A new survey found that 1 in 5 Oregonians don’t plan on getting vaccinated against COVID-19.

The coronavirus spread rapidly across Clatsop County over the past several days as Oregon broke state records for new daily infections.

The Oregon Health Authority reported 45 new virus cases for the county on Thursday and 46 new cases on Wednesday. Since the pandemic began, the county had recorded 3,007 virus cases and 36 deaths as of Thursday.

Statewide, the health authority reported a record 10,451 new virus cases on Friday.

“Once again, COVID-19 has regrouped and is on the march across Oregon,” Dr. Dean Sidelinger, the state health officer and state epidemiologist, said at a news briefing. “Today, the highly-contagious omicron variant is driving an alarming spike in COVID-19 infections, virus-related hospitalizations and test positivity. We have seen this across our recent days.

“Today, OHA will report 10,451 new daily cases of COVID-19, a sobering reminder of the formidable challenge that lies ahead for all of us. This is not the way any of us wanted to begin the new year. We are all tired of taking steps to fight this virus. We’re anxious as we hear from more of our family and loved ones who are sick with, or were exposed to COVID-19. All the data is stark and discouraging.

“We all have tools to help protect ourselves, loved ones and our neighbors — vaccinations and masks.”

Gov. Kate Brown announced she will deploy up to 500 Oregon National Guard personnel to support frontline health care workers at hospitals. An initial 125 National Guard personnel will provide logistical support, help with testing and other nonclinical services.

The National Guard had been deployed during the summer surge of virus cases linked to the delta variant.

“With more than 500 current hospitalizations and daily record-breaking numbers of COVID-19 cases, we are at another critical point in this pandemic — and the Oregon National Guard is stepping up again to assist,” the governor said in a statement.

With the new wave forecast to peak on Jan. 27 with 1,650 people in the hospital, the Oregon Health Authority issued a crisis care protocol to guide doctors on prioritizing possibly life-or-death treatment.

Based on a model already used by Washington and other states, patients who would not survive if discharged have top priority. Patients already under care take precedence over newly arriving cases of the same level. If a choice needs to be made between two patients in identical medical situations, the choice will be made at random using a system on the health authority website.

“This is a very difficult topic to consider and work on,” said Dr. Dana Hargunani, the health authority’s chief medical officer.

The Jewell School District, meanwhile, sent all kindergarten-through-third grade students home this week due to coronavirus cases on Tuesday and Wednesday.

One student and two staff members tested positive, Jewell Superintendent Steve Phillips said, and due to contact tracing and erring on the side of safety, the school district made the decision to send all 32 of the K-3 students home.

“We are following safety protocols and doing our best to keep kids safe and in school,” Phillips said.

In a weekly outbreak report, the Oregon Health Authority disclosed seven new virus cases at schools in Clatsop County.

Three of the virus cases were from the Warrenton-Hammond School District. One was a staff member at Warrenton Grade School, while the other two were a student and staff member from Warrenton High School.

Two of the virus cases were students at Hilda Lahti Elementary in the Knappa School District.

The final two virus cases were students from the Seaside School District – one at Pacific Ridge Elementary and one at Seaside Middle School.