The Oregon Health and Science University’s latest COVID-19 forecast shows a slow decline in hospitalizations statewide. Here’s what that means for southern Oregon.

"That's the kind of immunity we're going to be dealing with, and it is popping up much like cold season, much like flu season -- may come and go a little bit," Dr. Peter Graven, an Oregon Health & Science University analyst said.

OHA noted that modeling from Oregon Health & Science University showed that federal approval of vaccinating children ages 5 to 11 for COVID-19 will help slow the transmission of the disease.

The latest report from Oregon Health & Science University using their COVID Forecast Model predicts a slowing in the decline of hospitalizations due to fatigue over the public health protocols that are effective in stopping the spread of COVID-19. According to the OHSU report, this is not expected to generate a surge, although that risk remains.

OHSU's Eliza Hayes Bakken, M.D., says: “I am a mom of kids in that age group and a pediatrician. I just can’t wait to both line my kids up to be vaccinated and also to talk about it to the families of my patients and get kids vaccinated."

Kids between the ages of 5 and 11 could get the Pfizer vaccine as early as next week. OHSU shares its plan.

The Board of Directors at Oregon Health & Sciences University approved more than $600 million to expand the hospital's ability to care for patients. The funding, approved Friday, will allow OHSU to expand out on Marquam Hill.

The OHSU board of directors on Friday, Oct. 29, approved a project to expand OHSU Hospital on Marquam Hill.

Oregon Health And Science University’s Board of Directors Friday approved a project to expand the hospital.

The OHSU board of directors on Friday, Oct. 29, approved a project to expand OHSU Hospital on Marquam Hill.