Rise in New Cases Slower in Canby over Past Week

The number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 rose in Canby during the most recent weekly reporting period for the Oregon Health Authority, but not as sharply as it had the first three weeks of June.

According to the OHA’s weekly report, seven additional residents tested positive for the novel coronavirus during the week ending Sunday, June 28, for a total of 118.

Canby’s rate of infection, meaning the per capita number of residents who have been infected, also rose slightly, to 52 confirmed cases per 10,000 people. This translates to just over half a percent — or 1 in 200 residents — who have contracted Covid-19 at some point since the outbreak began in February.

It’s good news after the community’s total count had more than tripled in the first three weeks of June, from 35 cases on May 31 to 111 last week. It’s also more evidence that the sharp rise was largely driven by the outbreak at the Marquis Hope Village Post-Acute Rehab center, which also showed a much slower growth of new cases this week.

The number of cases tied to the senior rehab center rose by eight, from 104 to 112. A spokesperson for Marquis confirmed that no new residents or staff members have been infected, meaning all eight are family members or other close contacts of employees, whose cases have been linked to the facility by OHA or Clackamas County.

The facility, which serves primarily seniors with chronic medical conditions and those recovering from hospital care or procedures, has had 33 of its 38 residents test positive, along with 43 staff members. Ten have died — all residents.

The outbreak is the state’s second-largest in an Oregon long-term care facility, behind only Foster Creek in Southeast Portland, which has been tied to 120 cases and 34 deaths.

Covid-19 has contributed to at least 12 deaths in Canby — two residents at Country Side Living and 10 at Marquis Hope Village.

The count in neighboring Oregon City continued its upward trend, with 21 new cases reported in the past week. Its count has more than quadrupled since May 31, from 26 to 105 in the most recent report.

Ironically, a portion of the uptick in OC is also related to a Marquis-operated post-acute rehab center, located on Molalla Avenue in that city, which has been linked to 23 confirmed cases and one death since June 14.

Canby’s total count and infection rate both remain the highest in Clackamas County. Outside of Canby and Oregon City, the Covid-19 situations in most municipalities remain relatively stable.

In the most recent report, Molalla saw three new cases and is now at 48, with an infection rate of 31.8 — which is the second-highest rate in the county. Wilsonville gained three new cases, from 25 to 28, and has an infection rate of 11.9 cases per 10,000.

Milwaukie, which has been the site of several large workplace outbreaks including at Bob’s Red Mill, Fred Meyer and Dave’s Killer Bread, has been linked to 79 cases, with an infection rate of 22.6. West Linn has seen only 20 confirmed cases so far; Estacada, 10.

Lake Oswego, previously one of the least-affected cities in the county per capita, has seen a recent increase driven by a new outbreak at a day care center, Lake Grove KinderCare, which has reported 28 cases. The two ZIP codes that cover Lake Oswego have been linked to 56 total cases.

Total case counts are cumulative, and compiled over the course of the Covid-19 outbreak. Some cases are likely to have recovered, but the exact number is unknown. The OHA does not report deaths, recoveries, hospitalizations, the total numbers tested, or any other demographic information at the level of city or ZIP code.

Most cases of Covid-19 have mild or moderate symptoms, and the vast majority recover. Those who are older or who have underlying medical conditions are at much greater risk for serious complications and death.

If you develop a fever or respiratory symptoms such as a cough or shortness of breath, contact your primary care provider or Clackamas County Health Centers.

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