COVID-19
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What does COVID-19 mean?
The new name of this disease is coronavirus disease 2019, abbreviated as COVID-19. In COVID-19, ‘CO’ stands for ‘corona,’ ‘VI’ for ‘virus,’ ‘D’ for disease, and '19' for '2019,' the year is was discovered.
Second stimulus payment almost goes in trash after Oregon woman thinks it looks fishy: what to watch for
Starting this week, the Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service are sending millions of second Economic Impact Payments by PREPAID DEBIT CARD...Read more
Temporary increase to SNAP benefits continues in January
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The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) will continue to offer increased food benefits in January 2021 to help Oregonians struggling as a result of the pandemic.
This benefit increase applies to folks currently enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) who are receiving less than the maximum allotment. Additionally, in response to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, there is also a temporary increase in SNAP benefits of approximately 15% for everyone enrolled. SNAP recipients do not have to take any action, additional benefits will be placed directly on Oregon EBT cards. Learn more in a news release: https://go.usa.gov/xARdt |
Should people who have recovered from COVID-19 get vaccinated?Unfortunately, re-infection is possible with COVID-19. Therefore, even if you have already had the virus and recovered, you may still be advised to get a COVID-19 vaccine. According to the CDC, COVID-19 vaccination should be offered to persons regardless of a history of COVID-19 infection, with or without symptoms. |
COVID-19 vaccine arrives in Oregon* Frontline health care workers receive first COVID-19 vaccine * Long-term care residents and staff receive COVID-19 vaccine It is likely to be a few months before a COVID-19 vaccine is available to everyone. |
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New Quarantine Guidelines
There are new guidelines for quarantining that can be found here. These are highly recommended for those who live in Multnomah county and other high-risk counties.
Driver license and vehicle tag grace period extended into 2021
If your driver license, permit or vehicle registration expires between Nov 1, 2020, and April 30, 2021, you have three months after the expiration date to renew without being cited. The Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles is allowing this grace period in order to catch up with the backlog caused by COVID-19.
State of emergency extended until March 3
Governor Kate Brown extended her declaration of a state of emergency regarding COVID-19 for an additional 60 days, until March 3, 2021. The previous executive order was set to expire on Jan. 2, 2021.
The state of emergency declaration is the legal underpinning for the executive orders the governor has issued to keep Oregonians healthy and safe throughout this crisis, including orders regarding the risk level framework that establishes essential health and safety protections for Oregon and orders around childcare, schools, and higher education operations. Extending the state of emergency declaration allows those orders to stay in effect.
The Governor reviews and re-evaluates each emergency order every 60 days to determine whether those orders should be continued, modified or rescinded.
The state of emergency declaration is the legal underpinning for the executive orders the governor has issued to keep Oregonians healthy and safe throughout this crisis, including orders regarding the risk level framework that establishes essential health and safety protections for Oregon and orders around childcare, schools, and higher education operations. Extending the state of emergency declaration allows those orders to stay in effect.
The Governor reviews and re-evaluates each emergency order every 60 days to determine whether those orders should be continued, modified or rescinded.
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Get a flu shot
Anyone 6 months of age or older should get the flu vaccine. Influenza vaccine is available from health care providers and pharmacies. The vaccine is free or low-cost if you use most health insurance providers.
To find a flu vaccine location, visit www.flu.oregon.gov and use the OHA influenza vaccine detection tool. |
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Education: Oregon schools won’t reopen until state sees substantial coronavirus decline, Gov. Kate Brown saysOregon's coronavirus infection rate has flatlined, state officials say. But if that trend doesn't begin to decline... Read More
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Air Quality - 1/26/2021 - 12pm
Source: AirNow.gov
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Wildfire evacuations and bad air quality
For the latest information about wildfires, evacuation information, and emergency lodging, please visit: https://wildfire.oregon.gov/
WILDFIRE EVACUATIONS AND BAD AIR QUALITY If fire officials ask you to evacuate please do so quickly. You won't be asked about your immigration status when you and your loved ones seek shelter.
If you or a family member were in quarantine and had to evacuate, please follow these precautions.
Wear a face covering if you are asked to leave your home or workplace because of a fire. Your face covering will protect you from COVID-19 but is not a replacement for a respirator during bad air quality. Stay inside as much as possible.
For more information and updates visit healthoregon.org/wildfires or call 211. Together, we can keep each other safe and strong.
OREGON HEALTH PLAN (OHP) MEMBERS WHO EVACUATED Did you leave home quickly because of nearby wildfires without grabbing the durable medical equipment (DME), supplies or prescriptions you need? We want you to know that you can get these items replaced.
If you have any trouble replacing things like Durable Medical Equipment (DME), supplies or prescriptions, your Coordinated Care Organization (CCO) can help.
Find your CCO contact information on the OHP website. If you’re an OHP member with an open card, contact member services at: 800-273-0557.
We know these are difficult times and want to help make sure that you have the medicine and medical supplies you need to stay healthy.
