Coronavirus numbers in Oregon keep rising

(JULY 10, 2020) More and more people in Oregon have tested positive for the coronavirus. Recently, each day has brought a higher and higher number of diagnoses. On Thursday, July 9, the state recorded 389 new cases and 6 deaths.

The state believes there are two main causes of these increasing numbers. One is workplace outbreaks. People can easily spread the virus when they work closely indoors. Another reason is "community spread." This basically means the source is unknown, but probably local (not from traveling).

The coronavirus causes the disease called COVID-19. The number of Oregonians in the hospital for COVID-19 has also increased. State officials say the number today is the highest level since April 15. However, The Oregonian newspaper reports that more patients are surviving, too.

According to the Oregon Health Authority, the total cases in Oregon since the beginning of the pandemic is now 11,188. It also reports 220 deaths.