March 2, 2021
In today’s update, you will find important information, including:
- COVID-19 Vaccine Update: Changes at the OCC Mass Vaccination Site
- KPNW in the News: Marking 1 Year of Our COVID-19 Journey
- KPNW COVID-19 Trends
- Weekly Testing Turnaround Times
- Vaccination Quick Facts
- Words from Our Members
COVID-19 Vaccine Update: Changes at the OCC All4Oregon Mass Vaccination Site
This week, we took 2 steps to ease the vaccination process at the Oregon Convention Center:
- New Space: After being closed Sunday and Monday for the move, the site reopened today in a new, larger, more convenient space on the first floor, in the exhibit halls located near the entrance from the parking garage. This will significantly shorten the distance patients need to walk, which will especially benefit seniors and those with mobility issues.
- New Appointing Process: To help reduce challenges faced by those trying to schedule a vaccine appointment at the OCC, the Oregon Health Authority will now use the Get Vaccinated Oregon signup tool to fill appointments. Effective yesterday (Monday, March 1) the OHA will randomly select eligible residents in Columbia, Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties, who have registered at Get Vaccinated Oregon. All4Oregon staff will then call those individuals to schedule their appointment.
You can read the OHA’s full announcement about the new process here.
KPNW in the News: Marking 1 Year of Our COVID-19 Journey
KGW recently aired a special report on the 1-year anniversary of the first COVID-19 diagnosis in Oregon, at Westside Medical Center. The KGW story shows the amazing dedication and teamwork of our staff and clinicians over the past year, and features interviews with Dr. Katie Sharff, Eric Cathey, RN, and Dr. Stella Dantas.
KPNW COVID-19 Trends
From KPNW researchers, scientists, and physicians, presented February 25. Based on review of internal trends and external considerations our findings are:
- Anticipated Surge: OR/WA still in a good position in the short term with a decreasing outbreak (R<1).
- However, we may be seeing a stabilization and potential increase in the transmission rate going forward.
- Longer-term forecasts have much uncertainty due to new variants, slow rollout of vaccines, and potential re-opening of society, schools, economy.
- Internal hospital census (ADC) weekly average was down 9% from last week to this week (17.9 to 16.3). Census was 11 on Feb 24. ADC forecast for this week is 8 by Mar 3 (w. error).
- Internal ICU use rate up again. Last week’s rate was 8% (prior week was 0%). Rate based on 1 to 2 ICU patients and low COVID inpatient numbers. Internal ICU had 2 patients on Feb 24.
- KPNW COVID+ weekly average of daily cases was down 12% from last week to this week (41 to 36). Forecast is 33 daily cases by Mar 3 (w. error). The most recent daily case count was 33 on Feb 24.
Weekly Testing Turnaround Times
The average routine COVID-19 testing turnaround time (TAT) for the week of February 22 to February 28 is 16.2 hours. Member communications, including kp.org and call center scripts, will continue to inform members that TAT could be 48 to 72 hours so they can plan for travel.
Vaccination Quick Facts
Here is a snapshot of the most current vaccination data as of March 1. For more information on vaccination rates by age and race/ethnic group and prime and booster doses by geographic service areas, visit the COVID-19 Quick Facts Dashboard.
Words from Our Members
“I got there a bit early for an 8 a.m. appointment and was seen within minutes. It was fantastic. The people at the check-in and COVID test were great and helpful. I didn’t quite know where to go but they directed me and told me to return if I needed help. I felt very reassured. It was very easy and quick.”