April 6, 2021
In today’s update, you will find important information, including:
- Expanding COVID-19 Vaccinations at Medical Office Buildings
- Volunteer Opportunities at Community Vaccination Sites
- Note on Isolation Mask Ratings
- KPNW COVID-19 Trends
- Words from Our Members
Expanding COVID-19 Vaccinations at Medical Office Buildings
On Wednesday, April 7, KPNW will increase the number of medical offices offering COVID-19 vaccinations. This expansion will increase vaccine availability in our communities so that we can offer vaccinations closer to home and work, make vaccinations available to high risk patients who are already in an MOB for other care, and strengthen our support for special vaccination events to better reach black, indigenous, and people of color in our communities.
Vaccinations will be available at the following Oregon locations:
Beaverton, Central Interstate, Eugene Chase Gardens, Gateway, Keizer Station, Mt. Talbert, North Lancaster, Rockwood, Skyline, Sunnybrook, Tualatin, and Westside Medical Specialties.
Vaccinations will be available at the following Washington locations:
Cascade Park, Longview Kelso, Orchards, and Salmon Creek.
Vaccination is by appointment only. Guide patients to kp.org/covidvaccine/nw to check vaccination appointment availability and schedule an appointment. Vaccine supply fluctuates week to week so the number of available vaccinations will vary. Medical office appointments typically get released Thursday through Saturday for the following week.
Thank you to every individual and team who is participating in the planning and implementation of this highly coordinated, complex work! We’re rapidly learning and adjusting through your involvement and feedback.
Volunteer Opportunities at Community Vaccine Sites
Many non-clinical employees have reached out asking, “Where can I volunteer? How can I help in my community?” New opportunities are available!
COVID-19 vaccines are becoming more widely available and many community partners are planning and holding vaccine clinics across our region. KPNW employees (nonclinical) are invited to volunteer at these community sites on their own (unpaid) time to help in this historic public health effort.
Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center is holding vaccine events multiple times per week and looking for volunteers. Details can be found here. In addition, KP Cares will be updated with more community vaccine events in coming weeks. Check back often!
Note on Isolation Mask Ratings
All Isolation Masks provided by KP’s central warehouses meet ASTM F2100 Level 1 requirements, which is the level KP uses to validate masks that are “isolation masks.” A “cover your cough” mask does not have an ASTM rating. You could consider that a “Level 0” from an ASTM perspective and its only claim is that it provides a physical barrier. The main difference between an ASTM Level 1 and ASTM Level 2 masks is the fluid resistance (to synthetic blood) going from 80mmHg to 160mmHg. The difference in pressure is most often used for determining which to use when arterial spray is likely.
KPNW COVID-19 Trends
From KPNW researchers, scientists, and physicians, effective April 2. Based on review of internal trends and external considerations our findings are:
- Anticipated Surge: OR/WA outbreak is up (R0=1.06).
- We seem to be at a true trend change with short-term increases in cases now expected.
- The impact of increasing cases is still uncertain due to new variants, rollout of vaccines, changing weather and mobility patterns, and re-opening of society, schools, economy.
- Current modeling forecasts increasing low/moderate impact on hospitalizations in the short/medium term overall, due to rapidly increasing vaccination of high-risk age groups, but with increasing hospitalizations among younger age groups.
- Internal hospital census (ADC) weekly average was down 2% from last week to this week (9.0 to 8.9). Census was 9 on Mar 31. ADC forecast for this week is 6 by Apr 7 (w. error).
- Although internal hospitalizations continue to decrease, we have started seeing an increase in cases, so we would expect hospitalizations to increase after a time lag of 1-2 weeks.
- Internal ICU use up from zero. Last week’s rate was 19% (prior week was 1%). Rate based on 1 to 2 ICU patients and low COVID inpatient numbers. Internal ICU had 1 patient on Mar 31.
- KPNW COVID+ weekly average of daily cases up 30% from last week to this week (36 to 46). The most recent daily case count was 65 on Mar 31.
Weekly Testing Turnaround Times
The average routine COVID-19 testing turnaround time (TAT) for the week of March 29 to April 4 is 19 hours. Member communications, including kp.org and call center scripts, have been updated to inform members that TAT is usually within 24-48 hours so they can plan accordingly for travel.
Vaccination Quick Facts
Here is a snapshot of the most current vaccination data as of April 5. Visit the newly enhanced COVID-19 Quick Facts Dashboard for up-to-date, key data on the virus and vaccines.
Words from Our Members
“Excellent care was provided by the entire team staff, from entering the office and getting my temperature taken in case of COVID, to leaving when the kind lady who took my temperature said, ‘goodbye and have a great day!’ In these strange times, it’s the personal touches, not just physical, that means so much and puts a smile on your face!”