Newsletter update: Starting in 2021, this newsletter will arrive every other Tuesday, rather than every week. The first CNSCOS newsletter of 2021 will arrive Tuesday, January 11.
This week we’re bringing you an Oregon Covid-19 and an update on CNSCOS's continued funding. As the spread of Covid-19 rises in Oregon, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team for assistance at covid19@nevehshalom.org.
|
|
Community Wellness Havdalah
|
|
The Jewish Federation is delighted to invite the community to Br’iut and B’rachot—A Community Wellness Havdalah on Saturday, January 9, 2021. Co-led by Community Chaplain Rabbi Barry Cohen & Cantorial Soloist Ilene Safyan.
Start 2021 off coming together to mark the close of Shabbat and the start of a new week.
|
|
Did you miss our mental health Q&A?
|
|
Mental health experts Dinah Gilburd and Mitch Elovitz joined us to answer questions from community members about mental health challenges during the pandemic. We really appreciated their insights!
|
|
Oregon has reached 110,545 Covid cases and 1,433 deaths as of December 28.
|
-
On December 21st, residents and staff at long-term care facilities started receiving the Covid-19 vaccine. These groups are part of Phase 1a of Oregon’s vaccine roll-out plan.
-
Because of delays in vaccine delivery, OHA officials are unsure when Phase 1a of the roll-out plan will be completed. Next, Phase 1b will include essential workers whose jobs put them at risk, educators, and people over the age of 75 with pre-existing conditions.
-
Governor Kate Brown plans to ease bans on in-person schooling, with the goal of seeing more children in school by February. She said that the decision to open schools would be made district-by-district. She also asked the state agencies to partner with schools to create on-site rapid testing services.
|
|
-
More than 330,000 Americans died of Covid-19 in 2020. That’s 1 in every 1000 Americans. Even more than that, 1 in every 17 Americans, has become infected. Top public health officials worry that a post-Christmas/New Year’s spike may occur in the coming weeks. There’s still light at the end of the tunnel as healthcare workers across the nation receive vaccines.
-
Last week, researchers in the UK identified a new variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. A new variant in itself isn’t a surprise — viruses naturally mutate and scientists have found several new variants throughout the year. This new variant, known as B.1.1.7, does seem to be more contagious than other known variants. However, the new variant hasn’t yet been detected in the US, and the newly released Covid-19 vaccines should be able to protect against it.
-
Our understanding of how viruses can spread through the air has grown immensely during 2020. Scientists discuss how research on SARS-CoV-2 could prepare us for future outbreaks of airborne viruses.
|
|
We are excited to announce that CNSCOS will continue providing services and support for people affected by Covid-19 into the new year. Originally, this project was funded by a CARES Act grant for August-December 2020. Now our wraparound services will be available January through June 2021.
So far our team has provided a range of services to the community relating to the Covid-19 pandemic, including:
- Grocery assistance
- Rent assistance
- Flu shots
- Covid-19 tests
- Regular calls and emotional support
- Temporary housing during quarantine/isolation periods
|
|
Our wraparound services team has been working hard to help make this difficult time more manageable for individuals and families both within and beyond the local Jewish community. This is the story of one family who we assisted.
“Early this October, my father passed away. Up until that point my family and I had been been practicing all the safety protocols and following guidelines for the pandemic. After returning home, I learned from my sister she was positive and I realized during the grieving process I had contacted Covid as well. After the initial shock, we began the difficult process of quarantining, notifying my son’s school and my husband and I’s work, and started feeling the pressure of how we would pay for everything with being out of work for the duration of quarantine.
During this time, I was contacted by Stephanie. The care and effort from her and her agency had a huge impact for our family. The anxiety of meeting basic needs like groceries and rent were eased and replaced with gratitude and appreciation. Without their help and service, this time in our lives would’ve been much more dark and difficult.”
Please do not hesitate to reach out if you need support. Our team can help you find and apply for resources, as well as provide some direct relief.
|
|
If you can afford it, here are places to lend support.
-
Here is a list of local Oregon and Portland mutual aid funds and organizations that help those that have been affected by Covid-19.
-
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.
-
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.
|
|
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. We also have cloth masks available.
-
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.
-
If you would like to receive a mask, please fill out this request form.
|
|
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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!
|
|
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?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|