Coronavirus Update: We're In This Together

ViewOnline
House Speaker Tina Kotek

Coronavirus Update: We're In This Together

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I hope you had a nice weekend and are staying healthy. My wife and I did a little socially-distanced grocery shopping and chatted with some friends online. Otherwise, a pretty quiet weekend at home.

However long this lasts, I know Oregonians are doing their part to stay home and save lives. Thank you!


Special Session Under Consideration

Legislators continue to collaborate on a set of bills to address some of the immediate needs of the state due to the coronavirus pandemic – things like housing assistance and helping small businesses. Negotiations continue with Governor Brown to have her call a special session as soon as possible. Hopefully, more news tomorrow.


Another Story on Mask Making

Oregon Public Broadcasting published a great story today about Crafters Against COVID-19 PDX, a volunteer group that has partnered with the Multnomah County Health Department to distribute masks to hospitals that are most in need. I'm inspired by the family members and volunteers who have stepped up to develop essential resources for our frontline workers.

The need for personal protective equipment (PPE) is still great. Stories have been reported of nurses in the Portland area wearing swim goggles instead of face shields to protect against the virus (read here). I’ve received emails from health care workers in other parts of the state who are scared because they are being required to reuse equipment in an unsafe way. More and more health care workers on the front lines of fighting this pandemic are being diagnosed with the virus themselves.

Later this week, I’ll have more information on how you can help in the fight to develop or donate PPE. For now, I recommend doing direct outreach to organizations doing this work. If you live in Multnomah County, the health department has volunteer and donation opportunities listed here.


The Latest News

  • Over the weekend, President Trump approved a federal disaster declaration for Oregon, allowing for additional funding for state, tribal and local authorities, as well as nonprofits. Oregon is the 18th state to receive an emergency disaster declaration due to coronavirus.
  • The Oregon Health Authority announced 58 new diagnosed cases of coronavirus, bringing the statewide total to 606. Since my last newsletter on Friday night, there have been 192 additional diagnosed cases. The Oregon Health Authority says testing capacity is now 15% above the national average and continuing to grow.
OHA COVID-19 Update 3-30-20

Information on the CARES Act (Federal Stimulus)

Last week ended with the passage and signing of the $2 trillion federal relief package (CARES Act). The bill is nearly 900 pages and has a lot of detailed information for state officials to sort through. I will provide regular updates as we learn more about how this money will help Oregonians.

Kudos to Senator Jeff Merkley and his team for putting together the following links and information sheets regarding parts of the federal stimulus package. They are really helpful.


Meals for Portland Public Students

Meal service for students in Portland Public Schools has restarted after spring break. Since the statewide school closure order went into effect, PPS distributed 30,600 meals to families over four days during the first week of this program. The sites for food pickup, where social distancing is in practice, are listed below:

PPS Food Pantry Map 033020

Addiction Recovery Resources

The ongoing pandemic has caused disruption to everyone’s daily life, which can be especially difficult for people who are in recovery or working to start down that path. Oregon Recovers has centralized all information into one location for online meetings, peer services and financial help by region during the coronavirus pandemic. The Oregon Recovery Network can connect you to resources to help yourself or someone you care about in need.

Don’t Forget the Census!

Despite everything, the incredibly important work done by the United States Census Bureau is continuing. Every 10 years, every individual residing in the United States – regardless of age, race, ethnicity or immigration status – needs to be counted. Getting an accurate population count is essential to the democratic process. This effort ensures that Oregon receives needed federal funding for vital community programs as well as accurate representation in Congress.

While door-to-door outreach can’t happen for the time being, the Census will still be doing community outreach by phone and text, which also means they are continuing to hire. To apply and participate in this critical part of the democratic process, click here.

Like so many Oregonians, we received a letter in the mail with our household code to fill out our information online. I did it last week. It was easy and didn’t take a lot of time. So, please, do it!


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.

Thank you for reading! We will get through this together.

Best,

Tina

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