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We want to share some thoughts today from OHA state health officer Dean Sidelinger, MD, who recently presented Oregon’s latest case data and modeling projections. We also call on all our readers to share with friends and family the importance of staying home. This can work if we stay vigilant.
“We know coronavirus has brought painful disruption and distress for Oregonians. However, these numbers tell us that what we’re doing can work,” Dr. Sideliner said. “We know social distancing is tough and comes with incredible sacrifices. But steps we’re all taking to maintain social distancing could save the lives of people we know and people who are important to us. As Oregonians, we all must continue to put Stay Home, Save Lives into practice.”
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We continue to find out more about COVID-19 and how it spreads, but the virus is thought to spread mainly from person to person, when ill people cough or sneeze. Maintaining good social distance (about 6 feet) is very important in preventing the spread of COVID-19.
If someone with COVID-19 coughs on something or coughs on their hand and then touches something, the virus might be on that object. If someone then touches that object a short time later, and then touches their eyes without cleaning their hands, that could lead to infection as well. This is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads, but we are still learning more about this virus. Cleaning often-touched surfaces with disinfectant helps prevent this. It is also recommended people practice frequent “hand hygiene,” which is either washing hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand rub.
Read more at the CDC’s website.
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We know COVID-19 has caused challenges in many Oregonians’ lives, but access to food shouldn’t have to be one. Pantries and food assistance sites remain open. The only information being requested at distribution sites at this time is the number of household members. Find food assistance sites on the Oregon Food Bank website.
If you’re sick and in need of food assistance, please stay home. You can send someone else to pick up food at any of the Oregon Food Bank’s distribution sites across the state. If you don’t have someone who can pick up food for you, please call your local food bank for assistance.
Volunteer opportunities
Oregon Food Bank also needs volunteers to box and deliver food. They encourage people who are over 60 years of age, or who have underlying health conditions or risk factors, to choose other ways to contribute during this crisis. If you are under the age of 60 and don’t face higher risks for COVID-19, sign up to help here.
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COVID-19 has claimed one more life in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 22, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 8 a.m. today.
Oregon Health Authority also reported 73 new cases of COVID-19 as of 8 a.m. today. The new COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Benton (2), Clackamas (5), Clatsop (1), Crook (1), Deschutes (4), Klamath (5), Malheur (1), Marion (14), Morrow (1), Multnomah (15), Polk (2), Washington (17), Yamhill (5). Oregon Health Authority reports new cases once a day on its website: www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus.
Oregon’s 22nd COVID-19 death is a 71-year-old man in Polk County, who tested positive on March 19 and died April 2 at Salem Hospital. He had underlying medical conditions.
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