Amelia Templeton of Oregon Public Broadcasting

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A sign at Hillsboro Online Academy asks people entering the building to wear masks. / Elizabeth Miller / OPB

Oregon Health Authority Hears More Testimony Against Extending Mask Mandates

In two more hearings Monday, state officials heard criticism of a ‘permanent rule’ that they promise will be rescinded when pandemic conditions improve.

Jan 25, 2022

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SHUTTERSTOCK

Early Indications Of Omicron's Impact On Oregon’s hospitals

A look at what is known so far.

Jan 5, 2022

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Staff in the intensive care unit at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland on Aug. 19, 2021. | KRISTYNA WENTZ-GRAFF/OPB

Omicron’s Arrival In Oregon Has Researchers Warning Of New COVID-19 Wave

Researchers at OHSU emphasize the importance of booster shots to fight the new variant.

Dec 16, 2021

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3D rendering of the omicron variant of COVID-19. | SHUTTERSTOCK

Omicron Variant Found In Oregon

While all three cases were found in fully vaccinated Oregonians, research suggests booster shots may be particularly important.

Dec 14, 2021

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FIELD WORKERS WITH OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY'S TRACE COMMUNITY PROJECT PREPARE TO CONDUCT A COVID-19 SURVEY IN REDMOND, ORE., IN LATE JANUARY. RESULTS INDICATE ABOUT 32 OF EVERY 1,000 REDMOND RESIDENTS CARRIED THE CORONAVIRUS./SEAN NEALON/OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY

How Cutting-Edge Genomics Is Helping Oregon Prepare For Omicron

Researchers at Oregon State University are analyzing wastewater for omicron, while a team at Oregon Health and Science University are searching for the virus in nasal swabs.

Dec 7, 2021

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OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY LAUNCHED AN IN-HOUSE COVID-19 TESTING LAB IN MARCH 2020, AND HAS SINCE EXPANDED IT. NOW OHSU IS LEADING THE SEARCH FOR VARIANTS OF CONCERN IN OREGON./OHSU

An Insider’s Look At The Hunt For Omicron In Oregon

A team at Oregon Health & Science University is looking for evidence of the new variant in the state.

Dec 2, 2021

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The Oregon Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals held a rally on Sept. 28 to urge support for what the union calls safe staffing. | TIM TRAUTMANN/OPB

3,400 Kaiser Permanente Nurses Set To Strike Nov. 15 If Agreement Not Reached

Nurses and other health professionals at Kaiser Permanente in Oregon and Southwest Washington plan to strike, joining what could become a national work stoppage by nurses working for the health care giant.

Nov 9, 2021

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GÁBOR BEJÓ/PIXABAY

OHSU Doctor, Advocacy Group Challenge Residency Requirement In Oregon’s Death With Dignity Act

The national advocacy organization Compassion & Choices and an OHSU professor filed a lawsuit alleging the requirement in Oregon's medical aid in dying law violates the U.S. Constitution.

Oct 28, 2021

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KRISTYNA WENTZ-GRAFF/OPB

Rural Oregon Agencies OK Vaccine Exemptions, Rather Than Fire Workers

Factors, including broadly-crafted religious exemption policies, appear to be blunting the impact of the mandate in counties with low vaccination rates.

Oct 19, 2021

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AUG. 19, 2021: KARLA MAYORGA, RN, TENDS TO A PATIENT. EVERY PERSON WHO WAS IN THIS INTENSIVE CARE UNIT AT OREGON HEALTH AND SCIENCE UNIVERSITY IN PORTLAND WAS CRITICALLY ILL WITH COVID-19./KRISTYNA WENTZ-GRAFF/OPB

Oregon Health Authority Punts Question Of How To Ration Care In A Crisis

The state agency has repeatedly dodged questions from providers about which patients should be prioritized, instead offering general 'principles'

Oct 18, 2021