GOVERNOR KATE BROWN ANNOUNCES STEPS TO LIFT COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS, FULLY REOPEN OREGON ECONOMY
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When Oregon reaches 70% first dose vaccination rate for adults, most county and individual health and safety restrictions will lift
(Salem, OR) — Governor Kate Brown today announced the steps the state will take to lift COVID-19 health and safety restrictions and fully reopen the economy after 70% of all Oregonians 18 and older have received a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. Because vaccines are very effective at protecting against COVID-19, after reaching the 70% threshold, Oregon will lift most state restrictions and move away from a state-led emergency COVID-19 response effort, shifting focus to pandemic recovery and supporting local public health and health care providers with resources. As of June 3, Oregon had achieved a 66.2% vaccination rate for individuals 18 and older, with 127,308 more people needing to receive a first dose to reach 70%. “I want to be very clear that we are able to reopen like this because of the efficacy of the vaccines. For those of you who are vaccinated, you’ve helped us reach this point — and you are protected from this virus,” said Governor Brown. “However, there are still Oregonians who need to take extra precautions to feel and stay safe. People battling cancer and immunocompromised Oregonians, to name a couple. There are also many Oregon kids who are not yet eligible for a vaccine. “So, it will remain incredibly important for Oregonians to continue making smart choices. And, to respect the choices of others. Let’s respect one another as we prepare to make this transition. “This has really become a tale of two pandemics. If you are vaccinated, then you’re safe, you can carry on safely without wearing a mask and social distancing. “If you are not vaccinated, this virus still poses a very real threat.” After reaching the 70% threshold, Oregon will take the following steps to lift restrictions:
- Oregon’s Risk Level framework, including all county-based metrics and health and safety restrictions, will be lifted. This includes mask, physical distancing, and capacity limit requirements.
- The state will not require masks and face coverings in almost all settings, with some exceptions following federal guidance, including airports, public transit, and health care settings.
- Because the same mask and social distancing rules will apply for all individuals—vaccinated or unvaccinated—vaccine verification will not be necessary.
- It will still be strongly recommended that unvaccinated individuals and other vulnerable individuals continue to wear masks and practice other health and safety measures to stay safe from COVID-19.
Click here for full press release and more information
LANDLORD COMPENSATION FUND: Round 3
FROM LCF:
The Landlord Compensation Program is designed to provide relief to residential landlords who have been unable to collect tenant rent due to tenant financial hardships. You may be eligible to receive 80% of tenant unpaid rent from qualified tenants (from April 2020 on). However, you will be required to forgive the remaining 20% of unpaid rent.
Unlike the Oregon Emergency Rental Assistance Program, LCF covers rental debt for ALL, regardless of a tenant’s income. We encourage landlords to apply between June 1-June 18, 2021. All funds must be awarded by June 30, 2021
Oregon's Landlord Compensation Fund Program helps keep financially strained tenants in their homes, and while helping landlords make ends meet and keep their business running.
More information and to apply
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OHCS HOME RENTER ASSISTANCE :
Housing Assistance - Are you experiencing hardship as a result of the COVID pandemic? Are you at risk of eviction and behind in payments? If you’re at 80% of Oregon’s median income or below, apply for Oregon Housing Community Service's emergency rental assistance program.
The program will cover up to 12 months of past due rent or utilities and pay 3 months of rent in advance. You do not have to pay this back and it is not first come, first served.
Click here for more information
SANTIAM CANYON WILDFIRE RELIEF
FROM THE SCWRFund:
It was with great optimism and hope that the Santiam Canyon Wildfire Relief Fund was established on September 11, 2020.
The mission is to support residents living in the Santiam Canyon who were affected by Lionshead and Beachie Creek wildfires by raising funds to provide relief, support the recovery and clean up, and assist in the rebuild of our communities including Idanha, Breitenbush, Detroit, Niagara, Gates, Mill City, Lyons, and Mehama, Oregon.
