February 04 2021
Vital statistics are released for 2020 as the Oregon Health Authority reports 730 more cases and seven additional deaths.
Oregon experienced more deaths than births last year for the first time, in part because of the COVID-19 pandemic. As the pandemic wanes, the number of deaths should fall as well, meaning Oregon s natural increase in the population is not yet turning into a natural decrease on a sustained basis, Josh Lehner of the Oregon Office of Economic Analysis wrote on his blog Wednesday, Feb. 3.
Lehner s comment was in response to the updated monthly vital statistics births and deaths released by the Oregon Health Authority through December 2020. In the past 12 months, deaths outnumbered births by just over 200, at least in the preliminary numbers, which will change some when all the records are complete, Lehner wrote.
Referrals increase as the Oregon Health Authority reports the latest virus figures.
The 211 information phone line has seen a dramatic increase in calls as the COVID-19 vaccine rollout is underway in Oregon.
Chief Executive Office Dan Herman tells KOIN 6 News that they were taking about 400 calls per day before the pandemic. Now, especially in the last two weeks, the line is receiving as many as 2,000 calls per day. It s a challenge, but it s our mission and we re glad to do the work, Herman said.
Before the pandemic, 211info was providing callers with referrals to basic needs programs such as food, shelter, health care and more. Now, they are still doing that on top of being the vaccine eligibility line for the State of Oregon.
Commissioners appoint Bill Kennemer to Senate District 20
Former state representative, Clackamas County commissioner to replace Alan Olsen
Former Oregon House District 39 Rep. Bill Kennemer has been appointed to fill the State Senate District 20 seat vacated by Alan Olsen.
Kennemer, R-Canby, was unanimously appointed to the position during a joint session with commissioners from Clackamas and Marion counties held via Zoom on Monday, Feb. 1.
In 2019, Kennemer retired as the Oregon House District 39 representative, a post he d held since 2009. Prior to that, he was a state senator and a county commissioner. He also practiced as a psychologist for almost 25 years.
During a Zoom meeting on Jan. 23, the Clackamas County Republican Party selected Kennemer, Steve Bates and John Lee to advance in the process to fill the Senate District 20 seat. Bates received endorsement from Olsen, who resigned to care for family members.
Only one death was reported Monday and state health officials will update the increase later.
The Oregon Health Authority reported 23 additional deaths from COVID-19 on Tuesday, Feb. 2, a huge increase over recent days the agency said is being reviewed and will be updated in a later press release.
In comparison, the OHA reported only one new death on Monday, Feb. 1. The addition deaths increased the state total to 1,981.
The OHA also reported the number of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in Oregon at 262, nine fewer than the day before. There were 61 COVID-19 patients in intensive care unit (ICU) beds, three fewer than on Feb. 1.