COVID-19 Oregon: Gov. Brown orders higher ed classes online, halt to non-emergency medical procedures
Other notices on jobless claims, child care rules, Amtrak, DMV, National Guard
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Wednesday brought numerous state announcements, including Gov. Kate Brown's orders for higher education online classes and to halt non-emergency medical procedures, a state Employment Department update, new guidance from the state Early Learning Division on child care rule changes and a reduction in Amtrak Starlight service.
Governor Kate Brown Announces New Executive Order For Higher Education Institutions
(Portland, OR) — Governor Kate Brown late Wednesday announced an executive order directing Oregon's higher education institutions to move their curriculum to online learning, prohibiting in-person classroom interactions through April 28 as a way to prevent transmission of COVID-19.
"I know students have worked hard this school year, and we're doing everything we can to help them safely finish their learning. But we're also learning more about this disease every day, and social distancing is key to keeping Oregonians safe," said Governor Brown. "I understand there are seniors getting ready to graduate this spring, and I want to assure them that our universities and community colleges are working hard to make sure they can get their diplomas."
The executive order also limits on-campus operations to critical functions, such as dining services and dormitories — all of which are directed to employ social distancing — as a way to ensure students have a safe place to live and eat, since some may not otherwise have housing options.
"Governor Brown's clear guidance will help Oregon's colleges and universities statewide to move forward into spring term with the utmost priority placed on the health of our communities, while they continue their educational missions during this extraordinarily hard time," said Ben Cannon, director of Oregon's Higher Education Coordinating Commission. "The students, faculty, and staff who are impacted by these changes should know that the important roles they play in this transformation are all critical to help slow the growth of COVID-19. Shifting almost entirely to remote delivery will help ensure that Oregon's colleges and universities can continue to prepare thousands of students with degrees and certificates they are working so hard to achieve."
"In this difficult time, we deeply appreciate Governor Kate Brown's commitment to help support Oregon students' progress to a college degree as all of us collaborate to reduce the risk and spread of COVID-19," said Ed Ray, president, Oregon State University.
Governor Kate Brown Announces New Order to Preserve Surgical Masks, Gowns, and Gloves
(Portland, OR) — Governor Kate Brown today directed all Oregon hospitals, outpatient clinics, and health care providers, including veterinarians and dentists, to cease all non-emergency procedures, in order to preserve personal protective equipment (PPE), such as surgical masks, gowns, and gloves, for health care workers treating COVID-19 patients.
The forthcoming order also limits visitation in hospitals to protect health care workers and at-risk patients from the spread of COVID-19.
“It is critical that we preserve every piece of personal protective equipment we have in Oregon so that our health care workers can keep themselves safe while treating COVID-19 patients,” said Governor Brown. “If we do not take immediate action, the surge in demand in our hospitals for masks, gowns, and gloves will quickly outstrip the limited supplies they have available. We cannot let that happen. I want to thank the health care providers––including dentists, veterinarians, and others––who have already preserved and donated their critical supplies.”
COVID-19 RELATED BUSINESS LAYOFFS, CLOSURES AND UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE BENEFITS
The health and safety of workplaces is of utmost importance to the Oregon Employment Department, and the agency’s mission is to support business and promote employment. The Employment Department has guidance available to employers, workers, and job seekers impacted by the COVID-19 coronavirus situation.
Unemployment Insurance Benefits
The Oregon Employment Department provides Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits to most workers who are out of work through no fault of their own. To get benefits, workers must meet some requirements. In general, to claim and receive unemployment benefits for a week, workers must be available for work, able to work, and actively look for work they can do. Today the Employment Department enacted temporary rules to give more flexibility in providing unemployment benefits to COVID-19 affected workers.
Unemployment Insurance benefits are available during temporary layoffs related to COVID-19 situations. These benefits occur for employees whose employer stops operation for a short period of time, such as cleaning following a coronavirus exposure, or by government requirement. Workers can get unemployment benefits, and do not need to seek work with other employers if their place of employment will resume operations. To receive benefits, affected workers must still be able to work, stay in contact with their employer, and be available to work when called back. A full resource guide with questions and answers about specific COVID-19 coronavirus-related situations and unemployment benefits is available at Oregon.gov/employ. This site also has information for filing an online claim.
Economic Impacts
The number of initial Unemployment Insurance claims filed in Oregon rose from approximately 800 on Sunday, March 15 to a total of 18,500 on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Although we know the COVID-19 coronavirus is causing a reduction in economic activity both nationally and in Oregon, it’s too early for unemployment rate or payroll jobs numbers to show the impact of these employment disruptions. The Employment Department will provide more information online as updated data become available.
For help finding jobs and training resources, contact your local WorkSource Oregon center or go to WorkSourceOregon.org.
To file an online claim for unemployment benefits, go to Oregon.gov/employ or call 1-877-FILE-4-UI.
Equal Opportunity program — auxiliary aids and services available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Contact: (503) 947-1794. For people who are deaf or hard of hearing, call 711 Telecommunications Relay Services.
