Coronavirus in Oregon: State reports 388 new cases, 3 deaths as officials warn transmissions may rise - OregonLive

Oregon public health officials warn coronavirus transmission may double in the coming weeks as the weather cools and people spend more time indoors.Photo by Eder Campuzano/Staff.

The Oregon Health Authority announced 388 new suspected or confirmed cases and three new deaths linked to COVID-19 Saturday, a dip in cases from the previous day but in keeping with an overall rise in infections that state public health officials say may skyrocket in the coming weeks.

But because most cases go undetected, state public health officials estimate the actual number of infections would be about 2,200.

Should the rate of transmission increase, officials say the number of new cases reported daily may reach 740, or 3,400 total.

Sidelinger and other officials have warned against in-person Halloween parties or trick-or-treating, although public health authorities have stopped short of advising against holding gatherings with extended family or friends altogether as the holidays near.

The 618th fatality is is an 83-year-old Multnomah County man with underlying conditions.

Not yet included in the death count released Saturday by the Oregon Health Authority is an inmate at Snake River Correctional Institution in Malheur County.