Oregon Brown, governor, in Oregon, faces more COVID-19 cases and criticism over fair vaccine explosion

Facing an increase in cases and renewed questions about the attempt to vaccinate Oregonians fairly, Governor Kate Brown on Friday urged Oregonians to stop the spread of COVID-19 by wearing masks, removing social and a to get vaccine.

She has not announced new policy steps to fight the virus or vaccinate more people.

“We need to keep our eyes on the horizon and respect the personal responsibility we all share in following the public health safety measures,” Brown said.

The state epidemiologist warned that daily cases of COVID-19 ‘more than doubled’ in more than a month. “Recent data is disturbing,” says Dr. Dean Sidelinger, noting a 20% increase in business over the past three weeks.

Sidelinger also mentions three cases of major social events that led to outbreaks that raised questions about the spread of the disease. People did not wear masks and social distance, Sidelinger said.

The outbreaks had a karaoke event in several nights which led to 36 cases, three of which were hospitalized and tragically one died, ” he said. He also mentions an indoor concert that led to 15 cases, and “a gathering of ten people with everyone getting sick”.

The latter is partly noteworthy because documented cases of outside contamination were extremely rare. The press conference does not contain further details about the event. The Oregon health authority did not respond to a request for more information late Friday.

The state has promised to work with community groups to make the distribution of vaccines more equitable, but did not provide further details on how it would change course, after a group of Latinx leaders on April 15 challenged the state to vaccinate the ethnic demographics.

Pat Allen, director of OHA, acknowledges a ‘profound shortcoming’. Allen added, “OHA and our partners need to do more.”

All Oregonians who are 16 years or older are eligible for a vaccine from Monday, April 19th.