Reopening Oregon Will Be Slow and Careful
May 6, 2020
Testing and Contact Tracing Plans for Reopening Oregon
Governor Brown has introduced new plans for COVID-19 testing and contact tracing, two foundational elements of her framework for reopening Oregon safely (press conference, press release).
One element of the testing plan is the Key to Oregon study, in which OHSU will enroll 100,000 randomly selected Oregonians to voluntarily participate. The study will seek to better understand infection patterns with testing and precise, real-time mapping. More information about Oregon’s testing and contact tracing plans is available on the OHA website under "Reopening Oregon."
OHA Modeling Shows Reduced Transmission of COVID-19
OHA's weekly modeling update shows that statewide mitigation efforts are working to flatten the curve. The modeling underscores the need to continue monitoring outcomes extremely carefully over time. It shows that to loosen Oregon's current mitigation strategies, changes need be made incrementally to prevent a large increase in infections. Any changes need to also be accompanied by other interventions to keep transmission levels low, which include increased testing capacity, detailed contact tracing and likely the quarantining of infected individuals. Read the full weekly modeling update here.
Oregon’s State of Emergency Extended
Governor Brown extended the state’s emergency declaration until July 6. It was previously set to expire on May 7. The emergency declaration is separate from the Stay Home, Save Lives order, which is in place until further notice. A local news article explains the difference.
Updated Testing Guidelines
On Friday, the OHA changed its clinical testing guidelines so more people can be tested. OHA recommends that medical providers test people with symptoms consistent with COVID-19, with an added priority for testing people in higher risk groups. The guidelines also allow more testing for people without symptoms who are connected to a care facility or group living setting. The updated guidelines can be found here.
Drive-Through Testing Sites
OHSU is offering drive-through testing at the Gordon Faber Recreation Center in Hillsboro and at the Expo Center in Portland for people with COVID-19 symptoms. No appointment or provider referral is necessary. Learn more here.
Walgreens in Hillsboro is offering free drive-through testing for COVID-19. Individuals must complete a screening survey to determine eligibility. Get started here.
Limited Opening of State Recreational Areas
On Tuesday, Governor Kate Brown announced the limited opening of some state parks, outdoor recreation facilities, and areas across Oregon for day use. For the full list of open and closed state parks and details on changed services at these parks, visit oregonstateparks.org.
FDA Issues Emergency Use Authorization for Potential COVID-19 Treatment
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued an emergency use authorization for the investigational antiviral drug remdesivir for the treatment of suspected or laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 in people hospitalized with severe disease (news release here). According to the FDA, the investigational drug was shown in a clinical trial to shorten recovery time in some patients. However, there is still limited information known about its safety and effectiveness in treating COVID-19.
Housing Protections for Oregon Tenants
In March, Governor Brown issued an executive order which places a temporary hold on law enforcement actions relating to residential evictions for not paying rent. West Linn City Council also placed a moratorium on residential evictions. The Oregon Law Center and Legal Aid Services of Oregon have created a video to help explain what tenants need to know. Find additional information about tenant protections at OregonLawHelp.org.
Resources to Help Those in Need
The Oregon Lifeline program is helping people stay connected online and by phone. If you qualify, you could get a discount on your phone or broadband bill, or receive a free cell phone and data service. For more information or to request an application, visit the Oregon Lifeline website.
Families with children receiving free or reduced-price lunch are eligible for Pandemic School Meal Replacement benefits. Families experiencing a loss of income due to Covid-19 can apply online.
Visit westlinnoregon.gov/coronavirus for updates and resources
