Oregon faces the same threat of pandemic that the rest of the world does. The Coronavirus, or COVID-19, is a virus for which we currently have no vaccination or treatment, although breakthroughs are happening.
COVID-19 is a coronavirus which can be fatal for the elderly, the immunocompromised, and those with underlying conditions. Because the virus is highly contagious, the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) have warned about the potential strain COVID-19 will place on our healthcare system if we don’t do our part and stay home whenever you can, wear a mask and practice social distancing by remaining 6 feet away from others.
These regulations are put into place to keep our families and communities safe, so please follow them. Visit this site to keep up with Oregon’s current COVID-19 requirements.
A public health crisis such as this illustrates the severe weaknesses in our current system. It highlights the lack of affordable and accessible care available to Americans and especially rural Oregonians. It exposes and creates weaknesses in local, state, and national economies. It has thrown into question the efficacy of school policies which disenrolled children with too many absences, even in the midst of a pandemic. It uncovered the dire need for family court reform when addressing custody and parenting time during a declared local, state, or national emergency, as it is clear with guidelines that focus on the health of the children and family unit as a whole instead of on equal parenting time. It has shown the lack of preparedness in health policy to address the lack of available tests, hospitals, and personal protective equipment, and healthcare personnel.
Paige will use her background in health policy to help tackle these issues in the legislature so future threats to public health do not incur such disastrous consequences. Be on the lookout for her video on how to stay politically active during a pandemic. In the meantime, follow precautions like washing your hands and avoiding the elderly and immunocompromised. Be sure to stay informed about further measures to address COVID-19.
Global:
World Health Organization: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Pandemic
Organizacíon Mundial de la Salud: Brote de enfermedad por coronavirus (COVID-19)
National:
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Centros para el Control y la Prevencíon de Enfermedades: Coronavirus (COVID-19)
National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA): Joint Statement on Using Parks and Open Space While Maintaining Physical Distancing
Article: Unemployment Rate at its Highest since the Great Depression (4/3/2020, NY Times)
Article: US Economy Update on July 30th, 2020 by Bloomberg
Article: Housing Payments were missed for many Americans (7/8/2020, CNBC)
State of Oregon:
Oregon Health Authority: COVID-19 Updates
Oregon Coronavirus Information and Resources (Federal & State Updates, Resources for Employees & Employers, FAQ, Education, Closures, Housing & Homelessness, Executive Orders, Other Resources.)
University of Washington Institute of Health Metrics: COVID-19 Projections, find individual state projections as well as the projected peak date and hospital bed and ventilator shortage data. (Resource found through @Thomas_Hager)
Oregon Public Broadcasting: Live COVID-19 Updates
League of Oregon Cities Call for City Leaders: Find out when the next one is and listen to the most recent call. Guests include U.S. Senators, representatives from organizations, state agencies, and the Governor’s office.
House District 17 & Our Rual Communities:
League of Oregon Cities: City Resource Center
Santiam Canyon and Marion Counties
Santiam Hospital Virtual Community Forum on COVID-19 (3/30/2020)
Who to follow:
Twitter: @OPB (Daily round-up on COVID-19)