|
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I know this is an incredibly hard time. Our day-to-day lives have taken a dramatic shift due to COVID-19. Right now, it is important that we take care of ourselves, our neighbors and vulnerable individuals in our communities by following regulations and precautions from state officials and medical experts.
I am sorry to say that not all Oregonians took this seriously. Over the weekend, many people flocked to the Coast and the Gorge to take advantage of the nice weather, putting an additional strain on those communities. The failure to safely practice social distancing means that we must act in new ways. Here are some updates on Oregon’s response to the COVID-19 crisis:
Stay Home, Save Lives!
Yesterday, the Governor announced Stay Home, Save Lives. This new Executive Order outlines stricter guidelines on social distancing, including the mandatory closures of certain nonessential businesses. See the graphic below for clear guidelines of what is or is not open and what you can and cannot do.
This graphic is also available in Spanish, Russian, Arabic, Chinese, Vietnamese, Somali and Marshellese.
Statewide Moratorium on Evictions
The governor also announced a statewide moratorium on residential evictions for 90 days. This means that law-enforcement officers may not act on eviction orders for nonpayment of rent.
Joint Committee on Coronavirus Response
This week, the Joint Committee continues to meet.
The Committee is looking for ways to provide stability for individuals and families, address our health care system needs and provide support to employers and their employees. The Committee anticipates passing urgent policies in an upcoming Special Session. The policies would address immediate response to this crisis as well as our state's long-term needs.
You can watch the previous meetings here: March 18th, March 20th, March 23rd, March 24th.
Senate District 18 Updates
- Vulnerable Population Hours
- The Multnomah County Library is now offering online registration for library cards, which allows instant access to their e-library.
- Whale Watching
- Oregon State Parks will be livestreaming the whale migration this year so you can watch from the comfort of your home
- My two previous newsletters:
-
Portland COVID-19 Emergency Relief Resources
- A comprehensive list of local resources put together by Congressman Blumenauer's office
- Our front line healthcare workers are facing a personal protective equipment (PPE) shortage. If you have any masks, goggles, gloves or other equipment you would like to donate - click here.
Helpful Links
Self-Care
During this time, it is important that we continue to take care of ourselves - both mentally and physically. My colleague, Senator Elizabeth Steiner Hayward, sent out some suggestions for self-care that I would like to share with you all.
- Stay connected with friends & family via FaceTime, Skype or other similar platforms
- Many communities of faith are providing religious services online via Zoom or other platforms.
- Stay informed, but don’t obsess about it. Limit your news time to a few minutes once or twice a day.
- Take advantage of the many free educational and cultural options online.
- Physical activity is a great stress reducer.
- Walk outdoors but please, only do so in spaces where it is possible to maintain six feet between you and others!
- There is a lot of free exercise content online for classes or in-home workouts.
- Consider building a meditation practice - Spotify and other music services have meditation playlists, and again, lots of free online resources. Meditation reduces stress and boosts your immune system.
- Create structure in your day - follow routines similar to what you followed before this started.
- Use this opportunity to learn something new.
Our office remains a resource for you all in this trying time should you have any additional questions or concerns.
Yours in Sequestration,
Senator Ginny Burdick
Senate Majority Leader
District 18
email: Sen.GinnyBurdick@oregonlegislature.gov I phone: 503-986-1718
address: 900 Court St NE, S-223, Salem, OR, 97301
website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/burdick
| 
