The Oregon Health Authority reported 499 new cases of COVID-19 on Friday and no new deaths, as the state’s top health officer described worrying trends, such as an increase in the number of cases and an increase in hospitalizations, as one more. proof that we are still fighting a “resilient enemy”.
During a news conference on Friday morning, Dr. Dean Sidelinger, a state epidemiologist, said Oregon saw hospitalizations rise 17% in March and seven-day case numbers rise 22%.
Sidelinger noted that the rate of positive cases was also rising, although hovering below 5%, a key metric used in the past six months of the pandemic to help determine a county’s risk level. He noted that counties may see their risk levels rise in the coming weeks if metrics do not improve, which means a reduction in indoor meals and other activities.
On Friday, the positivity rate for cases was 4.5%, but it was higher than the week-long average of 4.1%.
“These are indications that, despite the progress we have made,” said Sidelinger, “the virus appears to be recovering.”
State health officials reminded Oregon residents to continue to distance themselves socially, to wear a mask in public and to schedule a vaccination appointment, if possible.
Vaccines: Oregon reported 46,154 new doses administered, which includes 29,325 doses administered on Thursday and 16,829 from previous days.
Where new cases are by county: Baker (8), Benton (5), Clackamas (26), Clatsop (2), Columbia (13), Coos (12), Crook (5), Curry (7), Deschutes (24), Douglas (14), Harney (5), Jackson (29), Jefferson (3), Josephine (10), Klamath (19), Lake (1), Lane (43), Lincoln (10), Linn (14), Malheur (1), Marion (39), Multnomah (111), Polk (16), Tillamook (3), Umatilla (7), Union (6), Wallowa (1), Washington (52) and Yamhill (13).
Who died: No new deaths were reported on Friday.
Hospitalizations: 157 people are hospitalized with confirmed cases of COVID-19, two more than on Thursday. There are 42 patients with COVID-19 in intensive care, three more than Thursday.
Since it started: Oregon reported 166,013 confirmed or suspected infections and 2,385 deaths, among the lowest per capita numbers in the country. To date, the state has reported 1,899,238 doses of vaccines administered.
– Andrew Theen; [email protected]; 503-294-4026; @andrewtheen