THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021
BAKER CITY HERALD — A5
LOCAL & STATE
Omicron variant found in Oregon
By GARY A. WARNER
Oregon Capital Bureau
Omicron spreading fast in Washington
The omicron variant of
COVID-19 has been con-
fi rmed in Oregon, according to
the Oregon Health Authority.
Oregon Health & Sci-
ence University’s laboratory
detected the variant Monday,
Dec. 13 in samples from three
Multnomah and Washington
County residents in their 20s
and 30s. All were fully vac-
cinated and two had traveled
internationally, to Canada
and Mexico, prior the onset of
symptoms.
“We recognize this news is
concerning to many people,”
said Dr. Dean Sidelinger,
health offi cer and state
epidemiologist at the Oregon
Health Authority, in a state-
ment released late Monday.
“However, if history is our
guide, we do know that even
if a vaccine doesn’t target a
specifi c variant, the strong
immune response you get
from being fully vaccinated
can still be highly protective
against severe disease from all
COVID-19 variants.”
Sidelinger said the health
authority would continue to
monitor the spread of omicron
in Oregon with individual-
level and community-level
variant surveillance. He
stressed that “vaccination
remains the best protection
against COVID-19 infection
and transmission, including
most circulating variants.”
Other protective measures,
SEATTLE (AP) — The omicron variant is spreading at an
alarming rate in Washington state, doubling in case numbers
each day, one of the highest rates in the country. It is leading
to a call for people to get vaccinated and take extra precau-
tions as we head into the holidays.
Researchers at the University of Washington Medicine lab
knew the omicron variant could spread quickly, but not this
fast. In just three days the variant doubled in positive test size
each day from 3 percent to 7 percent to 13 percent, KOMO-TV
reported.
“What was surprising was how fast that curve appears to
have taken off,” said Dr. Pavitra Roychoudhury of UW Medi-
cine. “Just the steepness of the rise and the percentage of
potential omicron cases.”
Respiratory therapist Liz Lewis at St. Joseph Medical Center
in Tacoma said she’s worried there will be an uptick in hospi-
talizations when they are already facing staffi ng shortages
even though the variant may not be as harmful as the delta
variant.
She and other medical leaders said the best way to combat
the quick spread of the omicron variant is to get vaccinated.
The governor said it’s important to take the next step and get
the booster to protect you against the omicron variant.
Dave Killen/The Oregonian-TNS
Oregon Health & Science University issued a new COVID forecast predicting a
continued high level of coronavirus hospitalizations and the potential for a new
wave of infections from the omicron variant.
including wearing masks in-
doors and in crowded outdoor
settings, physically distancing
from others, washing hands
regularly and staying home
when sick, will also help
protect against the spread of
COVID-19, he said.
Much of the pandemic
focus in recent weeks has
been on the omicron variant
discovered Nov. 11 in southern
Africa.
The highly mutated vari-
ant has since spread to 70
countries. Scientists around
the world have no consensus
yet on how contagious and
virulent the new variant will
be. Early studies indicate it
is twice as contagious but of
similar or lesser virulence.
The United Kingdom
announced its fi rst omicron-
related death on Monday.
Monday’s news came as
Oregon braced for a possible
sixth wave of COVID-19 infec-
tions as a new spike spreads
rapidly across the United
States.
Nationwide, new infec-
tions are up 43% compared to
two weeks ago. Oregon is one
of only 10 states that is not
reporting an increase in cases
compared to two weeks ago.
The pandemic has claimed
over 5.3 million lives around
the globe.
The United States just
passed 50 million infections
and is on pace to surpass
800,000 deaths within the
next few days, according to the
Johns Hopkins Coronavirus
Resource Center. Oregon has
had 401,564 cases and 5,420
deaths.
While much attention has
been focused on omicron, the
current spike in the United
States is driven by yet another
surge in the delta variant.