Early Learning Division Announces Temporary Changes to Child Care Rules in Response to COVID-19
(Salem, Ore) – The Early Learning Division is announcing new guidance and temporary changes to support child care providers serving families who provide health, safety, and other essential services to their communities during the coronavirus public health emergency.
Authorized under Oregon Governor Kate Brown’s Executive Order 20-08 issued on March 17, the changes take effect immediately.
“These changes will allow providers more flexibility to continue serving parents doing critical work during this state of emergency,” said Early Learning System Director Miriam Calderon. ”I want to stress that child care providers are serving as first responders, and families for whom child care is not absolutely necessary should keep their children at home to ensure these caregivers can serve those most in need.”
Changes to rules covered in the order include:
Social Distancing
Providers must follow the specific guidance released by the Early Learning Division, in partnership with the Oregon Health Authority, to help providers implement measures that prioritize the safety and health of children and staff.
Licensed Care Exceptions
The Office of Child Care (OCC) will consider case-by-case exceptions, as is already provided for in law, on an expedited timeframe. OCC may allow existing child care centers to open additional, temporary rooms without seeking approval from local jurisdictions or other state agencies.
Expedited Training
OCC will adapt training requirements to allow staff to begin working more quickly, without sacrificing safety. Online training will be available to address health and safety, First Aid/CPR, child abuse reporting, and safe sleep practices.
Emergency Background Check
OCC is establishing an emergency background check process during this time. Applicants will be subjected to LEDS (Law Enforcement Data System) check for Oregon criminal and sex offender registry, Child and Protective Services check for child abuse, National Sex Offender Registry Public Website check, and run against the Central Background Registry.
Emergency Child Care Facilities
OCC is creating an expedited process for providers to stand up new, emergency child care facilities to serve medical personnel, emergency responders, and others who are providing essential services where the need for child care exists.
OCC accepts reports from parents or others who may report concerns. To report a complaint online, go to www.oregonearlylearning.com/parents-families/making-a-complaint. OCC may still inspect and investigate at any time. If OCC determines there is danger to children, the agency may close the facility.
Frequently Asked Questions to address family and provider questions and concerns are available and updated regularly on the Early Learning Division’s COVID-19 webpage. For questions regarding COVID-19 and these changes, providers can call 1-800-342-6712 or their local Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R). Providers can also submit questions by emailing ProviderContact@state.or.us.
Notice from the Oregon Lottery:
SALEM, Ore. -- After a deep clean of the Oregon Lottery's Salem headquarters, the building will open Thursday, March 18,- resuming normal operations.
The Oregon Lottery's Salem headquarters closed Tuesday and Wednesday in response to information received regarding a non-public facing employee who is sick with flu-like symptoms and was tested for COVID-19.
Lottery did not wait for the results to come in before acting. The cleaning process was completed sooner than originally anticipated, allowing for the building to reopen this week.
Passenger rail service moves to one round trip per day, Portland-Eugene
Train and POINT Bus offer eight options in the Willamette Valley
SALEM - Beginning Saturday, March 21, in response to COVID-19, Amtrak Cascades passenger rail service will be reduced in Oregon and Washington. Between Portland and Eugene, there will be one daily round trip instead of two, and the departure times will be the same seven days per week (no weekend schedule). The route is:
- Eugene – 5:30 a.m. departure northbound.
- Portland – 6:05 p.m. departure southbound.
POINT bus service will run in place of the other round trip train (#508/#511) though with slightly different schedules, and it will continue providing connections to and from all train service at Union Station. Visit the POINT website for daily schedules (oregon-point.com).
The Cascades train, POINT Bus and Amtrak Coast Starlight together give travelers eight daily options from Eugene northbound and eight daily options from Portland southbound. For the most up-to-date schedule and options, visit https://www.amtrak.com/cascades, click on the Book Now button and enter your origin, destination and date, then hit “Find Trains.” The site will show you your options and you are not committed to purchase unless you choose to do so. Stops along the route are at Albany, Salem and Oregon City (for the POINT Bus, an additional stop is at Woodburn).
Service reduced in Washington
The service reduction is scheduled to last until April 4 but may be extended. The reduction also includes the following:
- The evening trains between Seattle and Portland are canceled temporarily.
- Trains north of Seattle are canceled until further notice; however, the daily bus service between Seattle, Everett, Mount Vernon, and Bellingham will continue.
Amtrak is using deep-cleaning methods to help protect against the virus. Because ridership has dipped, officials are finding that there is plenty of room on the trains to follow the social distancing guidelines. Amtrak is also offering flexibility around fees. See Amtrak.com for details or call 1-800-USA-RAIL.
Get what you need at DMV2U, avoid DMV offices
March 18, 2020
SALEM – Oregon DMV is making changes at field offices to protect the health of customers and staff and help slow the spread of COVID-19.
