Events are being canceled, restaurants are closing to protect staff + customers, and schools are returning to more cautious protocols. The COVID-19 situation is dynamic, but here is a snapshot of where Portland stands.
Cases
This week, Oregon set new single-day records for cases four times in a row, with the most recent high mark being 7,615 on Thursday, with 23.3% of tests showing positive. For comparison, these are local counties’ numbers from the same day: Multnomah (1,598), Washington (1,333), and Clackamas (756).
Hospitalizations
So far, hospitalizations statewide remain relatively low compared to the peak of the Delta variant (1,178) last September, though there has been a steady uptick since Christmas. Experts worry that Omicron will surpass previous records + push hospitals beyond capacity without stringent preventative measures.
Testing
The Oregon Health Authority has ordered 6 million at-home kits, and will rely on various organizations to distribute them to schools, agriculture + health care workers, and Indigenous communities. Here are more ways to get tested:
Vaccinations
Looking for a COVID-19 vaccine or booster? Get Vaccinated Oregon’s tool will help you locate sites for vaccines + testing.
Quarantine
When the CDC changed its isolation recommendations, the OHA broke down what they mean for Oregonians.
Masks
By now, we all probably have a favorite cloth mask, but experts warn that it may not be enough to protect you from Omicron. Instead, they say wearing one over a N95 or KN95 mask is a much better way to filter out the particles that can make you sick. The Oregonian put together a collection of national N95 mask suppliers here.