Winter cold and gather-
ings indoors are blamed for
high case numbers, with New
Hampshire, Rhode Island,
Maine and Minnesota all
reporting 75 cases or more
per 100,000 people.
But the rise in cases is
spreading beyond the original
outbreaks in the northeast
and upper Midwest.
Florida, Texas, California,
Missouri and Connecticut
reported cases had doubled
over the past two weeks.
Infection rates are rising
across the country. Oregon is
one of just 10 states — all but
one west of the Mississippi —
that has not reported a rise
in cases compared to the past
two weeks. But data showing
a “fl at” growth curve is based
on reports from last week.
The Oregon Health &
Science University’s weekly
forecast, last released
Friday, had good news but
worries about Oregon’s im-
mediate future in combating
COVID-19.
“Case rates returned to
pre-Thanksgiving levels, sug-
gesting that Thanksgiving
itself did not create a wave of
infections,” the report said.
Oregon lawmakers OK rent, drought relief in one-day session
successful emergency special
tions for rental assistance
session to provide relief for
after Dec. 1. Agency offi cials
every part of the state.”
Oregon lawmakers cleared said that pending applica-
The $200 million that
tions were likely to consume
the way in a scripted special
lawmakers drew from the
session for $100 million more the rest of the $289 million
in state rental assistance and available from federal funds state budget a year ago for
— $180 million has been paid rental assistance has been
$100 million more for local
spent. Oregon has applied for
out to landlords as of Dec.
efforts to prevent evictions.
During the one-day special 11 — and the state still would $200 million more in federal
aid from the U.S. Treasury,
not have enough to cover all
session on Monday, Dec. 13,
but that money is unlikely to
pending requests.
lawmakers also approved
come until spring — and even
House Speaker Tina
$25 million for enforcement
against illegal cannabis-grow- Kotek, D-Portland, called for if it comes, it will be the last
a special session months ago. installment.
ing in Southern Oregon and
Meanwhile, more than
“Today, we kept our prom-
$18 million for resettlement
ise and protected thousands 10,000 applications, many of
of up to 1,200 refugees who
fl ed after the Taliban takeover from losing their homes this them in the three Portland
metro counties, are past the
winter,” she said, along with
of Afghanistan. They also
grace periods established by
released $100 million already other priority items.
“I’m appreciative of the bi- state law and county actions.
set aside for relief from the
continuing drought in outlying partisan work that led to this State law allows 60 days from
areas of Oregon.
Portland, Gresham,
Hillsboro and Beaverton are
among the 14 cities that will
receive $1 million each to deal
with homelessness.
Adjournment took place at
7:03 p.m.
Gov. Kate Brown called
LARGEST
THIRD
LARGEST THIRD
RACK AVAILABLE
the special session, the year’s
RACK
AVAILABLE
2036 Main Street
second, to approve more
Baker City
rental assistance and extend
541-523-6284 • ccb#219615
the grace period for evictions
stemming from the coronavi-
rus pandemic. But the fi nal
Get strong, fast Wi-Fi to work and
agenda came together just a
FEEL THE SPEED,
play throughout your home.
few days beforehand, when
EVEN AT PEAK TIMES.
No annual contract.
Brown and legislative leaders
Power
multiple devices at once—
from both parties agreed to
everyone can enjoy their own screen.
include a few other items.
Over 99% reliability.
“There was no plan. No
$
45
agreement. Success was not
guaranteed. Your Legisla-
888-486-0359
ture worked hard since that
day,” Senate President Peter
Courtney, the veteran Salem
Democrat, said.
One solution for oxygen at home, away, and for travel
“Oregonians can be proud
Introducing the INOGEN ONE – It’s oxygen therapy on your terms
of their legislators today,
No more tanks to refi ll. No more deliveries. No more hassles with travel.
