This week we’re bringing you an Oregon Covid-19 update and tips for safely celebrating Hanukkah. As the spread of Covid-19 rises in Oregon, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team for assistance.
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Oregon has now reached 85,788 positive or presumptive cases and 1,045 deaths as of December 7.
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- Oregon Health Authority's most recent weekly report, published December 2, details our ongoing Covid-19 surge
- 9,100 new daily cases were reported during the week of Monday, Nov. 23 through Sunday, Nov. 29, a 5% increase over the previous week.
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Weekly hospitalizations associated with COVID-19 rose to 398, a 9% increase, a significant slowing from the previous week, yet still the highest weekly total reported during the pandemic.
- There were 86 reported COVID-19 reported deaths, up from 61 the previous week.
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Oregon has new health and safety rules based on each county’s coronavirus risk level. Most counties are currently considered "extreme risk". Read OPB’s coverage on how the new restrictions work.
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Multnomah County and Portland Community College are offering a free Covid test and flu shot site. Although anyone is invited to schedule an appointment, the clinic will prioritize people of color and people without health insurance or a regular health care provider.
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Last Tuesday, a federal advisory committee to the CDC voted to recommend the first wave of vaccines go to frontline healthcare workers and long-term residents of assisted living facilities.
- The National Institutes of Health director Francis Collins says that millions of people in high-risk categories will likely start receiving the Covid-19 vaccine this month. However, it won't be until next spring or possibly summer until enough people are vaccinated to achieve herd immunity.
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The first night of Hanukkah is Thursday, December 10th. With the high rate of Covid-19 transmission in our region and across the country, we need to slow the spread and get creative about how we can celebrate Hanukkah in a fun and safe way.
Stay safe, connect online
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See your loved ones' faces on video chats and Zoom Hanukkah parties. You can light candles, eat latkes, or play virtual dreidel together.
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Join the Portland Jewish community for events available all eight night. Check out the Jewish Federation's Hanukkah calendar or tune in to the MJCC's festivities each night at 5:30 p.m.
Contact-free Giving
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Share some light this Hanukkah by dropping off latkes, applesauce, or sufganiot on a friend or family member's porch. Be sure to wash your hands frequently while preparing drop-off items, wear a mask when you go, and stay at least 6 feet apart.
- Send Hanukkah cards to loved ones to let them know you're thinking of them, even though you won't celebrate together in person this year.
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If you exchange gifts, think about giving cozy presents that will help make staying at home and isolating more palatable, like a soft blanket, books or games.
Gatherings are high risk
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State guidelines allow a maximum of six people from no more than two households for indoor and outdoor gatherings in most counties.
- If you gather with people outside your household, outside is the safest place.
- Wear a mask at all times, and stay at least six feet apart
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Giving gelt is a cherished Hanukkah tradition which feels especially important now. While we all enjoy our chocolate gelt, let’s consider where we can meaningfully distribute money and resources this holiday.
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JFCS Emergency Aid Program helps ensure that individuals and families experiencing difficulties in their lives receive services and have access to resources to meet their basic needs and improve their quality of life. Donate here to support.
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It’s never been more important to give back. Willamette Week’s Give Guide highlights local nonprofits that could use your support, and offers prizes for those who donate between November 1 and December 31.
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Do you need a face mask? CNSCOS has a supply of KN95 masks from Oregon Health Authority, and we’re excited to distribute them across our community as long as supplies last. We also have cloth masks available.
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N95 means the mask has been rated to filter at least 95 percent of airborne particles it encounters and has been manufactured to form a seal on the wearer’s face. The difference between an N95 and a KN95 mask is where the mask is certified. N95 is certified in the United States and KN95 is certified in China.
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If you would like to receive a mask, please fill out this request form.
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Did you miss our Q&A with OPB journalist?
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On October 14, we hosted a Covid-19 Q&A with OPB's lead Covid-19 reporter and former scientist, Erin Ross. Ross answered questions about what we can expect for schools in the next few months, how to safely form a quarantine-safe "pod," how to navigate public transportation during a pandemic, and more. Click the video thumbnail below to watch.
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CNSCOS is here to help anyone in the Washington, Multnomah, or Clackamas County Jewish community who has been affected by Covid-19. Our available services differ based on whether or not you have been tested positive for the virus.
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If you’ve been exposed to the virus or tested positive and are quarantining, we can assist with and cover costs for things like grocery shopping, finding housing, childcare, or transportation.
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If you have been affected in an indirect way, we can still help you find/apply for financial resources, with errands, or just calling to talk if you’re feeling lonely.
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Please do not hesitate to reach out at covid19@nevehshalom.org or call 971-990-5652! And please share this information with anyone who might need help!
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We want to know how to best serve you. What questions do you have about Covid-19? What are your biggest concerns? What kind of resources are you looking for?
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