State of Emergency Extended

September 2, 2020

Governor Kate Brown today extended her declaration of a state of emergency regarding COVID-19 for an additional 60 days, until November 3, 2020.

Foreclosure Moratorium
Governor Kate Brown extended protections from foreclosure for Oregon homeowners and business owners through executive action, until December 31. Executive Order 20-37 will extend House Bill 4204’s current moratorium on foreclosures, as allowed by that legislation. The Governor is also continuing to have conversations with community leaders and stakeholders to look at options surrounding a moratorium for evictions for renters, which does not expire until September 30. Read the Governor's press release here.

Staying Safe This Labor Day Weekend
With Labor Day weekend coming up, Oregon Health Authority wants to remind Oregonians that the safest way to celebrate is to avoid groups and gatherings, to stay home as much as possible, and to follow face covering guidance if outside the home.

Past holiday weekends have led to outbreaks in Oregon among people celebrating in risky ways and led to an uptick in the number of people who have COVID-19. Over the past few weeks, Oregonians have helped slow the spread of COVID-19 by following public health guidance. Because of people like you, we have seen the number of new cases falling. If we want to keep our friends, neighbors, and families healthy, Oregonians need to modify or cancel holiday weekend gatherings and celebrate in safe ways so we can continue to make progress against COVID-19.

It's important to remember to stay local, continue maintaining physical distance, wear a face covering or mask while in public spaces, avoid large gatherings, wash your hands frequently throughout the day, and disinfect high-touch areas. Stay safe and stay healthy this Labor Day weekend!

Setting up a Safe Workspace for Online Work and School
If you're working mostly at home or have children who will be starting Comprehensive Distance Learning next week, it's important to have workspaces for both that are safe and healthy. For example:

• The computer should be set up with the screen at eye level so you or your child can sit up straight and practice good posture.
• The chair should provide enough comfort and back support to sit for long periods of time.
• Take breaks to stretch and take a walk to avoid sitting all day.

In addition to making things ergonomically correct, it's important to make sure the workplace is conducive to work and learning. For example:

• Is the workspace free of clutter and distractions?
• Are supplies like paper, books, and pencils at hand and ready to use?
• Are things organized so you and your student can easily find things?

To learn more about setting up a good student workspace, view Oregon OSHA's Computer Ergonomics for Elementary School website.