On November 26, 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified a new variant, B.1.1.529, as a Variant of Concern and has named it Omicron. No cases of this variant have been identified in the U.S. to date. The Centers for Disease Control, Oregon Health Authority, and Jackson County Public Health are following the details of this new variant, first reported to the World Health Organization by South Africa.
“This is why it is important to have a robust public health infrastructure in place that includes surveillance and testing,” states Tanya Phillips, Health Promotion and Preparedness Manager for Jackson County Public Health. “Having a robust worldwide surveillance and testing system in place allows for early detection and a rapid response from public health systems across the globe.”
“It is important to be aware that there is a new variant of concern, but it is too early to know the implications this new variant may have,” says Dr. Jim Shames, Health Officer for Jackson County Public Health. “We want to encourage people that there are actions that everyone can take to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Assuring that you are fully vaccinated and taking known precautions, such as wearing a mask, are the best initial strategies that everyone can take.”
COVID-19 Vaccinations
Weekly Number of New COVID-19 Cases
For week 47 (November 21 –November 27), Jackson County Public Health reported 243 new COVID-19 cases. This is a 36% decrease from the previous week.
COVID-19 Hospitalizations for Region 5 (Jackson and Josephine Counties)
As of 9:00 a.m. on November 29, 2021, the number of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 is 40, and there are 10 patients with COVID-19 in the intensive care unit.
The total number of patients in hospital beds may fluctuate between report times. The numbers do not reflect admissions per day nor the length of hospital stay. Staffing limitations are not captured in this data and may further limit bed capacity.
COVID-19 Related Deaths
Jackson County Public Health reports 1 new COVID-19 death, bringing the total to 356 since the beginning of the pandemic.
Jackson County’s 356th COVID-19 death is an 81-year-old woman who tested positive on October 11 and died on November 19 at their residence. They had underlying health conditions.
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