ROSEBURG, Ore. - A crash just after midnight on Saturday has claimed the life of a 22 year-old Roseburg woman. 

On Saturday, March 28, 2020, at 12:09 am, 9-1-1 dispatchers were notified of an injury roll-over crash on public lands managed by the BLM off of road 26-7-33.0. This is an area generally referred to as Long's Ranch. 

Deputies learned a 1986 Honda Civic, operated by 22-year-old Andrew Joseph Clements of Roseburg, was traveling approximately 20 miles per hour on a gravel road when the vehicle left the roadway and rolled approximately 150 feet down an embankment. Clements and his passenger, 22-year-old Savannah Jean Nardli of Roseburg, were ejected from the car. 

EMS attempted lifesaving efforts on Nardli, which were ultimately unsuccessful. Clements suffered minor injuries and was transported to Mercy Medical Center by ambulance for evaluation. He was later released from the hospital and taken into custody for DUII. 

The crash remains under investigation at this time. Anyone with information regarding the crash is asked to contact the Douglas County Sheriff's Office at 541-440-4471 or by email at dcso.pio@co.douglas.or.us. 

The Sheriff's Office was assisted by Douglas County Fire District #2, Umpqua Valley Ambulance Service, the Douglas County District Attorney's Office, Oregon State Police and the Winston Police Department. 

Next of kin has been notified.

Case #20-1422 

Crews are currently on scene at the 4000 Blk of E Street with 2nd alarm fire.  One victim transported for evaluation.

Eugene Springfield Fire is on scene of a house fire on the 3100 block of Partridge Way in Springfield.  Three occupants were able to escape with two being transported for smoke inhalation.  Crews were able to confine the fire with damage estimate and cause to be determined 

The FBI has launched the “Protected Voices” initiative to help 2020 political campaigns and American voters protect against online foreign influence operations and cyber security threats. The Protected Voices campaign includes information and guidance from the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. 

This FBI Portland Tech Tuesday report is adapted from the Protected Voices initiative with a focus on providing cyber security information to political campaigns as well as businesses and individuals in Oregon. More information on all aspects of the initiative, including video downloads, can be found at www.FBI.gov/ProtectedVoices. 

(Audio) 

Welcome to the Oregon FBI’s Tech Tuesday segment.  

This week: building a digital defense when you are on-the-go. 

It’s easy and convenient to use public Wi-Fi to access the Internet. However, this is risky because you can’t control the security standards of a public Wi-Fi network.

There’s a great solution to this problem: Use a virtual private network, or VPN, to shield your sensitive data.

A VPN creates a secure tunnel for your data to traverse the Internet, using a network of private servers. When you use a VPN, your data is encrypted, or hidden, as it moves from your device to the VPN and then continues onto the Internet through what’s called an exit node. A VPN creates the appearance that your data is coming from the VPN server, not from your device. Therefore, it’s harder for an attacker to identify you as the source of the data. Even if attackers can intercept your data, the encryption means the attackers can’t understand your data or use it to their advantage. 

A VPN is a simple way to keep your organization’s communications and Internet usage more secure, even when they use public Wi-Fi networks at hotels, airports, or other places. 

You have many options in choosing a VPN service. Keep in mind that all of your sensitive data will travel through the VPN provider’s servers, which means you must ensure that the provider is trustworthy and enjoys a solid reputation. Consider these questions: 

• What’s the cost of the VPN service? Some options are free, some are free up to a certain amount of data usage, some are paid services. 

• What encryption and tunneling protocols are used? Some protocols offer increased levels of protection. 

• What logs does the VPN keep? 

• Where is the VPN hosted? Is it in a foreign country? 

• How many devices can you use per account? 

• How many exit nodes does the VPN provider maintain, and where are they located? 

• What happens if the VPN service goes down? 

Make sure you read the entire end-user license agreement to identify which VPN provider may be the best fit. Also, do your own research to confirm that you’re choosing a reputable, trustworthy provider. 

Finally, implementing a VPN is usually simple: You’ll sign up for a service and then download and install an application.

Using a VPN is a great way for your organization to keep its communications and Internet activities more private, especially when you have to use public Wi-Fi or other points of access not under your direct control. 

Remember your voice matters, so protect it. Go to www.FBI.gov/ProtectedVoices for more information. 

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We have been very impressed with, and proud of, the protective measures people have voluntarily employed to protect each other.  Further, the sacrifices business owners and entrepreneurs have taken by limiting and/or closing their establishments to protect their fellow community members is admirable, and have not gone unrecognized.

The Junction City Police Department remains open and functioning 24-hours per day / 7-days a week.  The police department continues to respond to all calls for service and is enforcing all traffic laws.  As we continue to walk side-by-side through these challenging and unfamiliar times with you, the primary goals of the Junction City Police Department are laser-focused on community EDUCATION and protection.

Today, March 23rd, 2020 Governor Brown formalized her campaign of, “STAY HOME, SAVE LIVES” through Executive Order #20-12.  In the order that took effect immediately Governor Brown said, in part, “To slow the spread of COVID-19 in Oregon, to protect the health and lives of Oregonians, particularly those at highest risk, and to help avoid overwhelming local and regional healthcare capacity, I find that immediate implementation of additional measures is necessary. The purpose of this Executive Order is to reduce person-to-person interaction with the goal of slowing transmission.”

In simple terms, Governor Brown’s order instructs everyone stay home unless absolutely necessary and when one most go out in order to get food, medical supplies, etc. that they maintain effective social distancing at all times.  Specifically some elements of the order that will affect many Junction City residents is the immediate, “closure of all pools, skate parks, outdoor sports courts, and playground equipment areas.  The grassy areas of parks shall remain open for use, provided all users of open public recreational areas must strictly adhere to social distancing guidelines.”

The order goes on to state, “Individuals may go outside for outside recreational activities (walking, hiking, etc.), but must limit those activities to non-contact, and are prohibited from engaging in outdoor activities where it is not possible to maintain appropriate social distancing (six feet or more between individuals).”

In addition, the order states that, “Non-essential social and recreational gatherings of individuals outside of a home or place of residence (e.g., parties, celebrations, or other similar gatherings and events) are prohibited immediately, regardless of size, if a distance of at least six feet between individuals cannot be maintained.”

The simple points listed above are provided for the quick reference of Junction City residence.  Governor Brown’s eight (8) page Executive Order is far more comprehensive and identifies many specific guidelines and restrictions promulgated by the order.  We recommend everyone download and review that order, in its entirety, at their earliest convenience.  The full text of the order can be obtained by visiting:

https://mailchi.mp/oregon/news-releasegovernor-kate-brown-tightens-social-distancing-measures-tells-oregonians-to-stay-home-save-lives?e=6ebacf48c2

Once again, the primary goal of the Junction City Police Department through this emergency is compliance through EDUCATION.  Simultaneously, all law enforcement agencies are compelled to comply with the Governor’s Order.  While every effort will be made on the education side - the executive order states, “Failure to comply with any of the provisions of this Executive Order constitutes an imminent threat and creates an immediate danger to public health.  Any person found to be in violation of this Executive Order is subject to the penalties described in ORS 401.990.”  Violation of ORS 401.990 is a Class C-Misdemeanor and is punishable by a fine, jail incarceration, or both.

The Junction City Police Department has produced a video to answer some frequently asked questions.  That video is located on the Junction City Police Facebook page – “JCPDOregon”.  Anyone with questions or concerns should contact the Junction City Police Department at 541-998-1245.

Date:            March 26, 2020                                    

Contact:        Sheriff Curtis L. Landers

                   (541) 265-0652

                   clanders@co.lincoln.or.us

SECURITY TIPS FOR TELECOMMUTERS DURING THE COVID-19 OUTBREAK

Information provided by Oregon Department of Justice, Financial Fraud/Consumer Protection Section.

Linn County Sheriff Jim Yon is offering extra patrols for those businesses across the Linn County that have had to close their doors or are operating under reduced hours because of the Governor’s Executive order.  We want to do everything we can to protect everyone during these uncertain times. 

I am requesting you click the link below to get us your information, so we have a good list for our deputies to check. 

 https://www.linnsheriff.org/contact/

We are also going to follow the Sweet Home Police Department by offering prescription medication delivery to the more vulnerable population.  In support of Governor Kate Brown's most recent Executive Order regarding social distancing, the Linn County Sheriff’s Office will begin offering a prescription pick-up and delivery service.

Effective March 30, 2020, we will pick-up and deliver life-preserving prescription medication to private residences within Linn County from pharmacies within the county. This program will be valid during the governor's executive order, currently set to expire on April 28, 2020.

Program participation is available to anyone 65 years old or older, have a life-threatening pre-existing medical condition, and lives within the county.

If you meet the above criteria, contact the Linn County Sheriff’s Office between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday at 541-967-3911. A participating resident will need to provide the following: 
- Name
- Address
- Phone Number
- Date of Birth
- Requested Prescription
- Pharmacy Name

Further, the resident must complete the following before contacting the Sheriff’s Office:
- Contact the pharmacy and order the prescription.
- Pre-pay for medicine over the phone.
- Advise the pharmacy the Linn County Sheriff’s Office will be picking up the prescription.
- Have a valid identification available when the deputy arrives at your residence.

Staff making the deliveries will always be in approved Linn County Sheriff’s Office attire with identification, personal protective equipment, and will maintain social distancing.

We are all in this together and we are simply trying to help our community the best way we can. 

Linn County Sheriff Jim Yon wants to advise the public of some changes that will be made regarding public access to our facilities.  Linn County Sheriff’s Office is still committed to serving the public but want to keep our staff and the public safe.

The Civil Division, at the Courthouse, will be available to the public by appointment only.  At this time, we are still processing Concealed Handgun License Renewals.  We will not be issuing any new CHL’s until further notice.  We are still doing Sex Offender Registrations.   

For all inquiries please call (541)-967-3907 for an appointment.

For Animal Control, staff is taking care of the few animals we have left.  Our mobile vet clinic program has been suspended until further notice.  All late fees for licensing have been waived until the end of April. The public can access Animal Control by appointment only. 

For all inquiries please call (541)-967-3925.  

When you call, you will be asked a series of questions about whether you or family have been ill recently.  If you are sick, you will need to schedule your business at another time.  Otherwise, we will schedule an appointment and handle your business. 

We have received a lot of calls regarding the Governor’s Executive Order on “Stay Home”.  If you have questions on what this order entails, please visit https://govstatus.egov.com/or-covid-19 for specific directions.

The Sheriff’s Office is taking an educational approach to the executive order.  We will take enforcement action only in the most extreme case. 

Please be patient and understanding with the situation.  We, here at the Sheriff’s Office, ask that you wash your hands, don’t touch your face and keep good social distances for all our benefits.  Stay calm, we are going to get through this together as a community.  

In response to the impacts of COVID-19 on Oregon, the Office of State Fire Marshal is suspending regulations over self-service stations and implementing measures to ensure the health and safety of gas retailers.

“During this unprecedented time of state emergency, we need to ensure that critical supply lines for fuels and other basic services remain uninterrupted,” said State Fire Marshal Jim Walker.

A. Effective immediately today, until April 11 (two weeks from effective date), retail facilities of Class 1 flammable liquid transportation fuels prohibited from offering self-service refueling shall:

1. Prepare, implement and enforce social distancing policies consistent with guidance from the Oregon Health Authority,
2. Require an attendant to be on duty to supervise self-service refueling consistent with the social distancing policies and help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 through sanitization measures, and
3. Designate an employee at each station to implement and enforce the social distancing policies.

B. For retail facilities of Class 1 flammable liquid transportation fuels compliant with paragraph A, the State Fire Marshal’s office shall not enforce the self-service prohibition under ORS 480.310 through ORS 480.385.

C. Notwithstanding (A2), a station owner may only offer self-service without an attendant if:

1. The owner retains documentation that there are no employees available to work as an attendant, including documentation for absences and employee hiring and retention efforts;
2. The owner is subject to State Fire Marshal audit and has posted safety signs for how to safely operate a fuel pump; and
3. The hours of operation under this subsection do not exceed 10 consecutive hours.

Station owners who need help finding employees to cover shifts should contact Miriam Nolte (Miriam.l.nolte@oregon.gov; 503-612-4252) for help finding workers.

For more information, please see our online FAQs.

On Thursday, March 26, 2020, shortly before midnight, Oregon State Police (OSP) Troopers from the Salem Area Command were involved in an officer-involved-shooting on Interstate 5 (I-5) near milepost 248, on the southbound side. The involved troopers were uninjured and the suspect was pronounced deceased at the scene.  Per Marion County Deadly Force Protocols, the Salem Police Department (SPD) is leading the investigation in cooperation with the Marion County District Attorney’s Office. The involved troopers have been placed on paid administrative leave as is standard practice for these events.  All future media releases on this incident will be from the Salem Police Department.

The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has closed that portion of I-5 at the request of investigators and established a detour. The highway is expected to remain closed until approximately 9:00AM, with a detour in place. Drivers are urged to use caution and expect delays when travelling south of Salem on I-5.

On Monday, March 23, 2020 at approximately 7:50 A.M.,  Oregon State Police Troopers were dispatched to a fight in progress on the southbound shoulder of Interstate 5 near milepost 229.

Before OSP arrived an adult male left southbound on Interstate 5 in a white Ford pickup towing a utility trailer.  The remaining male was transported by ambulance to Good Samaritan Hospital in Corvallis with serious injuries. 

OSP is asking anyone with information regarding the assault, events leading up to the assault, or the owner/operator of the white Ford pickup and utility trailer - possibly the vehicle in the attached picture - to contact OSP.

If you have information please contact Oregon State Police Northern Command Center 800-442-0776 or OSP and refer to Trooper Keys - Albany Area Command.

On March 21, 2020 at about 3:24 p.m., Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers and emergency personnel responded to Highway 138E near milepost 28 for a vehicle versus motorcycle crash. 

Preliminary investigation revealed that a Honda motorcycle, operated by Joseph GAZAREK, age 28, from Roseburg, was westbound on Highway 138E at a high rate of speed.  A Toyota Corolla, operated by Schyler HAMILTON (F), age 21, from Roseburg, was eastbound and was in the process of turning into the Susan Creek Falls parking area.  The motorcycle impacted the right front of the Toyota Corolla and GAZAREK was ejected from the motorcycle. 

GAZAREK was pronounced deceased at the scene by emergency responders.  HAMILTON and her passengers Enrique GONZALES (M), age 19, from Myrtle Creek, and a juvenile male, from Roseburg, were transported to Mercy Medical Center with possible injuries. 

The westbound lanes of the highway were closed for over three hours.  Traffic was reduced to one lane for the duration of the investigation. 

Investigators are looking at speed of the motorcycle as a contributing factor in the crash.  GAZAREK was wearing a protective helmet at the time of the crash.  HAMILTON, GONZALES and the juvenile male were all wearing safety restraints.

OSP was assisted by ODOT, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and Glide Fire Department. 

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ### 
Twitter: @ORStatePolice 
Facebook: @ospsocial

On March 21, 2020 at 8:52 PM, Roseburg Police were dispatched to the area of SE Ella and SE Court Avenue for a report of a disturbance involving a female screaming to call the police.  Officers received additional information leading them to believe a female may have been assaulted at a residence on SE Ella Street.  Officers approached the residence and located signs of a disturbance but could not get anyone to come to the door.  Witnesses informed officers on scene that a physical disturbance was heard as well as screaming just prior to officers’ arrival leading officers to believe people were still inside the residence.

Officers exhausted all avenues of attempted contact with residents over about a two hour period leading to a call out of Emergency Response Team members.  Roseburg Police and Douglas County Sheriff’s Office members formed an entry team and breached the front door in an attempt to render aid to anyone inside who may be injured or otherwise need assistance.  Upon entry, a 51 year old Roseburg man and 48 year old Roseburg woman emerged from the residence. 

The subsequent investigation revealed the female sustained physical injury during an alleged assault by the male.  The male was arrested for Domestic Assault in the Fourth Degree and booked at the Douglas County Jail. 

The Roseburg Police Department would like to thank the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance with this incident.       

Yesterday at 12:56 PM Sweet Home Firefighters responded to a technical rescue on Horse Rock trail near Shotgun Creek recreation area.  Rescue crews made access to a female injured approximately 1 mile up the trail.  The crews used a rescue litter with a wheel to move the patient on flat parts of the trail and set up rope systems to assist in the steep sections.  The patient was carried up the trail to a radio tower where an ambulance was waiting. Pt was transported to Riverbend Hospital in Springfield.   15 rescuers from Sweet Home Fire and 4 from Mohawk Valley Fire responded to the incident.  Linn County Sheriffs Office also responded with members of their Search and Rescue team.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Hotline: (800) 570-5838

March 24, 2020

Pacific Power will keep the lights on during COVID-19 emergency

PORTLAND, Ore. — In support of the stay-at-home directive ordered by the state of Oregon, Pacific Power will maintain reliable power to all customers during the COVID-19 public health emergency. The company will also continue to suspend late payment fees and disconnections for non-payment, as previously announced.

Under Gov. Kate Brown’s order issued Monday, March 23, 2020, utility company employees, along with other essential critical infrastructure workers, are exempted from the stay-at-home order while performing job duties. Employees have been informed of this and will carry their ID badges and any other documentation provided by the company at all times. In most cases, they will be in company branded vehicles and wearing company safety gear.

Crews will be at work ensuring that power interruptions are minimized during this time where uncertainty is high and most people are housebound. This is always the company’s top priority, but at this time crews will limit work to upgrades involving wildfire protection, projects critical to delivering power to customers, compliance obligations and outage response. Some of this work may require short-term power outages to complete work safely.

While these crews will be our most visible employees, they are not alone in serving you during this time of crisis. They are backed up by thousands of employees who are working in the six western states served by Pacific Power and its sister utility, Rocky Mountain Power, based in Salt Lake City. We are running power plants, managing grid operations and talking to customers.

If you have questions about your electric service or your account, call us 24/7 at 888-221-7070.

We are here for you

Pacific Power plans for emergencies such as the pandemic we are now experiencing. We have contingency plans for possible interruptions to supply chains for an extended period of time. Our business continuity and pandemic plans have been developed over decades and refined during regular drills. They are designed to protect our customers and employees and to ensure energy operations and infrastructure are supported properly. These measures will help us continue to provide safe and reliable electricity throughout even a prolonged emergency.

An invaluable tool for Pacific Power’s business continuity involves our ability under emergency conditions to maintain continuous service by transferring local control center and customer care responsibilities from our Portland-based teams to PacifiCorp’s Utah-based teams, or vice versa. Last week we fully exercised this capability that we routinely drill. Moments after a 5.7 magnitude earthquake occurred near Salt Lake City and our facilities in Utah were evacuated, we transferred temporary full control from our Salt Lake City-based control center and customer care center to our Portland-based control center and customer care center until our facilities in Utah were restored.

As part of PacifiCorp, Pacific Power has a broad geographic footprint that serves nearly 2 million customers in six states, operates the largest grid in the West that crosses ten states and coordinates with neighboring utilities and grid operators to plan for, prepare, and respond to all hazards that could potentially impact the energy grid—including a pandemic—with our partners in government at the local, state and federal levels. We are also following the recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and coordinating with state and local emergency management leaders.

We are dedicated to serving you in this crisis and know that working together we will get through this uncertain time.

# # #

One lane of southbound Interstate 5 just south of the Eugene-Springfield Metro Area will need to be closed Sunday night so that an ODOT maintenance crew can repair a deep pothole. The pothole is located at milepost 200.6.

The lane will be closed starting at 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 29 and will re-open at 4 a.m. on Monday, March 30.

To repair the pothole, the crew must first remove two feet of old asphalt and much of the road base.

Travelers should expect delays, drive slowly and use extreme caution while in the construction zone.

SALEM, Ore. - The Oregon National Guard, in conjunction with the Oregon Department of Administrative Services (DAS) is scheduled to provide and deliver 150 military cots along with blankets and hygiene packs to La Grande, Oregon, March 26. The supplies were requested by Union County Emergency Management to support ongoing medical response in Oregon.

“We are all part of one team working together to ensure the safety of our communities throughout Oregon,” said Stephen Bomar, Director of Public Affairs for the Oregon Military Department.

A crew of four Oregon Army National Guardsmen assembled the military cots, blankets and hygiene packs in Salem on March 25, and then loaded and transported the items to be delivered today in La Grande.

In addition to delivering the supplies, the team is scheduled to support a Grant County request by assisting in setting up a temporary structure/s at the Blue Mountain Hospital in John Day, Oregon, to be used to support short-term medial stations if/when needed.

“Our team at Blue Mountain Hospital District is thankful to the Oregon Army National Guard for answering our call for support. We envision using this tent as an important extension of our emergency department in the event there is an influx of patient volume”, said Derek Daly, the Chief Executive Officer for Blue Mountain Hospital District.

