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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
As the coronavirus spreads across Oregon, and after we sadly received the news of the first fatality in Multnomah County, every Oregonian must heed the calls for social distancing. Experts are expecting a surge in cases over the next few weeks, and we must collectively do all we can to keep Oregonians safe and ensure the optimal capacity of our health care systems.
Today, Governor Kate Brown announced the implementation of a series of new policies designed to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The following measures will prevent the exchange of the virus and save lives in the process. For the safety of our family members, friends, and community, it is important that we follow these rules closely.
Beginning tomorrow:
- ALL gatherings of 25 or more people will be canceled.
- ALL bars and restaurants are closed, with the exception of dine-in and delivery service.
These measures will be in effect for a minimum of four weeks. During this period, grocery stores, pharmacies, and other essential retail services will remain open. You can read Governor Brown's press release on the new measures and watch her press conference here.
The COVID-19 pandemic impacts all of us in different ways, but it’s important to remember that we are all in this together. In this newsletter, I have included various resources that will hopefully be of use to you and your family. Be safe, be well, and take care of one another.
In solidarity,
 Andrea Salinas, State Representative
Food Assistance Resources
If you need food assistance, please reach out to the following agencies:
The COVID-19 pandemic affects us all, but it will prevent the most vulnerable in our communities from accessing the food they need. Here are some ways that we can support our fellow community members:
MEALS ON WHEELS NEEDS VOLUNTEERS: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Meals on Wheels is in need of volunteer drivers to deliver daily meals to 5,000 people in the Portland Metro area. Meal recipients are often in situations that leave them unable to prepare or cook food. For many, this is the only food they will receive for the day. If you are interested, you can register to volunteer at: http://www.mowp.org/volunteer.
Driver’s will have no hand contact while delivering food.
If you are unable to deliver meals, Meals on Wheels is asking people to donate plastic or paper bags with handles. You can drop off bags at their main kitchen: 7710 SW 31st Ave. (Multnomah Village).
SUPPORT THE OREGON FOOD BANK: The COVID-19 crisis increases the number of people who will face food insecurity. Children, seniors, and many others no longer have access to the food supply that they rely on. The Oregon Food Bank is taking measures to ensure that they are able to account for the community changes, but they need help. They are asking for financial contributions, non-high risk people to sign up for individual volunteer shifts, and alert the community that food remains available.
You can find more information here: https://www.oregonfoodbank.org/
Parents
The Oregon Early Learning Division is regularly updating child care providers and families with the latest information about COVID-19. That information is available here.
The National Association of School Psychologists and the National Association of School Nurses compiled this letter to offer some suggestions about how to talk to children about COVID-19
Here is a list of education companies offering free subscriptions due to school closings. Additionally, Lake Oswego School District has compiled a list of free activities for K-12 students
Resources for Businesses & Employees
Economic Impact and Resources
The Governor's office is working to advocate for federal assistance for our small businesses. In order to do so, they need to collect stories about the loss of revenue in our business community. Businesses with impacted revenue as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak should fill out the 'Estimated Disaster Economic Injury Worksheet for Businesses' form and send to Leah Horner: Leah.Horner@oregon.gov
Business Oregon also has compiled a list of the resources available to small business owners on their coronavirus response page, available here.
The Bureau of Labor and Industries also has a FAQ specific to COVID-19 on their website to help both employers and employees.
Work Share
Work Share (STC-Short Time Compensation) is a state program that offers an alternative to laying off employees. It allows a business to keep skilled employees during slow times by reducing work hours. Eligible staff whose hours and wages are reduced receive a portion of their regular unemployment insurance benefits to compensate for the lost wages. You can find out more information on the Employment Department Work Share website and here is a program infographic.
Utilities
Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, Northwest Natural Gas, and the Portland Water Bureau will all temporarily stop service disconnections for non-payment of bills.
Mental Health
I know that social distancing and the uncertainty around COVID-19 can exacerbate one's mental health. If you are struggling, the Oregon Health Authority shared this list of things you can do to take care of your mental health during this difficult time. Additional resources are available here.
Please also remember to check-in on your friends, family, and neighbors. We are in this together, and help is always available. If you’re feeling alone and struggling, you can also reach out to The Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741 or National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK.
A variety of different crisis lines exist to serve different communities from individuals in Clackamas and Multnomah County, to LGBTQIA+ youth, to veterans, to seniors, and more. Those phone numbers can be found here and here.
Domestic Violence Victim Services
If you are in an emergency situation and unsafe, please immediately call 911.
A list of resources is available on the Oregon Department of Justice website. Additionally, here is a list of crisis lines:
Additional Resources
The above is not an exhaustive list of all of the resources available, and new methods of assistance are constantly coming online. So, I encourage you to check-out this document that dedicated community members are working diligently to update. If you know of something that is not yet listed, please be sure to let us know.
I also encourage you to be cautious about how easily misinformation can spread during a crisis like this one. As this NYT article highlights, misinformation causes us all additional stress and anxiety, and puts additional strain on public health officials who then have to put out unnecessary fires. For trusted sources, I encourage you to visit the Oregon Health Authority's website, Senator Merkley’s Coronavirus Resource Page, and the websites of Clackamas County Public Health or the Public Health Department of Multnomah County.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office if you have any questions, comments, or concerns.
email: Rep.AndreaSalinas@oregonlegislature.gov I phone: 503-986-1438
address: 900 Court St NE, H-485, Salem, OR, 97301
website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/salinas
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