As of March 23rd, 2020 Governor Kate Brown has issued a stay at home order in order to slow the spread of COVID-19. Brown’s executive order closes some businesses and forces those that remain open to implement social distancing rules. Businesses that remain open include grocery stores, banks, pharmacies, gas stations, bars and restaurants (take out and delivery only), and some other stores that can easily maintain that six feet apart rule. Those closed include all outdoor and indoor malls, retail complexes, fitness, yoga and dance centers, salons, grooming facilities, tattoo parlors, all entertainment centers, Oregon state parks, skate parks, and playgrounds.
According to Oregon Live those who violate the order could be charged with endangering public health and given a 30 day jail sentence or a $1,250 fine. Law enforcement agencies have said they are more likely to inform residents of the restrictions rather than fine or jail them.
Oregon Governorn Kate Brown has launched a Coronavirus information page.
Governor Kate Brown has said that all gatherings of 250 people or more would be banned statewide for the next four weeks, effective immediately according to a report from OPB. The CDC is recommending that all non-essential travel be halted to specified countries in Europe. A full list of these countries included in the restriction can be found HERE. If you think you may be sick and are wondering what next steps to take the CDC has compiled a list with handy graphics on what to do.
If you believe you may be sick do NOT attend work or school and find another caregiver for your animals if needed. According to the CDC FAQ page about the virus, "there have not been reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19, it is still recommended that people sick with COVID-19 limit contact with animals until more information is known." Call your doctor before you plan on coming into the office, as they may have certain guidelines for patients potentially infected with COVID-19. Wear a face mask before entering the facility and try to avoid touching any public surfaces.
Clean any and all frequently touched surfaces in the home daily with a household cleaner according to the directions on the bottle. Surfaces in this category include counters, doorknobs, keyboards, phones, bathroom fixtures, toilets, tablets and bedside tables according to the CDC.
According to Oregon Live we have had our first death due to Coronavirus here in the state of Oregon. The 70-year-old man was being treated at Portland's Veterans' Affairs Medical Center and was reported to have medical problems. He had tested positive four days before he passed away.
Portland City Commissioner Chloe Eudaly announced on Friday that they would no longer be towing or writing additional tickets to cars that have been abandoned. If you think this means that you can forego paying for your parking at the meter, that's where you would be incorrect. They went on to clarify that this does not apply to metered parking. If your vehicle is parked over the time limit in a paid parking district that you are still subject to the usual fee.
How is COVID-19 spread?
Human coronaviruses most commonly spread from an infected person to others through:
- The air by coughing and sneezing
- Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
- Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands
- Rarely, fecal contamination with coronavirus present
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of coronavirus are similar to flu or colds and may include:
- Runny nose
- Headache
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Fever
- A general feeling of being unwell
How can people protect themselves?
There are steps people should take to reduce their risk of getting and spreading any viral respiratory infections. These include:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
- Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces.
- Stay at home and away from others if you are feeling ill.
Should I wear a mask when I go out in public?
We are not recommending that people wear masks when they are in public. Masks can be useful in some settings to prevent someone who has a respiratory illness from spreading it to others. That’s why we recommend that people who are sick put a mask on if they are waiting in a clinic.
Thank you to The Oregonian for supplying us with more COVID-19 information about the cases close to home.
GOVERNMENT RESPONSES:
>> Faced with questions about her leadership in the unfolding coronavirus crisis, Gov. Kate Brown on Friday sounded a far different tone than she has previously ,blaming unfulfilled promises by Vice President Mike Pence and the federal government for Oregon’s shortcomings in testing and medical preparedness.
>> Locally, the cities of Beaverton, Hillsboro and Sherwood issued state of emergency declarations to aid in their response to the virus. All are in Washington County, which has the highest concentration of coronavirus cases in Oregon.
PUBLIC SAFETY: Portland police will stop responding in person to some calls and will instead call people who have reported some types of non-life-threatening crimes in an effort to reduce officers’ exposure to the new coronavirus so the police force retains the ability to respond to life-threatening emergencies.Federal courts and state courthouses are suspending or delaying trials, allowing citizens to postpone jury duty and situating jurors farther apart.
HOUSING: Portland Commissioner Chloe Eudaly was among several city council candidates, renters’ advocates and labor officials Friday to call for the city to temporarily disallow home evictions. Multnomah County has taken steps to try to prevent infection among homeless people: advising separation in shelters, designating funds for motel vouchers, and passing out hygiene supplies.
SCHOOLS: Governor Kate Brown has extended school closures through April 28th in Oregon.
CHILD CARE: Oregon child care regulators are considering whether to let some day care providers take in more children than currently allowed, a proposal prompted in part by statewide schools closures that start Monday.
LIBRARIES: Multnomah County is closing its 19 libraries, a measure that library director Vailey Oehlke said has "never happened in modern times.”
PARKS AND RECREATION: Portland Parks & Recreation is closing all indoor community and arts centers, swimming pools and sports facilities for the rest of the month. Parks, playgrounds, trails, natural areas and public golf courses will stay open.
RESTAURANTS: All Oregon restaurants have been instructed to close for 30 days to dine in customers. They are still allowed to serve take out and dine in options
INTEL: Intel said Friday it is continuing “to operate on a relatively normal basis” in Oregon and at its other sites around the world. The chipmaker said it’s now recommending employees work from home“if their roles allow.”
VETERANS' HOME: At least eight residents of the Edward C. Allsworth Veterans’ Home in Lebanon have tested positive for coronavirus, and the home, which has 151 residents and 225 workers, is locked down to the public.
WELLS FARGO CENTER: An employee working in Portland’s tallest building, the Wells Fargo Center, has tested positive for the coronavirus.
CLARK COUNTY: 2 new coronavirus cases have been discovered in Southwest Washington care facilities, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in Clark County to three.
WALMART: Walmart has announced that their 24 hour stores will now be open from 6a-11p
ILANI CASINO: Ilani Casino in SW Washington will be closing for the rest of the month.
They have also provided a great resource on how to prepare for a potential quarantine HERE.