-30-

PHOTO CAPTIONS: 

200325-A-LM216-269: Oregon Army National Guard Sgt. Luke Fox, prepares 150 military cots along with 150 blankets and hygiene packs provided by the Oregon Department of Administrative Services, to be delivered by a team of four Oregon Army National Guardsman from Salem to La Grande, Ore., at the request of Union County Emergency Management in response to the COVID-19 situation, March 25, 2020. Additionally, at the request of Grant County, the team will deliver and assist in setting up three large tents to Blue Mountain Hospital in John Day, Ore., to be used, if needed, to support temporary medical stations. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Zachary Holden, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs Office) 

200325-A-LM216-290: Oregon Army National Guard Sgt. Luke Fox, prepares 150 military cots along with 150 blankets and hygiene packs provided by the Oregon Department of Administrative Services, to be delivered by a team of four Oregon Army National Guardsman from Salem to La Grande, Ore., at the request of Union County Emergency Management in response to the COVID-19 situation, March 25, 2020. Additionally, at the request of Grant County, the team will deliver and assist in setting up three large tents to Blue Mountain Hospital in John Day, Ore., to be used, if needed, to support temporary medical stations. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Zachary Holden, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs Office) 

200325-A-LM216-311: Oregon Army National Guard Sgt. Luke Fox prepares a trailer and Light Medium Tactical Vehicle (LMTV) for his team to deliver 150 military cots along with 150 blankets and hygiene packs provided by the Oregon Department of Administrative Services to La Grande, Ore., March 25, 2020. The team of four Oregon Army National Guardsman will travel from Salem to La Grande at the request of Union County Emergency Management in response to the COVID-19 situation. Additionally, at the request of Grant County, the team will deliver and assist in setting up three large tents to Blue Mountain Hospital in John Day, Ore., to be used, if needed, to support temporary medical stations. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Zachary Holden, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs Office) 

200325-A-LM216-354: Oregon Army National Guard Spc. Gerod Martin (left) and Sgt. Luke Fox, prepare a trailer and Light Medium Tactical Vehicle (LMTV) for his team to deliver 150 military cots along with 150 blankets and hygiene packs provided by the Oregon Department of Administrative Services to La Grande, Ore., March 26, 2020. The team of four Oregon Army National Guardsman will travel from Salem to La Grande at the request of Union County Emergency Management in response to the COVID-19 situation. Additionally, at the request of Grant County, the team will deliver and assist in setting up three large tents to Blue Mountain Hospital in John Day, Ore., to be used, if needed, to support temporary medical stations. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Zachary Holden, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs Office) 

200325-A-LM216-379: Oregon Army National Guard Sgt. Luke Fox guides a Light Medium Tactical Vehicle (LMTV) driven by Spc. Gerod Martin as the team of four Oregon National Guardsman depart to deliver 150 military cots along with 150 blankets and hygiene packs provided by the Oregon Department of Administrative Services to La Grande, Ore., March 26, 2020. The team will travel from Salem to La Grande at the request of Union County Emergency Management in response to the COVID-19 situation. Additionally, at the request of Grant County, the team will deliver and assist in setting up three large tents to Blue Mountain Hospital in John Day, Ore., to be used if needed, to support temporary medical stations. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Zachary Holden, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs Office) 

200325-A-LM216-398: Oregon Army National Guard Spc. Gerod Martin (right) and Sgt. Luke Fox, prepare a trailer and Light Medium Tactical Vehicle (LMTV) for his team to deliver 150 military cots along with 150 blankets and hygiene packs provided by the Oregon Department of Administrative Services to La Grande, Ore., March 26, 2020. The team of four Oregon Army National Guardsman will travel from Salem to La Grande at the request of Union County Emergency Management in response to the COVID-19 situation. Additionally, at the request of Grant County, the team will deliver and assist in setting up three large tents to Blue Mountain Hospital in John Day, Ore., to be used, if needed, to support temporary medical stations. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Zachary Holden, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs Office) 

Despite facility closures, millions of acres of BLM-managed public lands across Oregon remain open to enjoy, as long as you do so responsibly

Portland, Oregon – The health and safety of our visitors and staff remains the number one priority of the Bureau of Land Management. In accordance with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the state of Oregon public health officials, the BLM will temporarily close many of its developed recreation facilities to help limit the spread of COVID-19.

This closure includes all campgrounds, and some day use sites, and restrooms. Trash pickup and sanitation services on most of these recreation facilities will also be temporarily suspended.

Despite the closure of these facilities, multiple opportunities remain for the public to enjoy the outdoors as long as visitors heed orders, guidance, and advice of local and state officials and the Centers for Disease Control. BLM-managed trails and open spaces remain open across Oregon.

“Local, state or federal, we’re all in this together. The BLM is doing what we can as part of the whole of America response to the coronavirus,” said Jose Linares, acting State Director BLM OR/WA. “Although we have vast open spaces we continue to want people to use, we can’t stress enough that everyone listen to local officials and practice safe social distancing.”

Visitors may continue to enjoy their BLM managed trails and open spaces in Oregon while following recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Local and State public health authorities. Social distancing recommendations are extremely important to reducing the transmission of COVID-19 and may require that visitors avoid public lands during high-use times, such as weekends. Please limit any group activities to members of your household, and keep your total party to 10 or fewer participants. At all times, maintain a distance of six feet or more from other people.

The BLM encourages responsible, local recreation to avoid putting strain on other communities. To ensure public lands and waters remain intact for future generations, visitors are encouraged to utilize Leave No Trace practices, such as picking up all trash and human waste, while services at recreational facilities are suspended. Please bring your own sanitary products, including toilet paper and hand sanitizer, and pack out all trash.

Providing for recreation opportunities during this time is just one of the many activities BLM Oregon/Washington staff continues to perform each and every day remain because they are vitally important to the nation and our neighbors. Our work continues to support the nation’s energy and food security. We provide for sustainable timber harvests and provide protection from wildland fire. We are stewards of amazing landscapes and provide for enjoyment of all types of outdoor recreation.

If you’d like to do business with the BLM, please do so by email or phone whenever possible.  If you need to come into one of our offices, please contact us first so we can arrange an appointment to help you during normal business hours. Contact information is available on our website at www.blm.gov/oregon-washington.

Information on the affected BLM Oregon-Washington facilities will be posted on https://www.blm.gov/oregon-washington/covid-access-restrictions. Please check with individual field and district offices and visitor centers for specific details on operations in your area.

• Burns District: 541-573-4400
• Coos Bay District: 541-756-0100
• Lakeview District: 541-947-2177
• Medford District: 541-618-2200
• Northwest Oregon District: 503-375-5646
• Prineville District: 541-416-6700
• Roseburg District: 541-440-4930
• Vale District: 541-473-3144

These closures are pursuant to the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR): 43 CFR § 8364.1, 43 CFR § 9268.3(d)(1), and 43 CFR § 8365.1-4.

– BLM–

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. In fiscal year 2018, the diverse activities authorized on BLM-managed lands generated $105 billion in economic output across the country. This economic activity supported 471,000 jobs and contributed substantial revenue to the U.S. Treasury and state governments, mostly through royalties on minerals.

For Immediate Release                                        

March 25, 2020

Contact:                Theresa Janda
                                503-373-1553

Notice of Regular Meeting

The Executive Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting at 1:00 p.m. on March 31, 2020.  The meeting will be held by Teleconference.   Anyone wishing to join this meeting may do so by calling the contact listed above for teleconference access numbers.  A request for an interpreter for the deaf or hearing impaired should be made before the meeting by calling the contact listed above. 

If you dial-in for the meeting, please mute your phone unless you are addressing the group.  Doing so will enable you to hear the meeting more effectively.

Agenda Items:

1. Minutes of Executive Committee meeting held December 10, 2019.

2. Review/Adoption of Temporary Administrative Rules – Chapter 259, Divisons 008, 009, 020, 060 and 061 - Temporary Regulatory Adjustments in Response to COVID-19.

3.  Next Meeting – None currently scheduled

Administrative Announcement

This is a public meeting, subject to the public meeting law and it will be recorded. Deliberation of issues will only be conducted by Executive Committee members unless permitted by the Chair. Individuals who engage in disruptive behavior that impedes official business will be asked to stop being disruptive or leave the meeting. Additional measures may be taken to have disruptive individuals removed if their continued presence poses a safety risk to the other persons in the room or makes it impossible to continue the meeting.

## Background Information on the DPSST ##

The Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) operates the Oregon Public Safety Academy which spans more than 235 acres in Salem. The Academy is nationally recognized for its innovative training programs and active stakeholder involvement. Eriks Gabliks serves as the Director, and Patricia Patrick-Joling, public member, serves as the Chair of the Board. The department implements minimum standards established by the Board for the training and certification of more than 40,000 city, tribal, county and state law enforcement officers, corrections officers, parole and probation officers, fire service personnel, telecommunicators, emergency medical dispatchers and private security providers.

DPSST provides training to more than 25,000 students each year throughout Oregon and at the Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem: certifies qualified officers at various levels from basic through executive; certifies qualified instructors; and reviews and accredits training programs throughout the state based on standards established by the Board.

Governor Kate Brown has directed everyone in Oregon to stay at home to the maximum extent possible. 

The health and safety of our staff and those who visit our offices is critical.  To maintain a safe environment, effective immediately the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) has suspended in-person services normally offered by our agency until further notice.  The vast majority of public needs can be addressed online, by phone, or email. Statutorily required in-person services will be available by appointment only.  A directory of staff contacts can be found online at https://www.oregon.gov/dpsst/Pages/contact_us.aspx

We will continue to provide service to our customers and partners during this time to the best of our ability.  However, your patience is appreciated in the event that you experience any service delays.

Salem, Ore. – In response to communication from the Oregon Cultural Trust, its Statewide Partners and arts and cultural organizations across the state, Governor Kate Brown directed the agency to explore opportunities to identify relief funding to address the devastating impact the COVID-19 health crisis is having on Oregon’s arts and cultural community.

Since the crisis began, nonprofit cultural organizations across the state have canceled thousands of performances, events and activities – including key fundraising events – and most have closed their doors to the public. As of March 24, 423 Oregon cultural organizations had already reported financial losses to-date of $8,611,881 with data still being collected from more than 1,000 organizations (Source: Americans for the Arts). Organizations in in the Portland area alone are estimating losses of $45.8 million by the end of May (Source: Regional Arts and Cultural Council).

The loss of projected earned income, lifeblood for most cultural organizations, has already resulted in significant layoffs and furloughs, with many more to come if relief doesn’t arrive soon. Many organizations are already facing bankruptcy and permanent closure.

In addition, cancellations of events and programming, as well as school closures, have adversely affected hundreds of artists and cultural workers whose livelihoods depend on income from teaching, performing and participating in cultural activities.

Following consultation with the Governor’s Office, Business Oregon and its Statewide Partners, including sister agency the Oregon Arts Commission, the Cultural Trust Board of Directors held an emergency meeting on Saturday, March 21, and unanimously voted to use up to $10 million of its $29 million permanent fund to create an emergency relief funding program.

Because the current Cultural Trust statute does not contain a provision for emergency relief funding, the program requires approval by the Oregon Legislature. A concept for consideration by the Legislature is being developed and will be presented during an anticipated special session within the next few weeks. The Cultural Trust will convene a committee of stakeholders to fully and quickly develop and implement an emergency funding program that is equitable and easy to use to expedite funding.

The Oregon Cultural Trust permanent fund was created by the Legislature to protect Oregon’s cultural organizations for future generations. That future is currently at dire risk.

The Cultural Trust Board of Directors respects and honors the commitment that thousands of Trust donors have made with their contributions to the permanent fund. It is the Board’s sincere hope that donors will respect that, at this unprecedented time in Oregon history, the funds will be used exactly as they were intended: To protect the future of Oregon culture.

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About the Oregon Cultural Trust

Created in 2001 by the Oregon Legislature, the Oregon Cultural Trust is a testament to how much Oregonians value culture. No other state provides a 100 percent tax credit to inspire cultural giving. As uniquely Oregonian as public beaches and the bottle bill, the Oregon Cultural Trust was designed as an ongoing funding engine for arts and culture across the state. Oregonians fund the Cultural Trust. We, in turn, fund the artists, potters, poets, acrobats and dreamers who define our famous quality of life.

In 2019 Oregonians gave $4.5 million to the Cultural Trust. Sixty percent of that went straight back to the field. The remaining 40 percent helped grow our permanent fund. Our three grant programs fund our five Statewide Partners, 45 County and Tribal Coalitions and 1,450+ qualified cultural nonprofits through competitive Cultural Development Grants.

More information at culturaltrust.org.

SALEM, OR – In keeping with Governor Kate Brown’s “Stay Home, Save Lives” executive order, Oregonians across the state who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits can now purchase groceries online from Walmart and Amazon, helping to keep SNAP recipients and their families safe from COVID-19 by opening new avenues for social distancing.

Oregon has been exploring ways to increase access to food including a pilot project to provide Oregonians the opportunities to purchase groceries online with SNAP benefits. In March 2020, the Department of Human Services (DHS) provided access to online purchasing in Portland and Grants Pass at Walmart and Amazon. Due to the COVID-19 crisis, both retailers moved up their expansion dates for online food shopping to help those who are unable or who have difficulty getting to the store another option to purchase food.

“We are grateful that these retailers expanded their grocery services to all Oregonians receiving SNAP benefits,” said Dan Haun, Self-Sufficiency Programs director at the Oregon Department of Human Services. “Convenience, quality and fresh groceries should not be determined by how someone pays. The expansion will increase food access for those who experience challenges visiting brick-and-mortar stores.”

As the COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in the number of people eligible for SNAP, the ability to purchase groceries online supports physical distancing necessary to help slow the spread of the virus.

“We appreciate the accommodations that many retailers have made to support individuals at high risk of serious health consequences from COVID-19,” said Mike McCormick, interim director of the DHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities. “Anything we can do to help Oregonians access necessities and limit their potential exposure to illness, is absolutely crucial at this time.”

If your work hours are reduced or you lose your job, you may become eligible for SNAP if you meet eligibility requirements. You can apply for SNAP benefits without visiting an office. Apply online at OHP.Oregon.Gov.

DHS is keeping local offices open during this pandemic to serve people who do not have access to the Internet. To find an office in your community: https://www.oregon.gov/DHS/Offices/Pages/Self-Sufficiency.aspx.

(Salem, Ore.) – Every Child, in direct partnership with the Oregon Department of Human Services, is launching a comprehensive statewide emergency response to the fast-growing needs of children and families in Oregon’s foster care system. The initiative—My NeighbOR—launches at 7:00pm on Sunday, March 22 and will be fully operational by Monday, March 23 at 9:00am. Oregonians across all 36 counties are being asked to step forward and meet the tangible needs of foster families and youth in foster care.

Foster families across Oregon have needs due to the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Systems and networks meant to care for those in foster care—and the foster families who serve them—are being challenged and taxed with growing needs. School closures, significant economic changes, and a limited pool of foster homes are adding additional strain to our state’s current capacity. We need the community to step up. 

My NeighbOR is a 36-county decentralized community mobilization effort designed to match community goods and services with foster families and youth in foster care who need them. “Those staying at home in fraying situations are going to need help. We need each neighbor in Oregon to consider how they can step forward safely. My NeighbOR will bring us all together,” says Ben Sand, CEO for The Contingent, Every Child’s parent organization.

There are more Oregonians on the internet than any other moment in human history. Leveraging this, My NeighbOR will deploy using a two-pronged approach: 1. Staff will be receiving needs from families and leverage social media, online affinity groups, and targeted ads to invite Oregonians to respond. 2. When goods and services are offered, My NeighbOR will either use pre-screened drivers to deliver or invite community members to drop goods designated “Community Anchor Sites,” which are highly local, public locations where items can be dropped off and picked up.

“The welfare of children, youth, and families is the responsibility of our entire community. This My NeighbOR collaboration is the perfect demonstration that partnerships, shared resources, and collective efforts are needed to best support children and families. This will be a shining example of how Oregonians support each other when in need,” says Rebecca Jones Gaston, DHS Child Welfare Director.

If you are an Oregon foster family or a youth in foster care, share your need at https://everychildoregon.org/need/

If you want to meet a need for foster families, visit https://everychildoregon.org/myneighbor/

While millions of Americans adjust to the new realities brought about by the unprecedented public health situation that is the coronavirus pandemic, some are reaching out to the residents of the Oregon Veterans’ Home in Lebanon to assure them they are appreciated, cared for and remembered.

Staff at the Home and Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs call it “Operation Well Wish,” and the well wishes have flooded in from all over. Many have sent letters, postcards, pictures and artwork, which are cleared by the Home’s infection prevention team before being shared with residents.

Others have sent in videos, and thanks to an article this week by the military-focused media outlet We Are The Mighty, they have come in from Virginia, Ohio, Texas, North Carolina, Hawaii and even as far as Italy. These videos are being played for residents on the Home’s closed-circuit TV channel.

Some have included their children or pets. Others have shown video footage from their favorite places in nature at their hometowns. Some have sung their favorite songs.

(Some of these videos have been cleared for public release, and are available for media to use and disseminate at the following link: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1J8av68xi073H5hQsm6gaabrOrCI8AMIm)

“With the lock-down protocols that are currently in place to keep our community safe, it has been a tremendous change in the residents’ way of life,” said ODVA Director Kelly Fitzpatrick. “These men and women at our Lebanon Veterans’ Home have borne the battles to keep this nation safe and free. It’s wonderful for so many of the people that they have protected to be remembering them in this challenging time.”

One resident of the Home, Vern, a U.S. Army Korean War veteran, said he turns on the closed circuit TV channel first thing every morning.

“It is encouraging,” he said. “While this virus is going on, I think this is a very good idea!”

Lebanon Veterans’ Home Program Director Jeremy Woodall said the well wishes have been a huge boost to both residents, who have been isolated in their rooms for over two weeks as part of the facility’s infectious disease prevention protocols, and staff, who have been working tirelessly to provide excellent care.

“Seeing the smiles and songs and well wishes come in from literally around the world has lifted their spirits,” he said. “Young children, men and women, veterans and civilians… everyone has a chance share love and hope to others in this time.”

If you would like to be part of Operation Well Wish, please send your cards, letters or other materials in an unlicked envelope to ATTN: Operation Well Wish, Oregon Veterans’ Home, 600 N. 5th St., Lebanon, OR 97355. Videos may be sent to mation@odva.state.or.us">ODVAInformation@odva.state.or.us.

It is with the deepest sadness that we announce the passing of one of the honored residents of the Oregon Veterans’ Home in Lebanon due to complications related to COVID-19. The resident passed away early on the morning of March 22.

“Our hearts are heavy,” said ODVA Director Kelly Fitzpatrick. “This resident was a veteran who served our nation with honor and dignity in its hour of need. He was also a beloved member of our Lebanon community, and he will be deeply and truly missed. On behalf of everyone at the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs and the Oregon Veterans’ Home, we offer our sincere condolences to his family and loved ones. We grieve with them.

“At the Lebanon Home, staff continue to diligently follow established infectious disease prevention protocols and public health guidelines,” Director Fitzpatrick continued. “We know they are doing everything in their power to stop the spread of coronavirus and keep our community safe. All possible resources are being made available to support them in their critical work.”

Since the opening of the Home in 2014, every veteran resident who has passed away has been honored with the “Walk of Honor” in recognition of their service to our country. Typically, staff, residents and family would line the halls to salute and pay their last respects.

Today, amid the COVID-19 situation, staff adjusted this long-honored tribute.  Outside, staff were invited to line the sidewalks (maintaining appropriate social distancing) while his body was escorted to the waiting transportation, draped with a burial flag and a handmade quilt from Quilts of Valor.

Staff fold the burial flag 13 times in accordance with honor guard standards and present it to a family member. Multiple precautionary sterilization measures were taken to protect against the spread of the virus.

“The Walk of Honor is the last form of respect we can offer to honor our veteran and their family,” said Director Fitzpatrick. “In these unprecedented times, traditions are more important than ever. We will continue to ensure our brothers and sisters in arms receive every honor they deserve while following public health guidelines.”

Out of consideration for the family and confidentiality required by HIPAA, ODVA will not be releasing the resident’s name or other personal information.

(Salem) – Governor Kate Brown yesterday, in order to ensure all Oregonians have access to the health insurance they need during this unprecedented public health crisis, called on federal Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar to open a special enrollment period for Oregonians to buy health insurance and apply for federal subsidies through HealthCare.gov. The open enrollment deadline passed on Dec. 15 and does not open again until November. 

“Many Oregonians are uninsured or underinsured and now find their families’ budgets significantly tightened due to this national emergency,” Brown said in a letter to Azar. “In order to remove any potential barriers that remain, it is critical for all Oregonians to have access to a special enrollment period.”

A widespread special enrollment period would allow anyone legally present in the United States to buy a private plan and apply for a subsidy to help afford it. The governor requested that the enrollment period open as soon as possible and last at least 30 days.

