As Oregon sets coronavirus records, governor responds with pleas and platitudes – OregonLive

A dizzying stretch of coronavirus spread is now creating new records in Oregon on a near-daily basis, with virtually all indicators suggesting the states bleakest moment of the pandemic so far has arrived.

At least five statistics from Monday show unprecedented trouble:

Any one of those indicators could be concerning. Combined, they represent perhaps the strongest signals that Oregon much like the rest of the country has reached a precarious period of the pandemic and the path forward is unclear.

But the extraordinary moment passed with no public acknowledgment from Gov. Kate Brown, who sent nine Tweets on the eve of Tuesdays election about protests, safety, voting access and turnout. The Oregon Health Authority also did not highlight the stark statistics beyond sharing the daily numbers of 557 new cases and one death.

Officials, responding to inquiries from The Oregonian/OregonLive, said they are concerned but declined to provide any specifics for their plans to slow the spread. Brown and health officials have repeatedly urged Oregonians to take responsibility for their actions, including physical distancing and wearing masks, but those messages do not appear to be resonating as cases have been on the rise for nearly two full months.

We are concerned and monitoring the situation closely with the Oregon Health Authority and the Governors Medical Advisory Panel, Charles Boyle, a spokesman for Brown, said in a statement. 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, Browns office has offered similar platitudes for months while striving to slow spread without blunt-force restrictions.

To be sure, even at its worst Oregon is still faring far better than most states. Oregon ranks eighth lowest for per-capita cases in the past week, essentially equal with Washington and California and well below the likes of Idaho, Utah and Montana, according to The New York Times. And while Oregon set a new record for deaths reported in a single day Saturday, the total fatality count for October still did not approach the states peak this summer.

When Oregons governor began allowing counties to reopen nearly six months ago, the states daily case count was nearly seven times lower than it is now. At the time, officials said they would be methodical and consider putting some of our protections back in place in order prevent the spread of COVID-19 if cases grew too sharply.

But sweeping restrictions, such as Browns earlier stay-home orders or shuttering businesses, have a tremendous impact on the economy. Officials have also effectively bent the curve, with Oregons hospitals not at risk of reaching capacity until mid-to-late December, according to the health authority.

In fact, Brown and state officials have eased restrictions in recent weeks even as cases spiked. They most recently adopted liberal benchmarks to allow schools to reopen for in-person instruction and approved bowling alleys and skating rinks to reopen in the metro area.

State officials say their data continues to show smaller informal gatherings, such as barbeques and birthday parties, are playing a bigger role driving cases than workplace outbreaks and other settings. Officials have been particularly vocal about staying safe during holidays, including Halloween, but have not yet issued formal recommendations for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Boyle, the governors spokesman, said it is more important than ever that we all work together to implement the proven measures that limit the spread of COVID-19: wearing face coverings, watching physical distance, washing hands, staying home when sick, and avoiding large social get-togethers, especially indoors.

If we all work together, he added, we can drive down our case rates, keep our businesses open, and return students to the classroom.

Should that fail, however, its not clear what specific restrictions could be under consideration. Some health experts have questioned keeping bars and restaurants open for in-person dining.

Browns office has not yet fulfilled a public records request submitted by The Oregonian/OregonLive on Oct. 21 seeking documentation about potential public health interventions or restrictions under consideration.

Dr. Dean Sidelinger, the state health officer and state epidemiologist, said in a statement Monday that the health authority continues to discuss options with state leaders should the situation continue to worsen.

Oregon has been well-positioned throughout this pandemic compared to other states, but we cannot rely on past success in limiting the spread, he added. It will take a collective sustained effort to keep our state safe.

-- Brad Schmidt; bschmidt@oregonian.com; 503-294-7628; @_brad_schmidt

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As Oregon sets coronavirus records, governor responds with pleas and platitudes - OregonLive