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 a look at what vaccinated life looks like. 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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Community Wellness Havdalah |
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The Jewish Federation is delighted to invite the community to Br’iut and B’rachot—A Community Wellness Havdalah on Saturday, January 9, 2021. Co-led by Community Chaplain Rabbi Barry Cohen & Cantorial Soloist Ilene Safyan.
Start 2021 off coming together to mark the close of Shabbat and the start of a new week.
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Oregon surpassed 100,000 Covid-19 cases on December 18, with the death toll rising to 1,341 on December 20.
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Oregonians have started to receive the Covid-19 vaccine! During Oregon's first wave of vaccinations, called Phase 1a, 300,000-400,000 people should receive the vaccine. Phase 1a includes:
- Group 1: Hospitals; urgent care; skilled nursing and memory care facility health care providers and residents; tribal health programs; emergency medical services providers and other first responders.
- Group 2: Other long-term care facilities and congregate care sites, including health care providers and residents; hospice programs; mobile crisis care and related services; individuals working in a correctional setting; personnel of group homes for children or adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- Group 3: Outpatient settings serving specific high-risk groups; in home care; day treatment services; non-emergency medical transportation.
- Group 4: Health care personnel working in other outpatient and public health settings.
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Beware of Covid-19 Scams
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General reports that fraud schemes related to COVID-19 continue to spread. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, “Fraudsters are offering COVID-19 tests, HHS grants, and Medicare prescription cards in exchange for personal details, including Medicare information.” The Department reports that scammers are often posing as COVID-19 contact tracers and executing their schemes via telemarketing calls, text messages, social media platforms and even door-to-door visits.
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While the Oregon COVID-19 Contact Collaborative continues its efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19 through contact tracing, here are some reminders about how to spot a fraud: Contact tracers will never ask you for your social security number, immigration status, credit card number, bank account or billing information.
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As vaccine distribution begins, know that you will not be asked for money to enhance your ranking for vaccine eligibility, nor will you be asked for personal information to secure a vaccination.
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If you suspect you have been subject to COVID-19 health care fraud, report it immediately online or call 1-800-447-8477. For more information, visit OIG.HHS.GOV.
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There's a Vaccine!...now what? |
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It’s wonderful news that the FDA has now approved two extremely effective Covid-19 vaccines. But the fight isn’t over. There’s a light at the end of the tunnel — but the tunnel is still a months-long journey.
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This article from North Carolina State University discusses the logistical hurdle of vaccinating 330 million people across the US. While the vaccine is being rolled out, it’s imperative that we don’t give up on the actions that have kept so many out of hospitals — wearing masks, washing hands, keeping social gatherings small and within strict social “pods.”
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This lengthy Q&A answers basically any question you can think of about the Covid-19 vaccine. Tara Haelle, a science journalist who specializes in vaccine coverage, consulted several medical and vaccine experts to pull together answers to questions about efficacy, how the vaccines were made, how safe they are, and what life could be like once people start getting vaccinated.
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Will there ever be a “normal” again? Will we ever feel safe in a crowd? How can we simulate the feeling of being hugged or touched by a loved one? This article from The Guardian dives into the psychological effects of living through a pandemic and how Covid-19 has changed us all.
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If you can afford it, here are places to lend support.
- Here is a list of local Oregon and Portland mutual aid funds and organizations that help those that have been affected by Covid-19.
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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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