According to projections, the omicron variant is predicted to cause a significant spike in COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations beginning mid-January. In a joint statement, Oregon’s hospital systems warn of the impending surge and ask communities for help.
While omicron may cause a less severe illness, it’s way more transmissible. And more sick people mean a greater impact on health care resources.
Hospitalizations are expected to increase by two to three times what was seen during the September peak—which was driven by the delta variant. That’s from a high of 1,200 patients in hospitals in early fall to 2,000 to 3,000 hospitalizations from omicron in January and February.
Physicians representing PeaceHealth, Kaiser Permanente, Legacy Health, Providence and Oregon Health and Science University signed the statement. PeaceHealth’s Dr. Doug (COOK-COOK) Koekkoek added his name. He said, “It’s not too late to make a difference. Please get fully vaccinated --including a booster. Boosters are critical because they restimulate the immune system and increase the number of antibodies. They also improve cellular mediated immunity.”
The statement also urges everyone to help by wearing masks and avoiding large indoor gatherings this holiday season.
On Tuesday, Governor Kate Brown again extended Oregon’s COVID-19 state of emergency. The emergency declaration continues to be necessary to provide flexibility and resources for the state’s COVID-19 response and recovery efforts, including access to all available federal disaster relief funds. Effective until June 2022 unless earlier rescinded or extended.