Oregon needs Azar to allow the special enrollment period via HealthCare.gov because the application consumers need for federal subsidies, and Oregon’s online system for selection of plans available through HealthCare.gov, is run by the federal government. HealthCare.gov sells individual health insurance plans to Oregonians under an agreement with the state and in partnership with the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace, a division of the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services.

“The Marketplace is our state’s pathway to coverage and federal subsidies,” said Chiqui Flowers, administrator of the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace. “Until the federal government unblocks the gate to those options for all Oregonians, the only people who can enroll now are those who just lost other coverage or had another major qualifying event.”

The governor's letter to Azar emphasized the importance of meeting the needs of income-strapped families during a national crisis. 

“Your administration has stressed the value of allowing Americans to make their own coverage choices. During open enrollment last fall, a moderate-income adult might have made a rational decision to skip coverage or buy one of the extremely limited, short-term plans now available under federal rules that currently are not required to cover testing for the novel coronavirus and waive cost-sharing for COVID-19 treatment,” Governor Brown wrote. “A national emergency has changed conditions vastly, and those Oregonians deserve a chance to get the coverage they need.”

Salem – The Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services issued a temporary emergency order today in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. It requires all insurance companies to extend grace periods for premium payments, postpone policy cancellations and nonrenewals, and extend deadlines for reporting claims.

The COVID-19 outbreak has caused widespread business closures, job losses, and social distancing measures. This severe disruption to business in the state includes some Oregonians’ ability to make insurance premium payments, report claims, and communicate with their insurance companies.

“During this crisis, we must all do our best to help Oregonians focus on staying healthy, care for their families, and prevent the spread of the coronavirus,” said Andrew Stolfi, insurance commissioner. “Many of our insurers have already stepped up and done the right thing. This order will ensure every Oregonian who needs it has relief from these insurance policy terms, giving them a measure of security and stability.” 

Insurance companies must take steps immediately to do the following until the order is no longer in effect:

• Institute a grace period for premium payments on all insurance policies issued in the state
• Suspend all cancellations and nonrenewals for active insurance policies
• Extend all deadlines for consumers to report claims and communicate about claims
• Provide consumers the ability to make premium payments and report claims while maintaining safe social distancing standards

The order is effective immediately, and will be in force through at least April 23. If necessary, the department may extend the duration of this temporary order.

If Oregonians have questions or concerns about their insurance company or agent, they can contact the department’s advocacy team at 888-877-4894 (toll free) or visit dfr.oregon.gov for more information or to file a complaint.

For insurance and financial services information related to COVID-19, visit the department’s website: https://dfr.oregon.gov/insure/health/understand/Pages/coronavirus.aspx. 

###

About DCBS: The Department of Consumer and Business Services is Oregon's largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. For more information, visit www.dcbs.oregon.gov. 

About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. Visit www.dcbs.oregon.gov and http://dfr.oregon.gov/Pages/index.aspx.

On March 27, 2020, at 10:15 a.m., the Coffee Creek Correctional Facility (CCCF) mailroom received an envelope with an unknown substance. The mailroom area was secured and the administration building evacuated. Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue Hazardous Materials Team, the Oregon State Police, and the Federal Bereau of Investigations were on site to evaluate the powder for any hazardous substances. Seven employees were working in the mailroom, and one has been transported to a local hospital for evaluation.

Every day, thousands of pieces of mail are received at the Department of Corrections’ (DOC) 14 institutions, and each piece is opened and examined. DOC mailroom employees are a critical component of operating safe and secure institutions because they help keep drugs and other contraband out of the state’s prisons. 

This is the third evacuation of the CCCF administration building in recent months. This incident presents an additional challenge to first responders and staff who are working hard to protect CCCF’s employees and incarcerated population from Oregon’s COVID-19 outbreak. 

CCCF is a multi-custody prison located in Wilsonville accommodating approximately 1,200 adults in custody. The prison has cell and dormitory housing, work programs, skills training, treatment programs, health services, religious services, physical plant, a central records unit, and administrative areas. CCCF participates in prison industries with Oregon Corrections Enterprises, including a contact center, auto CAD, and document scanning. In addition, CCCF houses the state’s intake center, which provides intake and evaluation of all individuals committed to state custody by the courts. The intake center houses approximately 400 adults in custody. CCCF’s minimum facility opened in 2001, and the medium facility opened in 2002.

SALEM, Ore. — The Forest Trust Land Advisory Committee’s scheduled meeting for April 10 in Salem has been canceled due to ongoing county commissioner responsibilities related to managing the COVID-19 outbreak. The next meeting is scheduled for May 29, also in Salem.

Salem, Ore. -- The Oregon Department of Forestry is inviting public comment on planned projects, timber sales and other management activities in state-owned forests in fiscal year 2021.

Starting today, March 23, through 5 p.m. on May 6, 2020, Oregonians can weigh in on draft Annual Operations Plans (AOPs) for state forests, which lay out on-the-ground activities expected to take place in the coming fiscal year. State forests by law must provide economic, environmental and social benefits to Oregonians. To achieve the legal mandate, these lands are managed to create healthy productive forests, high-quality habitat for native fish and wildlife, clean water, benefits and revenues to rural communities and timber-related economies, as well as recreation and educational opportunities. Overall management policies and management goals are established in long-range Forest Management Plans and Implementation Plans. Annual Operations Plans describe activities to achieve the policies and goals laid out in the longer-range plans. ODF is seeking input on the draft AOP summary documents, which can be viewed online at https://www.oregon.gov/ODF/Working/Pages/StateForests.aspx and are also available at district offices upon request.

Common topics included in an Annual Operations Plan include:

• Timber harvest operations
• Recreation improvement and maintenance projects
• Forest road construction, maintenance, and improvements
• Reforestation/replanting and young stand management activities
• Habitat improvement for native species
• Invasive species management

The most useful input speaks to these specific activities and whether they are consistent with longer-range plans, offers suggestions to improve efficiency or effectiveness, corrects errors, provides additional information, and is solution-oriented, understanding that state forests are working forests and by law must provide a variety of economic, environmental and social benefits. Activities that affect fish and wildlife habitat are reviewed by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, while operations that may influence threatened and endangered species are shared with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.  

ODF is offering several convenient avenues to comment on AOPs:

• An online survey can be found at https://forms.gle/HCfsq9Je9TVXrJ2Y9
• Online comments are also received through ODF’s comments page: http://www.oregon.gov/ODF/AboutODF/Pages/Comment.aspx
• Comments can also be mailed to ODF Public Affairs, 2600 State St., Salem, OR 97310.

At the direction of Governor Kate Brown, the Oregon Department of Revenue today announced an extension for Oregon tax filing and payment deadlines for personal income taxes and some other taxes closely following the IRS extension declaration. This move is a result of the governor’s priority to keep Oregonians safe and healthy, while also providing relief and consistency for Oregon taxpayers affected by the federal and state COVID-19 emergency.

“The governor’s clearly stated goal is for Oregon families to stay home, save lives,” said Oregon Department of Revenue Director Nia Ray. “After consultation with the state treasurer and state budget officials, the Department of Revenue will extend personal and corporate income tax deadlines during this challenging period.” 

Under the authority of ORS 305.157, the director of the Department of Revenue has determined that the governor’s state-declared emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the action of the IRS will impair the ability of Oregon taxpayers to take certain actions within the time prescribed by law. Therefore, the director has ordered an automatic extension of the 2019 tax year filing and payment due dates for certain affected taxpayers as indicated below.

For personal income taxpayers:

• The Oregon return filing due date for tax year 2019 is automatically extended from April 15, 2020 to July 15, 2020. 
• The Oregon tax payment deadline for payments due with the 2019 tax year return is automatically extended to July 15, 2020.

• Estimated tax payments for tax year 2020 are not extended.
• The tax year 2019 six-month extension to file, if requested, continues to extend only the filing deadline until October 15, 2020.
• Taxpayers do not need to file any additional forms or call us to qualify for this automatic Oregon tax filing and payment extension.
• If you have questions about your personal income tax, contact questions.dor@oregon.gov.

For corporate income/excise taxpayers:

• The Oregon return filing due date for tax year 2019 is automatically extended from May 15, 2020 until July 15, 2020. Returns due after May 15, 2020 are not extended at this time.
• The Oregon tax payment deadline for payments due with the 2019 return by May 15, 2020 is automatically extended to July 15, 2020. Payments for returns due after May 15, 2020 are not extended at this time.
• Estimated tax payments for tax year 2020 are not extended.
• Taxpayers do not need to file any additional forms or call us to qualify for this automatic Oregon tax filing and payment extension.

Interest and penalties:

• Because of the extension of the due dates for filing returns and making payments, any interest and penalties with respect to Oregon tax filings and payments extended by this order begin accruing on July 16, 2020.
• No automatic extension is provided in this order for the payment or deposit of any other type of Oregon tax or for the filing of Oregon information returns.

Taxpayers can find resources such as forms and publications, information regarding filing as an individual or business, and helpful tools, such as Where’s My Refund and What’s My Kicker, on the Department of Revenue webpage. You can also keep up to date with the latest developments and news surrounding impacts of COVID-19 to your taxes at www.oregon.gov/dor/.

You can visit www.oregon.gov/dor to get forms, check the status of your refund, or make payments. You can call 503-378-4988 or 800-356-4222 (toll-free) or email questions.dor@oregon.gov for additional assistance. For TTY for hearing- or speech-impaired, call 800-886-7204.

Salem, OR—The Oregon Department of Revenue is making temporary changes to protect taxpayers and staff and help slow the spread of the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19.

Beginning March 25, the Revenue Building in Salem and all regional field offices will close to the general public until further notice. Services and payments will be available by appointment only.

To make an appointment for tax services, please call the telephone number listed for the office below:
• Bend, 541-388-6139.
• Eugene, 541-686-7935.
• Gresham, 503-674-6272.
• Medford, 541-858-6500.
• Portland, 971-673-0700.
• Salem, 530-945-8774.
All in-person tax payments at the Salem headquarters also will require an appointment, which can be scheduled by calling 503-945-8050.

We encourage taxpayers to use our online resources at www.oregon.gov/dor whenever possible to obtain tax forms, calculate your kicker amount, check the status of your refund, or make tax payments using Revenue Online. The public can also keep up to date with the latest developments and news on the impacts of COVID-19 on taxes in Oregon by visiting www.oregon.gov/dor/Pages/COVID19.aspx.

For all other questions, call 800-356-4222 toll-free from an Oregon prefix (English or Spanish); 503-378-4988 in Salem and outside Oregon; or email questions.dor@oregon.gov. For TTY (hearing or speech impaired), call 800-886-7204.

During the week of March 15, the Oregon Employment Department received more than 76,500 initial claims for Unemployment Insurance benefits. During the first three days of the week of March 22, initial claims have been tracking at record levels again. This comes as a sharp increase from 4,900 initial claims filed during the week of March 8. The Employment Department is taking several measures to meet the unprecedented need for unemployment benefits, which is largely due to reduced hours and layoffs related to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.

Helping Oregonians

The Employment Department has been proactive in its response to an abrupt disruption in the economy by enhancing the performance and stability of our online claims system. Over the past two weeks, the agency also hired new employees, shifted existing staff working in other program areas, and trained them, doubling the number of employees working on unemployment claims. We will continue adding and training employees to process unemployment claims in the coming weeks.

Still, record levels of unemployment claims cause longer wait times, as the department works to gather and process the details factoring into each individual claimant’s eligibility and weekly benefit amount. We encourage Oregonians who have lost their jobs to file claims using our online system to lower wait times by phone. A new video from the Employment Department shows step-by-step details for filing an online claim.

The department also continues to offer job seeker and employer services, including more phone and virtual options for appropriate social distancing. We are present to help Oregonians who have experienced tremendous disruptions, while also doing our part to follow health and safety guidelines for our communities.

The Employment Department’s COVID-19 web page serves as a resource guide. It includes an overview of the Unemployment Insurance program, along with questions and answers about specific COVID-19 coronavirus-related situations and unemployment benefits. We continue to update our site with the latest information related to COVID-19 as new federal and state guidelines change or expand benefits. The Employment Department has also enacted temporary rules, adding more flexibility for unemployment benefits to help Oregonians affected by COVID-19 business closures.

Initial Claims

Of the 76,500 initial claims filed, the Employment Department has detailed information for the 22,800 claims processed during the week. The leisure and hospitality sector, which includes hotels and restaurants, saw the greatest number of initial claims for unemployment benefits (10,700). This reflects some of the early impact of public health and safety measures. Many initial claims also came from workers in health care (2,100) and retail trade (1,400).

Multnomah, Washington, and Lane counties had the largest number of processed claims during the week of March 15. The largest increases in initial claims occurred in Union and Clatsop counties. More initial claims data by industry and area can be found on the QualityInfo.org COVID-19 page.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

To file an online claim for unemployment benefits, go to Oregon.gov/employ or call 1-877-FILE-4-UI.

For help finding jobs and training resources, contact your local WorkSource Oregon center or go to WorkSourceOregon.org.

Equal Opportunity program — auxiliary aids and services available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Contact: (503) 947-1794. For people who are deaf or hard of hearing, call 711 Telecommunications Relay Services.

Oregon reports 13 COVID-19 death, 65 new COVID-19 cases

PORTLAND, Ore.— COVID-19 has claimed one more life in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll from 12 to 13, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 8:00 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority also reported 65 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the state total to 479, as of 8:00 a.m. today. The COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Benton (3), Clackamas (5), Clatsop (1), Deschutes (2), Jackson (2), Josephine (1), Linn (4), Marion (11), Multnomah (14), Polk (1), Umatilla (1), Washington (18), Yamhill (2).

Oregon Health Authority reports new cases once a day on its website: www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus.

Oregon’s 13th COVID-19 death is a 93-year-old male in Yamhill County, who tested positive on 3/18/20, and died 03/27/2020 at Providence Newberg Medical Center. He had no known underlying medical conditions.

March 27, 2020

Oregon reports 1 COVID-19 death, 98 new COVID-19 cases

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed one more life in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 12, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 8 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority also reported 98 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the state total to 414, as of 8 a.m. today. The COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Clackamas (10), Columbia (1), Deschutes (3), Douglas (1), Jackson (2), Klamath (1), Lane (2), Linn (2), Marion (26), Morrow (1), Multnomah (22), Polk (4), Umatilla (1), Wasco (1), Washington (18), Yamhill (4). Oregon Health Authority reports new cases once a day on its website: www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus.

Oregon’s 12th COVID-19 death is an 82-year-old woman in Marion County. She tested positive on March 20, and died March 25 at Salem Hospital. She had underlying medical conditions.

Video link: Dawn Mautner, senior health advisor at Oregon Health Authority, explains the increase in case numbers during an internal agency briefing today.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

Oregon response: The Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Office of Emergency Management lead the state response.

United States response: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leads the U.S. response.

Global response: The World Health Organization guides the global response.

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March 26, 2020

Media contacts: OHA Joint Information Center (JIC) Staff, 971-673-2097, covid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us">orcovid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us

Oregon releases health care system action plan to fight COVID-19

New projections show social distancing must be maintained to protect health care system

(Portland – March 26, 2020) The fight against the coronavirus depends on Oregon hospitals having enough beds to treat the coming surge in patients who will become seriously ill with the virus. Today, Oregon health officials and hospitals announced a joint statewide action plan to dramatically bolster the state’s ability to treat people with COVID-19 illness who need hospital care.

The plan was developed by the “Governor’s Joint Task Force for Health Care Systems Response to COVID-19,” convened by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA). It includes a broad range of health systems, health care providers, human services organizations, public health and public safety agencies, insurers and other organizations needed in the battle.

The plan addresses 4 urgent actions necessary to expand the health care system’s capacity and maintain its capability as Oregon braces for a projected spike in new coronavirus cases:

1. Procure and distribute critical medical supplies, including personal protective equipment (PPE) for health care workers and ventilators.
2. Optimize hospital capacity to be able to treat COVID-19 cases.
3. Mobilize the health care workforce to respond to COVID-19.
4. Maintain a unified, coordinated and transparent emergency response to COVID-19.

New projections of COVID-19 cases in Oregon show the state is at a critical moment in the fight against the disease. Social distancing measures could alter the trajectory of new infections, which gives Oregon’s health care system the chance to ramp up to meet the coming surge. But the state has little margin for error. A return to “business as usual” or slight differences in actual infection rates (compared to projected ones) could swamp hospitals with more coronavirus cases than they could treat.

Governor Brown said, “Hospital leaders and health officials are doing their part to find beds, secure supplies and protect health care workers. Oregonians can make a difference too: stay home and save lives. We all have a role to play in an unprecedented, unified effort across Oregon to stop the coronavirus from taking the tragic toll we’ve seen it claim elsewhere.”

State agencies, hospitals and health care providers have already begun to implement the plan.

• The state is collecting PPE for re-distribution to facilities in need.
• Regional hospitals have signed mutual aid agreements to shift equipment, workforce and patients from overburdened facilities to others with adequate capacity.
• The state is working with providers to stand-up alternate care locations (such as the Oregon Medical Station), identify and develop new alternate care sites, enable ambulatory care centers to house patients and re-purpose long-term care facilities.
• The state and hospitals are sharing hospital bed utilization data so hospitals can manage the use of beds and equipment across their region.
• The state is developing childcare options for health care workers, so their work isn’t interrupted by school closings and family responsibilities.

OHA Director Patrick Allen said, “Oregon’s health care system began preparing for a pandemic years ago, which gave us a head start on this plan. From expanding testing to securing more ventilators for Oregon hospitals, we are united by a set of common strategies to save lives in every corner of the state.”

The latest models state health officials released today forecast the following outcomes for 3 different scenarios:

• Return to business as usual: If Oregon lifted all the social distancing measures state leaders have instituted in recent weeks, there will be an estimated 15,000 cumulative infections by May 8th (within a range of 5,900-26,000). Approximately 1,100 people would need inpatient beds (850 AAC/250 ICU) across Oregon.
• Maintain bans on large gatherings and indefinite school closures: There would be an estimated 6,100 cumulative infections by May 8th (within a range of 2,000-12,000) and 340 people will need inpatient beds (260 AAC/80 ICU).
• Maintain aggressive interventions put into place on Monday, March 23rd (i.e.., Stay Home, Save Lives) with high public adherence: There will be an estimated 1,000 (within a possible range of 700-3,800) cumulative infections by May 8th. Under this scenario, hospitals would have to boost capacity by a smaller number of beds.

The models show that only aggressive interventions, like the Stay Home, Save Lives executive order Governor Brown issued on March 23rd, are predicted to decrease the number of active infections.

The models state health officials released today were prepared by the Institute for Disease Modeling. While similar to projections completed earlier by researchers at Oregon Health and Sciences University (OHSU), these newer models from IDM take into account the impact of community-level social distancing interventions, which were not incorporated into the OHSU study. Researchers from OHSU and other hospitals are collaborating with OHA to forecast the COVID-19 burden for their specific hospitals based on this information.

Dr. Dean Sidelinger, state health officer at OHA, said: “These projections tell us the sacrifices Oregonians are making right now can save lives. At the same time, they paint a dark picture of what could happen. We can’t afford to drop our guard.”

March 26, 2020

Media contacts: OHA Joint Information Center (JIC) Staff, 971-673-2097, covid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us">orcovid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us

Oregon reports 1 new COVID-19 death, 50 new COVID-19 cases

PORTLAND, Ore.— COVID-19 has claimed 1 more life in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll from 10 to 11, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 8:00 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority also reported 50 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the state total to 316, as of 8:00 a.m. today. The COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Clatsop (1), Deschutes (5), Josephine (2), Lane (2), Linn (1), Marion (14), Multnomah (12), Polk (3), Tillamook (1), Wasco (1), and Washington (8). Oregon Health Authority reports new cases once a day on its website and today new demographic information was added: : www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus.

Oregon’s eleventh COVID-19 death is a 69-year-old woman in Washington County, who tested positive on 3/15/2020, and died 3/25/2020 at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center. She had underlying medical conditions.

The Oregon Health Authority is now releasing the daily situation status report, which is produced jointly with Oregon Office of Emergency Management. It details the overall picture of the COVID-19 outbreak and the response across government agencies. Read more here: https://govsite-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/SLdyToaAQ2i1P0EsaL7t_Oregon-COVID-19-SitStat-03-26-2020-FINAL.pdf

Stay informed about COVID-19:

Oregon response: The Oregon Health Authority leads the state response.

United States response: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leads the U.S. response.

Global response: The World Health Organization guides the global response.

March 26, 2020

Media contacts: OHA Joint Information Center (JIC) Staff, 971-673-2097, covid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us">orcovid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us

Media briefing: Health care leaders to release health care systems’ plan to fight COVID-19 in Oregon and latest projections on infection and hospitalization rates

(Portland, OR – March 26, 2020) State health officials and hospital leaders will release the “Governor’s Joint Task Force for Health Care Systems Response to COVID-19” today in a media briefing. They also will present the latest projections on coronavirus infection and hospitalization rates in the state.

