Oregon public health officials announced Feb. 28 that tests had revealed the state’s first presumptive case of the novel coronavirus. Two weeks later, at least 31 more Oregonians have tested positive for the virus, called COVID-19.

THE LATEST NEWS FROM SATURDAY, INCLUDING OREGON’S FIRST DEATH

State and local officials have announced escalating measures to slow the spread of the disease. Oregon schools will close for two weeks, large gatherings will cease statewide for one month and some government services such as police, courts and libraries made drastic changes to how they serve the public.

The spotlight has turned to a Linn County nursing home, where eight residents have tested positive for COVID-19. Almost all of the men are 75 or older. Public health officials are trying to stop the virus from sweeping through the facility.

As the news changes every day, here are key developments that emerged this week:

TESTING: The state’s testing capacity for COVID-19 remains limited, two weeks after testing kits arrived in Oregon. Dr. Jennifer Vines, Multnomah County’s public health officer, acknowledged Friday that many people still don’t have access to testing. Gov. Kate Brown blamed unfulfilled promises by Vice President Mike Pence and the federal government for Oregon’s shortcomings in testing and medical preparedness.

Private labs have started to perform at least some tests. But hospitals say they aren’t sure when they will offer testing to patients. The Oregonian/OregonLive found supply shortages aren’t isolated to Oregon, though other states have responded differently to growing demand for tests.

RESPONDING: The Edward C. Allsworth Veterans’ Home in Lebanon has become an epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak in Oregon. Eight male residents of the home have tested positive for the disease, and it’s possible that number may grow.

Fears remain heightened at senior residential centers like the Lebanon veterans’ home, one of two in the state, because the virus attacks older people and people with underlying health conditions with the most virulence. State and county health officials are testing every resident and worker at the home to try and prevent it from spreading.

CORONAVIRUS IN OREGON: THE LATEST NEWS

CLOSING: Many of Oregon’s biggest attractions announced that they would close, at least through March. The list includes the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, Portland Art Museum and the Oregon Historical Society. Event organizers also called off concerts, sporting events, conferences and worship services across the state. The Multnomah County library system closed all of its branches.

The shutdowns are in response to an order by the governor banning gatherings of 250 people or more. By Thursday, Brown also ordered K-12 schools to close for two weeks.

The actions are all meant to slow the spread of the virus and stop new cases from overwhelming hospitals. State officials said Thursday that without proper prevention measures, the number of cases in Oregon could grow to 75,000 by May.

-- The Oregonian/OregonLive

Subscribe to our coronavirus newsletter: