Newsletter update: Starting in 2021, this newsletter will arrive every other Tuesday, rather than every week. The first CNSCOS newsletter of 2021 will arrive Tuesday, January 11.
This week we’re bringing you an Oregon Covid-19 update and tips for staying social even in bad winter weather. As the spread of Covid-19 rises in Oregon, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team for assistance at covid19@nevehshalom.org.
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Oregon has now reached 95,010 positive or presumptive cases and 1,161 deaths as of December 14.
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- Oregon Health Authority's most recent weekly report, published December 9, details our ongoing Covid-19 surge
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OHA recorded 10,355 new cases of COVID-19 infection—a 14% increase over last week’s tally and the 7th consecutive week of record highs
- Rising case counts are outrunning the ability of Oregon’s local public health authorities to investigate and identify sources of infection
- Four hundred ninety-four patients with COVID-19 were hospitalized last week—an average of 70 per day; and 133 Oregonians died in association with COVID-19—up from 86 the previous week and an average of 19 per day.
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By month’s end, Oregon should be receiving 147,000 Covid-19 vaccine doses — enough to vaccinate about 73,000 people (each person requires two doses). One hundred thousand Oregonians should be receiving their first dose by the end of 2020. Frontline healthcare workers, those living in long-term care facilities, essential workers like janitors and food service workers, and those in outpatient medical facilities will be in the first wave of people receiving vaccines.
- Oregon Health Authority's director cautions that ending the pandemic will still take time. “This is truly an historic moment that we should celebrate,” said Patrick Allen, OHA director. “But we’re far from being out of the woods in this pandemic. For most of us, getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is several months away, and in that time we will see more cases and, tragically, more deaths. Everyone should have the opportunity to get the vaccine when it becomes available, so we need to keep doing our part to protect our families, our neighbors and ourselves by doubling down on the basic actions that keep the virus from spreading.”
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During the governor’s December 11 press briefing, Dr. Dean Sidelinger pointed out that Oregon saw a decrease in people’s movement before Thanksgiving. A national survey showed that Oregon had a high percentage of people who reported they were going to spend the holiday with only members of their household. These decisions likely slowed the increase in cases, he said. If Oregonians continue to limit their risks and steer clear of gatherings, we may reduce the expected rapid rise in cases this holiday season.
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Pfizer’s vaccine has high efficacy in obese populations. OHSU’s Mark Slifka explains why this is an important measure. People with obesity not only are at high risk for serious illness from Covid-19, but also have historically poor responses to vaccines.
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The FDA has now formally approved Pfizer’s Covid-19 vaccine for emergency use, and distribution begins this week. The CDC recommends that frontline health care workers and residents of long-term care facilities get the vaccine first. Public health expert Anthony Fauci predicts that non-high-priority groups should be able to get vaccinated by April 2021.
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We hope you are making the most of this unusual, socially distanced Hanukkah, and wish you a happy holiday! Once the latkes are all eaten and candles done shining, it might be daunting to look at the winter ahead. Here are some ideas to help you get through this potentially challenging season.
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British journalist Oliver Burkeman shares his perspective on why you shouldn't let bad weather stop you from socializing outdoors.
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A mental health expert offers coping tips for dealing with the compounded challenges of winter, Covid-19, and other stressors.
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A University of Washington professor Jane Simoni shares mental health tips for the winter during Covid-19. Simoni suggests calling friends on the phone to connect without adding to "zoom fatigue". Simoni also recommends focusing on structure, sleep, and physical exercise in our daily lives
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Giving gelt is a cherished Hanukkah tradition which feels especially important now. While we all enjoy our chocolate gelt, let’s consider where we can meaningfully distribute money and resources this holiday.
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JFCS Emergency Aid Program helps ensure that individuals and families experiencing difficulties in their lives receive services and have access to resources to meet their basic needs and improve their quality of life. Donate here to support.
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It’s never been more important to give back. Willamette Week’s Give Guide highlights local nonprofits that could use your support, and offers prizes for those who donate between November 1 and December 31.
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Do you need a face mask? CNSCOS has a supply of KN95 masks from Oregon Health Authority, and we’re excited to distribute them across our community as long as supplies last. We also have cloth masks available.
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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 mask, please fill out this request form.
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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 or call 971-990-5652! 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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