Even though COVID hospitalizations have been decreasing, health care workers are preparing for a surge from omicron, which officials expect to be more severe than the  Delta variant. St. Charles says conditions are far from normal and hospitalizations are running over 100% capacity, illustrating all the delayed care that’s been happening throughout the pandemic. Oregon Nurses Association urges Oregonians to protect your health — and the State’s nurses. ONA recommends:

• Getting vaccinated, including the booster shot
• Holding  virtual gatherings, and
• Wearing a mask indoors