News & Stories for Oregonians
Sometimes it can feel overwhelming to sort through all the information we come across. The Delta variant continues to be in the headlines, but other variants are in the news as well. You may be wondering what a variant is, and how common are different types of variants. Viruses like SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes […]
For many people, Labor Day is a final opportunity to celebrate summer. Barbecues, gatherings with our friends, and last chance summer travels fill our plans. Once again, the COVID-19 pandemic means this holiday weekend will need to look different. You may have already made plans for the Labor Day weekend before Oregon saw cases and hospitalizations surge. If your plans involve outdoor large gatherings or indoor activities that put you and others at risk […]
Oregon continues to see high rates of COVID-19 patients being hospitalized. Our front line health care workers, and all of those who keep the hospitals running, like janitors, security staff, cafeteria personnel and those who greet the public, put themselves in the path of the rapidly spreading Delta variant every day. They are moms and dads. They are […]
Getting diagnosed with COVID-19 can be scary. However, in addition to the safe and effective vaccines, we now have more treatments available that can reduce the severity of COVID-19 in those who have become infected. Monoclonal antibody (mAb) treatments have the potential to save lives and relieve the burden on Oregon’s health care system and […]
On Aug. 13, Governor Kate Brown and Oregon Health Authority leaders enacted an indoor masking mandate in response to surging COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. Today, Governor Brown announced a new rule would extend that mask requirement to outside areas. “The Delta variant is spreading fast and wide, throwing our state into a level of crisis […]
Today, Governor Kate Brown announced new vaccination requirements for Oregon health care and K–12 staff during a press conference. Here’s what you need to know. Hospitals close to reaching capacity The requirements come during an alarming increase in hospitalizations. “With over 845 Oregonians hospitalized for COVID-19 and 226 in ICUs, our hospital and ICU beds […]
Following the release of new data about the safety of the COVID-19 vaccines in pregnant people, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has strengthened its vaccine recommendation for pregnant people. COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for all people ages 12 and older, including people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to get pregnant now or […]
Aug. 13 Update: The official masking rule has been posted online and can be found here. Today, 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. On July 27, in response to a large jump in […]
Today, OHA’s Medical Director of Respiratory Viral Pathogens Dr. Melissa Sutton spoke with medical officials from across the state to provide an update on the COVID-19 situation in Oregon. Here’s what you need to know. New CDC data displays further proof of vaccine effectiveness Dr. Sutton highlighted information from the Centers for Disease Control and […]
Maria Corona Lopez and her husband Rafael Martinez had heard that lottery prizes were being offered in Los Angeles for people who had received their COVID-19 vaccinations, but they had no idea that Washington County was offering lottery prizes or that they had a chance of winning. “We couldn’t believe it! We almost jumped out […]