Democrat and Republican. We
The INOGEN ONE portable oxygen concentrator is designed to provide
unparalleled freedom for oxygen therapy users. It’s small, lightweight,
came together to send relief
clinically proven for stationary and portable use, during the day and at night,
— hope — to Oregonians in
and can go virtually anywhere — even on most airlines.
Inogen accepts Medicare and many private insurances!
crisis.”
Reclaim Your Freedom And
Independence NOW!
Minority Republicans had
resisted a special session,
though not the rental assis-
Call Inogen Today To
Request Your FREE Info Kit
tance, which they said could
have been approved by the
1-855-839-0752
20-member Emergency Board.
Majority Democrats said
BACKED BY A YEAR-ROUND
only the full Legislature could
CLOG-FREE GUARANTEE
extend the grace period for
EXCLUSIVE LIMITED TIME OFFER!
evictions. The E-Board cannot
1
% &
%
pass legislation.
By PETER WONG
Oregon Capital Bureau
when a tenant has informed a
landlord about an application
being fi led; in Multnomah
and Washington counties and
the city of Beaverton, it is 90
days.
“During wintertime, we
want to make sure Orego-
nians are kept whole,” said
Sen. Kayse Jama, D-Portland,
who leads the Senate housing
panel. “We also want to make
sure that landlords who are
struggling get the resources
they need.”
Senate Republican Leader
Tim Knopp of Bend helped
broker the deal after Repub-
licans resisted the initial call
for a special session.
“We do have people
with the possibility of being
evicted,” he said. “We do have
landlords who still have to be
made whole. There have been
several hundred million dol-
lars already spent.”
CHOOSE
ANY PHONE
ANY BRAND
FOR FREE
*
*
The KitchenAid ® FreeFlex ™ Third Rack fits
6" glasses, mugs, ® bowls and cooking
tools.
The KitchenAid
FreeFlex ™ Third Rack fits
Plus it’s the only third rack that cleans
with two rotating
jets. All and
without
6" glasses,
mugs, wash
bowls
cooking tools.
compromising space for larger items below.
Plus it’s the only third rack that cleans
with two rotating wash jets. All without
compromising space for larger items below.
^
Based on wired connection to gateway.
Number of devices depends on screen size/resolution.
AT&T
INTERNET 100
††
Excludes DSL. Based on network availability.
/mo *
Contact your local DIRECTV dealer
For 12 mos, plus taxes & equip.fee.$10/mo equip. fee applies.
Limited availability in selectareas. *Price after $5/mo
Autopay & Paperless bill discount (w/in 2 bills).
IV Support Holdings
Limited availability in select areas. May not be available inyour area.
Call or goto att.com/internetto see if you qualify.
Plus,
INTERNET OFFER: Subj. to change and may be discontinued at any time. Price for Internet 100 for new residential customers & is after $5/mo. autopay & paperless bill discount. Pricing for first 12 months only. After 12 mos., then prevailing rate applies. Autopay & Paperless Bill
Discount: Discount off the monthly rate when account is active & enrolled in both. Pay full plan cost until discount starts w/in 2 bill cycles. Must maintain autopay/paperless bill and valid email address to continue discount. Additional Fees & Taxes: AT&T one-time transactional fees, $10/mo.
equipment fee, and monthly cost recovery surcharges which are not government-required may apply, as well as taxes. See www.att.com/fees for details. Installation: $99 installation for full tech install, plus tax where applicable. Credit restrictions apply. Pricing subject to change. Subj. to Internet
Terms of Service at att.com/internet-terms. ^AT&T Smart Wi-Fi requires installation of a BGW210, 5268AC, or NVG599 Wi-Fi Gateway. Standard with Internet plans (12M or higher). Whole home Wi-Fi connectivity may require AT&T Smart Wi-Fi Extender(s) sold separately. ††Internet speed claims
represent maximum network service capability speeds and based on wired connection to gateway. Actual customer speeds are not guaranteed and may vary based on several factors. For more information, go to www.att.com/speed101.