The Governor’s Joint Task Force for Health Care Systems Response to COVID-19 report outlines coordinated steps state agencies and Oregon’s health care system are taking to fight the coronavirus pandemic in Oregon.

The media briefing will be held at 1:00 p.m. Speakers will include:

• Overview of latest COVID-19 projections in Oregon: Dr. Dean Sidelinger, Oregon Health Authority
• Summary of Governor’s Joint Task Force action plan: Dr. Dana Hargunani, Oregon Health Authority
• Collaborative efforts across the health care system to fight COVID-19: Becky Hultberg, CEO, Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems.

When: 1 p.m. TODAY, March 26, 2020.

Webinar login information: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1397125641980035851

Dial-in: (415) 655-0052
Access Code: 902-062-156

March 25, 2020

Program contact: Hilary Harrison, 503-209-1949, y.harrison@dhsoha.state.or.us">hilary.harrison@dhsoha.state.or.us

What: A regular public meeting of the System of Care Advisory Council.

When: April 15, 8:30 a.m. to noon.

Where: By teleconference at https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/706039269. The public can also dial in by telephone at 872-240-3212, access code 706-039-269. The meeting will be listen-only until the public comment time.

Agenda: The council will be discussing bylaws, reviewing the first report on agency successes, data for the data dashboard, and public comment.

Details: Senate Bill 1 in 2019 established a Governor-appointed System of Care Advisory Council to improve the the state and local continuum of care that provides services to youth and young adults. The council's immediate work is to develop and maintain a state System of Care and a comprehensive long-range plan for a coordinated state system.

Learn more: System of Care Advisory Council website.

# # #

Everyone has a right to know about and use Oregon Health Authority (OHA) programs and services. OHA provides free help. Some examples of the free help OHA can provide:

• Sign language and spoken language interpreters
• Written materials in other languages
• Braille
• Large print
• Audio and other formats

If you need help or have questions, please contact Hilary Harrison at 503-209-1949, 711 TTY, or y.harrison@dhsoha.state.or.us">hilary.harrison@dhsoha.state.or.us at least two business days before the meeting.

https://bit.ly/2Uz7dtj

March 25, 2020

Media contacts: OHA Joint Information Center (JIC) Staff, 971-673-2097, covid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us">orcovid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us

Oregon reports 2 new COVID-19 deaths, 57 new COVID-19 cases

PORTLAND, Ore.— COVID-19 has claimed 2 more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll from 8 to 10, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 8:00 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority also reported 57 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the state total to 266, as of 8:00 a.m. today. The COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Benton (2), Clackamas (4), Douglas (2), Jackson (1), Josephine (1), Lane (1), Lincoln (1), Linn (5), Marion (11), Multnomah (8), Washington (20), Yamhill (1). Oregon Health Authority reports new cases once a day on its website: www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus.

Oregon’s ninth COVID-19 death is an 80-year-old woman in Clackamas County, who tested positive on 3/23/20, and died 3/24/2020 at Legacy Mt. Hood Medical Center. She had underlying medical conditions.

Oregon’s tenth COVID-19 death is a 73-year-old woman in Marion County, who tested positive on 3/22/20, and died 3/23/20 at Salem Hospital. She had underlying medical conditions.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

Oregon response: The Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Office of Emergency Management lead the state response.

United States response: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leads the U.S. response.

Global response: The World Health Organization guides the global response.

March 24, 2020

Media contact: OHA Joint Information Center (JIC) staff, 971-673-2097, covid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us">orcovid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us

Oregon reports 3 new COVID-19 deaths, 18 new COVID-19 cases

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed three more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to eight, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 8 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority also reported 18 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the state total to 209, as of 8 a.m. today. The COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Clackamas (3), Clatsop (1), Jackson (1), Marion (2), Multnomah (4), and Washington (7). Oregon Health Authority reports new cases once a day on its website: www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus.

Oregon’s sixth COVID-19 death is a 78-year-old man in Clackamas County, who tested positive on March 15, and died March 22 at Kaiser Sunnyside Medical Center. He had underlying medical conditions.

Oregon’s seventh COVID-19 death is a 63-year-old man in Multnomah County, who had underlying medical conditions and was not hospitalized at the time of death. He tested positive on March 16, and died March 23.

Oregon’s eighth COVID-19 death is a 90-year-old woman in Washington County, who tested positive on March 19, and died March 23 at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center. She had underlying medical conditions.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

Oregon response: The Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Office of Emergency Management lead the state response.

United States response: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leads the U.S. response.

Global response: The World Health Organization guides the global response.

 # # #

March 23, 2020

Media contacts: OHA Joint Information Center (JIC) Staff, 971-673-2097, covid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us">orcovid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us

Oregon reports 30 new COVID-19 cases

PORTLAND, Ore.— Oregon Health Authority reported 30 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the state total to 191, as of 8:00 a.m. today. The COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Clackamas (2), Hood River (1), Linn (1), Marion (8), Multnomah (2), Polk (2), Washington (14). Oregon Health Authority reports new cases once a day on its website: www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

Oregon response: The Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Office of Emergency Management lead the state response.

United States response: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leads the U.S. response.

Global response: The World Health Organization guides the global response.

March 22, 2020

Media contacts: OHA Joint Information Center (JIC) Staff, 971-673-2097, covid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us">orcovid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us

Oregon reports 24 new COVID-19 cases; announces funding for Local Public Health and Tribes

PORTLAND, Ore.— COVID-19 has claimed another life in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll from to four to five. The Oregon Health Authority also reported 24 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the state total to 161, as of 8:00 a.m. today. The COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Benton (2), Clackamas (1), Deschutes (1), Lane (1), Marion (3), Multnomah (1), Washington (13) and Yamhill (2). Oregon Health Authority reports new cases once a day on its website: www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus.

Oregon’s one COVID-19 death in Linn County is a veteran in his 90’s, who tested positive on March 11, and died this morning at the Oregon Veterans Home. He had underlying medical conditions.

“Our hearts are heavy,” said ODVA Director Kelly Fitzpatrick. “This resident was a veteran who served our nation with honor and dignity in its hour of need. He was also a beloved member of our Lebanon community, and he will be deeply and truly missed. On behalf of everyone at the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs and the Oregon Veterans’ Home, we offer our sincere condolences to his family and loved ones. We grieve with them.”

OHA Announces Local Public Health and Tribal Funding for COVID-19 Response

Oregon Health Authority and other officials also announced details about $4 million in state funding that is going out to Local Public Health Authorities (LPHA), Tribes and Native American Rehabilitation Association (NARA – the Urban Indian Health Program in Oregon) to support their COVID-19 response. See this table for the allocation amounts per LPHA, Tribe and NARA, which combined total $4 million.

Basic facts about the funding: 

• All LPHAs, the nine-federally recognized Tribes in Oregon, and NARA receiving the funds.
• Total amount to these recipients is $4 million, representing a substantial portion of the funds approved by the Oregon Legislature’s Emergency Board on March 9. 
• Funding amounts are based on a funding formula as well as COVID-19 cases and investigative work as of March 10, 2020.
• Funds can be used to support local and tribal COVID-19 response, including: 
  • Reporting, monitoring and controlling of COVID-19 in communities 
  • Identification and screening of contacts of COVID-19 positive individuals 
  • Education, prevention and related communications activities to share information with the public and community partners

“We believe that those funds will have a significant positive impact on our state’s capacity to perform COVID-19 response functions at the local level,” said OHA Director Patrick Allen. “Their staff are truly on the front lines of the essential epidemiological work that can help slow the spread of COVID-19 and other communicable diseases in communities. But we know that more resources will be needed across all aspects of the response.”

“Honoring our government to government relationship is important in our coordinated response to COVID-19,” said Julie Johnson, OHA Director of Tribal Affairs. “We are appreciative of this funding to provide support at the local level. We know everyone is working extremely hard to protect all of our communities across the state.”

“Local health authorities are on the frontlines of this epidemic and leading the response,” said Jocelyn Warren, PhD, MPH, Public Health Division Manager Lane County and current Conference of Local Health Officials chair. "This vitally important funding will ensure that their ability to respond increases in line with the severity of the crisis.”

Stay informed about COVID-19:

Oregon response: The Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Office of Emergency Management lead the state response.

United States response: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leads the U.S. response.

Global response: The World Health Organization guides the global response.

April 3, 2020
 
The next Housing Stability Council meeting will be on Friday, April 3, 2020. The meeting will be a CALL-IN ONLY meeting.
Call-In: 1-631-992-3444; Participant Code: 912898045

AGENDA:

9:00 Meeting Called to Order - Roll Call 

9:05 Public Comment 

9:15 Report of the Director: COVID-19 Updates

10:00  
Homeownership Division (pg. 01)
Emese Perfecto, Director, Homeownership Division
Oregon Bond Loan Approvals - Kim Freeman, Single Family Program Manager
Restore Health & Safety Framework - Kim Freeman, Single Family Program Manager, Abenet Gebre, Program Analyst
Manufactured Housing Advisory Committee Report - Chelsea Catto, Program Analyst
HOAP DPA RFA Awards - Alycia Howell, HOAP Coordinator
10:45 
Affordable Rental Housing Division updates  (pg. 19)
Julie Cody, Director, Affordable Housing Finance
Multifamily Housing Transactions: Sunrise Vista - Joanne Sheehy, Production Analyst, Casey Baumann, Production Manager
Rent Assistance for Permanent Supportive Housing - Natasha Detweiler-Daby, Senior Policy Analyst
11:30 
Housing Stabilization Division (pg. 43)
Andrea Bell, Director, Housing Stabilization
US Department of Energy State Plan - Steve Divan, Weatherization Program Manager & Tim Zimmer, Energy Services Section Manager
12:00 Report of the Chair

12:30 Meeting Adjourned

The meeting materials packet at https://www.oregon.gov/ohcs/OSHC/Documents/APRIL-2020-HSC-Packet.pdf

March 27, 2020 - Salem, Ore. – Robert (Bob) McCauley of Mt. Vernon is the Oregon Lottery’s newest Megabucks jackpot winner. McCauley matched all six of his numbers – on a free Megabucks ticket he’d won from a previous drawing – and won the $6.3 million jackpot for the Monday, Mar. 23 Megabucks drawing.

“I decided to go to the Post Office,” said McCauley. “It’s only a couple of blocks away.” Luckily for him, as he passed the Blue Mountain Mini Mart on his way to the Post Office, he thought he’d check his Megabucks ticket from the last drawing and get a new ticket for the next drawing.

Practicing good social distancing, McCauley went to the Mini Mart’s drive-up window to make his Lottery purchase. Working at the store was Mini Mart Manager Jolene Moulton. “I checked Bob’s ticket and actually gave him the voucher slip that came with his free ticket,” said Jolene. “As he was walking away, I saw the free play ticket sitting on the counter and realized Bob had the wrong ticket. I called him back to the window gave him the free ticket.”

The next day, McCauley had a knock on his door at home. “It was Bill, from the city,” said McCauley. “I answered the door and Bill says, ‘Bob. You need to check your ticket because Jolene thinks you may have won the lottery.’” Knowing the winning jackpot ticket had been sold in Mt. Vernon, population 512, and knowing she’d sold only three Megabucks tickets at the Mini Mart for Monday’s Megabucks drawing, Jolene dispatched Bill to McCauley’s house.

McCauley asked his daughter, Pam, to check the winning numbers online. They soon learned that Jolene’s hunch was true “Pam was screaming and jumping up and down,” said McCauley. “I was cool as a cucumber.”

After calling the Lottery to make an appointment, Bob arrived in Salem Thursday, Mar. 26 with a small group of family and friends to claim his prize. Asked what he was going to buy first, he said his wife wanted a new refrigerator. And after the fridge, Bob will get a new truck.

McCauley chose to take the bulk-sum option, which splits the prize in half, and after taxes, he took home $2.14 million.

At this time, to protect the health and safety of our employees and the public, we have temporarily closed the Salem and Wilsonville Lottery offices and continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation closely. We know our players are interested in knowing how their lottery play might be affected.

For now, prizes up to $50,000 should be claimed by mail. For prizes greater than $50,000, players need to make an appointment, just as McCauley did, to come to the Oregon Lottery office in Salem. Call 503-540-1000 for assistance.

The Oregon Lottery reminds players to always sign the back of their Lottery tickets, regardless of the game. In the event of winning a jackpot, they should consult with a trusted financial planner or similar professional to develop a plan for their winnings.

Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets on April 25, 1985, it has earned more than $12 billion for economic development, public education, Outdoor School, state parks, Veterans services and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery visit www.oregonlottery.org

###

In response to current public health concerns, many access sites have already been closed or will be closed soon on the Deschutes and John Day Rivers. To ensure the safety of boaters, the Marine Board will be temporarily closing stretches of these waters to all boating beginning on Saturday, March 28, 2020. These restrictions are scheduled to be in place through April 30 and will protect boaters from entering a river system where the availability of access and take-out points is uncertain.

All boating activities on the Deschutes River will be restricted from the Pelton Dam (River Mile 97) to its confluence with the Columbia River near Biggs Junction. The temporary closure on the John Day River extends from the mouth of the North Fork John Day River (River Mile 184) in Kimberly, downstream to Tumwater Falls, approximately 10 miles from the Columbia River. In both rivers, both motorized and non-motorized boats will be restricted.

The Marine Board will continue to work with its partners to safeguard boaters during these challenging times. We are also committed to ensuring consistency between boating regulations and other local restrictions necessitated to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

###

The health and safety of our Marine Board staff and customers is an essential part of our services. To help slow and prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Oregon, we are reviewing and updating our approach to providing service, while underscoring the Governor’s guidance to “stay home, save lives,” during these changing situations.

Here’s what our customers need to know: 

• Services to boaters are available online and the OSMB crew is working. Online services for motorboat title and registration, boater education cards, outfitter, guide and charter registrations, and waterway access permit sales remain available through our Boat Oregon Store. If it’s your first time using the Boat Oregon Store, online self-help is available. 

• Our office in Salem is closed for walk-in service, however; for people who have driven to the office for paperwork processing or questions, a dropbox in the main office foyer is set up to drop off paperwork and a staff member will follow up with a phone call. We take pride in providing excellent service and are continuing to do so as best we can during this time. We are anticipating delays in mail service and paper transactions with staff working remotely. The best and most efficient way to complete transactions is online.   

• All OSMB meetings are being held via teleconference or being rescheduled. 

• Many OSMB staff are currently teleworking or may have different work schedules. Contacting us via email at ine.board@oregon.gov">marine.board@oregon.gov helps ensure timely receipt of your inquiry. Additionally, staff are available by phone. Visit the agency directory. 

• Check the BoatOregon.com website for FAQs on safety, regulations and administrative information. 

People may still go outside for recreation where social distancing can be maintained Since the Marine Board does not own or operate any boating access facilities, check with the facility provider if the boat ramp is open. This is especially important on rivers for take-in and take-out sites. State Parks close on Monday, which includes boating access.

To find facility owner contact information and to check on the status of a boating access site, visit the Marine Board’s interactive Boat Oregon Map. Be advised that the open/closed facility status is not up to date as closures are happening quickly.

“Boating is so much a part of how many of us connect to friends, family and the outdoors that it is difficult to think about changing our boating behavior during these difficult times,” says Director Larry Warren. “Boaters have a longstanding tradition of helping each other when things go wrong. When a pan-pan call goes out, we know that the first thing to do is to ensure our own boat is ready and safe and then respond to the emergency as we are able. I am asking my fellow boaters to do the same thing as they think about boating during this time.”

Not only is it important to follow the latest COVID-19 guidelines, but to not be complacent with boating safety. The waterways are very cold, so wearing a life jacket should be automatic. Oregon’s first recreational boating fatality occurred over the weekend on Devil’s Lake. A life jacket would have prevented this tragedy. 2019 Incident and fatality data is now available on the agency’s website. 

The Oregon Health Authority continues to be the primary resource on COVID-19: https://govstatus.egov.com/OR-OHA-COVID-19. 

Visit Governor Kate Brown's website for COVID-19 information and additional resources.

###

The Marine Board is directly funded by boaters in the form of registration, title, and permit fees, as well as through marine fuel taxes. No lottery, general fund tax dollars or local facility parking fees support the agency or its programs. Boater-paid fees support the boating public through boating safety services (on-the-water law enforcement, training, and equipment), boating safety education, grants for the construction and maintenance of boating access facilities, and environmental protection programs. For more information about the Marine Board and its programs, visit www.boatoregon.com.

Joint news release // Oregon Parks and Recreation Department // Oregon Department of Transportation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Release date: March 27, 2020

Recreation areas closed for travelers and locals alike

Salem, Ore – Many of the state’s top federal, state, and local recreation areas are closed to all use following Governor Kate Brown’s Executive Order on Monday, March 23 that prohibits all non-essential travel. Oregon has reached a critical moment in the COVID-19 health emergency when limiting contact between people will save lives and flatten the infection curve.

All state parks, parts of national forests, and some city recreation areas shuttered their doors over the past week to reduce crowds and discourage travel. The closures also affect local use, and land management authorities acknowledge this will be frustrating. With parks and other public lands closed, safety-related services like restrooms are closed and trash collection is suspended, increasing the risk of injury when a person visits in violation of the closure. Local health care professionals are focused on using resources to prepare for COVID-19 care and cannot afford to spend limited time and resources on people injured during recreational activities. All use, whether originating locally or not, is prohibited in a closed park.

The closures do not yet affect the ocean beaches, though all state and many federal and local access points are closed. If problems arise with people traveling unnecessarily or congregating there, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department will reconsider that decision.

Some travel is necessary, and state highway rest areas are open for travel-related needs. Some parks also serve as rest areas, and while nearly all are available for rest area-type functions, they are closed to recreation. Some rest areas may have reduced service or may be difficult to access. Parks that attract too many people seeking recreation rather than rest area services will be closed to all service. A map of state highway rest areas is available at TripCheck.com.

People are encouraged to exercise as close to home as possible, including backyards and neighborhoods where social distancing is easier to maintain.

Stay home, save lives.

# # #

News Release // Oregon Parks and Recreation Department // FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release Date: March 22, 2020

Media Contact: Chris Havel, 503-986-0722 (desk), 503-931-2590 (cell)

Temporary Oregon state park closure starts March 23 and affects camping and day-use

SALEM, Oregon – At the direction of Governor Kate Brown, and in keeping with the guidance that all Oregonians should stay home and stay healthy, the Oregon State Park system will close at the end of the day Monday, March 23. Day-use areas will be closed starting March 23 at 5 p.m. Campers need to check out no later than 1 p.m.

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) previously ordered a campground closure that would have started April 3, and advised travelers to avoid day trips to full parks. With new guidance from the Governor, and clear signs that travelers are not following advice to avoid full parks, a statewide state park closure is necessary. Beaches can be closed by OPRD at their discretion and will be closed if social distancing practices are not followed.

All daytime park services will be closed statewide, including parking areas and restrooms. Campers will be refunded for all canceled nights. All travelers are advised to follow the guidance to stay home to stay healthy. City and county parks and other public land managers are open at their discretion, with the recommendation they do so only if they can adhere to social distancing practices.

 “We would have preferred an orderly shutdown of the system and to remain open for daytime visits, but our concern for the effects on rural health care systems requires us to move up and expand our plans,” says Lisa Sumption, director of the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. “We know this will cause a disruption, since we’re suspending service to everyone, even people who live near a park. Reducing contact between people is more important than recreation at the moment.”

Know before you go:

• Travel Oregon travel alerts: https://traveloregon.com/travel-alerts/.
• State park service reductions and closures: https://bit.ly/OPRD-covid.
• Oregon Department of Forestry: https://www.oregon.gov/ODF/
• Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife: https://myodfw.com/visit-odfw-wildlife-areas

# # #

New projections show social distancing must be maintained to protect health care system

(Portland – March 26, 2020) The fight against the coronavirus depends on Oregon hospitals having enough beds to treat the coming surge in patients who will become seriously ill with the virus. Today, Oregon health officials and hospitals announced a joint statewide action plan to dramatically bolster the state’s ability to treat people with COVID-19 illness who need hospital care.

The plan was developed by the “Governor’s Joint Task Force for Health Care Systems Response to COVID-19,” convened by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA). It includes a broad range of health systems, health care providers, human services organizations, public health and public safety agencies, insurers and other organizations needed in the battle.

The plan addresses 4 urgent actions necessary to expand the health care system’s capacity and maintain its capability as Oregon braces for a projected spike in new coronavirus cases:

1. Procure and distribute critical medical supplies, including personal protective equipment (PPE) for health care workers and ventilators.
2. Optimize hospital capacity to be able to treat COVID-19 cases.
3. Mobilize the health care workforce to respond to COVID-19.
4. Maintain a unified, coordinated and transparent emergency response to COVID-19.

