COVID-19 In Oregon

By Emilio Calderon

October 2021

Over a year and a half ago many students took the lockdown as a small blessing that added two weeks to spring break.; today, we will look at how the pandemic is changing here in Oregon.

Cases

In Oregon alone there have been over 290,000 cases of COVID-19 resulting in about 3,300 deaths. Cases remain to climb in recent weeks which demonstrates the importance of wearing a mask and socially distancing. For the latest on the number of cases in Oregon, the Oregon Health Authority provides daily updates.

Masking

As of August 27th, Governor Kate Brown’s announcement that masks will be required in indoor and outdoor settings brings back the familiar mask requirement to Oregon. For more information look at Oregon Heath Authority’s page on masking requirements.

Vaccine

Oregon is currently ranked 27th in the US based on the number of first doses given (76.2% of adults) and 12th in the number of fully vaccinated adults (69.4%). These numbers are on track with the national average: 75% and 64% respectively.

As of May 10th all Oregonians 12 and older are available to receive their vaccination. However, as many have likely found out, eligibility and availability are very different things; personally I had to go down to the Fairgrounds in Salem to get my vaccination. Navigating through the vaccination process can be quite confusing but there are resources available to help.

The Oregon Government’s page once again comes in clutch with an entire page dedicated to finding a COVID vaccine. The CDC also has a great vaccine finder based on your area code. Hopefully these resources are able to help you and your family get your vaccinations!

A return to school

After being online for most of or all of last year, schools are finally returning to in person this year. But when students returned to the doors they faced a completely different return to classrooms. With masks and social distancing, classrooms this year will look distinctly different than any before.

On September 7th, Governor Brown held a press conference on the COVID-19 pandemic. In which, Governor Brown encouraged schools to hold ‘back to school’ events for parents online and to ‘reduce extracurricular activities’. While these suggestions aren’t yet required, they do foreshadow what could happen if cases continue to climb.

Looking forward

While the future looks promising, it is important to remember that the best way to keep yourself safe is a mask, social distance, and get vaccinated. Like many others, I yearn for the days where I can reunite with all my family and friends and the fastest way we can accomplish this is by playing it safe and following the rules.