SHANAH TOVAH!
As we move into the New Year, it's important to remember that although we can't control or fix every crisis, we can help make the new year sweeter for our friends and family, or ourselves. Reach out to a loved one, make a list of things you're grateful for, or plan an online get together.
Here are some simple ways to soothe anxiety, and if you need immediate counseling, call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, which offers a 24/7, 365 free counseling hotline: 1-800-985-5990.
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This week we’re bringing you an Oregon Covid-19 update, tips for how to celebrate Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur safely with loved ones, tips for navigating smokey conditions on top of a pandemic, and resources for helping those affected by Covid-19 and the recent fires.
We've also updated the CNS Covid-19 website with the latest information and a new comprehensive list of resources. Check it out here.
If you have questions or need Covid-19-related assistance, please reach out to covid19@nevehshalom.org. CNSCOS serves not just the Neveh Shalom community but also the Jewish communities of Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas counties.
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As of September 14, Oregon has reached 29,484 total Covid-19 cases and a death toll of 511. |
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Oregon Health Authority published a Wildfire Evacuation Protocol for people quarantining or isolating due to Covid-19. If ordered to evacuate, do so immediately, and practice physical distancing to the greatest extent possible.
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Check out Oregon’s Epi Curve to see how case counts in the state have changed over time. When people say we want to “flatten the curve”, this is the curve they are talking about. Cases have been declining in Oregon.
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We’ve still got a couple weeks left of nice-ish weather. Here’s a ranking of the relative risk levels of some common activities we do during nice weather, like having backyard barbecues or going to the beach.
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Experts say that a Covid-19 vaccine might only be 50% effective — but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get one when it’s released. Even if someone doesn't become completely resistant to the disease, a vaccine could ensure milder symptoms and fewer deaths. Read NPR’s analysis on the possible outcomes of a Covid-19 vaccine.
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Wildfires on top of an ongoing pandemic pose heightened public health concerns. Experts recommend using air filters in homes, wearing respirators with changeable filters or N95, P95, or K95 masks, and staying indoors when possible. OPB answers more frequent questions about how to stay safe in a smoky pandemic.
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Graphic from OHA's weekly newsletter. |
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If you’re planning to gather with loved ones outside your household (or “bubble”) to celebrate, follow the CDC’s tips for social gatherings. Gather outdoors if possible, arrange tables and chairs at least 6 feet apart, provide hand sanitizer or hand-washing stations, and encourage guests to bring their own food and drinks.
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Chabad centers in Portland are giving people the in-person opportunity to fulfill the Rosh Hashana mitzvah of hearing the blast of the shofar. On Sunday, September 20, Shofar in Park ceremonies will be held multiple times throughout the day.
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Neveh Shalom’s Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services will be online this year. Check out more Jewish events in the area at Jewish Federation’s event calendar.
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As of Monday September 14, over 900,000 acres have burned and there are 34 active fires. View the frequently updated fire dashboard here.
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Oregon Department of Environmental Quality reports that fire growth and activity in the Willamette Valley remain limited compared to the wind events of last week. Unfortunately, they predict that smoke concentrations will remain until later this week. Stay up to date DEQ’s outlook for smoke and fire in Northwest Oregon.
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Stay up to date on ongoing fires, air quality, evacuation orders, and resources with Oregon’s comprehensive wildfire information website.
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Wildfires have displaced thousands of Oregonians this past week. The Jewish Federation of Greater Portland is collecting donations for wildfire relief funds.
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Since the pandemic started, food insecurity in Oregon has doubled and there is an increased need for emergency food assistance. To get involved with Hunger Action Month this September, you can volunteer or donate to aid local food organizations.
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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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