New projections of COVID-19 cases in Oregon show the state is at a critical moment in the fight against the disease. Social distancing measures could alter the trajectory of new infections, which gives Oregon’s health care system the chance to ramp up to meet the coming surge. But the state has little margin for error. A return to “business as usual” or slight differences in actual infection rates (compared to projected ones) could swamp hospitals with more coronavirus cases than they could treat.

Governor Brown said, “Hospital leaders and health officials are doing their part to find beds, secure supplies and protect health care workers. Oregonians can make a difference too: stay home and save lives. We all have a role to play in an unprecedented, unified effort across Oregon to stop the coronavirus from taking the tragic toll we’ve seen it claim elsewhere.”

State agencies, hospitals and health care providers have already begun to implement the plan.

• The state is collecting PPE for re-distribution to facilities in need.
• Regional hospitals have signed mutual aid agreements to shift equipment, workforce and patients from overburdened facilities to others with adequate capacity.
• The state is working with providers to stand-up alternate care locations (such as the Oregon Medical Station), identify and develop new alternate care sites, enable ambulatory care centers to house patients and re-purpose long-term care facilities.
• The state and hospitals are sharing hospital bed utilization data so hospitals can manage the use of beds and equipment across their region.
• The state is developing childcare options for health care workers, so their work isn’t interrupted by school closings and family responsibilities. 

OHA Director Patrick Allen said, “Oregon’s health care system began preparing for a pandemic years ago, which gave us a head start on this plan. From expanding testing to securing more ventilators for Oregon hospitals, we are united by a set of common strategies to save lives in every corner of the state.”

The latest models state health officials released today forecast the following outcomes for 3 different scenarios: 

• Return to business as usual: If Oregon lifted all the social distancing measures state leaders have instituted in recent weeks, there will be an estimated 15,000 cumulative infections by May 8th (within a range of 5,900-26,000). Approximately 1,100 people would need inpatient beds (850 AAC/250 ICU) across Oregon.
• Maintain bans on large gatherings and indefinite school closures: There would be an estimated 6,100 cumulative infections by May 8th (within a range of 2,000-12,000) and 340 people will need inpatient beds (260 AAC/80 ICU).
• Maintain aggressive interventions put into place on Monday, March 23rd (i.e.., Stay Home, Save Lives) with high public adherence: There will be an estimated 1,000 (within a possible range of 700-3,800) cumulative infections by May 8th. Under this scenario, hospitals would have to boost capacity by a smaller number of beds.

The models show that only aggressive interventions, like the Stay Home, Save Lives executive order Governor Brown issued on March 23rd, are predicted to decrease the number of active infections.  

The models state health officials released today were prepared by the Institute for Disease Modeling. While similar to projections completed earlier by researchers at Oregon Health and Sciences University (OHSU), these newer models from IDM take into account the impact of community-level social distancing interventions, which were not incorporated into the OHSU study. Researchers from OHSU and other hospitals are collaborating with OHA to forecast the COVID-19 burden for their specific hospitals based on this information.

Dr. Dean Sidelinger, state health officer at OHA, said: “These projections tell us the sacrifices Oregonians are making right now can save lives. At the same time, they paint a dark picture of what could happen.  We can’t afford to drop our guard.”

(Portland, OR – March 26, 2020) State health officials and hospital leaders will release the “Governor’s Joint Task Force for Health Care Systems Response to COVID-19” today in a media briefing. They also will present the latest projections on coronavirus infection and hospitalization rates in the state.

The Governor’s Joint Task Force for Health Care Systems Response to COVID-19 report outlines coordinated steps state agencies and Oregon’s health care system are taking to fight the coronavirus pandemic in Oregon.

The media briefing will be held at 1:00 p.m. Speakers will include:

• Overview of latest COVID-19 projections in Oregon: Dr. Dean Sidelinger, Oregon Health Authority
• Summary of Governor’s Joint Task Force action plan: Dr. Dana Hargunani, Oregon Health Authority
• Collaborative efforts across the health care system to fight COVID-19: Becky Hultberg, CEO, Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems.

Webinar login information:

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1397125641980035851

Dial-in: (415) 655-0052

Access Code: 902-062-156

SPECIAL LOCAL UPDATE COVID-19 – COVID-19 CASE HOSPITALIZED

Joint Release from Douglas County Board of Commissioners and Douglas Public Health Network

(Douglas County, Ore.) As of 12:00 pm, Saturday, March 28th, 2020, County Public Health Officer, Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer announced the hospitalization of a Douglas County resident that tested positive for COVID-19.  The individual hospitalized tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this week and is one of the 4 current positive cases in Douglas County. Any additional identifying information of this individual is not currently being released.  Douglas Public Health Network launched their investigation earlier this week, and close contacts of the confirmed, now hospitalized case, have already been notified by public health.

As of 12:00 pm, today, there are four individuals that have tested positive for COVID-19 in the county, zero deaths and 173 negative tests for COVID-19.  There have been no recovered cases of COVID-19 in the county yet. 

DPHN has set new online tracking system for test results from Douglas County residents.  The goal is to have the chart updated at noon every day.  Residents will be able to go on the website and see the tracking of results.  Again, as a reminder for patient safety, they will not be releasing any identifying information of those that had testing done, or those that have tested positive. If a case comes back positive after that time, DPHN will announce it with a press release and updating their website, until further notice. Go to the DPHN website to view the update: www.douglaspublichealthnetwork.org.

Stay Informed with the Accurate Information

Your Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Public Health Official, Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer, officials from Douglas Public Health Network (DPHN), Douglas County Emergency Management, Aviva Health, Mercy Medical Center, Evergreen Family Medicine and Umpqua Health Alliance have been working hard to cooperatively provide accurate and timely COVID-19 information and response to Douglas County residents.  If you have questions about resources available, call the COVID-19 hotline, staffed by local volunteers at (541) 464-6550. 

Stay up to date on COVID-19 in Douglas County on the DPHN website at www.douglaspublichealthnetwork.org.  Find additional information on state, federal and international COVID-19 response from the following websites: Oregon Health Authority, Centers for Disease Control, World Health Organization and by calling or logging onto 211Info.

Joint Release from Douglas County Board of Commissioners and Douglas Public Health Network

(Douglas County, Ore.) The message today from State officials is one of continued emphasis to please, “Stay Home, Stay Safe.”  Click here for the latest guidance to the Governor’s COVID-19 Executive Order 20-12.  Which provides further information for programs that provide for the basic human needs of low- and extremely low-income households, as well as individuals experiencing homelessness and housing instability.   Your Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Public Health Official, Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer, officials from Douglas Public Health Network (DPHN), Douglas County Emergency Management, Aviva Health, Mercy Medical Center, Evergreen Family Medicine and Umpqua Health Alliance want to reassure residents that local efforts are operating at the highest level of cooperation to protect and care for our residents.

Local COVID-19 Test Results

As of 12:00 pm today, March 27th, 2020, Douglas County still has 4 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19, zero deaths and 170 negative tests for COVID-19.  Douglas Public Health Network will be updating their website with local numbers daily around noon on their website, www.douglaspublichealthnetwork.org.  If a case comes back positive after that time, DPHN will announce it with a press release and updating their website, until further notice.  Again, as a reminder for patient safety, they will not be releasing any identifying information of those that had testing done, or those that have tested positive.

“This is the most critical time for us to continue to try to contain this with social distancing.  It may seem like this is dying down but it’s actually the calm before the storm.”  Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, Douglas Public Health Officer

Local COVID-19 Drive-Through Testing Clinic

Douglas Public Health Network hosted another COVID-19 drive-through clinic today, Friday, March 27, at the Douglas County Fairgrounds.  They anticipate conducting another 45 tests today.  Residents that were tested were identified by their health care provider, as a patient that is symptomatic, and needed to be tested.  They presented their test order at the drive-thru clinic, their specimen was collected and will be flown to a Quest Lab for processing.  Results will be sent back in about a week to their physician or health care provider that ordered the test.  Those tested are asked to please self-quarantine at home and continue to quarantine for 72 hours after symptoms subside.

At this time, you can only get a COVID-19 test through your healthcare provider. Information has been given to providers and clinics about how to get their patients signed up for the drive-through testing process.  Tests are currently being processed at the Oregon State Public Health Lab and a growing number of commercial labs, like Quest and LabCorp. There are very few outpatient clinics in Douglas County offering testing at this time. Community health partners are working very hard to make testing available to a wider number of people. The first drive thru testing site was piloted in the county on March 17.

Oregon COVID-19 Case Update

The Oregon Health Authority reported 98 new cases of COVID-19 in Oregon, that bring the state total to 414. Sadly, they also reported another death, bringing the total to 12 deaths in Oregon. 

The COVID-19 cases by county are as follows: The breakdown of cases: Washington County 122 cases; Marion County 83 cases; Multnomah County 67 cases; Clackamas County 31 cases; Linn County 38 cases; Deschutes County 18 cases; Yamhill County 11 cases; Polk County 10 cases; Lane County 9 cases; Jackson County 6 cases; Benton County 5 cases; Douglas and Josephine County 4 cases each; Umatilla County 3 cases; Clatsop, Klamath and Wasco County 2 cases each; Columbia, Grant, Hood River, Lincoln, Morrow, Tillamook and Union County 1 case each.  24 Oregon Counties have confirmed cases.

Oregon’s latest COVID-19 death was an 82-year-old woman in Marion County. She tested positive on March 20, and died March 25 at Salem Hospital. She had underlying medical conditions.

Facebook Live with Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer

Join Douglas Public Health Network for another virtual town hall Q&A with Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer tonight at 6:00 pm, on the Douglas Public Health Network Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/DouglasPublicHealthNetwork/

Bottle Return Information

Many grocery stores have chosen to temporarily stop accepting bottle returns during the COVID-19 crisis to help protect the health and safety of their staff and customers. The Oregon Liquor Control Commission has granted grocery stores and supermarkets permission to decline returns until April 30. If there are no stores near you currently accepting bottle returns, local officials recommend keeping your beverage containers until stores resume accepting them. Eligible beverage containers will still be worth 10 cents each when bottle drops reopen. The Roseburg BottleDrop Redemption Center at 740 NE Garden Valley Blvd. currently remains open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. For other BottleDrop locations in the state, log onto: https://www.bottledropcenters.com/

President Signs Coronavirus Relief Bill

Today, President Donald Trump signed the CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act), a $2 trillion coronavirus aid bill, after it passed the House this afternoon and flew through the Senate yesterday.  The bill represents the largest emergency relief package in U.S. history. Click here to read the full text of the stimulus bill.  This legislation will result in sweeping actions including the following:

• Direct payments of $1,200 to individual U.S. residents with a Social Security number who earn up to $75,000 annually, plus $500 per child. Married couples with joint incomes of up to $150,000 will receive payments of $2,400.
• $350 billion in SBA loans will be available to small businesses through local banks and credit unions. Businesses applying for a loan will be eligible for an emergency grant of up to $10,000.
• $100 billion in emergency assistance will go toward hospitals on the front lines of the pandemic
• Unemployment benefits are expanded: Eligible workers will receive an extra $600 per week on top of their state benefit. Self-employed individuals including freelancers, gig workers and independent contractors will be newly eligible for unemployment benefits. Part-time workers will also be eligible for benefits. Benefits will be extended by 13 weeks.
• Payments on student loans held by the federal government will be suspended until Sept. 30. Student loan interest will be waived during that time period.

Circulate the Love and Give Blood:

Leaving home to donate blood is considered a lifesaving and essential need. Those who are healthy, feeling well and eligible to give blood or platelets, are urged to make an appointment to donate as soon as possible by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting www.RedCrossBlood.org or calling (800) 733-2767.? Donate your blood and save a life. There are a few upcoming blood drives scheduled in Douglas County this week and next. 

Red Cross Donor Center – 1176 NW Garden Valley Blvd in Roseburg

• Monday, March 30 from 12:30pm to 6:30pm

Community Blood Drives

• Tuesday, March 31 from 9am to 3pm, First Presbyterian Church, 823 SW Lane Ave, Roseburg

Greater Douglas United Way – Local COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund

The Greater Douglas United Way (GDUW) has set up a local COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund.  100% of your donation will go to help local people in need as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.  GDUW has also pledged that they will not be charging any administrative fees on the fund.  GDUW will focus the funding on basic needs through local nonprofits, childcare needs, and other basic needs for people affected by the pandemic. Deposits can be made at any Banner Bank location using the GDUW COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund. More information available at: GDUW website.

Join the Umpqua Sewing Warriors and Make Masks:

Umpqua Sewing Warriors formed by Oregon Serigraphics set up a grassroots mask making program specifically for DPHN distribution. Volunteer sewing warriors are needed to help with the cause. Mask sewing kits can be picked on Saturdays from 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm at the entrance to Serigraphics, located at 333 SE Jackson Street in Roseburg. Kits contain: 25 or so double layer fabric panels, elastic cord and instructions. Volunteers sew the masks and return them to Serigraphics the following Friday for sterilization and pick up by DPHN. Last Saturday they sent out 1,500 mask sewing kits to be sewn by local volunteers. Although the CDC and OHA guidance states that they do not recommend that people who are NOT sick to be wearing masks, the masks will be helpful for people who are sick or are being treated for COVID-19. They are hoping to donate 1,000 masks per week. They would also appreciate local business support to help with supplies. For more information, call (541) 672-6296 or the Umpqua Sewing Warriors Facebook page.

Helpful Information for Small Businesses from the Roseburg Chamber of Commerce:

Debbie Fromdahl, President and CEO of the Roseburg Area Chamber of Commerce shared this message with us, “As most of you know, Congress has approved $350 billion in emergency loans for small businesses to help them keep workers employed. In fact, if small businesses maintain or later restore their payrolls, they may not have to repay some — or possibly any — of the loan. Here’s a guide and checklist from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to help our small businesses through the process.”  Please see the loan guide attached below.

Stay Informed with the Accurate Information

Your Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Public Health Official, Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer, officials from Douglas Public Health Network (DPHN), Douglas County Emergency Management, Aviva Health, Mercy Medical Center, Evergreen Family Medicine and Umpqua Health Alliance have been working hard to cooperatively provide accurate and timely COVID-19 information and response to Douglas County residents. If you have questions about resources available, call the COVID-19 hotline, staffed by local volunteers at (541) 464-6550.  Stay up to date on COVID-19 in Douglas County on the DPHN website at www.douglaspublichealthnetwork.org.  Find additional information on state, federal and international COVID-19 response from the following websites: Oregon Health Authority, Centers for Disease Control, World Health Organization and by calling or logging onto 211Info.

Joint Release from Douglas County Board of Commissioners and Douglas Public Health Network

(Douglas County, Ore.) In light of some of the new projections and data being passed down from the state level on the spread and life of COVID-19 in Oregon, your Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Public Health Official, Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer, officials from Douglas Public Health Network (DPHN), Douglas County Emergency Management, Aviva Health, Mercy Medical Center, Evergreen Family Medicine and Umpqua Health Alliance want to stress how important it is to follow the “Stay Home, Save Lives” orders outlined by state officials on Monday, March 23, 2020 in the Executive Order 20-12. (Read the Executive Order Here.) 

            “The number one thing for residents to understand is how imperative it is that everyone practices the proper social distancing, hand washing and staying healthy mandates set forth for your protection and health.  This is not a test, we are in a real crisis.  Please take care of yourself, your family and neighbors.  The sooner we all step up and do our part to actively execute the social distancing orders, the greater the impact will be in shortening the life of this virus, and saving the lives of our family and friends,” commented Dr. Dannenhoffer.

Local COVID-19 Test Results

As of this 12:00 pm, Thursday, March 26, 2020, County Public Health Officer, Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer announced one new positive case of COVID-19 in Douglas County to report, bringing the confirmed number of cases in Douglas County to four.  Douglas Public Health Network has launched their epidemiology investigation related to the new case, identifying who this individual may have had contact with.  Identifying information about the newest case is not being released at this time. Close contacts of the confirmed case will be notified by public health.

Currently, there are zero deaths and 139 negative tests for COVID-19 in Douglas County.  DPHN has set up a new online tracking system on their website, www.douglaspublichealthnetwork.org, with test results for Douglas County residents.  The goal is to have the chart updated at noon every day.  Again, as a reminder for patient safety, they will not be releasing any identifying information of those that had testing done, or those that have tested positive. If a case comes back positive after that time, DPHN will announce it with a press release and updating their website, until further notice.  

Local COVID-19 Drive-Through Testing Clinic

Douglas Public Health Network will host the next COVID-19 drive-through clinic tomorrow, Friday, March 27, at the Douglas County Fairgrounds.  Residents that will be tested were identified by their health care provider, as a patient that is symptomatic, and needed to be tested.  They will present their test order at the drive-thru clinic, where their specimen will be collected and then flown to a Quest Lab for processing.  Results will be sent back in about a week to their physician or health care provider that ordered the test.  Those tested are asked to please self-quarantine at home and continue to quarantine for 72 hours after symptoms subside.

At this time, you can only get a COVID-19 test through your healthcare provider. Information has been given to providers and clinics about how to get their patients signed up for the drive-through testing process.  Tests are currently being processed at the Oregon State Public Health Lab and a growing number of commercial labs, like Quest and LabCorp. There are very few outpatient clinics in Douglas County offering testing at this time. Community health partners are working very hard to make testing available to a wider number of people. The first drive thru testing site was piloted in the county on March 17 and additional drive-through testing clinics were conducted on March 20, 23 and 24.

Oregon COVID-19 Case Update

Oregon Health Authority announced that as of 8:00 am today, March 26, 2020, that another life has been claimed by the COVID-19 virus, bringing the State’s total to 11 deaths.  There are now 316 cases in Oregon, as they reported 50 new cases of COVID-19 today.  The COVID-19 cases by county are as follows: The breakdown of cases: Washington County 104 cases; Marion County 57 cases; Multnomah County 45 cases; Linn County 26 cases; Clackamas County 21 cases; Deschutes County 15 cases; Lane and Yamhill County 7 cases; Benton and Polk County 6 cases each; Jackson and Josephine County 4 cases each; and Douglas County 3 cases; Clatsop and Umatilla County 4 cases each; Grant, Hood River, Klamath, Lincoln, Tillamook, Union and Wasco County 1 case each.  23 Oregon Counties have confirmed cases.

Oregon Health Authority reports new cases once a day on its website and today new demographic information was added www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus.  Oregon’s eleventh death is a 69-year-old woman from Washington County, who tested positive on March 15, and died on March 25, at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center. She had underlying medical conditions.  The Oregon Health Authority is now releasing the daily situation status report, which is produced jointly with Oregon Office of Emergency Management. It details the overall picture of the COVID-19 outbreak and the response across government agencies. Read more here about the daily situation status report.

A Message from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office – Help Our 911 Center (See attached Facebook clip)

Donation Blood Today!

Yes, these are uncertain times, but leaving home to donate blood is considered a lifesaving and essential need. Those who are healthy, feeling well and eligible to give blood or platelets, are urged to make an appointment to donate as soon as possible by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting www.RedCrossBlood.org or calling (800) 733-2767.? Donate your blood and save a life. There are a few upcoming blood drives scheduled in Douglas County this week and next. 

Red Cross Donor Center – 1176 NW Garden Valley Blvd in Roseburg

• Friday, March 27 from 9am to 3pm
• Monday, March 30 from 12:30pm to 6:30pm

Community Blood Drives

• Friday, March 27 between 1pm to 6pm, Grocery Outlet, 130 Petite Street, Myrtle Creek
• Tuesday, March 31 from 9am to 3pm, First Presbyterian Church, 823 SW Lane Ave, Roseburg

Stay Informed with the Accurate Information

Your Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Public Health Official, Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer, officials from Douglas Public Health Network (DPHN), Douglas County Emergency Management, Aviva Health, Mercy Medical Center, Evergreen Family Medicine and Umpqua Health Alliance have been working hard to cooperatively provide accurate and timely COVID-19 information and response to Douglas County residents. If you have questions about resources available, call the COVID-19 hotline, staffed by local volunteers at (541) 464-6550.  Stay up to date on COVID-19 in Douglas County on the DPHN website at www.douglaspublichealthnetwork.org.  Find additional information on state, federal and international COVID-19 response from the following websites: Oregon Health Authority, Centers for Disease Control, World Health Organization and by calling or logging onto 211Info.

Joint Release from Douglas County Board of Commissioners and Douglas Public Health Network

(Douglas County, Ore.) As of this 12:00 pm, Thursday, March 26, 2020, County Public Health Officer, Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer announced one new positive case of COVID-19 in Douglas County to report, bringing the confirmed number of cases in Douglas County to four.  Douglas Public Health Network has launched their epidemiology investigation related to the new case, identifying who this individual may have had contact with.  Identifying information about the newest case is not being released at this time. Close contacts of the confirmed case will be notified by public health.

