Oregon Leaders Prepare For Expected Omicron Surge

SALEM, Ore. —  Oregon Governor Kate Brown and health officials Friday warned about an expected surge in COVID-19 due to the Omicron variant.

New projections show that the state’s peak number of hospitalizations since the start of the pandemic – about 1,200 -could more than double by the end of February.

“This week we identified the first cases of the Omicron variant in Oregon. While we are all still learning about this new variant, it is clear from the experiences of the United Kingdom and other countries that we have only weeks to prepare before Omicron hits our communities and health care systems in full force,” said Governor Kate Brown. “Masks, vaccines, and the incredible efforts of our health care workers, public health partners, and National Guard members have seen us through the Delta surge. We will need to make the same statewide, collaborative efforts to see us through Omicron.”

Governor Brown and health officials on Friday urged people to get their COVID-19 booster shot.

“OHSU’s modeling shows that we have about a three-week window to prepare for this next surge. Boosters are our best protection against Omicron. The state will be taking important steps to make sure our most vulnerable Oregonians have access to booster shots and to make sure we are ready to support our hospital systems for another surge. A big part of that plan will depend on each and every one of you.”

The Oregon Health Authority announced it is working to expand booster vaccination –  with a goal of administering booster shots to an additional million residents, doubling the current number people who have already received the booster.

Oregon Health Authority Director Patrick Allen introduced a five point plan to help fight the expected surge:

The Governor said that at this time, she’s not considering any added restrictions. However, she made it clear anything and everything is on the table if needed.

You can watch the press conference here: