This week we’re bringing you an Oregon Covid-19 update, an overview of Covid-19 testing, and an opportunity to get your flu shot and meet our team. As usual, we'll also share interesting Covid-19 news stories and resources. |
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Oct 18: Get a flu shot and meet the CNSCOS team! |
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On Sunday, October 18, 1-3pm the CNSCOS Team will be at Mittleman Jewish Community center to give out masks, hand sanitizer, and fall-themed goodies. Come say hello, ask us questions about Covid-19 and our work, and get your FREE flu shot!
We will be joined by nurses from Signature, a healthcare company that provides mobile and in-home healthcare.
Signature can also provide Covid-19 tests. These tests cost $180 and individuals may be reimbursed by their insurance company. For those in need of a test who cannot afford the $180, CNSCOS can cover a limited number of tests. If you're in need of a free Covid-19 test, please contact us at covid19@nevehshalom.org or call us at 971-990-5652.
This event is a drive through! If you need help getting there, we can provide taxi vouchers. Please contact our team directly to request one.
Please click the button below to sign up for a time slot to receive either a flu shot or a Covid-19 test. You can also call us and we can provide you a time slot.
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REMINDER: Covid-19 Q&A October 14 |
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As of October 12, the total number of positive or presumptive cases of Covid-19 in Oregon is 37,467.
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OHA now recommends testing for anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19, regardless of severity, and for all close contacts of those individuals, even if they have no symptoms.
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Oregon is getting more Covid-19 tests, which state officials hope will help schools be able to open. However, more tests won’t solve the larger problem — we’re still in the middle of a pandemic, and health experts expect case counts to rise this fall and winter. The bottom line: although more tests won’t stop the pandemic, they will help health officials better track outbreaks and learn how the virus spreads throughout the state.
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An effective vaccine will be a critical public health tool for fighting Covid-19, but the Lund Report provides 5 key reasons not to expect the vaccine to miraculously end the pandemic. We need to consider issues like efficacy and wait time for widely available distribution, and be prepared to continue wearing masks and socially distancing even after a vaccine is approved.
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Some patients who were sick with Covid-19 are now experiencing what doctors are starting to call Covid brain fog. Scientists do not yet know what causes these cognitive symptoms, which include memory loss, confusion, difficulty focusing, dizziness, and grasping for everyday words.
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Nature, one of the top scientific journals, published a detailed summary — written for a general audience — of the science behind face mask use for Covid-19 prevention. The article outlines what we know about how the virus travels and how scientists test mask effectiveness.
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Keeping track of the different types of COVID-19 tests can be confusing. Here is a breakdown of what the common test types are and how they are used, with links to further information.
Antigen tests
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Antigen tests, like the ones Oregon is now receiving from the federal government, detect certain proteins on the surface of the virus.
- Fluid samples from nose or throat swabs can yield results in less than an hour
- Although positive antigen tests are fairly accurate, false negatives are not uncommon.
PCR tests (also called molecular tests)
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PCR tests detect genetic material of SARS CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19.
- Samples from nose or throat swabs, or saliva, take between a day to a week to process results
- PCR tests are typically highly accurate, because even a small amount of the virus's genetic material can be detected, but they still miss cases.
Antibody tests
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Antibody tests tell you if you have antibodies to the virus, which could indicate a past infection
- Antibodies are detected in the blood, and samples are collected by finger prick or blood draw from a vein. Results can be available same-day or usually within 3 days, depending on the test provider
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If tests show you have antibodies, this means you were likely infected in the past and might have some immunity, but we still lack evidence for whether or not having antibodies protects you from reinfection.
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These tests should not be used to diagnose a current infection, because antibodies can take 1-3 weeks to develop
To find information on where you can get tested, check out OHA's testing site locator. OHA cannot guarantee that you will be able to get tested at one of these sites. It is always best to contact your health care provider about getting a COVID-19 test.
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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.
- Registration deadlines
- Online: Oct. 13
- By mail: Postmarked by Oct. 13
- In person: Oct. 13
- 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 28 is the last day ballots can be mailed back. After this date, ballots must be put into a drop box.
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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 us at 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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