PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — The number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 in Oregon has surpassed 400, the highest number since the pandemic began and a 137% increase since the beginning of November, according to state health data released Wednesday.
The Oregon Health Authority said Wednesday that 406 people were hospitalized with the coronavirus, with 94 in intensive care. On Nov. 1, Oregon had 171 people in the hospital with COVID-19. A week ago, 290 people were hospitalized.
The news came as health officials announced 1,099 new cases of the virus Wednesday and 10 deaths. The biggest increase in hospitalizations was in the Portland metropolitan area, the Willamette Valley and in Jackson and Josephine counties to the southwest.
Oregon began a statewide “freeze” on social activity Wednesday in an attempt to slow the spread. In Multnomah County, that freeze will last four weeks.
Under Gov. Kate Brown’s order, all restaurants and bars are closed except for takeout and public places such as gyms and museums are also temporarily closed. Retail stores are limited to 75% capacity and social gatherings are limited to no more than six people from two households, both inside and outside.