OHA release – New data released this week show the number of adults hospitalized with COVID-19 in Oregon at its lowest point since June 2020, dropping about 34% during April. Additionally, the number of COVID-19 patients in hospital ICUs is at its lowest point since April 2020. Data show 82 adults were hospitalized in Oregon with COVID-19 on April 30, six of whom were in the ICU. Additionally, test % positivity for COVID-19 is also at its lowest point (2.4%) since June 2020. COVID-19 is still out there, and we expect case numbers to rise again, likely this fall/winter. Overall, however, community transmission is currently low. “COVID-19 is still with us and will always be with us,” said Dr. Paul Cieslak, medical director for OHA’s communicable diseases and immunizations. “But I think there is substantial immunity to a number of variants within our population, and many of us have been vaccinated repeatedly with different variations of the virus.” The virus is also far less likely to cause death than it once was. OHA recommends everyone be up to date on their COVID-19 vaccination. That includes people ages 65+ getting a second dose of the 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine. Look for a vaccine near you at Vaccines.gov.
