COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are up in Wasco County and across the state, and the public is strongly encouraged to wear masks in indoor settings.
The hospitals in The Dalles and Hood River yesterday had nine patients who had COVID-19.
Wasco County recorded 31 cases Tuesday and 10 each on Wednesday and Thursday. Actual case counts are likely considerably higher due to use of home tests.
The county, like most of the rest of the state, has a high rate of community transmission of COVID, according to the latest Oregon community transmission map.
High transmission is considered having a seven-day test positivity rate of 10 percent or higher, and having more than 100 cases per 100,000 population over the past seven days. Wasco County had a 13.3 percent test positivity rate the week of June 19 and 218 cases per 100,000 residents.
In Wasco County, just 42.5 percent of eligible people have gotten a booster dose. Since immunity wanes over time, boosters are highly recommended to reduce the risk of a severe outcome from COVID.
NCPHD offers free vaccines Wednesdays and Fridays. Call 541-506-2600 to book an appointment.
(For more information, please visit COVID-19 Vaccine in Oregon, contact North Central Public Health District at (541) 506-2600, visit us on the web at www.ncphd.org or find us on Facebook.)