What is Going on With Covid-19 at the Moment?

At the moment we are seeing a slight decrease in the number of Covid-19 cases in Oregon thanks to an increase in the number of people getting vaccinated and continuing to take precautions. Such as staying 6 feet away from other people, washing their hands frequently,  wearing masks and getting vaccinated. However, as of Thursday, October 14th, 2021 at 10:05 pm Oregon Live reports that there have been 1,237 cases and 24 deaths documented in Oregon within the last 3 hours. According to Oregon Live, “Oregon is averaging 1,151 cases [per day] over the last seven days, marking the lowest numbers since early August of this year,” which means that overall cases have actually been decreasing, and 72.8% of the cases documented were among people who were unvaccinated or who were only partially vaccinated. Therefore, if you are vaccinated, you are at a lower risk of actually getting Covid-19.

What Will Halloween Be Like This year? Will I Still Be Able to Go Trick-or-treating?

Many people are wondering what Halloween will look like this year? According to today.com, “We are approaching a safer time than we have ever seen in this pandemic given [that] vaccination [rates] are increasing and cases continue to decline in most parts of the country.” This means that this year it will probably be safer to go trick-or-treating than it was last year since more people are getting vaccinated. Also according to today.com, “If the positivity rate is low in your community and continues to decline approaching Halloween, I think it’s safe for trick or treating this year with a few precautions.” Even if cases are low in your community, you will still be safer if you take extra precautions against infection than if you don’t. Today.com recommends that if you are having get-togethers, make sure adults and children older than 12 are vaccinated and kids ages 2 or older wear masks. Including masks in kid’s costumes will actually encourage them more to cooperate with wearing masks. Getting vaccinated, masking up, social distancing, washing and disinfecting hands will ensure you that you are all set for Halloween. 

Covid-19 Vaccine UpdatesAccording to healthline.com, the FDA is trying to find a way for kids young as 5 years old through 11 year olds become eligible for the vaccine. On October 26, 2021 they will be having a meeting in which they will discuss whether or not the vaccine should be authorized for this age group. After that, on November 2nd, 2021 they will meet again in another meeting to review the data and make an official recommendation regarding who should or should not get vaccinated. According to The Washington Post, President Biden has recommended that adults receive booster shots within 8 or 9 months of achieving fully vaccinated status to restore levels of virus-fighting antibodies. This is just to add another layer of protection for those who are at a higher risk of getting Covid-19.