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FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2022
Brookings, Oregon
Breakthrough cases account for nearly half of new COVID cases in Oregon By ZOE GOTTLIEB Country Media
With Oregon's concern over COVID-19 receding and the widespread vaccination push losing steam, surprising data has emerged on vaccine efficacy. Vaccine breakthrough cases made up nearly half of Oregon's COVID-19 cases in the latest report from the Oregon Health Authority (OHA). OHA's April 7 COVID-19 Breakthrough Report shows that between March 27 and April 2, of the 2,035 COVID-19 cases reported by the OHA 960 were vac-
cine breakthrough cases (47.2%). The figure could be even higher than the data shows, as the data includes positive tests reported to public health and not positive at-home tests. The latest report from the agency on vaccination breakthrough deaths reveals a similar trend. In the month of March, 46.4% of reported COVID-19 deaths occurred in fully vaccinated people. Vaccine breakthrough cases are defined as instances in which an individual tests positive for COVID-19 at least 14 days following the completion of any primary
COVID-19 vaccine series, according to the OHA. According to the April 7 report, there have been 1,374 recorded breakthrough COVID-19 cases in Columbia County. Mixed messaging On April 7, The Chronicle reached out to OHA Lead Communications Officer Jonathan Modie for comment on the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals decision overturning an injunction on the federal mask mandate. While Modie told Country Media he couldn't speak specifically to the court
decision, he reaffirmed the importance of getting vaccinated: "vaccines are safe and effective, and vaccination remains the most effective tool to reduce the spread of COVID-19," he said. In a separate email, OHA Public Affairs Specialist Rudy Owens could not speak as highly of vaccine efficacy, telling The Chronicle that vaccines don't prevent spread "nearly as effectively" as the risk of hospitalization and death. "As the proportion of the vaccinated population increases, we will see an More COVID, Page A10
Chetco Community Library to reopen May 2
By JULIE RETHERFORD Library director
After almost a year of operating out of the Library Annex, the Chetco Community Public Library is excited to announce it will reopen Monday, May 2, at 10 a.m. We invite everyone to come see the new space during our grand reopening festivities from 10 a.m. – 2 p/m. There will be
prizes, music, and activities for all ages. The approximately $1.1 million renovation was funded fully from our library improvement fund, without any loans or additional cost to our district’s taxpayers. We are grateful to former Director Susanna Fernandez and former board members for their foresight in establishing and growing this fund for just this purpose. Since the library opened in 1993, its
purpose has shifted from a place to get books, do research and study, to a place where people come to connect, learn, play and grow. To determine how to adapt our existing space to meet our community’s ever-changing needs, we used feedback from you, our Strategic Plan, a facilities audit and a space audit. These valuable information pieces came together to provide us a clear roadmap for the renovation.
Our newly refreshed library is bright and welcoming, with plenty of comfortable and functional seating options. We have a new meeting room, an enclosed children’s area, a quiet reading room, new computers, display shelving and a makerspace. The library, which is often referred to as More Library, Page A10
Rhodes challenges Alcorn to debate By DAVID RUPKALVIS The Pilot
George Rhodes
The race for county commissioner in Curry County is heating up, with candidate George Rhodes issuing a call for a one-on-one debate with Brad Alcorn. The race for the seat being vacated by Commissioner Chris Paasch is contested by three candidates - Rhodes, Alcorn and Beth Barker-Hidalgo. Rhodes, who is being supported by Commissioner Court Boice, and Alcorn, who is being supported by Paasch and several other elected officials, faced off with Hidalgo during a candidate's forum earlier this month and had a second forum scheduled this week. In his challenge to Alcorn, Rhodes also suggested Boice and Paasch join the fray with Rhodes and Boice taking on Alcorn and Paasch. Rhodes said Hidalgo would be involved as the moderator. “Mr. Alcorn mentioned several troubling things during the Brookings candidates forum, so me and our team want to give him a chance to explain those comments," Rhodes said. "One example, Mr. Alcorn indicated that as
Commissioner Paasch leaves the CCC Board, he is passing the baton on to him. That statement has since generated considerable public interest." When contacted by the Pilot, Alcorn said he is open to debating Rhodes again, but only if Hidalgo were included. "There are three candidates in this race," Alcorn said Tuesday. "In all fairness to Miss Hidalgo, she should be invited to participate. We have had one candidate forum that was well received and have another one scheduled for tomorrow evening. Curry County voters should be allowed to hear from all candidates fairly and equally. If someone would like to set up a third forum or debate for all of us let me know I would love to participate." Rhodes said his request was tied to Boice's request to have a "truth town hall" with Paasch. Paasch declined the request. “Earlier this month, Court Boice asked Commissioner Paasch for a truth town hall debate," Rhodes said. "Mr. Paasch chose not to accept. We hope he might change his mind and accept this new and important invitation. Boice will attend and is happy to participate."
Brad Alcorn
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