SALEM, Ore. — Oregon Gov. Kate Brown addressed the media Tuesday afternoon to discuss capacity challenges at hospitals as the state faces its largest spike in COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic.
Brown was joined by representatives from the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Oregon hospitals for a 1 p.m. press conference that was streamed live on KGW's YouTube channel.
In the past week, Oregon has seen a string record-breaking daily increases in coronavirus cases. On Sunday, the state surpassed 50,000 COVID cases since the start of the pandemic. Gov. Brown called it a "wake-up call" for Oregonians.
Hospitalizations in the state have been spiking along with the rise in cases, according to a news release from the governor's office.
As of Tuesday morning, 3,463 people have been hospitalized with the coronavirus in Oregon during the pandemic. There are currently 337 people confirmed or suspected to have COVID-19 who are hospitalized in Oregon.
Nine Oregon counties — Baker, Clackamas, Jackson, Malheur, Marion, Multnomah, Umatilla, Union and Washington — have been ordered to put a pause on social activities for two weeks, from Nov. 11-25, to help stop the spread of coronavirus.
At least 734 Oregonians have died of coronavirus complications.
CORRECTION: This story incorrectly stated 3,463 people were hospitalized due to COVID-19. This story has been updated to reflect 3,463 people have been hospitalized during the pandemic in Oregon.
