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.
Place Your Order for Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests
Residential households in the U.S. can order one set of 4 free at-home tests from USPS.com. Here’s what you need to know about your order:
- Limit of one order per residential address
- One order includes 4 individual rapid antigen COVID-19 tests
- Orders will ship free starting in late January
New website helps people who test positive for COVID-19
As the Omicron variant begins to drive case counts higher in Oregon, many more people need guidance and resources to ensure they and those around them stay safe.
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has launched a new website that includes what to do if you test positive, if you have been exposed, and how to seek resources if you’re isolating at home and need support.
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has launched a new website that includes what to do if you test positive, if you have been exposed, and how to seek resources if you’re isolating at home and need support.
CDC approves new guidelines for Moderna booster
Effective immediately, adults who received the Moderna vaccine as part of their primary series only have to wait five months before getting a booster.
As Omicron cases increase, state leaders promote vaccines, boosters and masking to blunt the spread
As Omicron COVID-19 cases continue to set new records in Oregon, leaders from Oregon Health Authority (OHA), Oregon Department of Education (ODE) and Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) urged people to get vaccinated and boosted and to practice safety measures, during a joint press conference Jan. 7, 2022.
Oregon authorizes new guidelines for Pfizer vaccine and boosters
Effective today, children 12 and older can get a booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine five months after their second dose. Also, for anybody who received Pfizer as their initial vaccine, the wait time for getting boosted is now only five months. Finally, immunocompromised children age 5 and older are authorized for a third primary dose of the Pfizer vaccine.
OHA guidance reflects CDC’s new isolation changes
As Omicron COVID-19 cases increase, one of the ways we slow the spread is to stay home and away from other people for five days when we test positive, have symptoms, or have been exposed to COVID-19, and wear a well-fitting mask for an additional five days. If you are up to date on your vaccines you do not need to stay at home or miss work if you have been exposed, but you must wear a proper mask around others for 10 days.
Here are some definitions to keep in mind:
What if I test positive for COVID-19 or was exposed to COVID-19 and have symptoms?
Here are some definitions to keep in mind:
- Up to date on vaccinations – You have received a booster or received your second dose of Pfizer or Moderna within the past six months or received the initial dose of Johnson & Johnson within the past two months.
- Not up to date on vaccinations – It’s been more than six months since you completed your initial Pfizer or Moderna vaccine series or more than two months since you received the initial dose of Johnson & Johnson or you are not vaccinated.
- Exposure – Being in close contact (within six feet for at least 15 minutes in a 24-hour period) with a person who has recently tested positive for COVID-19.
- Symptoms – COVID-19 symptoms can include shortness of breath, cough, fever, loss of taste or smell, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, sore throat, runny nose, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea.
What if I test positive for COVID-19 or was exposed to COVID-19 and have symptoms?
- Stay at home and away from others for five days regardless of vaccination status.
- If you have no symptoms, or your symptoms are resolved after five days, you can leave your home.
- Continue to wear a well-fitting mask around others for an additional five days.
- If you have a fever, continue to stay home until it goes away.
- Wear a well-fitting mask for 10 days.
- Test on day five, if possible.
- If you develop COVID-19 symptoms, get a test and stay home.
- Stay home for five days.
- Continue to wear a well-fitting mask for an additional five days.
- If you are not able to stay at home, you must wear a well-fitting mask around other people for 10 days.
- Test on the fifth day after exposure.
- If you develop COVID-19 symptoms, get a test and stay home.
- People in isolation should stay separate from the rest of the household as much as possible.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends all members of the household wear well-fitting masks during the stay-at-home period.
- If possible, one person should provide care to the person who is, or may be, infected to limit the exposure and best protect everyone in the home.
The time is now: Get boosted to protect against January Omicron surge
Today, Governor Brown, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) leadership shared information about the latest projection about the spread of COVID-19 in Oregon due to the new Omicron variant.
“I know that bracing for a new variant as we head into our second pandemic holiday season is not what we all hoped for,” Governor Brown said. “If you take one thing away from today’s press conference, let it be this: Get your booster shot. Boosters work and are incredibly effective at continuing your protection against this virus and hospitalization.”
Read the full story to learn more about what Omicron means for Oregon and OHA’s plan to protect against the Omicron surge.
