Live Updates: Oregon Health Officials Report 57 New Coronavirus Cases – OPB News

UPDATE (1:23 p.m. PT) — Health officials in Oregon on Saturday confirmed 57 new coronavirus cases, bringing the state’s total to 2,635 known cases.

The Oregon Health Authority said one previously reported positive case has now been confirmed as negative.

Officials also announced Saturday five new coronavirus-related deaths.

The Oregon Health Authority details the deaths as:

• A 64-year-old man from Polk County who tested positive on March 19 and died on May 1 at Salem Hospital. He had underlying medical conditions.
• A 70-year-old man from Multnomah County who tested positive on April 20 and died on May 1 at Adventist Medical Center. He had underlying medical conditions.
• A 75-year-old man from Multnomah County who tested positive on April 27 and died on May 1 at Providence Milwaukie Hospital. He had underlying medical conditions.
• A 91-year-old woman from Marion County who tested positive on April 22 and died on April 30 at Salem Hospital. She had underlying medical conditions.
• A 76-year-old woman from Umatilla County who tested positive on April 14 and died on April 30 at Kadlec Regional Medical Center. She had underlying medical conditions.

The number of people who are known to have died of COVID-19 in Oregon is now at 109.

Washington at more than 14,500 confirmed cases

In Southwest Washington, Clark County Public Health Friday reported two new confirmed cases of coronavirus, bringing the county’s total number of known cases to 361. 

No new deaths were reported Friday. In total, 21 people are known to have died of COVID-19 in Clark County.

The latest available data from the Washington Department of Health show 14,637 diagnosed cases of the coronavirus and 824 related deaths.

The U.S. as a whole has hit 1 million coronavirus cases Tuesday, according to Johns Hopkins University.

As coronavirus infections climb, protesters to urge ‘Reopen Oregon’

After more than a week of similar rallies across the country, small groups of Oregonians are planning to hold demonstrations to reopen the state on Saturday in Salem and Burns.

A Facebook page for Saturday’s rally in Salem and pages for people affiliated with the group peddle fringe interpretations of the U.S. Constitution. Many are also anti-vaccination.

Asked about Saturday’s rally, Gov. Kate Brown said she knows Oregonians are frustrated and scared.

“I just would ask folks as they operate their First Amendment right to free speech to maintain social distancing, wear masks and be considerate of others,” she said.

OPB will cover the rallies. Read more about Saturday protests plans here.

Washington counties awarded federal aid for coronavirus costs

Struggling local governments in Southwest Washington are finding out how much federal money will come their way for coronavirus relief. Clark County will receive $26 million and Cowlitz County will get about $6 million, according to county officials. Their biggest cities — Vancouver and Longview — will get $5.5 and $1.14 million, respectively.

The funds are part of the CARES Act, the federal relief package meant to help public bodies weather the coronavirus pandemic.

Officials say they are still trying to figure out exactly what they can spend the money on.

Social distancing brings smaller May Day to Portland

In Portland, May Day often means big outdoor rallies and protests in honor of workers’ rights. But with the holiday coming in the midst of a global pandemic, activities looked a little different this year.

Activists couldn’t come together like they normally would to honor International Workers’ Day. So, a coalition of local social justice groups organized a small car caravan in Southeast Portland. The convoy stopped at businesses where essential workers remain on the job, putting themselves on the front lines of the pandemic.  It was a small crowd — maybe a dozen or so cars.

Time at home brings time for art

Kelli Palmer is a master weaver in Warm Springs. She sent OPB some great photos to show what she’s been up to during this stay-at-home time.

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