Weekly COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths rise, Aug. 5

The Oregon Health Authority’s COVID-19 Weekly Report, released Wednesday, shows an increase in daily cases, hospitalizations and COVID-19 related deaths. OHA reported 5,946 new daily cases of COVID-19 during the week of Monday, July 26, through Sunday, Aug. 1. That represents a 92% rise over the previous week. New COVID-19 related hospitalizations rose to 256, up from 146 the previous week, a 75% increase. There were 25 reported COVID-19 related deaths, up from 12 reported the previous week. There were 82,701 tests for COVID-19 for the week of July 25 through July 31. Test positivity was 8.2%, up from 5.0% the previous week. Case rates have generally been higher in counties with lower COVID-19 vaccination rates. During the week of July 26 – Aug. 1, the statewide case rate was 129.3 cases per 100,000 population. Thirteen of Oregon’s 36 counties had case rates in excess of 200 per 100,000. All 13 of these counties had population vaccination rates less than the statewide average of 56.4%. Wednesday’s COVID-19 Weekly Outbreak Report shows 33 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.