“I know that bracing for a new variant as we head into our second pandemic holiday season is not what we all hoped for,” Governor Brown said. “If you take one thing away from today’s press conference, let it be this: Get your booster shot. Boosters work and are incredibly effective at continuing your protection against this virus and hospitalization.”
- Get vaccinated. Ensure your eligible children are vaccinated, as soon as you can.
- Get boosted. If your last vaccine was at least 6 months ago (or two months ago for Johnson & Johnson), get a booster shot right away. With three weeks before the surge begins, and two weeks for the booster shot to become fully effective, so the time to act is now.
Read the full story to learn more about what Omicron means for Oregon and OHA’s plan to protect against the Omicron surge.
Pfizer and Moderna vaccines now recommended over Johnson & Johnson
Oregon’s 16- and 17-year-olds eligible for booster doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Western States Scientific Safety Review Committee today authorized for emergency use the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for 16- and 17-year-olds, at least six months after they received their second shot of that vaccine.
New medication approved for prevention of COVID-19 in certain adults and children
On Dec. 8, 2021, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized AstraZeneca’s Evusheld under emergency use for prevention of COVID-19 in certain adults and children. Evusheld is a long-acting monoclonal antibody therapy.
Evusheld is not a vaccine, but it can block the virus’ attachment and entry into human cells. It is intended for people who are at high risk of severe disease and may not mount a strong immune response from the COVID-19 vaccine and for those who cannot be vaccinated. Read more here.
Evusheld is not a vaccine, but it can block the virus’ attachment and entry into human cells. It is intended for people who are at high risk of severe disease and may not mount a strong immune response from the COVID-19 vaccine and for those who cannot be vaccinated. Read more here.
COVID-19 treatment authorization expanded to include infants
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved monoclonal antibody treatment for eligible patients who have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, and are at high risk of severe disease and hospitalization. “Children under one year of age who are exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19 may be at particularly high risk for severe COVID-19 and this authorization addresses the medical needs of this vulnerable population.
Here’s what we know today about Omicron
The news of the Omicron variant emerging in several countries may cause many people anxiety about the unknown. The news comes on top of pandemic fatigue, as cases, hospitalizations and deaths continue, and as we continue to deal with nearly two year’s worth of disruptions to our daily lives.
And while it may feel like we are back at square one, we are not. We now have highly effective tools to protect ourselves and our loved ones from infection.
Read this complete story at Oregon Vaccine News.
Read or watch a statement from Dean E. Sidelinger, M.D., M.S.Ed., state health officer and state epidemiologist on the Omicron variant.
And while it may feel like we are back at square one, we are not. We now have highly effective tools to protect ourselves and our loved ones from infection.
Read this complete story at Oregon Vaccine News.
Read or watch a statement from Dean E. Sidelinger, M.D., M.S.Ed., state health officer and state epidemiologist on the Omicron variant.
CDC recommends booster doses for everyone age 18 and older
With the emergence of the Omicron variant in several countries, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strengthened its recommendation for booster doses on Nov. 29, 2021. The CDC now recommends everyone age 18 and older should get a booster dose when they are eligible: six months after the second dose of a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine and two months after a Johnson & Johnson vaccination. Previously booster doses were highly recommended for certain groups of people and were simply made available to other groups of people based on their own assessment of risk. Yesterday’s decision strengthens the recommendation to include all eligible adults.
COVID-19 booster doses authorized for people 18 and older
Everyone age 18 and older is now eligible for a COVID-19 booster dose. COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective and free. Today, the Oregon Health Authority authorized pharmacies, health clinics and other vaccine providers in the state to begin administering boosters.
“Every adult who wants a booster can now get one and that is quite simply the extra layer of protection that we need,” said Rachael Banks, Public Health Director, Oregon Health Authority.
“Every adult who wants a booster can now get one and that is quite simply the extra layer of protection that we need,” said Rachael Banks, Public Health Director, Oregon Health Authority.
COVID-19 testing is available to students in Oregon public and private schools
In our ongoing series about the layered health and safety measures that Oregon schools have implemented in an effort to keep schools open for in-person instruction, let’s take a look at testing.