More information and donation link
Follow SCWRFund on Facebook
OREGON'S BOUNTY:
Who, What, When, and Where
FROM OREGON FARM BUREAU:
Oregon’s Bounty is a searchable directory of 260 family farms & ranches that sell food & foliage directly to the public. The website allows visitors to do keyword searches for specific ag products and/or search for farms.
Click here to view Oregon's Bounty Guide
MEAT AND POTATOES!
At the Capitol last week, we had National Beef Day and this week it was National Potato Day.
Lots of Oregon beef jerky and Oregon potatoes were graciously provided to all our Capitol offices.
Thank you Oregon Cattlemen's Association and Oregon Potato Commission!
DID YOU KNOW...
- Oregon has over 13,000 beef producers
- There are over 1.2 million cattle dispersed across every Oregon county (link to map)
- In 2019, Beef ranked second most valuable ag commodity with $652 million (farm gate value)
- Compared to 1975, 36% fewer cattle produce the same amount of beef today
- Cattle have an upcycling superpower - 90% of what cattle consume is inedible to humans, including food byproducts which would otherwise go to waste & landfills
- Conservatively, cattle ranching provides $14.8 billion of societal value in the U.S.
DID YOU KNOW…
- Potatoes contain lots of vitamins and have fewer calories than a grapefruit
- Have more potassium than a banana
- Have more usable iron than any other vegetable
- They are also high in fiber, rich in vitamins and minerals and contain no fat or cholesterol
- Fun fact: Kids will eat more of every other vegetable when served with potatoes
Oregon’s Potato History
FROM LINN COUNTY HEALTH DEPT:
Last vaccine clinic at the Linn County Fairgrounds is June 9th.
Pfizer and Moderna are Available.
More information
THAT'S A GOOD BOY!
FROM ALBANY POLICE DEPT:
Doing good work since 2014, K-9 Jäger is ready for retirement! The Albany Police Department is celebrating his dedication and commitment to our community.
Thank you for your service to the Albany Police Department, Jäger!
Click here to watch his dedication video
SWIM LESSONS AT THE YMCA
FROM THE YMCA:
The YMCA has been teaching swimming lessons for over 100 years. We continue to uphold the tradition because it provides individuals the opportunity to enjoy the water, safely! Drowning is the leading cause of death in children age 1 – 5 yrs. To prevent drownings, we hold swimming lessons all year round, for anyone and everyone that wants to learn. The advantages of year-round swimming lessons are the repetitions creating muscle memory, a healthy lifestyle, continuous growth, and progress.
Click here for more information and to sign-up
PET SAFETY:
Please Don't Leave Your Pet in a Hot Car
FROM CITY OF ALBANY:
It may only be 70 outside your car, but temperatures inside can rapidly climb in just 10 minutes time. Don't leave pets in your vehicle. If you need to report a distressed pet, call Albany Police at 541-917-7680.
HEAT STROKE: Know the Signs
FROM ALBANY FIRE DEPT:
The weather is getting warmer. Stay hydrated with water and avoid strenuous work in the afternoons.
EXPLORING LINN COUNTY HISTORY
FROM LINN COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM:
BROWNSVILLE — After 13 months of complete closure and one month of limited hours, the Linn County Historical Museum in Brownsville has returned to its full operating schedule.
“Some of our more touchable, kid friendly exhibits are temporarily in storage, but there is still plenty to see, including our new, still growing, Stand By Me exhibit,” said Barbara Andersen, marketing and events coordinator. “We are continuing to search for memorabilia, and stories, from people who were around during the filming of the movie. If you have something you would be willing to donate, please contact the museum, no matter how insignificant it might seem.”
Click here for more information about hours and tours
As always, my office is here for you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office if you have any community event announcements, legislative questions, or concerns.
Stay tuned and stay involved!
 Capitol Phone: 503-986-1415
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, H-389, Salem, OR 97301
Email: Rep.ShellyBoshartDavis@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/boshartdavis
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