A line quickly formed at the Rivertap for the inaugural “Take a Bite Out of COVID” mobile vaccine event May 7. The next event is planned for May 21, with details to follow.

With 74 cases of COVID-19 in Wasco County in the most recent 14-day period, and a rapid surge in cases and hospitalizations statewide, the county is one of 15 moving to the extreme risk category on Friday, April 30.

A third surge of COVID-19 cases has begun in Wasco County, threatening to curtail gatherings, in-door dining and shopping, among other group activities, according to local health officials.

North Central Public Health District wishes to thank the many volunteers who have helped make possible our ever-larger and more frequent vaccine clinics, as we work together on our best chance to help end the pandemic.

North Central Public Health District (NCPHD) is holding a vaccine clinic this Saturday, April 3, with the one- dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine. To sign up for the clinic, please visit our website at www.ncphd.org.

25 percent capacities to be allowed at dine-in restaurants, gyms, and visits at long-term care facilities to open up, with new COVID risk assessment. Learn more here.

Through last Saturday, Feb. 13, the entities listed below have administered 5,517 vaccines, including first and second doses. Check here for the breakdown of vaccines by agency or group.

North Central Public Health District reports the 24th death in Wasco county due to COVID-19. A resident of Columbia Basin Care passed away on Jan. 27 at Mid-Columbia Medical Center. The resident tested positive on Jan. 22.

The North Central Public Health District has streamlined the scheduling system for receiving a COVID-19 vaccination. A new recently launched web page allows you to sign up for your shot in less than a minute - it only requires your name and your email. You will then get a return email to book a time and day for your vaccination.

Sadly, we are reporting a 23rd person has died in Wasco County from COVID-19. Educators and those 65 and older become eligible for the vaccine in the coming days and weeks.

A free COVID-19 testing event is taking place this Thursday, Jan. 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Northern Wasco County Aquatic Center parking lot, at 602 W. 2nd St. in The Dalles. Click here to make an appointment.

Vaccine demand far exceeds supply, so the public’s patience is appreciated. Check here to see who is receiving vaccinations and where the process stands.

On Sunday, Dec. 27, the residents and staff of the Oregon Veterans’ Home in The Dalles and The Dalles Health and Rehabilitation, two local skilled nursing facilities, were the first in Wasco County to receive COVID-19 vaccinations.

In an effort to better inform residents, the North Central Public Health District has created a new website page that provides additional information about the vaccine and its distribution. The site will be updated periodically explaining how vaccines will be administered to locals in the coming days and months.

The North Central Public Health District is offering mobile flu vaccinations and dispensing up-to-date information on quarantine guidelines for the coronavirus.

North Central Public Health has found a significant amount of Wasco County’s recent spike in COVID-19 cases is due to Thanksgiving gatherings. From Dec. 3 through Dec. 8 the county recorded 97 cases.