Oregon sets another new record for deaths as vaccines arrive

“Today’s record-high death toll tragically reminds us that the pandemic is far from over despite the arrival of vaccines in Oregon,” said Patrick Allen, director of the Oregon Health Authority. “These Oregonians and the ones who passed before them were loved ones who will be dearly missed by their families, for whom we express our sincerest condolences.”

The rising case count that surged in November is one factor attributed to today’s record-high death count. The counting of deaths from death certificates may take time to process because they are determined by physicians and then sent to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for further review before the cause of death is ultimately determined.  Once this information is confirmed, the information is reported back with a final cause of death to states. This lagging indicator is now being captured today.

Oregonians can continue to work together to prevent more lives being lost to the virus by doing the following:

• Maintain six feet of physical distance
• Wear a face covering when outside the house

• Practice good hand hygiene
• Avoid any gatherings with non-household members
• If you start to have symptoms — even mild ones — consult with a medical provider quickly to get instructions on how to care for yourself and your household members and also whether to get tested
• And finally, if you get a call from public health, answer it, and take their advice on how to protect yourself and those around you

We know this news can be disheartening. It’s OK to ask for help. COVID-19 has changed our lives, and it can feel difficult for anyone. There’s support for you and the people you love.

Planning for the holidays looks different this year, but many Coronavirus Update readers are up to the challenge. Here are some creative ideas that readers shared:

• “This year we are crafting virtual. I did a porch drop of plaster ornaments to family in my town and mailed boxes to those that are out of the area. We are all going to meet up on Zoom, with our hot chocolate and holiday cookies, and paint.”
• “My neighborhood and others on NextDoor are going to ring bells from our porches at 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Spread some joy!”
• “Our family is making a playlist of holiday songs together as a way to celebrate while being physically separated.”
• “Zoom open house. I did it for Thanksgiving too. I had family and friends from all over the world visit.”

• “Instead of a secret gift exchange we will do a charity exchange. We will give to a charity in the name of the person whose name is drawn from ‘the hat.’ We will gather via the internet and tell one another whose name we drew and why we chose the charity for them.”