covid

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SHUTTERSTOCK

Is It Time To Change The Definition Of ‘Fully Vaccinated’

Scientists and public health officials are debating when it will be time to change the definition of “fully vaccinated” to include a booster shot.

Dec 7, 2021

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PHOTO COURTESY OF CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION

Omicron Variant A Question Mark In OHSU COVID-19 Forecast

The projection points to a decline in virus cases and a drop in hospitalizations across the state.

Dec 7, 2021
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For a time, drive-through and walk-in vaccinations were available across the state, including some funded by the state. | PHOTO COPYRIGHT: PAMPLIN MEDIA GROUP (USED WITH PERMISSION)

High-Volume COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics Opening

Clinics with no-cost shots are opening in the Portland area and around Oregon.

Dec 7, 2021
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NATALIA MERZLYAKOVA/FOTOLIA

Oregon Health Insurer Profits Shrink As COVID-19 Whipsaws Finances

But increased bond and stock values keep companies strong, with only two major insurers losing money.

Dec 2, 2021
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SHUTTERSTOCK

With Federal COVID-19 Sick Leave Gone, Workers Feel Pressure

Federal laws that offered COVID-related paid sick leave to workers have expired, leaving low-income workers the most vulnerable.

Nov 30, 2021

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Some companies set up outdoor seating to maintain business during the pandemic, like the Bijou Cafe in downtown Portland. Others, citing harm to their business, didn't follow the state mask mandate and were fined. | SHUTTERSTOCK

Oregon Health Officials Lift Rule Requiring Masks In Crowds Outdoors

“This decision, which takes effect immediately, reflects the overall progress we have seen on the COVID-19 front here in Oregon,” Oregon Health Authority director Patrick Allen said.

Nov 23, 2021

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COVID-19 TESTS./HANNAH NORMAN/KAISER HEALTH NEWS

COVID Antiviral Pills Require Access To Speedy And Accurate Tests

Experts say the success of the new pills hinge on whether high-risk patients will be able to get tested — and then treated — fast enough to make a difference.

Nov 23, 2021

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SHUTTERSTOCK

Quarantine And Tracing Rules Are All Over the Map For Students

Most parents are familiar with “COVID notification” letters, but the letters’ instruction on whether your kid must quarantine or not varies wildly from school to school.

Nov 16, 2021

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CINDY JOHNSON HOLDS A PAINTING OF HER HUSBAND, STEVEN, A RETIRED PHARMACIST WHO HAD SURVIVED COLON CANCER AND TOOK METICULOUS MEASURES TO AVOID CONTRACTING COVID-19. STEVEN DIED OF COVID IN DECEMBER 2020, AND CINDY BELIEVES HE CONTRACTED THE VIRUS AT BLAKE MEDICAL CENTER IN BRADENTON, FLORIDA, WHERE HE WAS ADMITTED FOR AN INFECTION IN HIS HIP./EVE EDELHEIT/KHN

Some Patients Went Into the Hospital for Care And Never Came Out After Contracting COVID

They went into hospitals with heart attacks, kidney failure or in a psychiatric crisis, and they left with COVID-19 — if they left at all.

Nov 4, 2021

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COMMUNICABLE DISEASE SUPERVISOR JILL JOHNSON DRAWS OUT DOSES OF THE PFIZER-BIONTECH COVID-19 VACCINE AT THE DESCHUTES COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT IN BEND ON JAN. 12, 2021./BRADLEY W. PARKS/OPB

COVID-19 Vaccines For Younger Kids Are Coming To Oregon

More than 120,000 doses of the Pfizer BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine for children should be available in Oregon by early next week.

Nov 4, 2021