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. |
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Free Covid-19 Testing February 14 |
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CNSCOS is now partnering with OHA on a Covid-19 testing event on February 14, 12:30-3:30 at the MJCC! This is great news, and it means we’ll be able to provide many more tests, all free of charge. However, it also means that, unlike our past events, you’ll have to navigate OHA’s website and registration system to sign up for a test. For more detailed instructions on how to register, visit our website. If you have questions or need assistance registering, please contact our team at covid19@nevehshalom.org.
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More testing options:
- Contact your healthcare provider
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Multnomah County offers free testing by appointment. Click here for more information.
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You can find other free OHA testing sites here or call 211 for help finding a clinic or testing location.
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Covid-19 Vaccine Educational Workshop |
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Join us Thursday March 4, 4-5 PM for an educational workshop on Covid-19 vaccines. This 1-hour COVID-19 community workshop with Boost Oregon covers the COVID-19 virus, the vaccines available currently, the safety and effectiveness of them, the process of developing the vaccines and monitoring their safety, and potential reactions to the vaccines. They will also address whatever questions the audience may have. The purpose of the workshop is to inform and educate without fear. We especially encourage people that currently have access to the vaccines, including older adults, teachers and school staff, and essential workers to join us for this workshop. |
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QUICK NUMBERS: As of Monday, February 8:
- Total cumulative cases in Oregon: 147,419
- Total deaths: 2,024
- People fully vaccinated: 136,062
- People with vaccine series in progress: 276,588
- For a more detailed update on Covid-19 spread in Oregon, read OHA's latest data report, published February 3.
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Chart shows data from 02/05/2021 |
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Vaccines for Oregon Seniors
Beginning yesterday, February 8, seniors 80 and older are eligible to receive their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine and can make an appointment using the OHA eligibility tool at https://covidvaccine.oregon.gov/.
The Oregonian reported that all vaccine appointments until February 16 were filled within 2.5 hours of the scheduling tool going live Monday morning. If you missed this window, you can take the time now to get comfortable with the online sign-up platform and be ready to sign up when new appointments become available.
To use the tool, click the orange icon on the bottom right of the webpage linked above, or scroll down to where it says "Let's Get Started" to begin answering eligibility questions. After the questions, you will be directed to a link to sign up for a vaccination appointment if you are eligible.
You may want to help a senior in your life go through the registration steps online. If you want to help drive a senior to either the Oregon Convention Center or the Portland Airport, please be sure to wear a snug-fitting mask the entire time, and keep windows open to lower the risk of giving them the virus.
For assistance, you can contact the CNS Covid-19 Outreach and Services team at covid19@nevehshalom.org or call 971-990-5652.
For more help:
Text ORCOVID to 898211
Email ORCOVID@211info.org
Call 211 or 1-866-698-6155
Please keep in mind that every senior will be able to get a vaccine, but most seniors will not be able to get immunized for many weeks. There are more than 750,000 people aged 65 or older. While Oregon has already vaccinated more than 100,000 people aged 60 and older, state health officials estimate it will take until mid-April to vaccinate more than 7 in 10 Oregon seniors.
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- Adults 16-64 with underlying health conditions
- Front-line workers (to be defined)
- Adults and youth in custody 16 years and older
- People living in low income and congregate senior housing
People who live in multi-generational households would be next in line behind these groups, followed by the general population.
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Are you interested in helping drive seniors to vaccine clinics? We are still gauging the interest and need from seniors, so volunteer opportunities may or may not become available. Please click the button below to fill out a brief survey about your interest. |
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Vaccines
So far, just two vaccines have been approved for the use in the US, from Pfizer and Moderna, but development of new vaccines continues.
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Johnson and Johnson applied for emergency use authorization from the FDA for its Covid-19 vaccine on Thursday, February 4. Since the Johnson and Johnson vaccine does not require extremely cold storage temperatures, it could play a big role in increasing vaccine accessibility if the FDA grants authorization. While not quite as effective as the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines, Johnson and Johnson’s one-dose vaccine is shown to be 66% effective overall in preventing moderate to severe Covid-19, and 85% effective in preventing severe Covid-19.
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The AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine was recently shown not to protect against mild to moderate disease in South Africa, where the B.1.351 coronavirus variant is prevalent. On Sunday, South Africa halted its use until further studies can determine the effectiveness in preventing severe disease.
Variants
- 3 main variants of concern have emerged: B.1.1.7 (first detected in the UK), B.1.351 (first identified in South Africa), and P.1 (first identified in Brazil).
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All three variants have been detected in parts of the US, and the CDC reported that the B.1.1.7 variant could become the dominant strain in the US by March. Use this CDC map to see where cases of the variant coronaviruses have been detected in the United States.
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These new strains appear to spread more easily and quickly than other variants. With still limited knowledge, scientists have so far concluded that the B.1.1.7 could be 50-70% more contagious. It’s still unclear whether the new variants cause worse disease, but data from Brazil suggest that the P.1 strain may be able to reinfect people who have already had Covid-19.
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The current vaccines released by Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech are still considered effective in fighting the B.1.1.7. Preliminary research shows that they may be less effective against the B.1.351 strain, but much more research is needed before any conclusions can be made. Vaccine producers are preparing for how to tackle mutated forms of the virus.
Double Masking
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Experts recommend you start doubling up masks, especially if you wear cloth masks or non-medical surgical masks. "A mask is like an obstacle course for particles to get through. Adding a second mask adds another obstacle course, increasing the chance that the particle will be trapped before it gets through to the other side."
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Did you miss our last vaccine Q&A? |
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If you missed our Q&A on Covid-19 vaccines on January 14, watch the recording below! Please note that some of the information about Oregon’s rollout plans have changed since that date. |
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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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