Currently, there are zero deaths and 139 negative tests for COVID-19 in Douglas County.  DPHN has set new online tracking system for test results from Douglas County residents.  The goal is to have the chart updated at noon every day.  Residents will be able to go on the website and see the tracking of results.  Again, as a reminder for patient safety, they will not be releasing any identifying information of those that had testing done, or those that have tested positive. If a case comes back positive after that time, DPHN will announce it with a press release and updating their website, until further notice. Go to the DPHN website to view the update: www.douglaspublichealthnetwork.org.

Stay Informed with the Accurate Information

Your Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Public Health Official, Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer, officials from Douglas Public Health Network (DPHN), Douglas County Emergency Management, Aviva Health, Mercy Medical Center, Evergreen Family Medicine and Umpqua Health Alliance have been working hard to cooperatively provide accurate and timely COVID-19 information and response to Douglas County residents.  If you have questions about resources available, call the COVID-19 hotline, staffed by local volunteers at (541) 464-6550. 

Stay up to date on COVID-19 in Douglas County on the DPHN website at www.douglaspublichealthnetwork.org.  Find additional information on state, federal and international COVID-19 response from the following websites: Oregon Health Authority, Centers for Disease Control, World Health Organization and by calling or logging onto 211Info.

Joint Release from Douglas County Board of Commissioners and Douglas Public Health Network

(Douglas County, Ore.) We want to assure the public that your Douglas County Commissioners, Douglas County Public Health Officer, Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, Douglas Public Health Network, Douglas County Emergency Services and local health partners are stepping up their response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Douglas County.   

Local COVID-19 Testing Clinics

Douglas Public Health Network has now hosted three local COVID-19 drive-through clinics at the Douglas County Fairgrounds.  The latest was yesterday, March 24, in which they collected 43 samples.  A total of 95 residents have been tested at the drive-through clinics, and their specimens were flown to a Quest Lab for processing.  Results will be sent back in about a week to the health care provider that ordered the test.  Those tested are asked to please self-quarantine at home and continue to quarantine for 72 hours after symptoms subside.

At this time, you can only get a COVID-19 test through your healthcare provider. Information has been given to providers and clinics about how to get their patients signed up for the drive-through testing process.  Tests are currently being processed at the Oregon State Public Health Lab and a growing number of commercial labs, like Quest and LabCorp. There are very few outpatient clinics in Douglas County offering testing at this time. Community health partners are working very hard to make testing available to a wider number of people. The first drive thru testing site was piloted in the county on March 17 and additional drive-through testing clinics were conducted on March 20 and March 23.

Local COVID-19 Test Results

As of 12:30 pm today, March 25th 2020, Douglas County still has only 3 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19, zero deaths and 135 negative tests for COVID-19.  Douglas Public Health Network will be updating their website with local numbers daily around noon. If a case comes back positive after that time, DPHN will announce it with a press release, while updating their website, until further notice.

DPHN has set new online tracking system for test results from Douglas County residents.  The goal is to have the chart updated at noon every day.  Residents will be able to go on the website and see the tracking of results.  Again, as a reminder for patient safety, they will not be releasing any identifying information of those that had testing done, or those that have tested positive.  DPHN has launched their epidemiology investigation related to these two new cases, identifying who these individuals may have had contact with.  Anyone that might have come in contact with the two newest confirmed individuals will be notified by public health directly. 

Oregon COVID-19 Case Update

Oregon Health Authority announced today, March 25, 2020 that there are a total of 266 positive cases, 10 deaths 10 and 5,476 negative tests associated with the COVID-19 outbreak.

Take Care of the Mental You

Fear and anxiety are normal reactions to the abnormal situation we are all living with right now. There are lots of ways to manage your fear and anxiety.  Management often begins with staying connected to your friends and family, the people we love. During this crisis however, we have to create new ways to stay connected that respect social distancing and self-quarantine.  Look at staying connected over the phone or internet, plan daily check ins or virtual meetings/get togethers using technology if you are able. Other ways of managing fear and anxiety include taking care of your own health by eating well and doing activities you take pleasure in.  Stay informed, but also remember to take a break from reading or watching coverage about the virus.  Continual monitoring of the onslaught of COVID-19 information can be very upsetting to your mental health.  Find information sources that you trust and that give local information regularly. Balance information seeking with activities you enjoy and that make you happy.

Many of us were dealing with fear and anxiety before this happened and this public health crisis could make that worse.  Reach out and seek help if you have the common signs of mental distress or an increase in any of the following:

Feelings of numbness, disbelief, changes in appetite, energy and activity levels, difficulty concentrating, difficulty sleeping or nightmares and upsetting images or thoughts, physical reactions such as headaches, body pains, stomach problems and skin rashes, anger or short-tempter, worsening chronic health problems or increased use of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs. 

You can seek help locally by calling the Douglas County COVID-19 Hotline at (541) 464-6550 or Compass Behavioral Health at (541) 440-3532 or (800) 866-9780.

Outbreaks and disasters like this often also lead to increases in domestic, sexual and gender-based violence, if you are a victim of domestic or sexual violence, there is help available. Call Peace at Home Advocacy Center (formerly Battered Persons’ Advocacy) at (541) 673-7867 or (800) 464-6643. 

The CDC also has an updated webpage to help people deal with stress during the crisis.  CDC Managing Stress and Anxiety Website.

DCSO - Oregon State Police - Emergency Declaration Enforcement FAQ

In behalf of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, we are sharing guidance to frequently asked questions from the Oregon State Police, relating to the enforcement of the Governor’s Executive Order 20-12 “Stay Home, Save Lives.”

Is this martial law?

No, not even close. There are no curfews and a person’s movements are not restricted under the Governor’s Executive Order. While details are offered in the order relating to social distancing, specific business closures and non-essential social gatherings- Oregonian’s movements are generally unrestricted.

Do I need documentation from my employer deeming me essential?

No. The Governor’s Executive Order closes certain businesses, outlined in section (2). These businesses reflect operations that would make close contact difficult or impossible to avoid. Officers are not asking or looking for any type of special paperwork from your employer.

Do I need a special placard on my car, when going to work or if I drive for work?

No. There is no special documentation or placards for people going to work or permitted activities.

Will I be pulled over for driving on the highway?

Not for violation of the Governor’s Executive Order, which specifically outlines efforts to avoid large gatherings- not restrict the movement of Oregonians. If, however, you are committing a traffic violation or crime that would be enforced independent of the order, you may be stopped, like any other day.

Are the state lines closed and are there roadblocks?

No, traffic is moving freely within Oregon and our border states. There are no roadblocks or restrictions of vehicle movement. Washington State is operating under a similar executive order from their Governor, so Oregonians should be aware of these provisions when traveling in their state.

If my business is closed, can I still go to work if my employer makes me? Won’t I be arrested?

While the order prohibits the public from congregating at a closed business, the employer may still have work to do on site. As long as employees are not conducting business that is prohibited by the Executive Order, it is okay to still be at the worksite. No “passes” or paperwork is required.

Are rest areas open?

Yes, generally. Some rest areas are connected to parks, which are currently closed to comply with the Executive Order.

Are police arresting or ticketing people in public or in violation of the Governor’s Executive Order?

People that violate the Governor’s Order in an Emergency Declaration could be arrested or cited, which is a C Misdemeanor- the lowest level of criminal conduct designation. All Oregon law enforcement are united on the premise that police action is extremely undesirable and we hope to educate Oregonians if congregating in violation of the Governor’s Order. Citation or arrest would be an extreme last resort if a person failed to comply with the lawful direction of a police officer.

What about my kids that may congregate in a place without my permission, like a skate park?

Police know our children don’t often take their parent’s advice and may ignore direction when away. Like adults found to be congregating in a location, officers will likely approach the youths and educate them on the order. Citations and arrest are extremely unlikely, reserved for only the most extreme circumstances.

Can I still go hiking and fishing?

Yes. Oregonians can still recreate outdoors, if their recreational activity involves non-contact with others and they can maintain appropriate social distancing- which is defined as 6 feet or more from others. Oregonians and visitors to our state should be aware most campgrounds and boat ramps are closed, so you should research your plans before recreating.

Should I call 911 if I see people congregating?

No. The level of this violation is not for reporting police, fire or medical emergencies through 911. People may choose to self-educate their fellow Oregonians or if a large gathering is noted, they may call their respective police agency’s non-emergency number.

Help Keep the Blood Donations Going – Circulate the Love

Yes, these are uncertain times, but leaving home to donate blood is considered a lifesaving and essential need. Those who are healthy, feeling well and eligible to give blood or platelets, are urged to make an appointment to donate as soon as possible by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting www.RedCrossBlood.org or calling (800) 733-2767.? Donate your blood and save a life. There are a few upcoming blood drives scheduled in Douglas County this week and next. 

Red Cross Donor Center – 1176 NW Garden Valley Blvd in Roseburg

• Friday, March 27 from 9am to 3pm
• Monday, March 30 from 12:30pm to 6:30pm

Community Blood Drives

• Friday, March 27 between 1pm to 6pm, Grocery Outlet, 130 Petite Street, Myrtle Creek
• Tuesday, March 31 from 9am to 3pm, First Presbyterian Church, 823 SW Lane Ave, Roseburg

Greater Douglas United Way – Local COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund

The Greater Douglas United Way (GDUW) has set up a local COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund.  100% of your donation will go to help local people in need as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.  GDUW has also pledged that they will not be charging any administrative fees on the fund.  GDUW will focus the funding on basic needs through local nonprofits, childcare needs, and other basic needs for people affected by the pandemic. Deposits can be made at any Banner Bank location using the GDUW COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund. More information available at: GDUW website.

FEED IT FORWARD Movement

FEED IT FORWARD: Feed a family or our first responders. A local group has been working on a program with Aviva Health to help feed families in need for a few months, even before the coronavirus pandemic. They also wanted to include first responders.  You can contribute online or in person.  To contribute online click here.  You can also contribute in person at Loggers Tap House in Roseburg, OR.  Just let them know if you want it to go toward a family or a first responder. $3 feeds one person, $6 feeds 2, and $10 feeds a family of 4. Loggers is not making a profit from this activity. Contribute as little or as much as you like. As funds come in, they will work with their local community partners to find those in need.

Stay Informed with the Accurate Information

Your Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Public Health Official, Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer, officials from Douglas Public Health Network (DPHN), Douglas County Emergency Management, Aviva Health, Mercy Medical Center, Evergreen Family Medicine and Umpqua Health Alliance have been working hard to cooperatively provide accurate and timely COVID-19 information and response to Douglas County residents. If you have questions about resources available, call the COVID-19 hotline, staffed by local volunteers at (541) 464-6550.  Stay up to date on COVID-19 in Douglas County on the DPHN website at www.douglaspublichealthnetwork.org.  Find additional information on state, federal and international COVID-19 response from the following websites: Oregon Health Authority, Centers for Disease Control, World Health Organization and by calling or logging onto 211Info.

MEETING

DOUGLAS COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION

March 26, 2020

(Douglas County, OR) The Douglas County Planning Commission will hold a teleconference meeting on Thursday, March 26, 2020 to approve and sign a finding of facts from the previous meeting. 

The virtual meeting will be held at 6:00 pm. This meeting will be conducted via a teleconference format, in which the members of the Planning Commission will call-in on a multiple line telephone/speaker system to convene on the finding of facts agenda items only.

There is no opportunity for public participation in either of these matters. The Planning Commission has made their decision and the record is closed. We are required to make these proceedings open to the public, and will accommodate any member of the public who wishes to listen in on the proceedings.

Please email planning@co.douglas.or.us for information on how you can listen in on the proceedings  The agenda and additional information can be found on our website at: www.co.douglas.or.us.

Joint Release from Douglas County Board of Commissioners and Douglas Public Health Network

(Douglas County, Ore.) The main topic today was that Douglas County has two more confirmed cases. We want to assure the public that your Douglas County Commissioners, Douglas County Public Health Officer, Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, Douglas Public Health Network, Douglas County Emergency Services and local health partners are quickly stepping into action.  DPHN has launched their epidemiology investigation related to these two new cases, identifying who these individuals may have had contact with.  Identifying information about the two new residents with COVID-19 is not being released at this time. Close contacts of the confirmed cases will be notified by public health.

"We know that COVID-19 is already here, in Douglas County, and although we are still waiting on dozens of test results to come back, the early numbers coming in of positive and negative tests tell us that our efforts of social distancing to reduce the spread of the disease is working. It is not a time to give up our efforts, the next 14 days will be critical,” says Laura Turpen, Communicable Disease Epidemiologist at DPHN.

Local COVID-19 Partial Test Results

Tuesday, March 24, 2020, County Public Health officials reported two new cases of COVID-19 in Douglas County, bringing the confirmed number of cases in the county to three.  Partial results are back from the Douglas Public Health Network sponsored COVID-19 Drive-thru clinics last week, but DPHN is still waiting on the majority of those test results.  The two new confirmed positive cases were not from the drive-thru clinic.  Of the 52 tests done at the drive-thru clinics on March 17th and 20th, 6 have been returned as negative.  DPHN reports that as of 12:30 today, Tuesday March 24th, we are still waiting on the remaining 46 tests.

Oregon COVID-19 Case Update

As of today, Tuesday, March 24, 2020, Oregon official COVID-19 count is at 209 cases.  Three more deaths have been reported bringing Oregon’s COVID-19 related death toll to 8.  The breakdown of cases: Washington County 76 cases; Marion County 32 cases; Multnomah County 25 cases; Linn County 20 cases; Clackamas County 17 cases; Deschutes County 10 cases; Yamhill County 6 cases; Benton and Lane County 4 cases each; Polk and Jackson County 3 cases each; Umatilla County 2 cases; and Douglas, Clatsop, Grant, Klamath, Union, Josephine and Hood River County 1 case each. 

Third Local COVID-19 Testing Clinic Today

Douglas Public Health Network hosted a third COVID-19 drive-through clinic today, Tuesday, March 24 at the Douglas County Fairgrounds.  45 residents were scheduled to be tested today.  Those residents and were identified by their health care provider, as patients that are symptomatic, and needed to be tested.  They followed the same procedure as previously established, with residents presenting their test order at the drive-thru clinic, getting their specimen collected and then having their test flown to a Quest Lab for processing.  Results will be sent back in about a week to the health care provider that ordered the test.  Those tested are asked to please self-quarantine at home and continue to quarantine for 72 hours after symptoms subside.

At this time, you can only get a COVID-19 test through your healthcare provider. Information has been given to providers and clinics about how to get their patients signed up for the drive-through testing process.  Tests are currently being processed at the Oregon State Public Health Lab and a growing number of commercial labs, like Quest and LabCorp. There are very few outpatient clinics in Douglas County offering testing at this time. Community health partners are working very hard to make testing available to a wider number of people. The first drive thru testing site was piloted in the county on March 17.

Separating Fact from Fiction with COVID-19

Alongside genuine medical advice, false messages have been spreading, distorting the facts about COVID-19.  Whatever the advice, there's a great deal of misinformation online. Bogus messages have been circulating on Facebook claiming such things as:

Post:  You have to have a trip permit or special paperwork to drive anywhere or go to work.

False:  This a false statement.  You are currently not required to have a special permit or special paperwork to drive or go to work in Douglas County.  Some businesses and agencies are issuing travel letters to employees as a precautionary measure. 

Post:  All businesses, establishments and venues are supposed to be closed in Oregon.

False: No, the most recent Executive Orders 20-12 from Governor Brown clearly lists those businesses and venues that were temporarily closed. To read the March 23, 2020, Oregon Executive Order No. 20-12, Click Here.  Outside those closures, if a business can comply by the social distancing rules of 6 feet apart, then they are allowed to remain open for business.  Patrons are asked to comply by the social distancing, hand washing and stay home if you are sick orders. Here is a list of the open and closed businesses and venues:

OPEN: Grocery Stores; Banks; Pharmacies; Bars, restaurants (takeout and delivery only); Other businesses where social distancing can be practiced; Gas stations; County Government. Some have locked their doors, but are still doing business virtually or with limited contact, via phone, email, online or by appointment only. 

CLOSED: Malls and retails complexes; Fitness, yoga and dance centers; Barbershops, hair and nail salons, spas, cosmetic stores, tattoo parlors; Theaters, amusement parks, arcades, bowling alleys, skating rinks, museums; Concerts, sporting events, festivals; Campgrounds, pools, skate parks, playgrounds. 

Post:  You are not allowed to go outside for walks or ride your bike. 

False:  This also false.  While the Governor issued a ‘Stay Home, Stay Safe” order, we have listed the do’s and don’ts from the campaign below.  Remember it is important for your mental and physical health, as well as stress relief, to eat healthy, exercise regularly and get enough rest.

DO: Do stay home as much as possible (kids, too); Do stay at least 6 feet away from others anytime you are out; Do only go out for essentials like work, groceries and medical care; Yes, Exercising, walking, bicycling outside is ok, as long as you can be 6 feet apart from others; Do try to utilize video and phone chats with family and friends; Do check on and drop off food to neighbors who are unable to go out – practicing social distancing measures; Do try to call and do business over the phone or by email; Do reschedule vacations.

DON’T: Do not gather in groups; Do not get together with friends or others for drinks or dinner; Do not have play dates for kids; Do not make unnecessary trips; Do not travel unless necessary.

Typically, the ‘fake news’ stories or posts are copied-and-pasted texts which claim to be from someone the forwarder says they know, often with a medical background.  99% of the time they are just hype and false.  Make sure you are getting accurate information from reputable sources.  Please be in the know, and only share accurate information.

Blood Donations Still Needed

Yes, these are uncertain times, but leaving home to donate blood is considered a lifesaving and essential need. Those who are healthy, feeling well and eligible to give blood or platelets, are urged to make an appointment to donate as soon as possible by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting www.RedCrossBlood.org or calling (800) 733-2767.? Donate your blood and save a life. There are a few upcoming blood drives scheduled in Douglas County this week and next. 

Red Cross Donor Center – 1176 NW Garden Valley Blvd in Roseburg

• Friday, March 27 from 9am to 3pm
• Monday, March 30 from 12:30pm to 6:30pm

Community Blood Drives

• Friday, March 27 between 1pm to 6pm, Grocery Outlet, 130 Petite Street, Myrtle Creek
• Tuesday, March 31 from 9am to 3pm, First Presbyterian Church, 823 SW Lane Ave, Roseburg

Greater Douglas United Way – Local COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund

The Greater Douglas United Way (GDUW) has set up a local COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund.  100% of your donation will go to help local people in need as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.  GDUW has also pledged that they will not be charging any administrative fees on the fund.  GDUW will focus the funding on basic needs through local nonprofits, childcare needs, and other basic needs for people affected by the pandemic. Deposits can be made at any Banner Bank location using the GDUW COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund. More information available at: GDUW website.

Statewide Employment and Economic Response to COVID-19

There are numerous resources available for Oregon businesses affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Here are a few:

• Gov. Kate Brown’s COVID-19 Information & Resources page – Includes information for employers and employees here.
• Layoff aversion – Limited grant funding is available through the Southwestern Oregon Workforce Investment Board to help small businesses avert layoffs. Businesses in Douglas County can send inquiries to esponse@sowib.org">response@sowib.org
• OEDA – The Oregon Economic Development Association has a list of helpful resources, from information on grants and loans to tips on negotiating rent relief with landlords.
• Oregon Unemployment Department – The OED’s website has info for employees and employers on workplace safety, layoffs and unemployment benefits. 
• Oregon Department of Revenue – Website includes guidance on COVID-19 tax relief options.
• The Manufacturing Extension Partnership – Website highlights COVID-19 resources for Oregon manufacturers.
• Oregon Department of Agriculture – Officers COVID-19 resource page with information about farm workers, animal health, food safety and more.
• Business Oregon – “Business Survival Tips” available in English and Spanish.
• National Main Street Center – Offering a series of webinars to support local businesses and communities.

Stay Informed with the Accurate Information

Your Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Public Health Official, Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer, officials from Douglas Public Health Network (DPHN), Douglas County Emergency Management, Aviva Health, Mercy Medical Center, Evergreen Family Medicine and Umpqua Health Alliance have been working hard to cooperatively provide accurate and timely COVID-19 information and response to Douglas County residents.

If you have questions about resources available, call the COVID-19 hotline, staffed by local volunteers at (541) 464-6550. 

Stay up to date on COVID-19 in Douglas County on the DPHN website at www.douglaspublichealthnetwork.org.  Find additional information on state, federal and international COVID-19 response from the following websites: Oregon Health Authority, Centers for Disease Control, World Health Organization and by calling or logging onto 211Info.

Reassigned County Workers Are Delivering Meals to Seniors

(Douglas County, Ore.) Douglas County Board of Commissioners have been working with all county departments in developing a resource list of employees that are available to be redeployed to other areas of County Government during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a part of this program, 37 county employees from Public Works, the Fairgrounds and the Assessor’s Office have been temporarily reassigned to help our Douglas County Senior Services Department.  These are employees that would have otherwise been sent home with the recent, “Stay Home, Stay Safe” orders.  They are a welcome addition to Senior Services to assist in the delivery of meals to seniors.