©2021 DIRECTV. DIRECTV and all other DIRECTV marks are trademarks of DIRECTV, LLC. AT&T and Globe logo are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property.
© 2020 Inogen, Inc.
All rights reserved.
NATIO
’S
TH
N
E
15
2
TE
RD
GU
T
R GU
A
OFF
YOUR ENTIRE
PURCHASE *
Impetus for session
Although some cities and
counties are still accepting
them, the Oregon Department
of Housing and Community
Services stopped new applica-
MKT-P0108
FINANCING THAT FITS YOUR BUDGET!
1
Promo Code: 285
1
Subject to credit approval. Call for details.
CALL US TODAY FOR
A FREE ESTIMATE
+
5 % OFF
10
OFF
SENIORS &
MILITARY!
WE INSTALL
YEAR-ROUND!
TO THE FIRST 50
CALLERS ONLY! **
LIFETIME
WARRANTY
1-855-536-8838
Mon-Thurs: 8am-11pm, Fri-Sat: 8am-5pm, Sun: 2pm-8pm EST
For those who qualify. One coupon per household. No obligation estimate valid for 1 year. *Off er valid at time of estimate only 2The leading consumer reporting agency
conducted a 16 month outdoor test of gutter guards in 2010 and recognized LeafFilter as the “#1 rated professionally installed gutter guard system in America.” Manufac-
tured in Plainwell, Michigan and processed at LMT Mercer Group in Ohio. See Representative for full warranty details. CSLB# 1035795 DOPL #10783658-5501 License#
7656 License# 50145 License# 41354 License# 99338 License# 128344 License# 218294 WA UBI# 603 233 977 License# 2102212986 License# 2106212946 License#
2705132153A License# LEAFFNW822JZ License# WV056912 License# WC-29998-H17 Nassau HIC License# H01067000 Registration# 176447 Registration# HIC.0649905
Registration# C127229 Registration# C127230 Registration# 366920918 Registration# PC6475 Registration# IR731804 Registration# 13VH09953900 Registration#
PA069383 Suff olk HIC License# 52229-H License# 2705169445 License# 262000022 License# 262000403 License# 0086990 Registration# H-19114
Navigate Wireless
1084 Campbell St., Baker City, (541) 523-3334
$30 Device Activation Fee applies. Requires new consumer or small business account, Paperless billing and
credit approval. Phone offer: Eligible Smartphone purchase via 30 month Retail Installment Contract
(RIC) and eligible postpaid service plan purchase. Port-in required for purchases made via uscellular.com.
Paid via monthly bill credit on a 30-mo. RIC. Credit varies based on device purchased. Trade-in may be
required. Service offer: Pricing is per line/per month. Auto Pay/Paperless Billing required. Data on the
Unlimited Basic plan may be temporarily slowed in times of congestion and data may be slower than other
traffic. Valid on 4 lines. Taxes, fees, and additional terms apply.
Things we want you to know: Phone offer: Purchase of a smartphone with an MSRP of up to $830 requires
an Unlimited Evolved Plan purchase, with an MSRP of between $830.01 and $1,100 requires purchase of an Unlimited
Everyday or Unlimited Even Better Plan, or with an MSRP of between $1,100.01 and $1250 requires purchase of an
Unlimited Even Better Plan, or with an MSRP of between $1,250.01 and $1900 requires purchase of an Unlimited Even
Better Plan plus a device trade-in valued at $150 or greater. Device must power on and cannot be pin locked. Device must
be in fully functional working condition without any liquid damage or broken components, including, but not limited to, a
cracked display or housing. Value based on device, make, model & condition. Before trade-in, customer must delete all
personal & sensitive information from device’s memory & SIM card. Service offer: Unlimited Basic plan and Auto Pay/
Paperless billing required. Valid on 4 lines. Additional terms apply. See uscellular.com/terms for details including
obligations to serve Kansas customers. ©2021 UScellular