick leave. The COVID-19 Temporary Paid Leave Program was created with $30 million received from the federal government to help Oregon respond to the coronavirus pandemic. People who qualify will receive a $120 per-day payment for up to 10 working days ($1,200 total) for the time they are required quarantine. Employees can apply online starting today at oregon.gov/covidpaidleave. The application form is available in English, Spanish, and Russian. Those who do not have access to electronic applications can call 833-685-0850 (toll-free) or 503-947-0130. Those who need help in a language other than these three can call 503-947-0131 for help. |
The Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS) and the Department of Revenue are collaborating on the new program to ensure employees meet the necessary eligibility requirements. To see if you meet them, take this eligibility quiz, or see the requirements on the DCBS site.
Because the available funds are limited, applicants can claim only one quarantine period.
Because the available funds are limited, applicants can claim only one quarantine period.
Outbreaks in Workplaces - Indoor Air Safety and COVID-19
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County Information
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Local Resources
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