COVID-19 weekly cases and hospitalizations rise, June 17

The Oregon Health Authority’s COVID-19 Weekly Report, released Wednesday, shows increases in daily cases, following six consecutive weeks of declining case numbers, and increases in hospitalizations from the previous week. “Unfortunately, the progress we have seen in recent weeks was affected for the reporting week ending June 13, and those who remain the most at risk are Oregonians who have not been vaccinated,” said Patrick Allen, OHA director. “This comes two weeks after one of the busiest holiday travel times we have seen since the start of the pandemic and is a reminder that gatherings we enjoy and travel still present risks without the protection provided by vaccination.” “The good news is, COVID-19 vaccine is widely available statewide for all eligible Oregonians. Please make a plan to get vaccinated, which remains the best way to protect you and your loved ones from COVID-19 infection.” OHA reported 1,780 new daily cases of COVID-19 during the week of Monday, June 7, through Sunday, June 13. That represents a 3.2% increase from the previous week. New COVID-19 related hospitalizations also rose from 112 to 152. There were 36 reported COVID-19 related deaths, up from 20 reported the previous week. There were 70,779 tests for COVID-19 for the week of June 6 through June 12. The percentage of positive tests was 4%. People 70 years of age and older have accounted for 38% of COVID-19 related hospitalizations and 74% of COVID-19 related deaths. Wednesday’s COVID-19 Weekly Outbreak Report shows 22 active COVID-19 outbreaks in senior living communities and congregate living settings, with three or more confirmed cases and one or more COVID-19 related deaths.