DMV offices remain open, but we strongly recommend that you use DMV2U.Oregon.gov. Many of our services are available there. If you must visit an office, delay your trip long as possible.
Go online instead of getting in line
You can do these things 24/7 at DMV2U.Oregon.gov so you don’t have to go into an office:
* Renew registration for most vehicles – even if your tags just expired, you can renew online and print the receipt to take in your car as proof of registration.
* Update your address – if you move within Oregon, you must report your new address to DMV within 30 days.
* Report the sale of your vehicle – if you sell your vehicle, you can take an extra step against future parking tickets and towing/storage fees on that car by reporting the sale to DMV online.
* Get a trip permit if your tags are expired or license plates are lost or stolen, or if you’ve just bought a car without current plates.
* Register to vote or change your voter affiliation at the Secretary of State at sos.oregon.gov
* Visit OregonDMV.com to see the status of your local DMV office.
DMV also accepts many transactions through the mail, and phone agents (503-945-5000) help people prepare for a DMV visit, if required.
Health and safety steps at DMV
* Customers who show symptoms of respiratory illness should stay home.
* Only 10 customers at a time are allowed in the DMV lobby, and we are increasing space between lobby furniture. Please do not bring family or friends with you into the office – unless you are accompanying a teen applying for a permit.
* Some offices may ask customers to wait for their turn in their car.
* All scheduled drive tests are cancelled at least through April 17. You may be able to get a drive test from a private provider. See the list of providers at https://www.oregon.gov/odot/DMV/Pages/DriverID/ClassCTestingBusiness.aspx
* Transactions that can be done online or by mail – such as renewing your vehicle registration – will not be available at DMV offices. Only services that must be done in person are available for now.
* DMV offices must close when minimum staffing is not available. This happens often in flu season as employee are ill. We anticipate it happening in the next several months due to COVID-19.
* DMV continues sanitizing common areas such as counters more frequently.
* Latest on ODOT’s COVID-19 response: https://www.oregon.gov/odot/Pages/incident.aspx
ODOT Special Event Permits on hold
SALEM – To help slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus and protect public health, the Oregon Department of Transportation has stopped issuing Special Event Permits for events to be held on the state highway system that would occur before April 14 and would attract 25 or more people. Permits for events scheduled between now and April 14 will be cancelled and organizers will be contacted directly.
Permits may be issued for events scheduled after April 14, but organizers should keep in mind that the COVID-19 situation is quickly evolving and those permits may need to be cancelled in the coming weeks.
Local ODOT District Offices issue Special Event Permits throughout the year to allow for community events like parades, bicycle races and competitive runs to be held on state highways. The decision to curtail issuing these permits was made as a precaution to help protect Oregonians and slow the transmission of the COVID-19 virus as directed by Governor Brown. We look forward to working with our communities on these events again soon.
OREGON MILITARY DEPARTMENT PROVIDES SUPPORT WITH COVID-19 RESPONSE
SALEM, Ore. - The Oregon Military Department/Oregon National Guard is providing assistance to local areas throughout the state in order to provide specialized support when needed with the COVID-19 response. Assistance ranges from Military Department Civilians providing maintenance and mechanical support, to uniformed personnel setting up facilities for civilian medical personnel.
Guardsmen have coordinated with Oregon Health Authority (OHA), the Oregon Military Department (OMD), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), Department of Corrections (DOC) and other state local and non-governmental agencies.
- Lebanon, Oregon: On March 17th, The Oregon National Guard CERFP (CBRNE - Enhanced Response Force Package) unit traveled to the Oregon Veterans’ Home here and assisted by setting up large tents to be used as a temporary testing facility for COVID-19. The testing was to screen more than 200 staff and caregivers at the facility.
- Warrenton, Oregon: On March 18th, at Camp Rilea members of the Oregon Military Department, working with state maintenance and Providence Seaside Hospital maintenance crews, provided assistance with military tents at the Providence Seaside Hospital. The tents will be used for testing and triaging members of the local community who may have fallen ill from the COVID-19 virus.
- Salem, Oregon: On March 19th, The Oregon National Guardsmen will be at the Oregon State Fairgrounds to help set up medical station facilities.
Kelly Fitzpatrick, director of the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs, said, “At the Lebanon Veterans’ Home, our highest priority remains the health and safety of our honored residents and hard-working staff. We are grateful to our partners at the Oregon National Guard and the Oregon Health Authority for their ongoing support in helping us continue to follow established infectious disease prevention protocols and public health guidelines.”
Oregon Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Matthew McCreery, assigned to the Oregon CERFP was one of the Soldiers on site to set up the tents. “We’re glad to be here to start supporting the communities of Oregon,” he explained. “As a National Guard, our mission is really to be a rapid ready force to respond to the municipalities of Oregon in any emergency or incident. Whether it’s manpower, or trucks or setting up tents to help support the communities -- we're ready to go,” said McCreery.
The Oregon Military Department is scheduled to continue assisting throughout the state in a support capacity as requested.
