Today, COVID-19 has claimed 36 more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 1,080. Our hearts go out to the families, friends, neighbors and community members who have lost loved ones.   

“The news of three dozen lives lost weighs heavily on all Oregonians,” said Patrick Allen, director of the Oregon Health Authority (OHA). “Today we share an unfortunate milestone since the first case was reported in February that 36 deaths were reported today, the highest single day loss of life to date from COVID-19. All of us are affected, and the families and friends of those lost most of all. These lost lives touch our families, our workplaces, our neighborhoods, and our communities.  

“At this unfortunate moment, as we work together to confront the challenge presented by COVID-19, we extend our deepest sympathies to those who have lost a loved one and to every Oregonian who has been impacted by the pandemic.” 

The first COVID-19 vaccine was given to a 90-year-old grandmother in the United Kingdom today. The vaccine, which was produced by Pfizer, was recently approved for use in the U.K. Vaccination provides hope that the pandemic will come to an end. To read more about the first vaccination in the U.K., see the story on the National Health Service webpage.  

The first shipment of vaccines are due to arrive in Oregon around Dec. 15 and will be distributed according to Oregon’s COVID-19 Vaccination Plan. Since the vaccine will take time to be distributed widely, it’s important to continue taking safety measures to slow the spread of COVID-19.  

Keep informed with OHA’s vaccine update pages in English and Spanish.