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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
When Oregon entered the statewide freeze on November 18, strict public health measures were put into place to curb the deadly surge in COVID-19 cases around the state. As the Governor and top health officials explained in a press conference, the freeze was not designed to be in place long term. For this reason, a new framework of risk mitigation measures started taking effect on December 3.
Oregon’s Risk and Protection Framework features four different risk levels for counties based on their level of COVID-19 spread. At each risk level — Extreme Risk, High Risk, Moderate Risk, and Lower Risk — health and safety measures and guidance for businesses and individuals will apply. Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington Counties have been identified as Extreme Risk (along with many other counties) and will remain so for at least the next two weeks.
Beginning November 30 and continuing in each subsequent two-week period, the Oregon Health Authority will examine and publish county data weekly. 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.
Visit the Governor’s COVID-19 page to learn more about the framework, and see the graphic below to learn more about Extreme Risk county level guidance.
The open enrollment period for the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace ends on December 15. The Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace helps people get coverage when they do not have job-based health insurance and do not qualify for the Oregon Health Plan.
An estimated 132,000 Oregonians are uninsured. OregonHealthCare.gov offers an easy window shopping tool to help people understand what programs and financial help they may be able to receive. The website also provides links connecting Oregonians with free, local help.
The Medicare open enrollment period ends today, December 7.
Another available resource is the Oregon Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) program, which is available to seniors who need assistance.
SHIBA counselors can help Oregonians navigate the Plan Finder Tool to enter prescriptions and compare the cost and benefits of individual drug plans, provide enrollment guidance, and answer any other questions related to Medicare benefits. Find local help by calling 800-722-4134 (toll-free) or visiting the SHIBA website.
Last year, we passed a historic Paid Family and Medical Leave law, and many are hard at work to build up the program for implementation.
The Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (PFMLI) team is hosting a Self-Employed Virtual Town Hall from 6:30–7:30 PM on Tuesday, December 8. You must register in advance to join the Town Hall.
The Self-Employed/Independent Contractors Virtual Town Hall will focus on self-employed and independent contractors who elect to participate in the program, including contribution and benefit amounts and how to select coverage. Recordings for previous PFMLI Town Halls are available here.
The Washington County District Attorney’s Office will host a special Zoom webinar for parents designed to educate them about how to keep their kids safe online. Between online learning, popular social media applications and video games, our children are more connected to the web than ever before. Unfortunately, child predators are using new strategies to exploit children as they are online more often.
Join the webinar on Thursday, December 10 from 5:30-6:30 PM as Senior Deputy District Attorney Andy Pulver will detail what to look out for and to help your children stay safe. You can register for the Zoom webinar here.
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Due to recent harsh weather conditions, the County’s Severe Winter Shelter Network has been activated a few weeks earlier than originally planned in order to serve houseless adults.
A related temporary emergency program launched nearby in early October has provided a similar “Safe Sleep” opportunity for houseless adults sheltering in recreational vehicles. The Safe Sleep RV (SSRV) Program continues to host individuals in 28 campsites and provide onsite management and 24-hour security.
Washington County’s efforts are critical for helping to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among the vulnerable houseless community. I am grateful for these programs to keep our houseless neighbors safe, their work is so important.
Click here to learn more about Washington County Housing Services and efforts to end homelessness.
More than two months after the devastating fires that swept through the state in early September, recovery efforts and support for survivors continues. Endless thanks to Oregon’s strong communities, dedicated public servants across all levels of government, and selfless volunteers with organizations like the Red Cross.
It will be a long road before many of these communities are able to make full recoveries, but together we can build back better. For more information on the work the Red Cross has done so far and how you can help, click here.
 I know this is a difficult time, thank you for doing your part to keep our community safe. Please continue to wear a face covering, keep your physical distance, practice good hygiene, skip social gatherings, and stay home when you can – especially if you feel sick. It’s the only way we can return to some version of normal.
As always, please let me know if you need any assistance. My office and I will work to connect you with resources and get your questions answered as quickly as possible.
Sincerely,
 Senate Majority Leader Rob Wagner
Senate District 19
email: Sen.RobWagner@OregonLegislature.gov I phone: 503-986-1719
address: 900 Court St NE, S-223, Salem, OR, 97301
website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/wagner
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