By Gordon McCraw, Tillamook County Emergency Manager & COVID-19 Incident commander
Tillamook County has had 33 new cases during the last two week reporting cycle that ended last week. This means Tillamook County remains in the Moderate Risk category until at least April 9th. OHA will again pull the numbers March 29th, announce the finding Tuesday the 30th then any change would take place Friday, April 9th. I would say fingers crossed, but instead I will say, facemask worn, hands washed, and 6’ maintained, that we have fewer numbers and can go back to the Lower Risk category then.
It was announced at today’s Board of Commissioner’s Meeting that we have had 10 new cases this week (March 22-24) and, as of Tuesday, March 23rd, 6,610 individuals have been given at least the first or primary dose since we have started getting the vaccine. This represents 25% of our population, about 11.5% have been fully vaccinated. The Vaccine partners continue to administer about 700 Primary doses each week.
It was also announced that beginning March 29th, all eligible groups will be able to schedule their vaccine appointment directly on-line on a new Tillamook County Vaccine Scheduling Tool. The scheduling tool will allow you to choose the location most convenient for you across the county. Be on the lookout for more information next week. Please keep in mind that the health systems are strained making call wait times longer for this reason please try to schedule with the online vaccine scheduling tool when it becomes available.
The current online tool has been turned off so we can transition to the new tool on March 29th, adding all that are already registered. If you are 65 or older, or in any of the Phase 1a Groups, you can still register and get an appointment by calling 503-842-3914. If you are age 65 or older and have not been vaccinated, we recommend you call sooner rather than later to get that appointment. With the new groups becoming eligible on March 29th, we encourage anyone age 65 or older who has not yet been vaccinated to call to schedule your appointment today.