Oregon Health Authority reports 36 more COVID-19 deaths, another record high

The Oregon Health Authority reported 36 more deaths attributed to coronavirus on Wednesday, yet another record for fatalities reported on a single day since the pandemic began. The last record, reported last Friday, was for 30 deaths.

“The news of three dozen lives lost weighs heavily on all Oregonians,” said Patrick Allen, director of the Oregon Health Authority. “Today we share an unfortunate milestone since the first case was reported in February that 36 deaths were reported today, the highest single day loss of life to date from COVID-19. All of us are affected, and the families and friends of those lost most of all. These lost lives touch our families, our workplaces, our neighborhoods, and our communities.

“At this unfortunate moment, as we work together to confront the challenge presented by COVID-19, we extend our deepest sympathies to those who have lost a loved one and to every Oregonian who has been impacted by the pandemic.”

Hospitalized cases of the virus have continued to fluctuate this week. OHA said that the number of hospitalized patients decreased to 553 on Tuesday, 12 fewer than the day prior. However, patients in ICU beds rose to 127, seven more than on Monday.

“The total number of patients in hospital beds may fluctuate between report times,” OHA acknowledged of the data. “Numbers do not reflect admissions per day nor the length of hospital stay. Staffing limitations are not captured in this data and may further limit bed capacity.”

State officials also reported 1,341 new confirmed and presumptive cases as of Tuesday morning.

The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported Tuesday were in the following counties: Baker (5), Benton (21), Clackamas (114), Clatsop (12), Columbia (10), Coos (8), Crook (11), Curry (6), Deschutes (34), Douglas (27), Gilliam (1), Grant (7), Harney (1), Hood River (8), Jackson (106), Jefferson (28), Josephine (25), Klamath (40), Lake (7), Lane (109), Lincoln (10), Linn (48), Malheur (10), Marion (116), Morrow (5), Multnomah (286), Polk (16), Tillamook (8), Umatilla (40), Union (9), Wasco (13), Washington (173), Wheeler (3), Yamhill (24).