Keeping Safe During Omicron Pt. 2
Season 1, Episode 32, Jan 28, 2021, 08:07 AM
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Global and Oregon COVID-19 cases are at record levels due to waning immunity from vaccines or previous infections, and the Omicron variant's ability to evade immunity. Full vaccination and boosting are crucial, but spread is still possible.
To protect yourself, continue practicing pandemic precautions: wear a mask, maintain 6 feet of distance, avoid crowds and poorly ventilated indoor spaces, and wash hands frequently. Order free tests from COVIDtests.gov or find local sites at GetVaccinated.Oregon.gov or by calling 2-1-1.
Public outings can be safe if precautions are taken and you're not sick. Outdoors is safer for social interactions, and masks may not be needed, but consider them in crowded outdoor settings or close contact with unvaccinated individuals. Masking with different households and in carpools (with windows down for ventilation) is smart.
For school safety, key measures include vaccination, masks, physical distancing, staying home when ill/exposed, ventilation, and hand hygiene. While schools have protocols, most student-age transmission occurs outside of school, so continued safety measures within schools help reduce spread.
At home, clean high-touch surfaces with soap or detergent. Disinfect only if someone in your home is sick or has had COVID-19. Protect vulnerable individuals by cleaning more frequently or disinfecting, asking visitors to mask, isolating sick household members, and frequent handwashing.
Improve home ventilation by opening windows or using fans/HEPA filters. The CDC offers an online tool for home ventilation guidance.
The CDC now recommends wearing the most protective, well-fitting mask or respirator (like N95s/KN95s) that you can wear consistently.
For concerns about school safety, check your district's protocols on Oregon.gov/readyschools, or file a confidential complaint with Oregon OSHA. Email ODECOVID19@ode.state.or.us for school-related questions. For workplace safety concerns, consult the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries or Oregon OSHA websites. Getting vaccinated and boosted is another way to alleviate concerns. Everyone 5+ should be vaccinated, and 12+ should get a booster after 5 months (Pfizer/Moderna) or 2 months (J&J). Find vaccine events at multco.us/vaccineclinics.
For accessibility needs, contact OHA at 1-971-673-2411, 711 TTY, or COVID19.LanguageAccess@dhsoha.state.or.us.
To protect yourself, continue practicing pandemic precautions: wear a mask, maintain 6 feet of distance, avoid crowds and poorly ventilated indoor spaces, and wash hands frequently. Order free tests from COVIDtests.gov or find local sites at GetVaccinated.Oregon.gov or by calling 2-1-1.
Public outings can be safe if precautions are taken and you're not sick. Outdoors is safer for social interactions, and masks may not be needed, but consider them in crowded outdoor settings or close contact with unvaccinated individuals. Masking with different households and in carpools (with windows down for ventilation) is smart.
For school safety, key measures include vaccination, masks, physical distancing, staying home when ill/exposed, ventilation, and hand hygiene. While schools have protocols, most student-age transmission occurs outside of school, so continued safety measures within schools help reduce spread.
At home, clean high-touch surfaces with soap or detergent. Disinfect only if someone in your home is sick or has had COVID-19. Protect vulnerable individuals by cleaning more frequently or disinfecting, asking visitors to mask, isolating sick household members, and frequent handwashing.
Improve home ventilation by opening windows or using fans/HEPA filters. The CDC offers an online tool for home ventilation guidance.
The CDC now recommends wearing the most protective, well-fitting mask or respirator (like N95s/KN95s) that you can wear consistently.
For concerns about school safety, check your district's protocols on Oregon.gov/readyschools, or file a confidential complaint with Oregon OSHA. Email ODECOVID19@ode.state.or.us for school-related questions. For workplace safety concerns, consult the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries or Oregon OSHA websites. Getting vaccinated and boosted is another way to alleviate concerns. Everyone 5+ should be vaccinated, and 12+ should get a booster after 5 months (Pfizer/Moderna) or 2 months (J&J). Find vaccine events at multco.us/vaccineclinics.
For accessibility needs, contact OHA at 1-971-673-2411, 711 TTY, or COVID19.LanguageAccess@dhsoha.state.or.us.