It goes without saying, that one of the most critical areas where workers are needed is at our Senior Dining Sites. Our regular route drivers and volunteers are seniors themselves, and are among those considered to be in the ‘high-risk’ population for contracting coronavirus.   So, in order to protect our vulnerable seniors, we are replacing those positions with county employees.  Douglas County Senior Service operates seven Senior Dining Sites in Douglas County, which are all located in rural areas.  The sites are in Yoncalla, Glide, Glendale, Sutherlin, Riddle, Winston and Reedsport.  Depending on the day, around 300-500 meals are delivered to local seniors. 

The Douglas County Board of Commissioners have made it a priority to continue to operate our Meals on Wheels programs in these areas, delivering essential meals to home bound seniors.  Senior Services have added additional safety and health precautions during the pandemic to ensure the safety of the seniors and our employees, including; door knocks and minimal contact. They will also be conducting welfare checks via phone.  Last week the senior dining sites were closed for dine-in services due to the COVID-19 outbreak.  But, with a little work and ingenuity, Senior Services decided to roll out a new "Curb Service" drive-up senior meal service, in which they are handing out hot meals on a drive up basis at these dining sites instead.  They have made the adventure fun with checkered flags and a 50’s car hop theme. All seniors are welcome to test-drive the new “Curb Service.” 

If you know a senior or you are a senior that needs assistance, please log onto: www.recovers.org or call Douglas County Senior Services at (541) 440-3677 for more information.

“It is imperative that we continue to provide our meal service to our most vulnerable residents during this crisis.  Diversifying our workforce to make sure our senior population’s needs are met is a critical piece of our response puzzle,” commented Commissioner Tom Kress.  The Douglas County Board of Commissioners continue to research every possible avenue to continue to keep food, necessary services and responsive public safety available to our residents.

Joint Release from Douglas County Board of Commissioners and Douglas Public Health Network

(Douglas County, Ore.) As of this 12:30 pm, Tuesday, March 24, 2020, County Public Health officials report that there are two new cases of COVID-19 in Douglas County to report, bringing the confirmed number of cases in the county to three.  Partial results are back from the Douglas Public Health Network sponsored COVID-19 Drive-thru clinics last week, but DPHN is still waiting on the majority of those test results.  The two new confirmed positive cases were not from the drive-thru clinic.  Of the 52 tests done at the drive-thru clinics on March 17th and 20th, 6 have been returned as negative.  DPHN reports that as of 12:30 today, Tuesday March 24th, we are still waiting on the remaining 46 tests.

DPHN has launched their epidemiology investigation related to these two new cases, identifying who these individuals may have had contact with.  Identifying information about the two new residents with COVID-19 is not being released at this time. Close contacts of the confirmed cases will be notified by public health.

            “We know that COVID-19 is already here, in Douglas County, and although we are still waiting on dozens of test results to come back, the early numbers coming in of positive and negative tests tell us that our efforts of social distancing to reduce the spread of the disease is working. It is not a time to give up our efforts, the next 14 days will be critical,” says Laura Turpen, Communicable Disease Epidemiologist at DPHN.

Facebook Live Tonight with Dr. Dannenhoffer at 5 PM

Another Facebook live with Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, Douglas Public Health Officer will happen tonight at 5:00 pm, on the DPHN Facebook page.

Stay Informed with the Accurate Information

Your Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Public Health Official, Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer, officials from Douglas Public Health Network (DPHN), Douglas County Emergency Management, Aviva Health, Mercy Medical Center, Evergreen Family Medicine and Umpqua Health Alliance have been working hard to cooperatively provide accurate and timely COVID-19 information and response to Douglas County residents.  If you have questions about resources available, call the COVID-19 hotline, staffed by local volunteers at (541) 464-6550. 

Stay up to date on COVID-19 in Douglas County on the DPHN website at www.douglaspublichealthnetwork.org.  Find additional information on state, federal and international COVID-19 response from the following websites: Oregon Health Authority, Centers for Disease Control, World Health Organization and by calling or logging onto 211Info.

(Douglas County, Oregon) – It is no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic has created more than a few obstacles in our everyday lives.  From education to medical to banking to food, cancellations and restrictions have made it more difficult to access products and services.  Your Douglas County Commissioners are dedicated to finding solutions to make sure that our residents, especially those most vulnerable are getting what they need during the crisis.  Last week they heard that Umpqua Dairy had a surplus of close-dated perishable dairy products that needed to find their way to local residents.  Working cooperatively with Umpqua Dairy, Umpqua Community Action Network (UCAN) and Douglas County Senior Services, Commissioners were able to negotiate a delivery to the UCAN Food Pantry on the morning of Friday, March 20.  The products delivered will be utilized immediately by UCAN for their daily food boxes, as well as at our Douglas County Senior Dining Sites. 

“Food items, especially perishable ‘staple’ food items, like milk and dairy products are always in high demand for UCAN’s food pantries and customers,” commented Sarah McGregor, UCAN Food Bank Program Manager.  “Deliveries like this are critical, as we are anticipating a substantial increase in the number of local residents requesting food assistance during the COVID-19 crisis.”  McGregor said they expect their requests will far exceed those they experienced during the February 19 Snowstorm, as more residents are feeling the economic impact of the pandemic.  Moreover, state officials have increased the income threshold for residents, so more people will be able to qualify for food assistance.  To find out more or to apply for UCAN’s food programs, log onto: http://www.ucancap.org/

“By the county reaching out and helping with our perishable products, we are able to provide food to the community, rather than having it go to waste.  It is a win, win for everyone,” stated Steve Feldkamp, Chief Operating Officer, Umpqua Dairy Products Company. 

Your Douglas County Commissioners are working with state and federal officials to establish assistance programs for local businesses and residents affected by the COVID-19 crisis.  They issued a letter to Oregon’s Governor on Friday as well, requesting immediate action for kicker tax refunds, tax payment deferrals, establishing a statewide small business assistance hotline, tax credits for lost business revenue, supporting our trucking and transportation industry, suspending cable internet fees (so workers can work from home), and buying back all excess inventory from schools and restaurants and distributing it to local food banks.  Additionally, they would like to applaud the efforts of local businesses, like Express Employment Professionals for stepping up to the plate.  Owner Willis Cook, instructed his staff to bill Food Service Works working in our Senior Dining Sites at cost, thus waiving their processing fees.  This gesture will help the Senior Food program conserve their budget and help provide additional meals and hire additional help. “Given the special circumstances and the effort to take care of those in our community who are in greatest need, we want to be part of the solution,” said Willis Cook. 

The Douglas County Board of Commissioners are looking at every possible avenue to help keep food and services available to residents.  “We are all in this calamity together.  The more we can help our businesses to help our residents, the better off we will be in the long run,” commented Commissioner Tom Kress.

DAILY LOCAL UPDATE COVID-19

Joint Release from Douglas County Board of Commissioners and Douglas Public Health Network

(Douglas County, Ore.) Yesterday, Oregon’s Governor issued updated COVID-19 Executive Order Number 20-12, “Stay Home, Save Lives.” The order requires more social distancing measures to slow the spread of COVID-19. The new “Stay Home, Save Lives” campaign instructs everyone in Oregon to stay at home to the maximum degree possible, closes specified retail businesses, requires new social distancing measures for other public and private facilities, and imposes requirements for outdoor areas and licensed childcare facilities. Read the Oregon Executive Order No. 20-12, Click Here.

Oregon COVID-19 Case Update

As of this morning, Tuesday, March 24, 2020, Oregon official’s reported 30 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the state total to 191, spanning over 18 counties.  Oregon’s COVID-19 related death toll remains at 5.  The breakdown of cases: Washington County 69 cases; Marion County 30 cases; Multnomah County 21 cases; Linn County 20 cases; Clackamas County 14 cases; Deschutes County 10 cases; Yamhill County 6 cases; Benton and Lane County 4 cases each; Polk 3 cases; Jackson and Umatilla County 2 cases each; and Douglas, Grants, Klamath, Union, Josephine and Hood River County 1 case each. 

Local COVID-19 Drive-Through Testing Clinic

Douglas Public Health Network (DPHN) has not yet received the results from the testing clinics last week. DPHN will communicate the results as soon as they are received. There is still only one positive test in Douglas County.

Douglas Public Health Network will host a third COVID-19 drive-through clinic today, Tuesday, March 24 at the Douglas County Fairgrounds.  Residents that will be tested have to be identified by their health care provider, as a patient that is symptomatic, and needed to be tested.  They will present their test order at the drive-thru clinic, where their specimen will be collected and then flown to a Quest Lab for processing.  Results will be sent back in about a week to the health care provider that ordered the test.  Those tested are asked to please self-quarantine at home and continue to quarantine for 72 hours after symptoms subside.

At this time, you can only get a COVID-19 test through your healthcare provider. Information has been given to providers and clinics about how to get their patients signed up for the drive-through testing process.  Tests are currently being processed at the Oregon State Public Health Lab and a growing number of commercial labs, like Quest and LabCorp. There are very few outpatient clinics in Douglas County offering testing at this time. Community health partners are working very hard to make testing available to a wider number of people. The first drive thru testing site was piloted in the county on March 17. Seventeen residents were tested in the first clinic, and thirty-five were tested in the second clinic on March 20.  

COVID-19 information

There is a lot of information floating around the internet about COVID-19.  Some of the information is correct, some of it is false, and some is marginally correct.  Sometimes it is hard to tell the difference.  As an example, a recent article from TechRepublic listed Douglas County as the fourth highest risk county in the United States, due to demographics and healthcare resources.  “Although we know that we have an older population and we are a poorer county compared to many, this article underestimates the number of beds, as we use Riverbend for some of our secondary and tertiary care locally.” Said Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, Douglas County Public Health Officer.  “We also have a tremendously involved community that works together, and has been really innovative.  For example, we have a community COVID-19 hotline and the first drive-thru COVIC screening clinic in the state.”

DPHN has partnered with the County and many other local health care organizations to post specific and locally relevant information about COVID-19 and our community response.  We encourage you to check out the authoritative information from your local public health professionals at DPHN.  DPHN updates their Facebook page and website daily. DPHN also hosts Facebook Live Virtual Town Hall Q&A events on their Facebook page several times a week.  DPHN has also created YouTube, Instagram and Twitter accounts.  Please follow DPHN for regular updates and to find accurate and updated content to share.

Donate Personal Protective Equipment and Masks

Healthcare workers need your help.  As many of you already know, there is a massive shortage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as surgical masks, face shields, respirators, surgical gowns and gloves.  Hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities need access to supplies of PPE to get through this pandemic.  Douglas Public Health Network (DPHN) officials have been reaching out to local medical professionals like dentists and veterinarians, while Douglas County Commissioners and the Douglas County Building Department are reaching out to non-health care private sector businesses like contractors and electricians offering to purchase or have them donate their PPE to support our local efforts.

CHI Mercy Health - Mercy Foundation will serve as the point of contact for local PPE donations from Douglas County residents.  Donations from the community need to be new and unopened. The Mercy Foundation can be reached by calling (541) 677-4818 or logging onto Mercy Foundation website for more information.

Umpqua Sewing Warriors formed by Oregon Serigraphics have set up a grassroots mask making program specifically for DPHN distribution.  Volunteer sewing warriors are needed to help with the cause.  Mask sewing kits can be picked on Saturdays from 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm at the entrance to Serigraphics, located at 333 SE Jackson Street in Roseburg.  Kits contain: 25 or so double layer fabric panels, elastic cord and instructions.  Volunteers sew the masks and return them to Serigraphics the following Friday for sterilization and pick up by DPHN.  Last Saturday they sent out 1,500 mask sewing kits to be sewn by local volunteers. Although the CDC and OHA guidance states that they do not recommend that people who are NOT sick to be wearing masks, the masks will be helpful for people who are sick or are being treated for COVID-19.  They are hoping to donate 1,000 masks per week. They would also appreciate local business support to help with supplies.  For more information, call (541) 672-6296 or the Umpqua Sewing Warriors Facebook page.

Blood Donations Needed

Donate your blood and save a life. Yes, leaving home to donate blood is considered a lifesaving and essential need. Those who are healthy, feeling well and eligible to give blood or platelets, are urged to make an appointment to donate as soon as possible by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting www.RedCrossBlood.org or calling (800) 733-2767.? There are a few upcoming blood drives scheduled in Douglas County this week and next.

Red Cross Donor Center – 1176 NW Garden Valley Blvd in Roseburg

• Friday, March 27 from 9am to 3pm
• Monday, March 30 from 12:30pm to 6:30pm

Community Blood Drives

• Friday, March 27 between 1pm to 6pm, Grocery Outlet, 130 Petite Street, Myrtle Creek
• Tuesday, March 31 from 9am to 3pm, First Presbyterian Church, 823 SW Lane Ave, Roseburg

Stay Informed with the Accurate Information

Your Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Public Health Official, Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer, officials from Douglas Public Health Network (DPHN), Douglas County Emergency Management, Aviva Health, Mercy Medical Center, Evergreen Family Medicine and Umpqua Health Alliance have been working hard to cooperatively provide accurate and timely COVID-19 information and response to Douglas County residents.  If you have questions about resources available, call the COVID-19 hotline, staffed by local volunteers at (541) 464-6550. 

Stay up to date on COVID-19 in Douglas County on the DPHN website at www.douglaspublichealthnetwork.org.  Find additional information on state, federal and international COVID-19 response from the following websites: Oregon Health Authority, Centers for Disease Control, World Health Organization and by calling or logging onto 211Info.

DAILY LOCAL UPDATE COVID-19

Joint Release from Douglas County Board of Commissioners and Douglas Public Health Network

(Douglas County, Ore.) We understand your concerns and rest assured COVID-19 response is a priority to all of us.  We are being proactive in addressing issues as they arise in our county.  From medical equipment shortages to testing clinics to economic impacts, your Douglas County Commissioners, along with Douglas County Public Health Official, Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer, officials from Douglas Public Health Network (DPHN), Douglas County Emergency Management, and our local partners, are ramping up the response to meet new needs and researching every avenue to find resources to help our residents.  We would also like to remind residents that like the snowstorm in February 2019, we need to support our first responders, our medical community and most importantly help one another. 

“This is trying times for all of us, as we navigate through the unprecedented safety measures and restrictions, but it is never more important to remember to be kind to others, be kind to yourself and be kind to those in our communities.  Remember, we are all in this together,” commented Commissioner Tim Freeman. 

BE KIND to others

Mother Theresa famously said it, and it has never been more important than right now to practice it. Please be kind to others.  Be kind in keeping your social distance, covering your cough and staying home when you are sick.  But, also please practice patience for the driver that decides to drive 35 in a 40, or the upset child at the store who is crying uncontrollably.  You do not know what they might be going through at the moment.   Maybe the driver just got laid off and the child just fell and scrapped their knee.  So, slow down, take a deep breath, wash your hands and offer a smile.

BE KIND to yourself

For many of us, our everyday lives have been turned upside down.  Everyone is experiencing stress in a different manner.  Kids are out of school, sports have been canceled, vacations interrupted, people are being laid off and you can’t eat at your favorite diner.  Just a reminder to take care of yourself.  Eat health foods, get enough sleep, exercise regularly and create some ‘you’ time during the day…read a book, knit a scarf or binge watch that TV show you’ve been wanting to see for months. And, yes, practicing social distancing can include walking, hiking and bicycling.  According to the Oregon health Authority, “Getting outdoors is good for your body and soul. Just be sure to maintain six feet between you and people you encounter. Eating healthy, getting exercise and plenty of sleep are important ways to help keep your body resilient.”

BE KIND to your community

Take time to volunteer or donate in your community.  There are numerous ways you can volunteer: from helping at the call center, to delivering meals to seniors, to signing up with COAD (Douglas County Community Organizations Active in Disaster).  Step outside your circle and reach out to neighbors you don’t know.  Practice Neighbor Check-10.  Set a goal to check-in with 10 of your neighbors or friends every few days.  Encourage others to do the same.  If we each take the time to Neighbor Check-10, we can significantly check on most of the residents in Douglas County.  If you are able, call, text or knock (if you are healthy) on your neighbor’s door to make sure they are doing ok. Offer to pick up groceries, run errands or deliver a hot meal.  It is important to take care of one-another during this crisis.   Remember, we are all in this together.

Oregon COVID-19 Case Update

Sadly, another life has been lost to complications associated with the COVID-19 virus in Oregon.  This bring our death toll in Oregon to five, as of Sunday, March 23, 2020.  Additionally, the Oregon Health Authority announced that they have identified 24 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the state total to 161.  The COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Benton (2), Clackamas (1), Deschutes (1), Lane (1), Marion (3), Multnomah (1), Washington (13) and Yamhill (2).

The breakdown of cases: Washington County 55 cases; Marion County 22 cases; Linn County 19 cases; Multnomah County 19 cases; Clackamas County 12 cases; Deschutes County 10 cases; Yamhill County 6 cases; Benton and Lane County 4 cases each; Jackson and Umatilla County 2 cases each; and Douglas, Grants, Klamath, Union, Josephine and Polk County 1 case each.  Sunday’s COVID-19 death was in Linn County.  He was a veteran in his 90’s, who tested positive on March 11, and died this morning at the Oregon Veterans Home. He had underlying medical conditions. 

Local COVID-19 Testing

DPHN is still awaiting test results for both the 17 samples taken at the first COVID-19 drive-through testing clinic piloted in the county on March 17, 2020, as well as, the 35 samples taken at the Friday, March 20 clinic.  The second successful drive-through test was conducted on Friday, March 20.  Residents that were tested were identified by their health care provider, as a patient that was symptomatic, and needed to be tested.  The hope is to gather enough testing materials and PPE to do these clinics twice weekly for several weeks.  We do not have a third clinic scheduled yet, but are aiming for next week.  As a reminder, you can only get a COVID-19 test order through your healthcare provider.

Remember to Continue to Donate Blood

Donate your blood today and save a life.  According to the American Red Cross, as new safety limitations on work and travel are implemented in the state, it is important for people to understand that leaving home to donate blood is considered a lifesaving and essential need. Those who are healthy, feeling well and eligible to give blood or platelets, are urged to make an appointment to donate as soon as possible by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting www.RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).? There are several upcoming blood drives scheduled in Douglas County next week.

Red Cross Donor Center – 1176 NW Garden Valley Blvd in Roseburg

• Friday, March 20th from 9am to 3:30pm
• Monday, March 23rd from 11:30am to 6:30pm
• Friday, March 27th from 9am to 3pm
• Monday, March 30th from 12:30pm to 6:30pm

Community Blood Drives

• Friday, March 27th between 1pm to 6pm, Grocery Outlet, 130 Petite Street, Myrtle Creek
• Tuesday, March 31st from 9am to 3pm, First Presbyterian Church, 823 SW Lane Ave, Roseburg

Next Facebook Live COVID-19 Q&A with Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer

Join Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer for the next Facebook Live COVID-19 Q&A session on Monday, March 23, 2020 starting at 6:00 pm on DPHN Facebook page.  Questions are welcome in the comments section and will be answered as time allows.   

Stay Informed with the Accurate Information

Your Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Public Health Official, Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer, officials from Douglas Public Health Network (DPHN), Douglas County Emergency Management, Aviva Health, Mercy Medical Center, Evergreen Family Medicine and Umpqua Health Alliance have been working hard to cooperatively provide accurate and timely COVID-19 information and response to Douglas County residents.  If you have questions about resources available, call the COVID-19 hotline, staffed by local volunteers at (541) 464-6550. 

Stay up to date on COVID-19 in Douglas County on the DPHN website at www.douglaspublichealthnetwork.org.  Find additional information on state, federal and international COVID-19 response from the following websites: Oregon Health Authority, Centers for Disease Control, World Health Organization and by calling or logging onto 211Info.

The Lane County Public Health COVID-19 (Coronavirus) press conference held on Friday, March 27, is now available to view online at www.lanecountyor.gov/coronavirus or at https://vimeo.com/401447917.  

It is also available to view at http://www.facebook.com/LaneCountyGovernment.

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Lane County Public Health (LCPH) was notified this afternoon of another positive test result for COVID-19.  This makes a total of eight (8) positive tests in Lane County. 

The resident is a woman in her 50s who lives in a private residence in Eugene-Springfield. She is currently at home, following all LCPH recommendations, and is medically stable.

Individuals who had contact with this community member will be contacted by Lane County Public Health so they can work with their health care provider on next steps. Communicable disease investigations are currently happening. If a public contact exposure point is identified, that information will be shared with the public.

Additional information will be shared at tomorrow’s press briefing, if available.

The Lane County Public Health COVID-19 (Coronavirus) press conference held on Tuesday, March 24, is now available to view online at www.lanecountyor.gov/coronavirus or at https://vimeo.com/401068607.  

