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Greetings:
The weather is getting colder, leaves are changing colors, and the holidays will be upon us sooner than we know it. Now is a great time to start thinking about getting your flu shot while the number of flu cases in Oregon are still low. While getting a flu shot won’t protect you from COVID-19, it helps essential workers stay healthy and preserves medical resources for patients with COVID-19.
Oregon Health Authority Update
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reports up-to-date information regarding testing statistics that can be found on their website. You can read details about the overall picture of COVID-19 response efforts in Oregon. Multnomah County’s Emergency Operation Center also created a situational report to track COVID-19 response efforts in Multnomah County. Here are some recent developments:
- Today OHA reported the highest daily case count since the beginning of the pandemic. Preliminary data show this increase is due to continued widespread community transmission resulting in small clusters and outbreaks across the state.
- OHA published new face covering guidance this week, which requires that people consistently wear face coverings while indoors at their workplace or all other places where they will be in contact with people from outside their household.
- The daily numbers are available here, the newest weekly report is available here and the updated modeling of COVID-19 trends is here.
While the coronavirus has changed many aspects of our lives, there are still fun and safe ways to enjoy fall activities. Halloween is coming up soon and the Oregon Health Authority provided some creative ideas and ways that families can participate in low risk activities. More information is included in the graphics below.
 
Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)
Today is the deadline for the Employment Department’s Disaster Unemployment Assistance Program. DUA provides a safety net for those whose employment was directly impacted by the September wildfires, and who are not already eligible for another unemployment program. Anyone whose employment was impacted by the recent wildfires who has not yet applied for DUA must submit their application ASAP. You must be in Clackamas, Douglas, Jackson, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, or Marion counties and NOT eligible for any other unemployment benefits. If you, your family, or friends want to know more about this program, click here.
Emergency Rent & Mortgage Assistance
Regional Community Action Agencies (CAAs) are delivering assistance to Oregonians facing hardship due to COVID-19. If you are in need of rent or mortgage assistance, please contact your local CAA or call 2-1-1. These programs are made possible by Coronavirus Relief Funds and the program must end by December 30th. Additionally, OHCS’ Oregon Homeownership Stabilization Initiative has re-opened and can help COVID impacted households pay down their mortgage.
FEMA Pro Bono Legal Services
The Oregon State Bar is providing pro bono legal assistance to Oregonians affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the floods in Eastern Oregon. Oregon lawyers, through the Oregon State Bar, are partnering with FEMA and the American Red Cross to provide legal assistance on FEMA claims, contract claims, insurance claims, landlord-tenant matters and more. If you need assistance, please contact the Oregon State Bar’s Lawyer Referral Program to be directed to a lawyer in your area.
Please reach out to my office if you have any additional questions, or if there’s anything you think I could help with.
Sincerely,
 Representative Barbara Smith Warner
House District 45
email: Rep.BarbaraSmithWarner@oregonlegislature.gov I phone: 503-986-1445
address: 900 Court St NE, H-295, Salem, OR 97301
website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/smithwarner
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