COVID-19 weekly cases, hospitalizations and deaths decline, Sept. 30

The Oregon Health Authority’s COVID-19 Weekly Report, released Wednesday, shows decreases in daily cases, hospitalizations and deaths. OHA reported 11,410 new cases of COVID-19 during the week of Monday, Sept. 20 through Sunday, Sept. 26. That represents a 2.1% decrease from the previous week, despite a 13% increase in testing. Newly reported cases have now fallen for four consecutive weeks. The incidence of reported COVID-19 continues to be higher in Oregon counties with lower vaccination rates. There were 512 new COVID-19 hospitalizations, down from 579 last week, which marks a 12% reduction and the third consecutive week of declines. There were 115 reported COVID-19 related deaths, down from 148 reported the previous week. There were 159,442 tests for COVID-19 for the week of Sept. 19 through Sept. 25. The percentage of positive tests was 8.9%, down from 10.5% the previous week. Wednesday’s COVID-19 Weekly Outbreak Report shows 186 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.