Breakthrough Cases
COVID-19 breakthrough cases in vaccinated individuals for the month of July were 53.4% or 21,380. The Oregon Health Authority reported the numbers last night in its latest report. The numbers have been fairly steady over the past several months, but since the vaccine was first introduced the number is at 35.4%. the OHA is reporting that only 2.6% of vaccinated patients had to be hospitalized and less than 1% have died as a result of contracting the virus. A new round of vaccines is expected to be out in September that is more suitable for the Omicron variants that exist and the CDC is recommending that people get boosted with the new vaccine. Total infections for the month of July for Oregon were 40,013.
Wildfire Risk Map Rescinded
It was released just over a month ago, but the Oregon Wildfire Risk Map is being withdrawn and will be revised according to Oregon State Forester and director of the Oregon Department of Forestry Cal Mukumoto. The map was required by Senate Bill 762. The map, according to two state representatives, causes concerns over potential loss of insurance and higher rates especially in the Southern and eastern part of the state. coastal areas for the most part were not affected by the map. The higher risk designations will require properties to create defensible space according to the bill’s verbiage. Mukumoto says the state will be taking a closer look at the map and individuals that have filed appeals will be given a closer look.
District to Benefit From Federal Monies
Neighboring Coos Bay will benefit from a recently announced 3.4 million dollars to boost workforce development in southwestern Oregon. 4th district representative Peter DeFazio released the information yesterday. The money will mainly benefit the trucking industry and can be used to focus on career training and job placement. The trucking industry has suffered as a result of the pandemic and a recent strike. DeFazio says the training is needed to affect supply chain issues in the Pacific Northwest. Businesses all along the coast have said they have problems getting the needed goods to operate their business.
