_{*  “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}

We’ve enjoyed your recent photos of beautiful Southern Oregon so much that we want to share more. This photo was provided by Jack Leishman. 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

Before we get to Covid-related news and resources, let me spend a moment on the other story that’s making history. Last week’s murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis has stunned everyone I know and brought our country to a moment of truth. I’ve heard from people who want state action on police reforms and others who want demonstrators off the street. Most wanted to know what I think; I sent them this.

An emerging leader on these issues is one of my favorite colleagues, Senator Lew Frederick of Portland. I liked his short interview with OPB this week.

Welcome to Phase 2

This week 26 counties, Jackson included, move from Phase I to Phase 2. Restrictions on travel are relaxed, limits on the numbers of people who can gather are increased, a wider range of businesses can re-open and curfew time for bars and restaurants is pushed back to midnight.

Here’s a good summary of the changes in Phase 2.

And here is a timeline article on the risk level of different activities that most of us enjoy.

Keep taking care of yourself and others—

Senator Jeff Golden, Oregon Senate District 3

Important Updates

• As Jackson County progresses into Phase 2 of reopening, many are navigating questions about what activities are safe. This article provides information about activities and their relative safety during this time. This article also provides answers from doctors about daily activities and questions you might have.
  
  
• Governor Brown fired Oregon Employment Department Director Erickson on May 31st, due to the unacceptable delays in processing Oregon unemployment claims. Click here for more information.
  
  
• The state's general information site is a useful tool during this time. For most current information statewide, visit this link. For more detailed information, visit this link.
  
  
• Starting June 9, most campgrounds will be offering first-come first-serve camping for a maximum stay of 14 days. Please be responsible while visiting these outdoor areas and continue to social distance while out. For answers to frequently asked questions, utilize this link.
  
  
• The Bureau of Land Management announced that many popular trails will reopen in Jackson County. Click here for more information.

Resources for Current Information

• Business Oregon has compiled this useful table, which can be used to locate PPE manufacturers and distributors.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• Check out this consolidated Oregon COVID-19 Response page with resources, information, and FAQs linked here.
  
  
• U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley have each put together pages with additional resources and information.
  
  
• 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

Business Resources:

• Senator Merkley's office has put together an excellent summary of the resources made available through the federal coronavirus relief packages with tips and advice about how access that aid. Click here to view.
  
  

• USDA has a Rural Development COVID-19 resource page with information about Rural Development loan payment assistance, application deadline extensions, and more, including in Spanish.

• Business Oregon has created a Small Business Resource Navigator with both resources for businesses and business survival tips to get through the crisis.
  
  

• The Ashland Chamber of Commerce has put together a page with resources in the Rogue Valley for both employers and employees.

• The Medford Chamber of Commerce has launched their Southern Oregon Strong (S.O.S.) Campaign to give access to a whole host of resources for businesses and consumers.

• 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. Find more information here.

Social Services:

• Governor Brown has outlined final guidelines for childcare facilities. If childcare facilities meet the guidelines, they have been authorized to open as of May 15th.
  
  
• The National Alliance on Mental Illness has a helpline if you are struggling with mental illness in this stressful time, as well as many support groups of all kinds. The helpline is available from 9 AM to 5 PM at 503-230-8009, or toll-free at 800-343-6264. Visit their website here to find out more.
  
  
• SEIU has put together a really valuable page with resources for unemployment insurance, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Food stamps), the Oregon Health Plan or other health care coverage, child care, and housing services. Check it out.
  
  
• The Governor has created a Coronavirus FAQ for immigrants and refugees in a variety of languages. You can find it by clicking here.
  
  
• Oregon Recovers has put together a list of resources for those struggling with addiction.

Meals for All: 

• Oregon Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education’s Food Hero website with resources about meal budgeting, planning, and recipes. Its searchable database has plenty of quick, tasty, healthy and low-cost recipes.
  
  
• The Oregon Food Bank has put together a "Food Finder" page to help locate local pantries and food assistance sites. They want to make sure that food is available to all who need it. If you enter your address, the Food Finder will tell you what services are in your area and is available in multiple languages. Find the Oregon Food Bank's Food Finder by clicking here.
  
  
• Access has put together a lengthy list of local food pantries.

For Parents and Students:

• Need more reading material? Check out Jackson County's digital library services. They have ebooks, audio books, TV and movies you can rent. The Jackson County Libraries are also gradually reopening, starting with a pick-up service where you can stop by a local branch and staff will bring you the books you put on hold before the shut down in March.
  
  
• OPB created a list of at-home learning resources to help keep kids engaged while they're stuck at home.
  
  
• Kid Time has put together some online activities for kids stuck in the house. Check them out here.
  
  
• 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.