🌱 Masks Advised As Respiratory Viruses Surge + LGBTQ+ Choirs Perform

Hello all. It's me, Helen Eckhard, your host of the Portland Daily. Let's get this Saturday started off right with a quick dive into the most important things happening these days in town.

But first, today's weather:

Cloudy and chilly. High: 42 Low: 36.

Here are the top 3 stories today in Portland:

1. Multnomah County officials are urging residents to wear masks as hospitals in the Portland area face a "historical" surge of patients with respiratory virus infections. Medical experts say the lengthy isolation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has left people with weakened protections from influenza and RSV, leading to record hospitalization numbers. Multnomah County Health Officer Dr. Jennifer Vines advises everyone to wear a mask indoors through at least Jan. 1, get vaccinated against influenza and COVID-19, wash their hands, and stay home if they are experiencing symptoms. (OregonLive)
2. Two of Portland's most inclusive choirs are gearing up for seasonal performances this December. Today, Dec. 3, and tomorrow, Dec. 4, the Portland Lesbian Choir will present "Be A Light" at the Park Rose High School Performing Arts Center. From Dec. 9 through Dec. 11, the Portland Gay Men's Chorus will perform its holiday show, "Light the Way Home," at the Newmark Theater. Visit the link to view a preview of the choirs and find ticket information. (KGW.com)
3. A 22-year-old woman was transported to a Portland hospital after being shot multiple times in Salem. The incident occurred around 7:30 a.m. on Thursday morning near the intersection of Water and South Streets Northeast. Police closed off a section of Water Street for several hours while conducting an investigation but have yet to release any information regarding a suspect in the case. (KATU)

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Today in Portland:

• World Cup Public Viewing: USA Vs. Netherlands At Vino Veritas Wine Bar And Bottle Shop(6:00 AM)
• Craft Fair At Tigard High School (9:00 AM)
• Winter Celebrations At North Clackamas Parks & Recreation District (9:30 AM)

From my notebook:

• Things are looking jolly in Portland this winter season! Click to view eight can't-miss events happening in the city this weekend. (KGW.com)
• Are you passionate about collaborative community-based conservation? Portland Audubon is hiring a Backyard Habitat Certification Program Manager. Click here to view application details. (Portland Audubon via Facebook)
• The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office shared an important message for parents regarding winter car seat safety. Visit the link for a list of resources to ensure your child's car seat is used correctly. (Fox 12 Oregon)

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You're officially in the loop for today. See you all Monday for another update!

— Helen Eckhard

About me: Helen Eckhard is a marketing associate at Lightning Media Partners. Outside of work, she enjoys constructing crossword puzzles, knitting, or devising increasingly crafty ways to kill off characters in her mystery novels.