Every layer matters
Regular COVID-19 testing will help Oregon schools identify cases of COVID-19 infection early. Combined with cohorting, this will also help schools determine which students and staff need to isolate or quarantine to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
There are two student testing programs available to all public and private schools in Oregon. The optional student testing programs are:
To learn more, read OHA’s frequently asked questions about K-12 testing programs.
Every layer matters
Regular COVID-19 testing will help Oregon schools identify cases of COVID-19 infection early. Combined with cohorting, this will also help schools determine which students and staff need to isolate or quarantine to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
There are two student testing programs available to all public and private schools in Oregon. The optional student testing programs are:
- Diagnostic testing for K-12 students – Abbott BinaxNOW rapid tests.
- Screening testing for unvaccinated students using molecular (PCR)
To learn more, read OHA’s frequently asked questions about K-12 testing programs.
How to spot a vaccine scam
Unfortunately, sometimes when people try to schedule vaccine appointments, they may be at risk of falling prey to scammers.
The Oregon Department of Justice offers these tips on how to spot a vaccine scam:
The Oregon Department of Justice offers these tips on how to spot a vaccine scam:
- You cannot pay for access to the vaccine. If someone calls to make an appointment for you in exchange for payment, hang up.
- The vaccine is free. If someone is asking you to pay for the vaccine, they are trying to take advantage of you.
- 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.
Connecting children to the services they need to thrive
Help Me Grow (HMG) is a national program that collaborates and coordinates across early childhood and health sectors to help identify children at risk for developmental delay so that they receive the services they need.
In Oregon, Help Me Grow is a free and confidential resource for families, health providers and community service providers offering connection to local services, and information on developmental promotion and learning activities that support healthy growth for children ages 0 to 6 in Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas counties.
To learn more visit, Help Me Grow Oregon.
In Oregon, Help Me Grow is a free and confidential resource for families, health providers and community service providers offering connection to local services, and information on developmental promotion and learning activities that support healthy growth for children ages 0 to 6 in Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas counties.
To learn more visit, Help Me Grow Oregon.
Medicare benefits enrollment available now
Medicare open enrollment is from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, 2021. The new 2022 Oregon Guide to Medicare Insurance Plans is now available to help you decide which plan works best for you.
This enrollment period includes Medicare Advantage and Part D prescription drug plans. Medicare plans and coverage for prescription drugs change each year, so it is important for Oregonians who are enrolled in Medicare to evaluate their plan options and make changes during open enrollment.
The Oregon Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance Program with the Oregon Department of Human Services is available to help Oregonians understand
The Oregon Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance Program (SHIBA) also has counselors available to help you understand your Medicare options and benefits, provide enrollment guidance, and answer any questions related to Medicare benefits. Find them by visiting https://SHIBA.Oregon.gov or calling (800) 722-4134 (toll-free).
This enrollment period includes Medicare Advantage and Part D prescription drug plans. Medicare plans and coverage for prescription drugs change each year, so it is important for Oregonians who are enrolled in Medicare to evaluate their plan options and make changes during open enrollment.
The Oregon Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance Program with the Oregon Department of Human Services is available to help Oregonians understand
The Oregon Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance Program (SHIBA) also has counselors available to help you understand your Medicare options and benefits, provide enrollment guidance, and answer any questions related to Medicare benefits. Find them by visiting https://SHIBA.Oregon.gov or calling (800) 722-4134 (toll-free).
Simple ways to maximize the protection of cloth masks
When you breathe through a mask, it creates a barrier against respiratory droplets getting in or out. What can you do to make the masks you wear more effective?
A mask with multiple layers that fits snug is most effective
A mask with multiple layers that fits snug is most effective
- Choose a mask that fits snugly against the face and is secure under the chin. A mask that has gaps around the nose or on the cheeks allows air to freely exit or enter.
- A cloth mask with multiple layers of washable, breathable, tightly woven fabric blocks more droplets than a cloth mask with only one layer of fabric.
- Some masks have space to insert a filter.
- A cloth mask may be worn over a disposable mask. Do not wear two disposable masks or masks with ventilation valves.
A few things are different for the 2021-2022 influenza (flu) season
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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.
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.
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 5 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.
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.
Air Quality - 1/20/2021 - 12:00pm
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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