^{*  “I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; And because I cannot do everything I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.”                   
—Helen Keller}

For the time being we’ll be using this newsletter to provide links to what we think are some of the most useful resources for weathering the COVID-19 pandemic. Please be sure follow the guidelines and social distancing practices provided by our public health authorities to get us through the crisis.

We know you might be missing the outdoors, so we thought we'd bring the outdoors inside. This photo was provided by the Department of Forestry. Have a photo you've taken and want to share with us? Send it to sen.jeffgolden@oregonlegislature.gov with the subject “Photo Reminder.” We’ll use some in future newsletters.

Keeping Current on COVID-19

As diagnosed cases of coronavirus continue to rise sharply in Oregon and beyond, here are links to some of the most useful resources we know.  I’d like to be able to provide precise, certain answers to the concerns and questions I’m receiving from some of you.  The plain fact is that almost nothing is certain about the weeks to come.  We’re working hard at the state level to find solutions that protect the health and economic security of Oregonians, just as our Congressional delegation is.  Stay informed, stay close to home, stay aware of the needs of vulnerable people near you. And I’ll stay in touch.

Senator Jeff Golden
Senate District 3 (Rogue Valley)

Important Updates

• New directives to stay at home unless absolutely expected Monday. Please plan accordingly.
• The federal tax filing deadline has been extended to July 15th.
• The Oregon Department of Transportation and local law enforcement have agreed to "grace period," exercising leniency for expired vehicle registrations and drivers licenses.
• In-person classes for Oregon colleges are cancelled for the spring semester. 

Resources for Current Information

• This OHA page is dedicated to information on COVID-19 with links to the latest announcements, guidance etc. You can also subscribe to email or text updates.
• The latest from Jackson County Public Health. You can call Jackson County Health and Human services with questions at 541-774-8200.
• This Employment Department Page has resources including a PDF siting what insurance benefits you may qualify for depending on how COVID-19 has impacted you, available in English and Spanish.
• The Bureau of Labor and Industries has a basic FAQ for Employers and Employees around COVID-19. There is also some specific information on Sick Time here.
• The Oregon Department of Education has a page dedicated to COVID-19 information with resources in a variety of languages.

Other Resources

How You Can Help:

• The Governor issued an order to preserve personal protective equipment (PPE). If you have PPE - things like surgical masks, gloves, etc. - consider donating them here.
• The Red Cross is asking people to still go out and make blood donations if they feel well enough to do so. The Surgeon General has stressed the importance of donating blood at this time, and the Red Cross has taken extra steps to make sure that donors and Red Cross employees stay safe. You can read more about them here, and you can make an appointment to donate blood at RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-733-2767.

Utility Supports:

• NW Natural, PGE, and Pacific Power are waving late fees. In addition, Comcast is waving late fees as well.

Meals for Students: 

Many school districts will continue to provide free meals for students.

For the Medford School District: Free “grab and go” meals for kids 18 and under will be served at six locations throughout the district (on weekdays) from Monday, March 16 through Tuesday, March 31. That includes the week of spring break. Breakfast will be served from 9:00AM - 10:00AM and lunch will be served from 11:30AM - 12:30PM.

Locations are as follows:

• North Medford High School  1900 N Keene Way Dr, Medford, OR 97504
• Howard Elementary School 286 Mace Rd, Medford, OR 97501
• Jefferson Elementary School 333 Holmes Ave, Medford, OR 97501
• Roosevelt Elementary School 1212 Queen Anne Ave, Medford, OR 97504
• Jackson Elementary School 713 Summit Avenue, Medford, OR 97501
• Oak Grove Elementary School  2838 W Main Street, Medford, OR 97501

Visitors are asked to enter through designated doors, pick up a meal from the cafeteria and then take the meal to go. Gathering inside the school will be discouraged. We are grateful to our MSD staff who are volunteering to staff the sites!

For all other school districts offering this valuable service and more information on how our schools are responding to COVID-19, please refer to the links below:

• Ashland
• Central Point
• Eagle Point
• Medford
• Phoenix and Talent
• Prospect

Meals for Adults: 

• Access has put together a lengthy list of local food pantries.

Business Resources:

• Oregon Community Foundation is opening a COVID-19 Pooled Fund to organize local foundations to provide financial assistance to community organizations in response to COVID-19.
• The U.S. Small Business Association has provided guidance and resources for small business, including a $2 million disaster relief loan for small businesses.
• The Oregon Entrepreneurs Network also published resources.
• Unemployment Insurance: The Employment Department issued new provisions to Unemployment Insurance to improve access.

Travel:

• Had to cancel travel because of the coronavirus? OSPIRG has put together a handy guide for how to refund your travel plans and how various airlines and hotels have adjusted their policies in response to the outbreak.

Courtesy of the NIH

Shopping:

•  Many grocery stores are setting aside specific hours for vulnerable populations. You can find more information here. 
• The Northwest Grocery Association has put together some guidelines to help make sure we all stay safe when we need to go grocery shopping. Check it out here.

For Parents:

• PBS is putting together daily activities for kids who have to stay home due to school closures. You can sign up to get those activities sent too your email if you sign up here.

Please remember to watch the news and follow the advice from experts at the CDC, OHA, and Jackson County Public Health, and directives from the Governor's office. We'll get through this and we'll do it by working together.