OHA Reports COVID-19 Hospitalizations are at Lowest Point in Nearly Four Years

New information released this week shows the number of adults hospitalized with COVID-19 in Oregon at its lowest point since June 2020, dropping about 34% in April. Additionally, the number of COVID-19 patients in hospital intensive care units is at its lowest point since April 2020. Oregon Health Authority data shows 82 adults were hospitalized with COVID-19 on April 30th, six of whom were in the ICU. Test percentage positivity was also at its lowest point (2.4%) since June 2020. OHA officials said COVID-19 is still out there and they expect case numbers to rise again, likely this fall and winter. However, overall community transmission is currently low. Dr. Paul Cieslak, medical director for OHA's communicable diseases and immunizations, said COVID-19 is still with us and will always be with us. But he thinks there is substantial immunity to a number of variants within our population, and many of us have been vaccinated repeatedly with different variations of the virus. The virus is also far less likely to cause death than it once was. OHA recommends everyone be up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccination. That includes people ages 65 and over getting a second dose of the 2023-24 vaccine. ...Read more

US Forest Service Investing Over $62 Million to Support Pacific NW Communities in 2024

The US Forest Service has announced it is issuing more than $232 million through the agency's Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program in 2024. SRS includes nearly $63 million in investments to support public schools and roads in the Pacific Northwest Region that encompasses the states of Oregon and Washington. Pacific Northwest Regional Forester Jacqueline Buchanan said the region is home to some of the most iconic national forests in the country and the SRS program ensures these public lands continue to benefit surrounding communities. Oregon will receive more than $47.7 million in SRS payments, which is the highest amount among all states. In southwest Oregon, Douglas County will receive about $6.67 million while Jackson County will receive more than $1.46 million and Josephine County will get over $950,000. These funds will provide critical support for schools, roads and other essential services in rural communities across the Pacific Northwest that are home to national forests. Over the past 10 years, the Forest Service has distributed $2.4 billion through the Secure Rural School program nationwide. ...Read more

Oregon Fish and Wildlife Steelhead Tagging Research Project is a First for Oregon

If you've ever wondered where steelhead go in the ocean after they've spawned in rivers, you're not alone. Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife biologists want to know, too. ODFW biologists in Southern Oregon are putting satellite "pop-off" tags on 10 adult winter steelhead in the Rogue and Chetco rivers this spring. The goal is to tag "kelts" -- the fish that have successfully spawned and are heading back to sea. Unlike Pacific salmon, steelhead can spawn multiple times and have a much broader ocean distribution. Steelhead are rarely encountered in commercial fisheries like salmon are, so much less is known about their distribution, migration routes, depth at sea and more. The multi-year research project will provide much information and add to biological knowledge of Rogue-South Coast winter steelhead. It is also the first winter steelhead satellite tagging of kelts in Oregon. ...Read more