Larger State Seal
Rep. Greg Barreto's Newsletter
March 24, 2020
Dear Friends,
 
 As coronavirus takes front and center stage not only in the US, but also in Oregon, I will try to keep you posted daily on what is happening at the state level both in OHA (Oregon Health Agency) as well as what the Governor is doing to curb the spread of this virus. School is out at this point for 2 weeks, large events from 250 now down to 25 have been cancelled, and some businesses are starting to shut down for an indeterminate length of time. 
This has all taken place in a very short length of time and seems to be accelerating daily. When we see spontaneous responses to a potential virus outbreak, the desire to curb the spread so that hospitals and health care agencies are not overwhelmed is extremely important. But there is also an economy to be concerned with that ultimately has to pay for our existence as well as our insurance and health care costs. We should be evaluating our situation with solid, well thought out moves that cover all these concerns. 

Thank you,
Greg
Stay home, save lives

Today Governor Kate Brown released a new executive order that takes additional steps to ensure Oregonians stay home in order to slow the spread of COVID-19 and save lives.
You may have questions about what the details of this order mean for the businesses you go to or activities that you usually participate in. But in the simplest of terms, the order asks you to please stay home unless it’s absolutely necessary. In response to the Governor’s order, OHA director Patrick Allen stated:

We know what can happen if every Oregonian doesn’t do their part to slow the spread of COVID-19. We don’t have to do more than turn on our televisions or go on social media to see what’s happening in other parts of the world. We know that our hospitals will be overwhelmed. We know that vulnerable citizens will be particularly at risk to the most serious consequences of the virus.

We’re asking everyone to take these measures seriously. We can all do our part to protect the health of our communities. What you do today can save someone’s life.

Help us get the message out to all Oregonians to #StayHomeSaveLives

Looking for some simple do’s and don’ts under this new executive order? Wondering which businesses are open or closed? We have social media cards that you can download from OHA’s COVID-19 website and share. Help us make sure everyone has the basic information they need to make good decisions for their themselves and their families.

Governor Brown Tightens Social Distancing Measures, Tells Oregonians to “Stay Home, Save Lives”

Today Governor Kate Brown issued an executive order that included new prohibitions on non-essential social and recreational gatherings, shopping at certain businesses, playground and sport court closures, and new guidelines for childcare facilities. It also requires businesses not closed by the order to implement social distancing policies in order to remain open and requires workplaces to implement teleworking and work-at-home options when possible. The order only permits activities outside the home when social distance is maintained.

A short description of what’s allowed and not allowed as well as today’s press release can be found on Governor Brown’s COVID-19 webpage .

Oregon reports 30 new COVID-19 cases

Oregon Health Authority reported 30 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the state total to 191, as of 8 a.m. today. The new COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Clackamas (2), Hood River (1), Linn (1), Marion (8), Multnomah (2), Polk (2), Washington (14). Oregon Health Authority reports new cases once a day on its website:  www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus .

The President's Coronavirus Guidelines For America
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Information on COVID-19

Updates and information

Contacting the Salem Office
Office staff: Vicki Olson Legislative Assistant
Rep. Greg Barreto |Legislative Web Site