This week, Malheur County saw its 5,000th case of COVID-19 since the pandemic began. With fewer than 10,000 eligible county residents fully vaccinated, case numbers will continue to increase. Since March of 2020, 69 Malheur County residents have died with COVID-19, and yesterday 14 Malheur County residents were reported hospitalized with COVID-19.

Free drive-up testing and vaccinations are available throughout October at the Malheur County Fairgrounds, 795 NW 9th St., in Ontario Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Third doses of Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are available for people who are immunocompromised, and booster doses of the Pfizer vaccine will be available to people whose last dose of the Pfizer vaccine was six months ago or more, and who meet the following criteria:

Those who should receive a booster dose of Pfizer:

• Adults age 65 and older and those living in long-term care facilities
• Adults age 50-64 with underlying medical conditions or who are at increased risk of social inequities

Those who may receive a booster dose:

Adults age 18 through 64 years:

• with underlying medical conditions, or
• who are at increased risk for SARS-CoV-2 exposure or transmission because of where they work or live.

Proof of qualification is not needed.