This week we’re bringing you an Oregon Covid-19 update, information on the state's vaccine rollout, and more Covid-19 news. As the spread of Covid-19 continues, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team for assistance at covid19@nevehshalom.org.
We also wanted to remind our readers that the CNSCOS team is available to help anyone. You don't have to be a member of Congregation Neveh Shalom to seek our assistance.
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Teen Mental Wellness Forum for Parents |
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Join the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland Tuesday March 16, 6-7PM to hear from teens, young adults, and a mental health professional. This session is intended for parents of teens 8th-12th grade.
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QUICK NUMBERS: As of Friday March 5:
- Total cumulative cases in Oregon: 156,884
- Total deaths: 2,293
- People fully vaccinated: 410,434
- People with vaccine series in progress: 316,595
- For a more detailed update on Covid-19 spread in Oregon, read OHA's latest data report, published March. OHA reported a 17% increase in new cases from last week's total.
- While cases counts have dropped substantially since winter peaks, the virus is still present in our region, and we need to continue wearing masks and social distancing.
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Chart above shows data from 03/05/2021 |
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Chart above shows data from 03/05/2021 |
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Chart above shows data from 03/07/2021 |
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In exciting news, Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine was approved for use in the United States at the end of last month, and is already being distributed and used across the country, including in Oregon.
- The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is a game-changer for vaccine rollout efforts because it only requires one dose and can be stored at normal refrigerator temperatures. These traits can help make vaccines more accessible for rural communities and for expanding mobile and drive through vaccinations.
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It can be difficult to make sense of how to compare the effectiveness of the different available vaccines. The CDC reports that the J&J vaccine was 66% effective at preventing laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 illness in clinical trials. When it comes to preventing severe disease, the effectiveness jumps to 85%. While these numbers may not immediately look as impressive as those from Pfizer or Moderna’s trials, it’s important to remember that these trials occurred in different contexts: different variants of the virus and different time points within the pandemic.
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Most importantly, all 3 of these vaccines do an excellent job of preventing hospitalization and death from COVID-19. From experts at the Biden-Harris Transition COVID-19 Advisory Board: “Whatever benefit you think you might get from waiting for the “best” vaccine isn’t worth the risk you take on while waiting. The best thing you can do is get vaccinated as soon as you’re able with whichever vaccine is available to you first.”
- Vaccinations in Oregon are underway for people 65 years and older, but securing a vaccine appointment is still a challenge.
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If you need assistance searching for vaccine appointments, please email the CNSCOS team at covid19@nevehshalom.org or call us at one these two numbers: 971-990-5652 or 971-777-0866. If you don’t get to someone immediately, please leave your name and contact information and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
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We’ve also created a “How to Sign Up for a Vaccine” guide: This guide includes step-by-step instructions for using the Oregon Health Authority’s online system to search for vaccination appointments. Also included in the guide: links search for vaccine appointments at pharmacies, phone hotlines that offer assistance, and transportation resources.
- On Monday March 8, the OHA announced that Oregon received $110M from the FEMA. These funds will help the state administer over 2 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines over a 90-day period.
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- So you've been vaccinated...Now what? The CDC just announced its official guide for what you can do when you're fully vaccinated. This guide will change based on what scientists might learn about the virus, and especially the variants, in the coming months, but for now, here are a few key points:
- If you are vaccinated, you can spend time indoors with other vaccinated people without masks.
- You can spend time with unvaccinated people indoors if they are low-risk and otherwise healthy, but wear masks.
- The CDC still encourages vaccinated people to avoid unessential travel.
- The CDC also stresses that in public places, you should still wear a mask and practice social distancing, as there's still a small chance you could become symptomatically infected.
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School districts in Oregon have been told to return to either fully in-person or a hybrid model by the week of March 29 for kindergarten through 5th grade, and by April 19th for 6th-12th grade. The decision is met with mixed feelings from parents, students, and teachers.
- OHSU researchers found a new mutation in the B.1.1.7 coronavirus variant in Oregon. The mutation, known as E484K, or “Eek” is a concern for scientists because in laboratory trials, our current vaccines were less effective against viral strains which contained this particular mutation.
- Confused about what variant strains are? Dr. Binnicker from the Mayo Clinic explains in this short video:
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Do you need a face mask? CNSCOS has a supply of KN95 masks from Oregon Health Authority, and will 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 pick up masks at Neveh Shalom, please schedule an appointment by emailing receptionist@nevehshalom.org or calling 503-246-8831
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If you would like to have masks delivered to you, please fill out this request form.
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CNSCOS is here to help anyone in Washington, Multnomah, or Clackamas County who has been affected by Covid-19.
- We can help you find/apply for food and 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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