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Friends and Neighbors,
Governor Brown Updates
Effective 12/3: Oregon's Risk and Protection Framework
This new health and safety framework uses four different risk levels for counties based on their level of COVID-19 spread—Extreme Risk, High Risk, Moderate Risk, and Lower Risk—effective December 3.
This week, the Oregon Health Authority will reexamine county data to determine which counties qualify for each risk level on December 3, following the end of the 2-Week Freeze. In each subsequent two-week period, the Oregon Health Authority will examine and publish county data weekly, but county risk levels will not change until the end of the second week. In the first week, counties will be given Warning Week data to prepare for potential risk level changes. In the second week, county risk levels will be updated based on that week’s data. More detailed information will be posted before December 3.
 Washington County Public Health Supports Governor’s New Framework
From Washington County
Washington County Public Health supports the new framework announced by Governor Kate Brown. We are hopeful this new approach will be easier for the public and businesses to understand and will help slow the spread of COVID-19 in Oregon and in Washington County.
Like most of the state, Washington County is in the governor’s “freeze” through December 2. Due to our case numbers being over 300 per 100,000 residents from November 8 to November 21, we anticipate being placed into the “Extreme Risk” category starting December 3. You can visit the state’s website for specifics about what this means for gatherings, restaurants, gyms, recreation and more.
We empathize with community members who are frustrated and confused by the frequent changes and updates. Even after nine months, we are still learning more about this virus and need to continue to be flexible in how we react to it. But there is no doubt that the virus is surging, and our health care systems are on the brink of being overwhelmed.
Our public health system is at capacity. We are working hard, but we may not be able to keep up with outreach to cases and contact tracing. We need your help:
- If you are sick or have tested positive, please stay home and away from others. Take safety precautions to prevent spread of the virus within your own household. These measures include designating one caregiver for the sick person, having the sick person stay in a separate room or providing a barrier between the sick person and the rest of the family, and asking the sick person, the caregiver and household members to always wear face coverings.
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If you have tested positive or are waiting for test results, tell your close contacts right away so they can quarantine. It is recommended that close contacts quarantine for 14 days. A close contact is someone you spent at least 15 minutes with in a 24-hour period, within 6 feet, with or without masks, indoors or out. More guidance is available in the “After You Get Tested” handbook on our website.
- If possible, close contacts should get tested, but a negative test does not mean you can stop your quarantine. You can get sick at any time within the 14 days after exposure. There is no “best time to test,” but you should wait at least three days after exposure.
If you can’t work due to COVID-19 and need help with rent, groceries or other essentials, Washington County and our community partners may be able to provide financial and other assistance.
We know people are hurting – physically, emotionally and financially. Please know there is help available. The Washington County Crisis Line is answered 24/7 at 503-291-9111. Get connected to additional information and resources by calling 2-1-1.
Oregon Health Authority Updates
Weekly COVID-19 Report
From the Oregon Health Authority
Our COVID-19 weekly report, released last Wednesday, set new pandemic highs for daily cases and hospitalizations.
- We reported 8,687 new daily cases during the week of Monday, Nov. 16 through Sunday, Nov. 22, a 34 percent increase over the previous record-high week.
- Weekly hospitalizations from COVID-19 rose to 366, a 26 percent increase and the highest weekly yet reported in the pandemic.
- There were 61 reported COVID-19 reported deaths, nearly doubling the previous week’s total of 31.
- People age 20 to 49 have accounted for 55 percent of the cases, while people 70 and older have accounted for 74 percent of the deaths.
- During the week of Nov. 15 to Nov. 21, 129,564 COVID-19 tests were administered. The percentage of positive tests was 7.2 percent. Previously, we used a “person-based” method. We are now using a “test-based” method, whereby all electronic lab reports received by OHA will be used to calculate percent positivity. This change was prompted by changes in testing patterns.
 Underlying Conditions and COVID-19
From the Oregon Health Authority
We’ve heard that many of you are interested in learning more about the underlying conditions that can lead to complications from COVID-19.
These conditions include: cardiovascular disease, chronic liver and lung disease, chronic renal disease, being a current or former smoker, diabetes mellitus, immunocompromised condition, neurologic and neurodevelopmental conditions, obesity and other chronic diseases.
Check out the graphic below to learn more about chronic kidney disease and COVID-19.
 Insurance Updates
Medicare Help is Available- Open Enrollment Ends December 7th
From the Department of Consumer and Business Services
Thousands of Oregonians get their Medicare questions answered by certified Medicare counselors working with the Oregon Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) program. Medicare open enrollment for Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug plans is Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. Don't miss your opportunity to shop, compare and make enrollment decisions.
SHIBA and local partners are committed to continuing to provide Medicare counseling services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Consumers can schedule telephone-based appointments by calling a local office (listed in the search tool below), calling 800-722-4134 (toll-free), or emailing shiba.oregon@oregon.gov.
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SHIBA/Medicare Volunteers: Certified Medicare counselors provide objective, unbiased information, answer general Medicare questions, help people understand available insurance options, and help them learn whether they qualify for income-related benefits. They can not recommend a Medicare plan.
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Medicare Agents: These licensed insurance agents can help you enroll in a Medicare plan. Only insurance agents can recommend which Medicare plan may be best for you.
Community Outreach
World AIDS Day 2020
From the World Health Organization
Today, December 1, is World AIDS Day. The world has made significant progress since the late 1990s, but HIV remains a major global public health issue. And like many other major health issues, it faces additional challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.
HIV prevention, testing, treatment and care services are all being disrupted particularly in countries with fragile heath systems. The breakdown in essential HIV services due to COVID-19 is threatening lives. Any slowing down in provision of these services will leave many vulnerable populations at greater risk of HIV infection and AIDS-related deaths. Nevertheless, all over the world, health workers and community representatives are doing their utmost to keep services going, adopting innovative ways to overcome disruptions in services caused by COVID-19.
On 1 December WHO joins partners in paying tribute to all those working to provide HIV services, and in calling on global leaders and citizens to rally for “global solidarity” to maintain essential HIV services during COVID 19 and beyond. It is a call to focus on vulnerable groups who are already at risk and expand coverage to children and adolescents. And in 2020, the International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife, it is a call for more protection and support to these health workers who have long been on the frontline of HIV service delivery. We can all contribute to the effort to end AIDS and make the world a healthier place.
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Cascade AIDS Project
From Cascade AIDS Project
Founded in 1983 and incorporated in 1985 as the Cascade AIDS Project, CAP is the oldest and largest community-based provider of HIV services, housing, education and advocacy in Oregon and Southwest Washington.
From emergency housing and food box deliveries to telehealth visits and holiday gifts for families affected by HIV, we are meeting the needs of our clients and patients in any way we can. Please consider being a part of that work for World AIDS Day this year. You can help by making a gift to insure we can continue these critical services.
Make a gift for World AIDS Day by visiting their website here.
Additional Resources
House District 30 Links
Federal Delegation Links
Education Links
Utilities Assistance
Food and Housing Assistance
 Be good to yourself and each other. ❤
Onward & Upward,
 Capitol Phone: 503-986-1430
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-487, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.JaneenSollman@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/sollman
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