Dear Friends and Neighbors, 

Today, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reported the first death caused by COVID-19 in Washington County. I send my deepest sympathies to his family and friends. This is a heartbreaking loss for our community and marks a tragic milestone in the county’s history. It is time for us all to come together to do what we can to prevent more loss of life.

We each play a role in slowing the spread of COVID-19/coronavirus. Truly. The current social distancing recommendations can only work if each and every one of us does our part to stay home whenever possible. Even if you are young and healthy—stay home if you can. You can be contagious even if you don’t have any symptoms. Following the guidelines on social distancing is a matter of life and death for others. Physical isolation helps slow the rate of transmission and limits the number of people who may need to be hospitalized as a result of COVID-19 to a sustainable number. Our hospitals simply cannot treat the number of people who would require critical care without social distancing measures.

New Social Distancing Orders

Effective yesterday, Governor Brown has issued the following orders:

• All statewide events and gatherings larger than 25 people are canceled—except in essential locations like workplaces, grocery stores, pharmacies, and retail stores. Best practice, however, is to avoid gatherings of 10 people or more.
• Restaurants, bars, and other establishments that offer food or beverages for sale are restricted to carry-out and delivery only, with no on-site consumption permitted. Food service at health care facilities, workplaces, and other essential facilities will continue.
• All other businesses are urged to assess their practices, implement strong social distancing measures, and close their doors temporarily if they cannot put the new guidance in place.
• School closures are extended through April 28, and schools are directed to deliver learning supports and additional services, including meals, at this time.

What Can You Do?

As for what you do now—it is up to all of us to ensure that COVID-19 spreads as slowly as possible. Wash your hands with soap and water as often as you can, stay home as much as possible, and avoid physical proximity to others when you can, particularly those in vulnerable categories. Do what you can to keep yourself and others safe and try to encourage your workplace to do the same.

What Are We Doing?

Today, the Joint Committee on Coronavirus Response held its first hearing and received input from numerous community members and experts regarding the best next steps the legislature can take in responding to COVID-19.

Additionally, the Oregon legislature will convene for a special session to address COVID-19, likely within the next couple weeks. During that session we will provide stimulus for people and businesses who are struggling financially as a result of COVID-19.

Lastly, this afternoon, Congress approved a relief package to provide sick leave, unemployment benefits, free testing, and other aid to people affected by COVID-19. We should expect to see the results of that aid in the coming weeks.

Financial Resources

If you are suffering financially from business closures and cutbacks across the state, there is help for you. Businesses should see if they qualify for Oregon’s Work Share program, which can help pay employees who have been laid off or furloughed as a result of COVID-19. Unemployment insurance is also available to many employees who have been laid off. Business Oregon has other suggestions for relief for small businesses in the short term.

For more information about COVID-19, Oregon’s response, and programs that can help in these difficult times, visit the Governor’s info hub here or the OHA’s COVID-19 page here.

Stay safe.

Sincerely,

Senator Mark Hass
Senate District 14

email: Sen.MarkHass@oregonlegislature.gov I phone: 503-986-1714
address: 900 Court St NE, S-207, Salem, OR, 97301
website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/hass