“The harsh and frustrating reality is that the delta variant has changed everything.”

Oregon Gov. Kate Brown, regarding the drastic impact that the COVID-19 delta variant has had on the state, and the nation, causing a sharp spike in coronavirus-related hospitalizations and deaths especially among unvaccinated individuals. Oregon will send up to 1,500 National Guard troops to hospitals across the state to assist health-care workers. (Associated Press — August 13, 2021)