This week we’re bringing you an Oregon Covid-19 update and tips for common mask issues like foggy glasses or uncomfortable ear straps. As the spread of Covid-19 rises in Oregon, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team for assistance.
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Mental Health Q&A: December 15
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To put it lightly, 2020 has been a stressful year. Many of us might be struggling with new mental health concerns brought on by stress, or worsened mental health conditions. If you're looking for coping mechanisms or have questions about mental health in general, tune in to CNSCOS's panel on December 15.
WHEN: Tuesday, December 15, 7-8pm
We'll be joined by: Dinah Gilburd, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Mitch Elovitz, Licensed Professional Counselor
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Oregon has now reached 74,120 positive or presumptive cases and 905 deaths as of November 29.
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We are still in a 2 week statewide freeze for COVID-19. Beginning Wednesday, November 18, and lasting until at least December 2, Oregon enters a new lockdown phase. Some counties, like Multnomah County, will experience a four-week lockdown until the 16th. For more information, read OPB’s coverage here.
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As Oregon still sits in the “high” risk category of Covid-19 spread, new regulations will be rolled out even after the newest “freeze” lifts for most counties on December 3rd.
- Restaurants and bars will be allowed to sit a maximum of 50 people outdoors with no more than 6 people at each table.
- Retail stores in 27 of Oregon’s 36 counties will see their maximum capacity reduced to half of normal.
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There’s light at the end of the tunnel: next month, Oregon anticipates being able to give out 30,000 vaccines for Covid-19, which will be reserved for frontline health care workers.
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Oregon has a new health and safety framework which uses four different risk levels for counties based on their level of COVID-19 spread—Extreme Risk, High Risk, Moderate Risk, and Lower Risk—effective December 3. As of November 29, Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas counties are considered Extreme Risk.
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As we come to understand the novel coronavirus, more and more experts are questioning the 14-day quarantine. New research tells us that someone is most infectious 1-2 days before the onset of symptoms and for about 5 days after. That means that after exposure, only a 7 day period of strict isolation may be required. The CDC’s guidelines still recommend a 14-day period of isolation, and not all experts agree on the new research, but this could change things to make isolation periods more palatable to most people.
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COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations have been rising across the country, and do not show signs of slowing. Some public health officials, like Dr. Anthony Fauci, fear a “surge upon a surge,” as people travel during the holiday season and gather indoors during colder weather.
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Many of us are feeling frustrated and just plain tired of staying home, but during the current surge of COVID-19 cases, it’s critical. Kaiser shares tips for fighting “quarantine fatigue.” If you’re feeling anxious, unproductive, or sluggish, you are not alone.
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Oregonians, in general, have been great at following mask-wearing protocols. As we learn more and more about the virus, it's become increasingly clear that mask-wearing stops the spread. Here are some mask tips that OHA gathered from their Coronavirus Update readers:
For fogged up glasses:
- Fold a tissue into a small rectangle and put in under the mask on the bridge of your nose.
- Raise the top of the face covering so that it’s under the bottom edge of your glasses.
- Rubbing soap on your glasses, then wiping it off with a microfiber cloth without rinsing. This can also work for a clear mask that may be worn to make it easier for those who are Deaf or hard of hearing to understand.
Make straps more comfortable:
- Tie a string or ribbon to the elastic so the mask is secured around the head rather than behind the ears
- Slip your mask over the arm of your glasses (near your ear) to reduce pressure on your ears.
For remembering your face covering:
- Wear it on a lanyard.
- Leave some extras in your glove compartment.
- Keep an extra in your bag.
- Keep it with your wallet and keys.
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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.
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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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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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