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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
“Our household is experiencing effects of the COVID-19 quarantine. Even though we have great positive spirits during this odd time, there are many other people in our financial mystery boat. As someone who has been laid off from a small company and my roommate who works multiple part time jobs without emergency paid leave, we need clarity and financial grace/support to figure out the next steps within this trial. For we are a household like many who depends on each paycheck to support monthly rent, utilities and bills. I continue for pray for provision of this world during the healing time and financial uncertainty. In addition for our leaders who will support and aid many.” - submitted testimony to the Special Joint Committee on Coronavirus Response
Today, the Special Joint Committee on Coronavirus Response had its first meeting at the Capitol. You can stream video of the committee meeting here and read all submitted testimony and presentations here. I will provide more updates on what the committee discussed and the general timeline for action below.
First, here are the latest coronavirus updates for Oregon:
- Governor Kate Brown announced the state will set up a 250-bed emergency hospital at the state fairgrounds in Salem to prepare for increases in coronavirus cases. The new emergency hospital is expected to be open by Friday.
- Governor Brown also announced a new agreement with Quest Diagnostics to equip the state with an additional 20,000 test kits for coronavirus.
- Furthermore, she directed all Oregon hospitals, outpatient clinics, and health care providers, including veterinarians and dentists, to cease all non-emergency procedures, in order to preserve personal protective equipment, such as surgical masks, gowns, and gloves, for health care workers treating COVID-19 patients.
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The Oregonian reported that utility companies are waiving late fees during the coronavirus pandemic. Utilities had previously announced they would suspend service cut-offs.
- The Oregon Health Authority announced 10 more diagnosed cases of coronavirus in Oregon, bringing the statewide total to 75. That is 28 more cases than had been identified two days ago. Sadly, two more individuals (one in Lane County and one in Washington County) passed away from the virus. That brings the total number of deaths from COVID-19 in Oregon to three people.
The goal of the Special Joint Committee on Coronavirus Response is to understand and address the wide-ranging impacts of the pandemic on families, workers and businesses. The committee will prepare an initial emergency relief package as quickly as possible, which will be the focus of an upcoming special session.
It was clear from today’s four-hour hearing that there is a lot of anxiety and fear about what’s happening and what’s ahead of us. The good news from the Legislature and today’s meeting is that Democrats and Republicans are clearly unified in working together to help Oregonians get through this.
The committee will meet again on Friday. I’ll follow up with more details when we have them.
As we work through these immensely stressful times, please act with compassion as we work through this together. I’ve been disturbed by some of the rhetoric I’ve heard that labels coronavirus in a way that assigns blame to a country or a group of people. While fear is understandable these days, it is never an excuse for racism and discrimination.
For up to date information, please check this link to the Oregon Health Authority where regular updates are posted: https://www.oregon.gov/oha/ERD/Pages/News-Releases.aspx
Please email me at Rep.TinaKotek@oregonlegislature.gov if you have specific concerns that have not been addressed by the OHA. Our office will do all we can to help and protect all Oregonians.
Best,
Tina Kotek
State Representative
House District 44
Speaker of the House
email: Rep.TinaKotek@oregonlegislature.gov I phone: 503-986-1200
address: 900 Court St NE, H-269, Salem, OR 97301
website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/kotek
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