PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Oregon health officials are urging people in 21 counties with high COVID-19 cases, including the three Portland-area counties, to return to mask wearing because the hospital system is again under extreme strain. The Oregonian/OregonLive reports while COVID-19 hospitalizations are lower than past surges, staff shortages, patients who delayed care and elevated COVID-19 infections have substantially reduced hospital systems’ capacity to care for patients. Oregon Health Authority epidemiologist Dr. Dean Sidelinger suggests people reconsider summer plans to protect themselves and others during what he called “this extremely challenging time.” He says Central Oregon hospitals have been particularly hard-hit but that no part of the state has been spared.
Oregon urges return to mask wearing as hospitals feel strain
