Oregon Health & Science University originally forecast on Dec. 17 that hospitalizations in Oregon could top 3,000. But it revised the figure to 1,200 in its report last week based on additional data from Europe and the eastern United States.

A new projection from Oregon Health and Science University shows COVID-19 hospitalizations peaking at about 1,250 in mid-February, driven by a surge in the omicron variant. That’s a significant drop from earlier forecasts.

Tuesday’s case count is more than double the average number of daily COVID-19 cases in December. Oregon Health and Science University Data Scientist, Peter Graven, said he expects to see cases go up dramatically in the next two weeks.

At the Portland Expo Center, Oregon Health and Science University's (OHSU) drive-thru testing site was closed Tuesday and will remain closed all week because of the weather. Organizers hope to reopen the site Jan. 3.

KOIN 6 News spoke with OHSU’s Data Scientist Peter Graven, Ph.D, who said the area is at the beginning of the omicron variant wave with cases most likely starting in Portland then moving out to other areas of the state.

In a story about seasonal affective disorder, George Keepers, M.D., highlights the mental health impact of the pandemic on health care workers: ”Completely unnecessary death is hard on health care personnel who did everything they could –- personnel who have tried to help people understand the pandemic and the necessity of vaccinations and preventative measures like masks."

In a letter to the editor, a community member responds to the Covington report.

Eli Lily announces positive phase 3 study results for lebrikizumab for atopic dermatitis. Eric Simpson, M.D., says: "I'm encouraged by the aggregate efficacy and safety data which have demonstrated the potential for lebrikizumab as both monotherapy and combination therapy to address unmet needs and improve care for people living with persistent itch and inflamed skin caused by AD."

Health system leaders with Kaiser Permanente, Legacy Health, OHSU, PeaceHealth and Providence issue a joint statement asking the public to please get fully vaccinated, including a booster if eligible, wear masks, and avoid large indoor gatherings this holiday season.

Richard Maziarz, M.D., is profiled by Cell Therapy Network on the ability to treat patients with CAR-T therapy on an outpatient basis: “Historically, CAR-T has been mostly done as an inpatient, and we still admit many of our patients. Many believe that CAR-T should only be done in the academic medical centers, but the fact is a lot of community-based centers want to provide these services for their patients.”