Omicron variant BA.5 is now the most dominant strain of COVID-19 in Oregon. This strain is again more transmissible (contagious) than prior strains. Some studies show it may be possible to spread infection just by walking by someone.
On Friday, July 8th, Dr. Dean Sidelinger with the Oregon Health Authority shared an updated case report with the county public health agencies. Dr. Sidelinger said COVID-19 cases are hovering around 1,500 over the prior 7 days. He estimated that there are 30 more cases for every one known positive COVID-19 case.
In Lincoln County, there were 100 newly reported cases in the week between July 3 and July 9, 2022. Oregon Health Authority estimates there are 3000 active cases of COVID-19 in Lincoln County due to underreporting. Hospitalizations have been increasing at the state level with 458 reported today. In Lincoln County there were 10 hospitalized in June, and one so far in July.
Public Health is also providing the most recent update from an epidemiologist who has been tracking the pandemic since 2020. Dr. Katelyn Jetelina is an Assistant Professor of Epidemiology. She has a Masters in Public Health and a PhD in Epidemiology and Biostatistics. Dr. Jetelina writes a blog at www.yourlocalepedimeiologist.com about infectious disease, mental health, women’s health and violence. Dr. Jetelina also provides the blog in Spanish with translation by Maria Zoco.
Original source can be found here
