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

New information released last 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

GP Police Officers and Firefighters Logged another Productive Week of City Protection

Grants Pass police officers and firefighters held form last week as they protected the community. According to the Weekly Report filed by Grants Pass City Manager Aaron Cubic, police officers responded to a total of 590 calls for service along with 256 officer-initiated calls that resulted in 51 arrests, 27 citations, 34 warnings and four highly intoxicated people being lodged at the Sobering Center. Cubic also reported that officers conducted a total of 44 traffic stops in the city and they made 22 referrals to the Oregon Department of Human Services. The GPPD Community Response Team (CRT) made a total of 199 contacts with potential trouble-makers while arresting one person, citing 45 more and warning 83 others. The CRT unit also trespassed 26 individuals, posted 110 transient camps and removed trash from three campsites. Grants Pass Fire & Rescue responded to a total of 74 calls last week including 25 for emergency medical service, three for reports of fire or smoke, 10 lift assists, seven rescue situations, eight assists to other agencies and six false alarms. The 9-1-1 Dispatch Center fielded a total of 1,003 emergency calls last week. ...Read more

Pacific Power Unveils New Optimal Time Rewards Program for Residential Customers

Pacific Power is offering a new energy program called "Optimal Time Rewards" for residential customers across Oregon and Washington to help them manage costs while creating a more resilient and sustainable grid. Participants in the Optimal Time Rewards program can earn incentives of up to $50 plus ongoing incentives by partnering with Pacific Power to more effectively manage spikes in demand and fluctuations of power supply. Optimal Time Rewards is one of a portfolio of energy efficiency and demand response programs, the utility is offering to help keep energy costs low for everyone through the use of smart technology. There are two ways to participate. Residential customers can enroll a smart thermostat connected to electric heating or cooling equipment. Customers in multi-family housing can also enroll an electric water heater. Residential customers who want to learn more about enrolling a smart thermostat can visit the Pacific Power Optimal Time Rewards website at "pacificpower.net/OTR." ...Read more