Thursday, OHA published additional features to the dashboard report of pediatric COVID-19 case data in Oregon. This dashboard is published weekly on Thursdays with the most recent full week’s (Sun. through Sat.) data. Here are some key findings: In addition to reporting the cumulative percent of cases that are pediatric, the dashboard now shows these data by week. People under age 18 were disproportionately represented in the cases with illness onset last week (9/12/2021 – 9/18/2021). Pediatric case rates are highest among people ages 12-17 at 283.2 cases per 100,000, followed closely by people ages 6-11 at 259.2 cases per 100,000. In addition to reporting cumulative case rates by race or ethnicity, the dashboard now shows these data by week. This applies to weeks with 10 or more cases by race or ethnicity. Weekly inequities across case rates have decreased, but continue to persist. The pediatric population estimates by race and ethnicity have been updated using data from the 2019 Public Use Microdata Sample (PUMS) from the American Community Survey. This change provides data that are more precise. As a result, case rate calculations by race and ethnicity have been updated. “OHA understands children in communities of color have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19 and have experienced more cases than White children. We are working to address this by partnering with community organizations to hold testing and vaccine webinars and events across the state, and provide information and services in a variety of languages,” said Dr. Bukhosi Dube, senior health advisor, OHA. “While we are pleased the gap is closing, we continue to expand our work to ensure all those living in Oregon have access to vital vaccines and healthcare.”
