COVID-19 Cases and Risk Level:
As reported early this week, Tillamook County moves to the “High Risk” category which takes effect today, Friday 04/09/2021 through Thursday 04/22/21.
While Tillamook County did meet previous defined disease metrics to move into “Extreme Risk,” with 65 cases and test positivity of 7.5% over the past two-week period (3/21/21-04/03/21), we will be moving to HIGH Risk under the Governor’s new risk level determination metrics. Just to restate, Tillamook County has moved to High Risk today.
Governor Kate Brown’s office, announced on April 6, that beginning this week, for counties to move to (or remain in) Extreme Risk, they must meet the county metrics for case rates and percent positivity (10% or more), plus a new statewide metric.
The new statewide metrics are: COVID-19 positive patients occupying 300 hospital beds or more;15% increase in the seven-day average over the past week (county-level data).
Tillamook County did not meet the 3rd new metrics so will not be moving to Extreme Risk.
Some information about impacts to local businesses, organizations, etc. In “High Risk”: businesses may operate with reduced hours and capacity limits; remote office work is recommended, if possible; and social gatherings indoors decrease to 6 people with no more than 2 households recommended and 8 people outdoors.
See the full guidance here: https://coronavirus.oregon.gov/Pages/guidance.aspx.
Positive Cases do continue to increase among people of all ages: older adults (80+) – children (under 10). With the nice weather and many still in spring break, it is important that we limit gatherings to no more than 8 people when outdoors and 6 people indoors (no more than 2 households). Maintain 6ft of distance from those not in your household, wear a mask properly, and wash your hands frequently.
If you are feeling ill, stay home and if you need COVID-19 testing, it is available to you at no cost. Appointments are needed for testing call: 503-842-3900.
Weekly Data (Friday April 2nd – Thursday April 8th , 2021):
- 28 new confirmed positive cases (0 presumptive)
- 50+ being monitored (cases/contacts).
- 1 currently hospitalized -out of the area
- 0 COVID-19 related deaths (this week)
- 7.5% avg. test positivity rate
Accumulative Data:
- 560 total cases
- 13,496 negative tests (OHA)
- 24 hospitalized
- 2 COVID-19 related deaths
COVID-19 Vaccines
928 primary (1st) doses + 742 boosters (2nd dose) this week.
Total amounts:
- 8,548 people received at least 1 dose vaccinated; 32% of Tillamook County residents,
- 4,321 fully vaccinated (done with 2-dose series); 16% of Tillamook County residents.
- 4,050 in progress (scheduled for 2nd)
Three large employer worksites were completed this week!
We received a special allocation of Johnson & Johnson and will be using this to host a frontline worker vaccination event on Saturday April 17th. It has been a long year in the pandemic, and we want to recognize the many sacrifices our frontline workers have made in Tillamook County. See more here
Tillamook County vaccine partners also continue to hold vaccine clinics weekly, vaccinating approx. 700 eligible resident or more each week. Tillamook County residents may book an appointment on the online scheduling tool. Several weeks in April are still available for appointments and new dates are added in weekly.
Governor Kate Brown’s office announced Tuesday that all Oregonians 16 and older will be eligible to start scheduling an appointment beginning April 19th; this has been escalated from May 1st!
In our weekly vaccine clinics, we do only have Moderna available and continue to receive small amounts of J&J for special outreach. Both Moderna and Johnson and Johnson are only authorized for those 18 years old and older. For those 16 and 17 years old, we can assist them by calling 211 to find a vaccine location with Pfizer which is authorized for those 16 and older.
Tillamook County community health center vaccine line is available to answer questions and assist those with limited or no internet access to book an appointment. The vaccine line can be reached by calling: 503-842-3914. Staffed Monday- Friday 8am -5pm with bilingual (English and Spanish) staff.
See all who is eligible here:https://sharedsystems.dhsoha.state.or.us/DHSForms/Served/le3527A.pdf
COVID-19 is a highly infectious illness that spreads like the flu. Local and state health officials continue to urge all Oregonians to take steps to protect those who are most vulnerable to complications from COVID-19. Those considered “high risk” include adults 60 and older, or anyone with a serious health condition, including lung or heart problems, kidney disease, or diabetes, or anyone who has a suppressed immune system.
To help control the spread of the illness the public is urged to stay home as much as possible and avoid gatherings.
We ask all county residents to continue to take the necessary precautions and follow current public health guidance to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus:
- Follow guidance on face coverings.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Keep 6 ft of distance from those not in your immediate household.
- Stay home if you feel ill.
About Tillamook County Community Health Centers:
TCCHC has been a Federally Qualified Health Center since 1994, providing medical, dental, behavioral and public health services.
Follow our Facebook @TillamookCHC for daily updates.
Additional Resources:
Oregon Health Authority COVID-19 Information: http://healthoregon.org/coronavirus
CDC COVID-19 Information: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html