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The Joint Special Committee on Coronavirus Response holds second hearing on Friday, March 20, 2020 at 1:00 p.m.
The committee plans to hear invited testimony from OHSU regarding the outbreak and a status update on the state’s unified command structure. The committee will then discuss potential ideas for an initial emergency response package. A full agenda for the meeting can be found here.
As announced earlier this week, the Capitol building remains closed to the public until further notice to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Committee members and staff in attendance will follow social distancing guidelines outlined by the CDC. The public and media members can livestream the meeting here.
It may seem like we’re in the middle of this, but it’s just the beginning. That’s why the new social distancing measures Governor Brown announced are so important. Even if coronavirus is not present in your area right now, social distancing is important for all Oregonians to follow. It will slow the transmission of COVID-19 and preserve hospital capacity for our most vulnerable population.
While speakers are appearing by invitation, the committee welcomes anyone to submit written testimony for the public record by sending it to jscvr.exhibits@oregonlegislature.gov by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24. The committee requests testimony be focused on identifying actions to support low-income and vulnerable Oregonians and small businesses, as well as timely budget and policy recommendations to the Legislature to accomplish that goal.
WHAT: Joint Special Committee on Coronavirus Response
WHEN: Friday, March 20 at 1 p.m.
HOW TO WATCH: The public and media members are encouraged to watch the meeting by livestream on OLIS at this link.
Helpful Resources on the 2019 Coronavirus:
General: Governor Kate Brown
CDC's Information on COVID-19;
World Health Organization Information on COVID-19
Oregon Health Authority COVID-19
Most up-to-date page with a variety of resources
Guides for childcare programs and K-12 administrators
Create a Household Plan for COVID-19
Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Tracker
Oregon Department of Education
If you missed the recent Informational Hearing, you can watch it here.
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Governor’s Coronavirus Economic Advisory Council Response
Businesses are in the initial stages of an economic slow-down which will only increase over time. Traded-sector companies, employees and those in the tourism industry will be significantly impacted by decreased commercial activity leading to the potential of an unstable statewide economy. Coronavirus Economic Advisory Council Mission is to stabilize communities and businesses by ensuring that the appropriate federal and state response is deployed to individuals, businesses and communities so Oregon may remain a prosperous place to live, do business, and visit.
Coronavirus Economic Advisory Council Objectives
- Identify and secure local, state and federal resources to help Oregonians and Oregon businesses mitigate the economic impacts of coronavirus .
- Identify innovative resources and/or programs to assist Oregonians and Oregon businesses in need.
- Assess the diverse impacts of the coronavirus and prioritize assistance
- Provide the Governor, the State Legislature and members of Congress economic updates and requests for additional assistance.
Link to Small Business Advocate’s webpage dedicated to coronavirus resources for businesses: https://www.oregon4biz.com/Coronavirus-Information/
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COVID-19 Related Business Layoffs, Closures, and UI Benefits
The health and safety of workplaces is of utmost importance to the Oregon Employment Department, and the agency’s mission is to support business and promote employment. The Employment Department has guidance available to employers, workers, and job seekers impacted by the COVID-19 coronavirus situation.
Unemployment Insurance Benefits
The Oregon Employment Department provides Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits to most workers who are out of work through no fault of their own. To get benefits, workers must meet some requirements. In general, to claim and receive unemployment benefits for a week, workers must be available for work, able to work, and actively look for work they can do. Today the Employment Department enacted temporary rules to give more flexibility in providing unemployment benefits to COVID-19 affected workers.
Unemployment Insurance benefits are available during temporary layoffs related to COVID-19 situations. These benefits occur for employees whose employer stops operation for a short period of time, such as cleaning following a coronavirus exposure, or by government requirement. Workers can get unemployment benefits, and do not need to seek work with other employers if their place of employment will resume operations. To receive benefits, affected workers must still be able to work, stay in contact with their employer, and be available to work when called back. A full resource guide with questions and answers about specific COVID-19 coronavirus-related situations and unemployment benefits is available at Oregon.gov/employ. This site also has information for filing an online claim.
Economic Impacts
The number of initial Unemployment Insurance claims filed in Oregon rose from approximately 800 on Sunday, March 15 to a total of 18,500 on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Although we know the COVID-19 coronavirus is causing a reduction in economic activity both nationally and in Oregon, it’s too early for unemployment rate or payroll jobs numbers to show the impact of these employment disruptions. The Employment Department will provide more information online as updated data become available.
For help finding jobs and training resources, contact your local WorkSource Oregon center or go to WorkSourceOregon.org. To file an online claim for unemployment benefits, go to Oregon.gov/employ or call 1-877-FILE-4-UI.
Contact: (503) 947-1794. For people who are deaf or hard of hearing, call 711 Telecommunications Relay Services.
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Temporary camping closures announced for Oregon state parks, forests, and wildlife areas
SALEM, Oregon –Three Oregon state agencies will suspend camping to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.
The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department will accommodate current overnight guests through April 2. Reservations for all state park stays from April 3 to and including May 8 will be cancelled and site fees refunded. Before May 8, the department will review the state park campground closure to decide whether it should be extended. The decision affects all individual and group overnight facilities: campsites, yurts, cabins, tepees, and services operated by concessionaires. The suspended service also affects reservations for group day-use areas.
The Oregon Department of Forestry maintains campgrounds in the Clatsop, Santiam, and Tillamook State Forests. Most campgrounds are currently closed for the season, and will not reopen for individual or group use. Year-round campgrounds will close starting on Monday, March 23. All day-use and campground restrooms are temporarily closed due to limited janitorial services. A reopening date for all restrooms and state forest campgrounds has not yet been determined. During this time, trails, forest roads and trailheads on state forestlands will remain open to the public.
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is closing its Wildlife Areas to overnight camping effective Sunday, March 22. The closure affects both dispersed camping and established campgrounds. Several wildlife areas are also currently fully or partially closed to all visitors as part of annual seasonal closures to protect wintering wildlife. While camping will be prohibited, wildlife areas that are currently open remain open to visitors for day-use activities including wildlife viewing, fishing, hunting and other outdoor recreation. See the ODFW Wildlife Area Visitor Guide for more information (link at bottom).
Read full article here Oregon State Parks announced camping closures.
Know before you go:
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Simple Guidelines for Grocery Shoppers
During the COVID-19 Pandemic
THERE IS NO NEED TO HOARD MERCHANDISE
Federal, State, and Local governments are working with the industries that provide your food and essential goods to keep your grocery store open and stocked. The Covid-19 virus is not like a natural disaster that could immobilize trucks, or threaten water supplies. Everyone should shop to have an adequate supply of food and essential products, but there is no need to hoard supplies to be safe. Remember your neighbor behind you in line, they need toilet paper too!
SENIOR AND IMMUNE-COMPROMISED POPULATION ASSISTANCE
Some grocers are offering special morning hours for senior and immune compromised populations to shop. By coming early these population will have the advantage of overnight stocking, smaller crowds, and the first to enter after an overnight deep cleaning. Your help in respecting this time is appreciated.
Do you know a senior or immune compromised individual? Offer to do their shopping or help them navigate home delivery, even if it’s a neighbor you haven’t talked to in a while.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP IN KEEPING YOUR GROCERIES SAFE AND PLENTIFUL! (Northwest Grocery Association)
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