This week we’re bringing you an Oregon Covid-19 update and a deep dive into the latest news about several vaccines that have seen successful clinical trials. 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 66,333 positive or presumptive cases and 826 deaths as of November 23.
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OHA's report, published November 18, details the surge in coronavirus infections in the state for the week ending on November 15.
- OHA recorded 6,491 new cases of COVID-19 infection—a 25.4% increase over last week’s record-high Oregon weekly tally of 5,177.
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This increase was in the context of a 9.7% increase in testing, while the percentage of tests that were positive rose from 11.9% to 12.5%—another record-high for Oregon.
- Hospitalizations (291) were also at a record high for Oregon. Thirty-one Oregonians died in association with COVID-19—a drop from the previous week’s record-high 42 deaths.
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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 16. For more information, read OPB’s coverage here.
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Oregon health officials recommend having no more than two households together for Thanksgiving gatherings this year. The best way to prevent the spread of Covid-19 is to stay home. In lieu of large gatherings, here are some ideas for a safe, festive holiday:
- Join friends and family over a video call
- Cook a pie or favorite dish and drop it off at your loved one's home without contact.
- Exchange photos of the people (or food) at your meal with the people you would normally invite over.
- Send an email or letter with stories or memories of past holidays together to let people know you're thinking of them.
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Even though it is sad to celebrate Thanksgiving without being together with loved ones, this collective sacrifice will keep our communities safer. The graphics in this article outline how even small gathering contribute to a larger spread of Covid-19.
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Deep Dive into Covid-19 Vaccines |
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Biotech companies Moderna and Pfizer both announced that their Covid-19 vaccines are 95% effective. Meanwhile, Oxford University and drugmaker AstraZeneca announced that their vaccine is 62-90% effective. While this is good news, the findings still need to be independently reviewed and reviewed by the FDA before they can be put to use.
Both Moderna and Pfizer developed a vaccine that uses a genetic tool to tell our cells to create a piece of the novel coronavirus, which will “train” our bodies to recognize and attack the virus in the future.
Essentially, the vaccine carries a one-time-use piece of genetic material called messenger RNA (mRNA) that instructs our cells to create one essential protein -- infamously known as the "spike protein" -- from SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes Covid-19). The spike protein alone cannot infect us, but our cells will recognize the protein as a foreign invader. Once the spike protein is recognized as foreign, our bodies will produce the valuable immune molecules called antibodies that can help fight a living, infectious virus. During this process, the mRNA will have served its purpose and will get broken down by the cell. Now, when the SARS-Cov-2 virus actually tries to invade, our bodies will recognize the spike protein and will already know how to fight it.
Oxford and AstraZeneca’s vaccine uses a different technology. Instead of mRNA, this vaccine uses a weakened virus, or adenovirus, to introduce our bodies to the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. This adenovirus can’t replicate or cause disease in a person, but our immune system will recognize the spike protein as foreign, and produce antibodies to fight the virus against future infection. While the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine does not have as high reported effectiveness as its mRNA vaccine counterparts, it is cheaper and simpler to store, which could be important for vaccine distribution.
On Friday, Nov 20, Pfizer officially requested approval from the FDA for emergency use of its. If approved, it could start distributing the vaccine within weeks.
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Here’s a video from STAT that explains how mRNA works and how specifically this virus works. |
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Here’s another video from OPB explaining Covid-19 vaccine development, using fruit |
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Even More Vaccine Reading |
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Now that 3 major biomedical companies have produced likely effective vaccines, we can see an end in sight. The work isn’t done — independent reviewers and the FDA still need to approve the vaccine, and then the country will have to undertake the enormous mission of distributing the vaccine, but this is a major hurdle to overcome.
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Another big hurdle will be addressing possible side effects from the vaccine that may be intense and uncomfortable, but temporary, experts say. In both the Moderna and Pfizer trials, fewer than 2% participants experienced temporary high fevers in response to the vaccine. Although this doesn’t mean the vaccine is harmful, it will take some more effort to convince the public that the vaccine is safe, experts say.
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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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