Patrick Allen

Allen is director of the Oregon Health Authority.

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is in Oregon. New cases have appeared in fewer than half of Oregon’s counties – but the virus has spread apprehension and disruption to all corners of the state. Public health officials are learning more about COVID-19 every day, including who is most at-risk and how far the virus could spread in Oregon. Yet, one thing about this rapidly escalating situation is starkly clear: As state and local health officials take action to stem the spread of COVID-19, all of us can help slow new cases, protect people who are most vulnerable to the virus and save lives.

Here’s what we know: The virus is spread by coughing and sneezing. It appears to be as contagious as the flu – each sick person is likely to infect between 1-3 other people – but it’s less contagious than airborne diseases like measles. Most people (about 8 in 10) experience mild symptoms. People at greatest risk are those over age 60 and those who have other serious medical conditions (e.g., heart disease or diabetes).

Modeling tells us that if left unchecked, approximately 75,000 Oregonians could catch COVID-19 in the next 3 months. But those numbers aren’t inevitable. Swift, effective, science-based solutions can help slow the virus’ spread.

The state is taking action. Gov. Kate Brown declared an emergency and announced a temporary, 4-week moratorium on large gatherings of more than 250 people – the first statewide ban in the nation. This “social distancing” strategy denies the virus the opportunity to spread quickly and easily among people by reducing the close contact COVID-19 needs to leap from one person to another.

Share your opinion Submit your essay of 500-700 words on a highly topical issue or a theme of particular relevance to the Pacific Northwest, Oregon and the Portland area to commentary@oregonian.com. Please include your email and phone number for verification.

The governor also closed schools until April 1 and canceled non-essential school activities. She has recommended businesses limit in-person meetings, offer teleworking and take other steps to create space between people.

The Oregon Health Authority also took steps to fight the spread of COVID-19.

The agency’s public health laboratory has provided the first line of testing defense, testing nearly 400 people. But we know testing has been in short supply, as Oregon navigated limited federal test kits and other components, which forced Oregon epidemiologists to prioritize the highest risk cases.

Last week, the health authority announced new steps to expand testing. As commercial laboratories ramp up in Oregon, the agency made it clear any outpatient clinician can order a test from a private lab. Just as important, the state will now allow health care workers to use a regular mask and other protections when collecting a sample, instead of more protective N95 masks and other equipment previously mandated. This change will make testing simpler to administer and easier to obtain, while protecting health care staff. Finally, state health officials have forged agreements with hospital systems across Oregon to conduct COVID-19 testing, further bolstering Oregon’s testing capacity.

To protect older adults, state health officials issued the most restrictive visitation guidelines in the nation for nursing homes and similar facilities. They ensure homes will screen visitors for COVID-19 illness, reduce the number of people entering facilities and limit community activities.

Most important, state and local health officials have worked together to investigate new cases, notify others who may be at risk and isolate people who could spread the disease to others. Each day, health officials share information through media briefings, web updates, social media posts and a daily COVID-19 newsletter.

Health officials understand that, in many cases, the public wants more details about sick people. Yet, public health workers must balance transparency with a duty to guard patient privacy and protect the public by ensuring that people who’ve had contact with a sick person feel safe to come forward, isolate themselves and shield others.

Oregon is about to see a dramatic surge in new cases. COVID-19 has spread to hundreds – and soon thousands – of Oregonians. The virus is here now. And it is spreading.

But we have the power to slow COVID-19 and ultimately stop it. We have the power to keep the virus away from older adults and others who are most likely to become seriously ill. We have the power to preserve precious health care resources (like tests, hospital beds, equipment and – and most critically – provider attention) for the people who need it most. We have the power to adapt to the temporary disruptions in our lives, knowing we’re protecting ourselves, our loved ones, our neighbors and even strangers we encounter by chance.

Action is the antidote to the pandemic. There are simple, concrete steps each of us can take to blunt the virus in Oregon. If you’re older, avoid close contact with other people, especially those who are sick. If you’re not well, call your doctor before you seek a COVID-19 test. If you do contract COVID-19, stay home and away from others. And no matter who you are, wash your hands. Cover your cough. Clean the surfaces around you. Don’t touch your face.

Ironically, at a time when we must use “social distancing” to prevent the steepest rise in COVID-19 cases, it’s the actions we must take together that will stem the spread of the virus. COVID-19 is a crisis we all face. Every single one of us has the most important role to play to combat the virus and protect those around us.