Oregon Public Broadcasting

Image

(LEFT TO RIGHT) DONOVAN CHA, MAR BRASSEA, AND VIDA HAMPSON WORK TOGETHER TO SOLVE A MATH PROBLEM IN ERIC MARSH’S THIRD-GRADE CLASS AT PRESCOTT ELEMENTARY IN PORTLAND, FEB. 8, 2022. IN OREGON, AFTER MARCH 11, SCHOOL DISTRICTS WILL BE FREE TO ADOPT THEIR OWN MASKING POLICIES./KRISTYNA WENTZ-GRAFF / OPB

Oregon Joins Other West Coast States In Lifting School Mask Mandates On March 12

The governors of Oregon, Washington and California have announced masks will no longer be required in schools after Friday, March 11.

Mar 1, 2022

Image

SHUTTERSTOCK

Oregon Medicaid Proposal Includes Kids-Under-6 Rule Change, Services For Some Prisoners

The proposal includes health coverage for prisoners preparing for reentry and allowing children to stay enrolled until age 6.

Feb 24, 2022

Image

SHUTTERSTOCK

Oregon Health Authority To Lift Indoor Mask Mandate By March 31

State officials say Oregon is past its “peak” for COVID-19 cases due to the omicron variant.

Feb 8, 2022

Image

SHUTTERSTOCK

Oregon’s COVID-19 Hospitalizations Projected To Decline Rapidly

The latest modeling from Oregon Health & Science University projected that hospitalizations would peak the weekend of Feb. 5-6 before declining.

Feb 5, 2022

Image

Salem Health clinical nurse Heather Gatchet says calling her mom before her morning shift at Salem Health hospital is part of her regular routine. /Kristyna Wentz-Graff / OPB

At Oregon’s Salem Health, The Doctor Will See You Now — In The Hallway

The omicron variant is less severe, but Oregon’s health system is as fragile as ever.

Feb 3, 2022

Image

Dr. Jennifer Vines, the Portland-area's tri-county health officer, shown during a 2020 press conference. | KAYLEE DOMZALSKI/OPB

Omicron May Infect Half Of Multnomah County Residents By Next Month

As county health officials lean on the public to maintain efforts, priorities are forming for the ‘post-omicron era.’

Jan 27, 2022

Image

A sign at Hillsboro Online Academy asks people entering the building to wear masks. / Elizabeth Miller / OPB

Oregon Health Authority Hears More Testimony Against Extending Mask Mandates

In two more hearings Monday, state officials heard criticism of a ‘permanent rule’ that they promise will be rescinded when pandemic conditions improve.

Jan 25, 2022

Image

GERD ALTMANN/PIXABAY

Oregonians Share Their COVID-19 Stories

A cross-section of Oregonians discussed what COVID-19 meant for them and their lives.

Jan 20, 2022

Image

SHUTTERSTOCK

Early Indications Of Omicron's Impact On Oregon’s hospitals

A look at what is known so far.

Jan 5, 2022

Image

KELLOGG MIDDLE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL RICHARD SMITH GREETS STUDENTS ON THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL BACK ON SEPT. 1, 2021./ELIZABETH MILLER/OPB

Oregon Officials Warn Of ‘Rapid’ COVID-19 Transmission In School Activities

The Oregon Department of Education and Oregon Health Authority say schools should stop extracurricular activities or ensure use of masks, testing and other mitigating measures.

Jan 4, 2022