It is also available to view at http://www.facebook.com/LaneCountyGovernment.

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As part of its COVID-19 response, Lane County has identified two temporary respite sites where unhoused individuals can receive services, including a safe place to sleep, meals, showers and medical screenings.

The first site, in Eugene, is the Lane County Fairgrounds. People showing no symptoms or signs of illness will be placed in the convention center. Those who are showing signs of illness will be directed to the Wheeler Pavilion.

The second site, in Springfield, is the Memorial Building, owned by Willamalane Park and Recreation District.

Lane County has contracted with St. Vincent de Paul to operate the shelter aspect, and is working to establish Occupy Medical as the medical screening resource. The City of Eugene, which has an existing network of outreach teams, will provide street outreach to make unhoused individuals aware of the sites and what services are available once both sites are open.

Participation in the service is voluntary. Only the individuals staying at one of the locations overnight will have access to the facilities. Lane County Environmental Health employees are assisting with set up of both sites to ensure that proper social distancing can be observed.

The Fairgrounds general shelter site will open today; the Wheeler Pavilion is expected to open tomorrow. The Springfield site is on track to open tomorrow.

“Our unhoused community members are among our most vulnerable residents,” said Lane County Incident Commander Karen Gaffney. “Not only is it more difficult from unhoused people to maintain the good hygiene and social distancing that is critical to slowing the spread of COVID-19, but many of the social services they depend on for meals are not able to operate right now, or operating at a much small scale.”

###

Lane County Public Health (LCPH) was notified this afternoon that two more tests have come back positive for COVID-19.  This makes a total of seven (7) positive tests in Lane County. 

One resident is a woman in her 60s who lives in a private residence in Eugene-Springfield. She is currently at home, following all LCPH recommendations, and is medically stable. Her illness is thought to be related to domestic travel.

The other is a man in his 30s who lives in Eugene-Springfield. He is currently at home, following all LCPH recommendations, and is medically stable.

Individuals who had contact with these community members will be contacted by Lane County Public Health so they can work with their health care provider on next steps. Communicable disease investigations are currently happening. If a public contact exposure point is identified, that information will be shared with the public.

Additional information will be shared at tomorrow’s press briefing, if available.

The Lane County Public Health COVID-19 (Coronavirus) press conference held on Wednesday, March 25, is now available to view online at www.lanecountyor.gov/coronavirus or at https://vimeo.com/400694527. 

It is also available to view at http://www.facebook.com/LaneCountyGovernment.

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Lane County Public Health (LCPH) was notified this afternoon that a test submitted by a local provider came back positive for COVID-19.  This is the fifth positive test in Lane County.  The resident is a woman in her 40s who lives in a private residence in Eugene-Springfield. She is currently at home, following all LCPH recommendations, and is medically stable.

Individuals who had contact with the community member will be contacted by Lane County Public Health so they can work with their health care provider on next steps. Communicable disease investigations are currently happening. If a public contact exposure point is identified, that information will be shared with the public.

Additional information will be shared at tomorrow’s press briefing, if available.

###

The Lane County Public Health COVID-19 (Coronavirus) press conference held on Tuesday, March 24, is now available to view online at www.lanecountyor.gov/coronavirus or at https://vimeo.com/400345807.  

It is also available to view at http://www.facebook.com/LaneCountyGovernment.

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The Lane County Public Health COVID-19 (Coronavirus) press conference held on Monday, March 23, is now available to view online at www.lanecountyor.gov/coronavirus or at https://vimeo.com/400001733.  

It is also available to view at http://www.facebook.com/LaneCountyGovernment.

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Lane County Commissioner Heather Buch, Eugene Mayor Lucy Vinis and Springfield Mayor Christine Lundberg have coauthored a request to Governor Brown to enact a statewide Stay at Home Executive Order.

In the letter, the local leaders point out the challenges in asking local authorities to enact their own Stay at Home orders, and request clear and decisive State guidance.

A portion of the letter reads:

“The recent discussion about local “stay at home” policies in the Portland metro area is cause for concern. Any “stay at home” policy should be statewide. Forcing local governments to make this decision will inevitably lead to a checkerboard implementation, limited public health benefits and significant confusion for the public. […] We should move as one state, swiftly and decisively with unity of vision, unity of purpose and unity of effort. Therefore, we urge you to provide swift and clear statewide guidelines regarding “stay at home” procedures. Importantly, any statewide guidelines must include clarity on how implementation should apply to certain populations, particularly unhoused residents. It is also important for the state to assist in clearly defining essential versus non-essential services and types of businesses impacted.”

The letter is attached.

###

Today Governor Kate Brown announced Executive Order No. 20-12 “Stay Home, Save Lives” and outlined steps all Oregonians can take to stop the spread of COVID-19. As an essential service, Linn County Department of Health Services will continue to operate and provide critical services to our community.

In order to ensure your safety and follow government recommendations, we have expanded the delivery of our services to include telephone or telehealth (video conference) visits when possible. We encourage you to call ahead to confirm your appointment and discuss your options for receiving services.

•           Mental Health 541-967-3866

•           Public Health: 541-967-3888

•           Developmental Disabilities: 541-967-3890

•           Alcohol and Drug: 541-967-3819

•           Environmental Health:  541-967-3821

In the event that there is any change to an existing appointment you will be contacted directly by our staff.   

You can take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones at this time including:

• Wash your hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds
• Do not touch your eyes, mouth, or face with unwashed hands
• Practice social distancing of six feet
• Stay home if you are not feeling well
• Call your primary care provider or, if you do not have a primary care provider, your local urgent care, if you have any symptoms including a fever, shortness of breath, and cough.

We encourage all residents to stay informed:

• Check in with Linn County Public Health thru our Facebook page for up to date information and recommendations
• Call the Linn County Public Health COVID-19 Call Center at 541-967-3888. The call center is open from 8:30 am – 5:00 pm seven days a week.
• Visit OHA’s COVID-19 page and sign up to get regular updates
• Visit the CDC’s COVID- 19 page

We hope this finds you and your hard-working news team healthy and holding up. Your jobs are not easy.

We are sharing a video that your viewers and online audiences may find to be reassuring. We know they have a lot of anxieties right now. Access to their funds need not be one of them. The video is about the special programs credit unions have in place to help Idahoans, and about the safety and soundness of Oregon credit unions.  https://youtu.be/6my6ATldrP4

You may air it and post it in its entirety or pull soundbites from it. If you would like to interview Rick Metsger please contact me.

As essential financial services providers, they’re offering special services to members impacted by COVID-19.

Tigard, Oregon (March 26, 2020) – Credit unions are considered essential businesses under Governor Kate Brown’s “Stay Home, Safe Lives” Executive Order, and are here to support more than two million Oregonians. As not-for-profit, cooperative financial services providers, credit unions are already mobilized to help their members who are facing financial hardships as the result of COVID-19.

Credit Unions are Here for You

Oregonians are facing life-changing disruptions as schools and many businesses close. Unfortunately, for many, this has meant the loss of jobs or income. Oregon’s credit unions have special programs in place to help consumers through these difficult times, and have already provided hundreds of solutions such as:

• Loan modifications to make payments more affordable
• Options to skip mortgage payments for as long as 90 days
• Emergency low-interest to zero-interest loans

At a credit union, you’re not a number – you’re a member, and each member’s needs are unique. If you are being impacted financially by COVID-19, contact your credit union to find out about the solutions that are best for you. If you aren’t a credit union member, and unsure where to start, visit YourMoneyFurther.com to learn more and find one near you.

Still Connected During Social Distancing

Like your family, the credit union family is following best “social distancing” practices to keep members and employees safe. Some branches are closed, but drive-throughs remain open, ATMs are operating, employees are answering questions at call centers, and online and mobile apps are available for 24/7 account access.

There is no Need to Carry Large Amounts of Cash

With full access to your money through digital technology, there is no reason for you to withdraw large amounts of cash; in fact, we’re hearing many merchants may prefer that you use a debit or credit card right now. If your cash is lost or stolen, it cannot be replaced, but your credit union can fix you up with new credit and debit cards if they are lost or stolen.

We as credit unions understand the difficulty this situation presents, and we are working through this together.

                                                                  <END>

The Northwest Credit Union Association is the trade association representing more than 175 not-for-profit, cooperative credit unions in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, and their 7.3  million consumer members. As not-for-profit cooperatives, credit unions look out for their members’ financial well-being. Everyone should open their eyes to a credit union.  For more information, please visit: https://yourmoneyfurther.com

                         Oregon’s credit unions and banks are safe, sound, and here to serve consumers.

Tigard, Oregon (March 25, 2020) — Oregon’s financial institutions stand by consumers and communities during good times and challenging times. While COVID-19 presents unprecedented challenges, it is reassuring to know that credit unions and banks have activated plans to minimize the impact of COVID-19.  

The Oregon Bankers Association (OBA) and the Northwest Credit Union Association (NWCUA) are jointly sharing information to assure consumers that their financial institutions are safe, sound, and reliable.

“We are all in this together. Oregon’s financial institutions, like the communities we serve, are adapting to COVID-19 realities while continuing to meet the financial needs of our customers,” said OBA President and CEO Linda Navarro. “In addition to providing the usual suite of financial services, banks and credit unions are working closely with their customers to address any concerns they have as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.”

Banks and credit unions are considered essential services and continue to serve consumers and businesses.

“Oregon’s community banks and credit unions play a critical role in supporting families and businesses across our state,” said Oregon Division of Financial Regulation Administrator Andrew Stolfi. “Challenging times like this show how important it is to have community-focused financial institutions willing to step up and work with their customers and members.”

Use Digital Technology for Your Financial Transactions

While communities come together to prevent the spread of COVID-19, some financial institutions may have to temporarily close branches, limit foot traffic or limit hours. 

Rest assured you can easily conduct financial transactions from your home.

“All of the modern-day advances financial institutions have made to provide technology are relevant on Main Street,” said NWCUA President and CEO Troy Stang. “Through online and mobile apps and ATMs, you have total access to your money, anywhere at any time. You can conduct most any necessary financial transactions you need to from your home.”

There is No Need to Withdraw Large Amounts of Cash

With full access to your money through digital technology, there is no reason for you to withdraw large amounts of cash from your bank or credit union.

If cash is lost or stolen, it cannot be replaced. Your cash is much safer in your bank or credit union account, where it is insured.

Deposits in banks and credit unions are generally federally insured up to $250,000, and the insurance programs are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government.

“Credit union members have never lost a penny of savings at a federally insured credit union,” said Rodney Hood, Chairman, NCUA. “All deposits at federally insured credit unions are protected by the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund.”

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has also reiterated that since deposit insurance was founded in 1933, “no depositor has ever lost a penny of FDIC-insured funds.” Today, the FDIC insures up to $250,000 per depositor, per FDIC-insured bank.

FDIC Chairman Jelena McWilliams added, “The nation’s banking industry is responding to rapidly evolving business conditions that are unprecedented in our history,  We have encouraged the industry to work with borrowers who may be impacted by the COVID-19 virus, including offering loan modifications and payment extensions. Institutions want to assist their customers.

The banks and credit unions of Oregon protect over $103 billion in financial assets.

“We know you have a lot of concerns during the COVID-19 crisis,” said the NWCUA and OBA joint statement. “Fortunately, the safety and security of your money need not be one of them.”

                                                                        <END>

The Northwest Credit Union Association is the trade association representing 58 not-for-profit, cooperative credit unions in Oregon, and their two  million consumer members. As not-for-profit cooperatives, credit unions look out for their members’ financial well-being. Everyone should open their eyes to a credit union.  For more information, please visit: https://yourmoneyfurther.com.

Established in 1905, the Oregon Bankers Association is Oregon's only full-service trade association representing state and national commercial banks, thrifts and savings banks chartered to do business in Oregon.  More information is available at www.oregonbankers.com.

PORTLAND, Ore. – March 27, 2020 – Umpqua Bank, a subsidiary of Umpqua Holdings Corporation (NASDAQ: UMPQ), has announced a package of relief and support to help ease the financial burden of COVID-19's impact on customers, associates, and communities. 

“As the economic impact from the coronavirus continues to grow, we want all those we serve to know that Umpqua is here to help,” said Cort O’Haver, Umpqua Bank president & CEO. “In addition to taking action to provide immediate financial relief for customers, we’re expanding investments in our associates—particularly those on the frontlines of service—and our nonprofit partners working so hard to help our customers and communities get through this difficult time.”

Consumer Relief
For consumer customers experiencing financial hardship as a result of COVID-19, Umpqua is deferring loan payments upon request and waiving all fees associated with deferred payments on existing loans and lines of credit for up to 90 days. The bank is also waiving ATM fees for all customers.

Small Business Relief
Umpqua small business customers impacted by COVID-19 can defer loan payments for up to 90 days and have the related deferral fees waived on deferred loans and lines of credit. The bank is also an active participant in numerous Small Business Administration programs, which offer additional avenues of assistance for small businesses.

Associate Support
For all associates, Umpqua has established a pandemic pay bank, providing additional paid time-off for COVID-19-related exposure or sickness, caring for an impacted loved one, as well as for childcare. The company has also implemented a Retail Frontline Pay program to recognize the dedication of associates who are continuing to deliver in-store customer service during this time.

Community Support
Umpqua has pledged $1 million in support through a combination of donations to nonprofits focused on alleviating the financial hardships of families and small businesses impacted by COVID-19 and capital investments in organizations that provide micro loans and capital to small businesses. In addition, Umpqua is providing a 3:1 match of all associate donations to community partners and activating its innovative Virtual Volunteer program, which allows the company’s associates to continue serving nonprofit organizations and practice safe social distancing.

According to O’Haver, “This combination of support provides immediate relief. But we recognize that the impacts of this crisis will be with us for some time, and we’ll continue to monitor the financial impact on the ground in the coming weeks and months. Above all, we want our associates, customers, and communities to know that we are with them and for them as we all face this challenge together.”

More information is available at https://www.umpquabank.com.

About Umpqua Bank
Umpqua Bank, headquartered in Roseburg, Ore., is a subsidiary of Umpqua Holdings Corporation, and has locations across Idaho, Washington, Oregon, California and Nevada. Umpqua Bank has been recognized for its innovative customer experience and banking strategy by national publications including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, BusinessWeek, Fast Company and CNBC. The company has been recognized for eight years in a row on FORTUNE magazine's list of the country's "100 Best Companies to Work For," and was recently named by The Portland Business Journal the Most Admired Financial Services Company in Oregon for the fifteenth consecutive year. In addition to its retail banking presence, Umpqua Bank also owns Financial Pacific Leasing, Inc., a nationally recognized commercial finance company that provides equipment leases to businesses. A subsidiary of Umpqua Holdings Corporation, Umpqua Investments, Inc., provides retail brokerage and investment advisory services in offices throughout Washington, Oregon, and California. 

# # # #

PORTLAND, Ore. – The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) announced today it is implementing a number of different strategies to handle the economic impacts wrought by the current COVID-19 pandemic including temporary layoffs, pay cuts, and significant cuts to non-staff operating expenses. The museum is doing this to ensure financial stability and the ability to restore operations to the extent possible as soon as it is safe to do so.

As a private, non-profit organization, OMSI does not receive any government funding, but relies on earned and contributed revenue for its operating expenses. The organization’s primary revenue streams – museum admissions, education and program fees, memberships, and facility rentals – have all been canceled during its busiest time of the year. The annual OMSI Gala, the largest fundraising event of the year, is shifting to a virtual experience.

“This is an unprecedented time for OMSI, our community and the rest of the world, and we have had to make some very tough decisions. Today we informed over half of our valued staff members that they are included in a significant number of temporary layoffs,” said Nancy Stueber, president of OMSI. “We are committed to paying the employer portion of their healthcare insurance for a period of time, and our goal is to bring them back to work as soon as possible. This is a difficult situation and it has been a very painful experience for all of us. We wish everyone health and safety in the weeks ahead and look forward to re-opening our doors to the community.”

OMSI is still working hard to deliver on its mission to support the community, thinking not simply about how it can survive this crisis, but about how to help Oregon when the community recovers. OMSI will retain a small team to create meaningful digital STEAM programming to support learning at home and is also collaborating with Multnomah County and the State of Oregon to provide high-quality, school-aged care for essential workers during this troubling situation.

The importance of science-based decision making is greater than ever. OMSI seeks to foster the exchange of ideas, and help the community make smart, informed choices, but it needs the community's support to continue this vital work. To learn more about how to support OMSI, go to www.omsi.edu/donate.

Administrative staff and customer service are accessible by email (info@omsi.edu) and phone (503.797.4000). For more information please visit www.omsi.edu/covid-19.

About OMSI
Founded in 1944, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is one of the nation’s leading science museums, a world-class tourist attraction, and an award-winning educational resource for the kid in each of us. OMSI operates the largest museum-based outdoor science education program in the country and provides traveling and community outreach programs that bring science learning opportunities to schools and community organizations in every county in Oregon and throughout the region. OMSI is located at 1945 SE Water Avenue, Portland, OR 97214. For general information, call 503.797.4000 or visit omsi.edu.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wilsonville — March 27, 2020 — As a bittersweet side effect of the COVID-19 pandemic, people are spending more time in their yards and gardens. They are eager to still tend their gardens, put in vegetable starts, beautify their yards, try new things and enjoy healthy outdoor time.

But they also want to observe social distancing. 

To help them, the Oregon Association (OAN) has launched a web page that lists garden retailers in Oregon and Southwest Washington offering “Safer Shopping” services such as advance ordering, curbside pickup, home delivery, special hours and more. It can be found at www.PlantSomethingOregon.com/coronavirus.

“Our local independent garden centers have always been the gardener’s best friend, offering expert advice to help them succeed and have fun in the garden,” said Jim Simnitt of Simnitt Nursery, president of the Oregon Association of Nurseries. “Now these retailers are going the extra mile to help garden lovers take some degree of refuge in their gardening routine.”

The “Safer Shopping” list is part of the OAN’s Plant Something Oregon consumer site, which offers regionally relevant gardening tips from experts. As the site explains, gardening has many research-proven benefits for human health, which include:

• Houseplants reduce indoor air pollution
• Plants reduce stress in the workplace
• Plants provide healing powers
• Landscaping boosts property values 
• Plants save energy and maintenance costs

And, of course, starts and seeds from your local garden center can provide a food source right at home. 

A complete list of the benefits of gardening is provided on the Plant Something Oregon website atwww.PlantSomethingOregon.com/pmlb, including citations from research.

“We’re in a health crisis, and most people don’t realize plants provide these health and well-being benefits,” said Dr. Charlie Hall, an expert in horticulture and economics at Texas A&M University.

With the customized support of garden retailers, the home gardener can have a better experience. Nurturing loyal customers is critical for the survival of independent garden centers during the economic shock and daily disruptions of the coronavirus pandemic. 

# # #

CONTACT:

Curt Kipp, Oregon Association of Nurseries, ckipp@oan.org

The Oregon Association of Nurseries, based in Wilsonville, represents more than 700 wholesale growers, retailers, landscapers and suppliers. Oregon’s ornamental horticulture industry is the state’s largest agricultural commodity, with annual sales of $996 million in 2018. It is also a traded sector, with about 75 percent of the nursery plants grown in Oregon being shipped out of state. For information, visit www.oan.org or call 503-682-5089.

The Oregon Bankers Association and Community Banks of Oregon applaud the U.S. Congress’s passage of the CARES Act, an important federal stimulus bill. Oregon’s banks are very aware of the economic challenges resulting from the coronavirus pandemic and are deploying assistance to their impacted customers and communities in a variety of ways. The stimulus bill contains several important provisions to enhance how banks of all sizes can help Oregonians and Oregon businesses through this crisis.

Among the provisions of the CARES Act are substantial enhancements to the Small Business Administration (SBA) loan programs made directly through banks. These loans – under the umbrella of SBA 7a loans – will be available from banks and other lenders just as soon as the SBA releases the program parameters. This will inject $350 billion into small businesses – including nonprofits and independent contractors – in a more rapid and responsive way than we’ve ever seen. We are particularly optimistic about the impact of a new Payroll Protection Program that will provide small businesses with immediate, low-cost assistance for payroll and operating costs.

While we have to wait for the programs to become operational, we expect that to be soon and are encouraging the SBA and Treasury to act swiftly. In the meantime, Oregon businesses can prepare by assembling their financial information so they are ready to go when they approach a participating bank.

About the Oregon Bankers Association
Established in 1905, the Oregon Bankers Association is Oregon's only full-service trade association representing FDIC-insured state and national banks and trust companies doing business in Oregon. More information is available at www.oregonbankers.com.

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Oregon Star Bar is operating from remote locations through April 30, 2020. Bar services remain available, though the building is closed to outside visitors. Media inquiries can be directed to Kateri Walsh at (503) 860-1683. Further detail, regular updates and a full staff directory can be found at www.osbar.org.