OREGON REPORTS 1,129 NEW CONFIRMED AND PRESUMPTIVE COVID-19 CASES, 54 NEW DEATHS

News Release from Oregon Health Authority
 

December 15, 2020

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed 54 more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 1,214 the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 1,129 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today bringing the state total to 96,092.

"Today’s record-high death toll tragically reminds us that the pandemic is far from over despite the arrival of vaccines in Oregon," said Patrick Allen, director of the Oregon Health Authority. "These Oregonians and the ones who passed before them were loved ones who will be dearly missed by their families, for whom we express our sincerest condolences.”

Oregonians can continue to work together to prevent more lives being lost to the virus by doing the following:

• Maintain 6 feet of physical distance; 
• Wear a face covering when outside the house; 
• Practice good hand hygiene; 
• Avoid any gatherings with non-household members;
• If you start to have symptoms — even mild ones — consult with a medical provider quickly to get instructions on how to care for yourself and your household members and also whether to get tested;
• And finally, if you get a call from public health, answer it, and take their advice on how to protect yourself and those around you.

The rising case count that surged in November is one factor attributed to today’s record-high death count. The counting of deaths from death certificates may take time to process because they are determined by physicians and then sent to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for further review before the cause of death is ultimately determined.  Once this information is confirmed, the information is reported back with a final cause of death to states. This lagging indicator is now being captured today.

COVID-19 hospitalizations

The number of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 across Oregon is 544, which is five more than yesterday. There are 112 COVID-19 patients in intensive care unit (ICU) beds, which is nine fewer than yesterday.

The total number of patients in hospital beds may fluctuate between report times. The numbers do not reflect admissions per day, nor the length of hospital stay. Staffing limitations are not captured in this data and may further limit bed capacity.

More information about hospital capacity can be found here.

Mental and emotional resources for difficult times:

• Mental and emotional health resources are available on OHA’s Safe + Strong website.
• Or call the Safe + Strong Helpline at 800-923-4357 (800-923-HELP). The line offers free, 24-7 emotional support and resource referral to anyone who needs it -- not only those experiencing a mental health crisis.