Coronavirus diagnoses continue to rise in Oregon, and health officials reported 146 new confirmed and suspected cases of COVID-19 on Monday. That brings the state total to 7,083 known cases. More than 7% of all reported cases in Oregon were identified over the past weekend, with 511 cases reported between 12:01 am on Friday and 12:00 am on Sunday.
Most of Monday’s new diagnoses come from the Salem area, with 47 cases in Marion County. Cases continue to appear in the Portland metro area, with 27 in Washington County, 17 in Multnomah County and 15 in Clackamas County.
Multnomah County health officials say the majority of the spread occurs through “nearby social media.”
“I think it is human nature to expect that people who might be riskier to someone would be strangers,” said Kim Toevs, who leads the Multnomah County infectious disease team. “And the people they feel more secure with are the people they know, especially family and friends.”
Authorities say that when people are close to friends or family, they can choose not to wear a mask or practice physical distance.
“People are more likely to infect you, because they will be closer to you, in your personal space, and generally you will interact with them for a longer period of time,” Toevs said.
While new infections are on the rise, the death rate remains stable, with two deaths from COVID-19 confirmed on Monday. That brings the state’s total to 192 deaths.
The Oregon Health Authority detailed the latest deaths as:
A 68-year-old man in Lincoln County who died June 16 at his residence and tested positive on June 17. He had no underlying medical conditions.
A 90-year-old woman in Marion County tested positive on June 18. According to health officials, information on this death is still pending.
As of Monday, 145 people are hospitalized with suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 across the state, including 27 who are on ventilators. The coronavirus has led to the hospitalization of 969 people in Oregon during the pandemic.
The mask rule takes effect on Wednesday
A rule about wearing masks in closed public spaces goes into effect Wednesday in seven Oregon counties: Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas, Hood River, Lincoln, Marion and Polk. It applies to shops, public transport and gyms, among other places.
Clark County deaths reach 29
Health officials in Clark County, Washington on Monday reported 18 new suspected and confirmed cases of coronavirus. That brings the county’s total cases to 703. Public health officials also reported a new fatality, bringing the county’s total to 29 deaths.
The Washington Department of Health reported 28,870 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the state and 1,270 known deaths. As of Monday, the coronavirus has led to the hospitalization of 4,062 people in Washington.
Associated Press contributed to this report.
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