(Salem, OR) — Governor Kate Brown held a press conference today to provide an update on the status of COVID-19 in Oregon. The Governor was joined by Dr. Peter Graven, Lead Data Scientist, Oregon Health & Science University; Mariana Robins, a 15-year old with long-haul COVID-19 symptoms; Dr. Dean Sidelinger, State Epidemiologist, Oregon Health Authority (OHA); and Dana Hargunani, Chief Medical Officer, OHA.
“As we are facing widespread cases, driven by new, more contagious variants, I was presented with data showing two paths Oregon could take: One in which we took no additional action and stood by while more people die from this disease, and another that required a temporary tightening of restrictions for certain counties but could save hundreds of lives and prevent as many as 450 hospitalizations over the next three weeks. As your Governor, I chose to save lives,” said Governor Brown.
“There is some good news. The same scientific modeling also shows that over the course of the next two-to-three weeks, based on current vaccination rates, we can get ahead of these variants. Following that trajectory, we should be able to lift restrictions statewide and return to a sense of normalcy no later than the end of June.
“We are asking for your help today. We know vaccinations are the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones, and they are the key to fully reopening our economy and moving forward to post-pandemic life. But it will take each and everyone one of us to do our part to get there. If you haven’t been vaccinated, please do so now — there are many available appointments statewide.”
Additional Materials
- A copy of the Governor’s prepared remarks from today‘s press conference is available here.
- A copy of a Governor’s letter being sent to Extreme Risk counties and other stakeholders is available here.
- More information on vaccines is available at covidvaccine.oregon.gov.
OHSU Data
- Data and analysis from OHSU is available on their website under the section titled “OHSU COVID-19 forecast.”
- OHSU’s COVID forecast for April 30, 2021 is available here.
Video Links
- A recording of today‘s live-streamed press conference is available on YouTube. Please note the video starts at the 18:37 mark.
- A recording of a Spanish language translation is available on OHA’s Facebook page.
- An HD recording of today‘s press conference for members of the media is available on Vimeo.
