Coronavirus in Oregon: State surpasses 700 total deaths as daily cases soar

Oregon unceremoniously surpassed 700 total fatalities linked to COVID-19 on Tuesday as daily case counts continued to soar.

The Oregon Health Authority reported 495 new coronavirus cases and nine more deaths, raising the state’s fatality count to 701.

Oregon reported 600 deaths just 21 days ago, which Patrick Allen, the health authority director, at the time called an “unhappy milestone” with each death marked “with great sadness.”

State officials did not issue a statement commemorating the latest 100-death milestone. It came one day faster than the previous record, from 300 to 400 fatalities, reported in August.

Oregon is now averaging 522 cases a day over the past week, also setting a new high. Just as concerning, Oregonians who are tested are more likely than ever to test positive.

Amid the record-setting surge, Gov. Kate Brown and state health officials have declined to provide details about what steps they may take to slow the virus.

“We are concerned and monitoring the situation closely with the Oregon Health Authority and the Governor’s Medical Advisory Panel,” Charles Boyle, a spokesman for Brown, told The Oregonian/OregonLive on Monday. “All options are on the table when it comes to limiting the spread of COVID-19, and we are weighing what additional restrictions may be necessary and effective if these trends continue.”

As provocative as that might sound, Brown’s office has offered similar platitudes for months while striving to limit infections without blunt-force restrictions that would harm the economy and increase isolation.

Oregon’s two-month climb in confirmed and suspected infections mirrors the national landscape, where cases are up sharply since September. But Oregon is faring better than most states, recording fewer cases and deaths per capita than almost anywhere else.

Where the new cases are by county: Baker (8), Benton (9), Clackamas (56), Clatsop (8), Columbia (4), Coos (1), Deschutes (12), Douglas (10), Grant (4), Hood River (1), Jackson (70), Jefferson (1), Josephine (3), Klamath (7), Lane (26), Linn (21), Malheur (16), Marion (64), Morrow (1), Multnomah (61), Polk (13), Sherman (2), Tillamook (2), Umatilla (16), Union (8), Wallowa (2), Wasco (1), Washington (57), and Yamhill (11).

New fatalities: Oregon’s 693rd death linked to coronavirus is an 87-year-old Marion County woman. She tested positive Oct. 28 and died Oct. 29 in her residence. State officials are determining if she had underlying health conditions.

The 694th fatality is a 63-year-old Clackamas County woman with underlying medical conditions. She tested positive Oct. 5 and died Oct. 30 at Providence Portland Medical Center.

Oregon’s 695th death is a 78-year-old Multnomah County man. He tested positive Oct. 20 and died Nov. 2 at Portland Providence Medical Center. State officials are determining if he had underlying health conditions.

The 696th fatality is a 95-year-old Marion County woman with underlying medical conditions. She began experiencing COVID-19 symptoms Oct. 21 after being in close contact with a confirmed case and died Nov. 1 in her residence.

Oregon’s 697th death is a 47-year-old Jefferson County woman with underlying health conditions. She tested positive Aug. 5 and died Oct. 30 in her residence. Her death certificated listed COVID-19 as a cause or significant condition contributing to her death, according to the state.

The 698th fatality is an 85-year-old Multnomah County woman with underlying medical conditions. She tested positive Oct. 25 and died Oct. 29. State officials are determining her place of death.

Oregon’s 699th death is a 75-year-old Josephine County man. He tested positive Sept. 28 and died Oct. 29 at Asante Three Rivers Medical Center in Grants Pass. State officials are determining if he had underlying health conditions.

The 700th fatality is an 87-year-old Clackamas County woman with underlying medical conditions. She tested positive Oct. 21 and died Oct. 31 at Portland Providence Medical Center.

Oregon’s 701st death is a 94-year-old Washington County man. He tested positive Oct. 11 and died Nov. 1 at Providence Portland Medical Center. State officials are determining if he had underlying health conditions.

The prevalence of infections: State officials reported 444 new confirmed infections out of 5,466 people tested, equaling an 8.1% positivity rate.

Who got infected: New confirmed or presumed infections grew among the following age groups: 0-9 (27); 10-19 (50); 20-29 (86); 30-39 (87); 40-49 (78); 50-59 (65); 60-69 (52); 70-79 (19); 80 and older (13).

Who’s in the hospital: The state Tuesday reported 181 Oregonians with confirmed coronavirus infections are currently in the hospital, up one from Monday. Oregon remains below its capacity, with hundreds of hospital beds and ventilators available.

Since it began: Oregon has reported 46,460 confirmed or presumed infections and 701 deaths, among the lowest totals in the nation. To date, 875,021 Oregonians have been tested.