PORTLAND, Ore. — Friday, Oregon has crossed another threshold since COVID-19 was first detected in our state in February, with more than 100,000 cases reported. The virus has claimed 21 more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 1,304 the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. Friday. OHA reported 1,390 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today bringing the state total to 100,308. OHA Public Health Director Rachael Banks noted the milestone: “While this significant number reflects how widely the novel coronavirus has spread within our communities, I want to acknowledge every Oregonian who has been affected by this pandemic and thank the vast majority of Oregonians who’ve taken steps to protect their families, their neighbors, and the most vulnerable members of our communities.” “COVID-19 hasn’t spread as fast as it has in most other states. But every infection, every hospitalization and every death are one too many. The safe and effective vaccines we’re distributing across the state offer real hope we can end this pandemic. But it’s too soon to drop our guard.” Both Idaho and Nevada, two of our neighboring states with fewer residents, have reported more total cases — more than 125,000 for Idaho and 194,000 for Nevada. Oregon also has the 44th lowest level of average daily cases among all states, according the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As we now head into upcoming winter holidays, today’s milestone also serves as a reminder of ways each of us can stay healthy and safe and prevent more infections: Maintain six feet of physical distance; Wear a face covering when outside the house; Practice good hand hygiene; Avoid any gatherings with non-household members; If you start to have symptoms — even mild ones — consult with a medical provider quickly to get instructions on how to care for yourself and your household members and whether to get tested; And lastly, if you get a call from public health, answer it, and take their advice on how to protect yourself and those around you.
