If you’re tired of cooking, and even delivery is feeling repetitive, you might be starting to eat at restaurants again.
Many restaurants have come up with creative outdoor dining and special takeout options. Whether you choose to eat outside or dine in, here are some things you need to think about that support the health and safety of yourself, friends, and family and the staff who are serving you.
COVID-19 cases declined last week
Daily cases of COVID-19 declined slightly during the week of Monday, Aug. 3 throughSunday Aug. 9, according to the COVID-19 Weekly Report. There were 2,122 new cases that week, a slight drop from the previous week’s tally of 2,278. Twenty-nine deaths were reported, a drop from 39 the previous week.
The percentage of positive tests also decreased to 5.4%, and hospitalizations have plateaued. The age group most affected by the virus remains 20-29, although the elderly remain the hardest hit age group. Persons 80 or older account for nearly half of all those hospitalized.
Most cases continue to be sporadic, meaning there is no known source, which is an indication the virus is widespread.
Two outbreaks surpass 20 cases
Two outbreaks were reported that surpassed 20 cases. The case counts include all persons linked to the outbreak, which may include household members and other close contacts to an employee. State and county public health officials are working with these organizations to address the outbreaks and protect the health of workers:
- An outbreak of 22 cases of COVID-19 has been reported at Pan American Berry Growers in Marion County. The outbreak investigation started on July 30, but the initial case count was below the threshold for public disclosure.
- An outbreak of 29 cases of COVID-19 has been reported at Good Shepherd Health Care System in Umatilla County. The outbreak investigation started on July 16, but the initial case count was below the threshold for public disclosure.
Oregon reports 258 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 7 new deaths
COVID-19 has claimed seven more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 375, the Oregon Health Authority reported Wednesday August 12th.
Oregon Health Authority reported 258 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19, bringing the state total to 22,022.
The new cases are in the following counties: Baker (2), Benton (4), Clackamas (24), Columbia (2), Deschutes (1), Douglas (3), Harney (1), Hood River (4), Jackson (14), Jefferson (5), Josephine (4), Lane (10), Lincoln (2), Linn (7), Malheur (17), Marion (29), Morrow (2), Multnomah (45), Polk (4), Umatilla (30), Wallowa (1), Wasco (1), Washington (41), and Yamhill (5).