Not out of the woods yet: Experts prepare for possible second wave

Though phase one of reopening feels like a victory to many, experts are reminding the public that there is still a long road ahead and possibly a second wave of the virus.

Inside.

Entering phase one feels like big step forward -- but the state's top health experts aren't ruling out a big step backwards in the future.

Experts call it the 'second wave.'

Kezi 9 news reporter chris lueneburg has a look at how severe it could be.

Have we turned the tide in the battle against coronavirus?

Experts say this winter's flu season may welcome in a second wave of covid cases-- "is this a question of if, or a question of when?"

"it's more of a question of when."

Osu's chunhuei chi says oregon's reopening guidelines should do the trick-- but there needs to be more contact tracing, testing and isolation.

"we have reached a peak and then we come down to a plateau, and we have been in this plateau for a long time.

If we are not doing an adequate job, i fear we will be in this plateau for longer."

He says best thing you can do to prevent a spike-- is wear a mask in public indoor spaces-- which he'd like to see as a state requirement.

"while everyday citizens can do their part-- oha says it's reopening guidelines were built with a possible second wave in mind... and an increase in cases*is expected."

Oha says it's modeling a 50 to 60 percent reduction in transmission-- down from the 70 percent during stay-at-home "we're really trying to avoid major rolling back and going back to these restrictions.

But is certainly possible and so we are keeping a close eye on the number of cases day by day."

They say while few oregonians have contracted the virus-- that also means few may be immune.

Oha says it's preperations*are adequate to prevent an unexpected rise in cases.

"with testing isolation and quarentine we can keep a big spike from happening."

While the state's policy is keeping a possible second wave in mind-- chi says it comes down to cooperation.

"the general public has a shared responsibility to help our country and community overcoming this pandemic.

It's not just the government."

So wear your mask-- keep washing your hands-- and limit your travel... even if you endulge in a little well- deserved normalcy.

Chris lueneburg kezi 9 news.

With the possibility of a