This week Oregon crossed the threshold of 700,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Oregon now ranks second lowest among states in the number of cases per capita (16,596 per 100,000). However, the pandemic isn’t over, and COVID-19 poses a risk to many people. State health officials recommend Oregonians keep in mind the ‘5 Essentials’ for navigating and staying safe during the current phase of the pandemic.

Graphic: Navigating the pandemic. 1. vaccination. 2. information 3. preparation 4 .protection, wear masks. 5. isolate when sick

How community helped during a COVID-19 infection

graphic: six pairs of hands life up a city street with buildings.

Enduring a pandemic can be a lot less stressful when we lift up each other, tend to one another’s needs and reach out when we need help. It can be easy to be overwhelmed by bad news, online hostility and feelings of hopelessness and loneliness. But it may help to remember your community, whatever it may look like – family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, care givers or social workers, and to be there for each other. We asked readers to share stories of how they were supported by others when they came down with COVID-19. Here is a sampling of those responses.