That Delta version of the Covid-19 virus is pounding our country…and major areas of the world

Aug 13, 2021 | Daily News

Hospitalizations hit record levels in State

Masks required indoors as of Friday, August 13, 2021

NEWPORT, Ore. – Today Governor Brown and the Oregon Health Authority updated the state during a media briefing.  Oregon now has the highest level of COVID-19 hospitalizations ever, and it is still increasing each day.  Due to the significant community transmission, the Governor has mandated that masks are to be worn while in indoor public spaces as of Friday, August 13, 2021.

Lincoln County Board of Commissioners and Lincoln County Public Health support the need to wear masks indoors.  Recent data shows the new Delta Variant is 3 times more contagious than the original virus and can also infect those who are vaccinated.  However, most hospitalizations and deaths are affecting unvaccinated people.

The best protection we have against this virus is vaccination.  Wearing a mask indoors adds another layer of protection but is vital for those who are unvaccinated.  Additional layers of protection including physical distance from others, washing your hands frequently and limit social gatherings to what is essential.  To find vaccination or testing sites, visit our website co.lincoln.or.us or call 541-265-4112 ext. 1

This serious increase in cases locally has prompted additional testing locations. Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital in Newport will reopen a drive-thru testing site. It will partially reopen on Tuesday, August 17th at the Center for Health Education in Newport from 12pm – 4pm.  The site will be open Monday – Friday.  Starting August 17th it will be open from 9am – 5pm.

Finally, the following data supports this COVID-19 alert and the urgent call for all who can get vaccinated and for all to wear masks indoors.  This is current as of 4pm this afternoon.