This week we’re bringing you an Oregon Covid-19 update, how to make a Covid-19 social "pod," and reminders on how to have a safe Hallowen. As usual, we'll also share interesting Covid-19 news stories and resources. |
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OHA reported 366 new cases on Oct 25, bringing the total case count to 42,101 positive or presumptive cases.
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On October 23, Oregon officials reported a record-breaking 550 cases in one day. In the last 30 days, that’s the third record-breaking case count. OPB reported that this jump in cases is not due to the increase in testing availability. The number of people being tested has remained consistent since the summer, so the rise in cases can be attributed to social gatherings where people are gathering indoors or not wearing masks when gathering.
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The OHA weekly report from 10/21 reports data collected from Monday, October 12, through Sunday, October 18. The incidence of reported infection has been highest in persons 20–49 years of age, who account for 39% of Oregon’s population and 56% of reported cases
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According to OHA, hospitalization and death rates increase with age; 321 (51%) of the 627 deaths have been among persons at least 80 years of age, and 472 (75%) in persons 70 and older
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As Covid-19 cases rise across the United States, many experts worry about a surge in cases this winter. The New York Times shares 5 tips to help families prepare for another potential peak in cases. They suggest ideas like making a backup plan for childcare and stocking up (not hoarding) necessary supplies like medicines and disinfectants.
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In response to a recently published study, the CDC now defines "close contact" as someone who was within 6 feet of an infected person for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period. While this study suggests that multiple shorter exposures can add up, the public health guidelines to wear masks and stay at least 6 feet apart remain unchanged.
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The FDA has approved the antiviral drug remdesevir to treat Covid-19, the first drug to be approved specifically for treating Covid-19. Remdesevir has been used sporadically since May on a case-by-case basis and has shown to modestly reduce recovery time in patients. However, the drug doesn’t not prevent deaths from Covid-19.
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How to build your "quaranteam" |
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As the weather gets colder and rainier, it will become harder to spend time with our loved ones outdoors. But humans are social animals, and we can't isolate ourselves for long. For the upcoming winter, consider forming a pandemic "pod," or "quaran-team" so you and your family or friends can still spend time together in a safe way.
Here are some tips:
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Before starting a pod, ask yourself: what’s the purpose of the pod? If you’re single and living alone, maybe you want a friend or two to cook dinner with. Maybe you’re a family and want to form a pod with another family or a few relatives.
- Be up front with the other members of your pod. Try to form a pod with others who have a similar risk tolerance as you.
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Keep pods small and be completely honest about how you spend your time, whether you’ve starting feeling ill, whether someone at your work (if you’re not working from home) has had symptoms, or whether you’ve spent time with people outside the pod.
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If you’re traveling with another group, rent one cabin instead of staying in a hotel. Avoid exposure in airports and on airplanes by driving instead of flying.
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Create a protocol for what happens if someone in the pod starts experiencing symptoms or tests positive for Covid-19.
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Halloween Safety Reminder |
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- Because of the recent jump in the number of positive Covid-19 cases, OHA officials are asking the public to rethink their Halloween plans. Avoid traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating. Avoid gathering with people outside your household or pod, especially indoors.
- There are ways to reduce risk, although there’s no such thing as a risk-free interaction during a pandemic. You can leave out candy for trick-or-treaters so they don’t have to come to your door, or toss candy from at least 6 feet away.
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Here are OHA’s tips for having a Covid-19 safe Halloween.
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Do you need a face mask? CNSCOS just received a supply of 2,000 KN95 masks from Oregon Health Authority, and we’re excited to distribute them across our community as long as supplies last.
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N95 means the mask has been rated to filter at least 95 percent of airborne particles it encounters and has been manufactured to form a seal on the wearer’s face. The difference between an N95 and a KN95 mask is where the mask is certified. N95 is certified in the United States and KN95 is certified in China.
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If you would like to receive a KN95 mask, please fill out this request form.
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Every voice counts, so now is the time to make sure you're ready to vote in the upcoming elections.
- Absentee ballot deadlines
- Return by mail: Received by Nov. 3
- Return in person: Nov. 3 by 8:00 p.m.
- All Oregon ballots are received by mail. Ballot drop box sites are open 18-20 days before Election Day, depending on your area. Oct 27 is the last day ballots can be mailed back. After this date, ballots must be put into a drop box.
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Did you miss our Q&A with OPB journalist? |
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On October 14, we hosted a Covid-19 Q&A with OPB's lead Covid-19 reporter and former scientist, Erin Ross. Ross answered questions about what we can expect for schools in the next few months, how to safely form a quarantine-safe "pod," how to navigate public transportation during a pandemic, and more. Click the video thumbnail below to watch. |
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CNSCOS is here to help anyone in the Washington, Multnomah, or Clackamas County Jewish community who has been affected by Covid-19. Our available services differ based on whether or not you have been tested positive for the virus.
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If you’ve been exposed to the virus or tested positive and are quarantining, we can assist with and cover costs for things like grocery shopping, finding housing, childcare, or transportation.
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If you have been affected in an indirect way, we can still help you find/apply for financial resources, with errands, or just calling to talk if you’re feeling lonely.
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Please do not hesitate to reach out at covid19@nevehshalom.org! And please share this information with anyone who might need help!
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We want to know how to best serve you. What questions do you have about Covid-19? What are your biggest concerns? What kind of resources are you looking for? |
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