More Cases, More Testing; Community Resources for At-Risk, Outreach, Information

EDITOR’S NOTE: Previous articles from the Oregon Health Authority provide more details and projections about the effectiveness of closures and social distancing measures, while cases are increasing that’s because testing is increasing as well. Early indications are that social distancing is working. Oregon has significantly fewer cases than neighboring states, and most cases are not requiring hospitalizations. -Maintain aggressive interventions put into place on Monday, March 23rd (i.e.., Stay Home, Save Lives) with high public adherence: There will be an estimated 1,000 (within a possible range of 700-3,800) cumulative infections by May 8th. Under this scenario, hospitals would have to boost capacity by a smaller number of beds. The models show that only aggressive interventions, like the Stay Home, Save Lives executive order are predicted to decrease the number of active infections. For the data geeks out there, see the links below for more information.

All of our lives are changing at a rapid pace. And we’re all doing our best to adapt. Let’s try to be extra patient with each other. By working together – and with the remarkable efforts of essential personnel across our state – we’re doing everything in our power to slow the spread of COVID-19. It’s not easy for any of us, but it’s vital to keep each other safe.
Help for domestic violence situations
Domestic violence can get worse during isolation. You’re not alone. The Oregon Department of Human Services is still a resource for you and your children, as are local domestic violence prevention agencies and national hotlines. If you are a victim of domestic, sexual or gender-based violence, there is help available:

Local services are available through Tides of Change (formerly the Tillamook County Women’s Resource Center) if anyone needs to access services call 503.842.9486.

National Sexual Assault 24-Hour Hotline: 800-656-HOPE (800-656-4673).
National Domestic Violence 24-Hour Hotline: 800-799-SAFE (800-799-7233).
If you are experiencing an emergency call 911.

What does the rise in positive cases mean?
Today OHA reported 98 new COVID-19 cases. It’s the biggest single-day number of cases yet. What does this rise in cases mean? Watch Dr. Dawn Mautner, senior health advisor at OHA, explain the increase.

Oregon reports 1 new COVID-19 death, 98 new COVID-19 cases
COVID-19 has claimed one more life in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 12.
Oregon Health Authority also reported 98 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the state total to 414 as of 8 a.m., Friday March 27th. The COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Clackamas (10), Columbia (1), Deschutes (3), Douglas (1), Jackson (2), Klamath (1), Lane (2), Linn (2), Marion (26), Morrow (1), Multnomah (22), Polk (4), Umatilla (1), Wasco (1), Washington (18), Yamhill (4). Oregon Health Authority reports new cases once a day on its website: www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus.
Oregon’s 12th COVID-19 death is an 82-year-old woman in Marion County. She tested positive on March 20, and died March 25 at Salem Hospital. She had underlying medical conditions.

Be prepared with a 90-day supply of medications
Wondering what to do about your prescriptions during the COVID-19 outbreak? Comprehensive health insurance plans are required to provide reimbursement for up to a 90-day supply of applicable prescription drugs. Requirements for prescription contraceptives include the option to receive a 12-month supply in one refill.
Talk with your pharmacy and/or insurance provider if it offers delivery to your home or if you can receive your prescriptions through a mail delivery system.
There is much more information about prescription drugs refills, as well as health insurance coverage of COVID-19 screening and treatment, telehealth coverage and scams related to COVID-19 at the Department of Consumer and Business Services website.