WORKING DURING BAD AIR QUALITY There are steps your employer must take to keep you healthy and strong from smoke and dangerous air quality — especially if you work outside in farming or construction. This includes:
For other maps and information about wildfire smoke in Oregon, visit: http://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com/
WILDFIRE EVACUATIONS AND BAD AIR QUALITY If fire officials ask you to evacuate please do so quickly. You won't be asked about your immigration status when you and your loved ones seek shelter.
If you or a family member were in quarantine and had to evacuate, please follow these precautions.
Wear a face covering if you are asked to leave your home or workplace because of a fire. Your face covering will protect you from COVID-19 but is not a replacement for a respirator during bad air quality. Stay inside as much as possible.
For more information and updates visit healthoregon.org/wildfires or call 211. Together, we can keep each other safe and strong.
OREGON HEALTH PLAN (OHP) MEMBERS WHO EVACUATED Did you leave home quickly because of nearby wildfires without grabbing the durable medical equipment (DME), supplies or prescriptions you need? We want you to know that you can get these items replaced.
If you have any trouble replacing things like Durable Medical Equipment (DME), supplies or prescriptions, your Coordinated Care Organization (CCO) can help.
Find your CCO contact information on the OHP website. If you’re an OHP member with an open card, contact member services at: 800-273-0557.
We know these are difficult times and want to help make sure that you have the medicine and medical supplies you need to stay healthy.
WORKING DURING BAD AIR QUALITY There are steps your employer must take to keep you healthy and strong from smoke and dangerous air quality — especially if you work outside in farming or construction. This includes:
- Closing outdoor work activity when air quality in an area becomes “unhealthy,” or reaches an Air Quality Index of at least 151.
- Allowing workers with underlying health conditions to stay home.
- Re-arranging work schedules, hours and tasks in a way that allows workers to get relief from smoky outdoor air.
- Providing N95 masks and informing workers of their proper use and care. This Oregon OSHA video walks employers and workers through those procedures.
For other maps and information about wildfire smoke in Oregon, visit: http://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com/
Facts about COVID-19 - How to protect yourself - How to Quarantine - How to Self-isolate
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COVID-19 Testing in OregonAre you wondering where you can find a COVID-19 testing site? OHA is partnering with Google, Castlight and local public health authorities to help you find local information about where testing is available. While we are working hard to keep the information about where Oregonians can get a COVID-19 test as up to date as possible, you should... Read More
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Testing: Is it possible to get a false negative?
Viral tests for COVID-19 are the most reliable way to diagnose someone with COVID-19. But what should you do if the test is negative? False negatives happen about a third of the time.
- If you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, you should quarantine for 14 days, even if you don’t have symptoms.
- If you have symptoms, you should self-isolate for at least 10 days or until the symptoms go away.
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Smoking and vaping can make COVID-19 worseIf a person who smokes, or used to smoke, gets COVID-19, they are more likely to develop a serious case of the virus than someone who does not smoke. Quitting smoking protects you and others during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Alcohol consumption during COVID-19Alcohol use can increase the risk of acute respiratory distress syndrome and pneumonia, which are sometimes associated with COVID-19.
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Remember to prevent lead poisoning |
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If you are staying home more due to COVID-19 (or doing home renovations), that’s an important thing to keep in mind.
Everyday objects we encounter at home, such as paint, cosmetics, spices and soil all may contain lead. It’s especially important to test your home for lead if you have babies or small children, or before beginning a home renovation. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a great checklist for parents to determine if there is the danger of lead poisoning in their homes.
More information on preventing lead poisoning is available on the EPA web page.
Everyday objects we encounter at home, such as paint, cosmetics, spices and soil all may contain lead. It’s especially important to test your home for lead if you have babies or small children, or before beginning a home renovation. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a great checklist for parents to determine if there is the danger of lead poisoning in their homes.
More information on preventing lead poisoning is available on the EPA web page.
FACE COVERING FACTS
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Workplaces and Employers
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Lose income or hours at work due to COVID-19? You may be eligible for help with paying for rent, utilities, child care, or other benefits... Read More
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Paid leave available for COVID-19 quarantine or isolation
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Do you have to quarantine or isolate because of COVID-19 but don’t have paid time off?
A new program starts this week to help people who work in Oregon and need to quarantine or isolate due to COVID-19 exposure, but do not have access to COVID-19-related paid sick leave. The COVID-19 Temporary Paid Leave Program was created with $30 million received from the federal government to help Oregon respond to the coronavirus pandemic. People who qualify will receive a $120 per-day payment for up to 10 working days ($1,200 total) for the time they are required quarantine. Employees can apply online starting today at oregon.gov/covidpaidleave. The application form is available in English, Spanish, and Russian. Those who do not have access to electronic applications can call 833-685-0850 (toll-free) or 503-947-0130. Those who need help in a language other than these three can call 503-947-0131 for help. |
The Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS) and the Department of Revenue are collaborating on the new program to ensure employees meet the necessary eligibility requirements. To see if you meet them, take this eligibility quiz, or see the requirements on the DCBS site.
Because the available funds are limited, the program is available only to quarantine periods that were in place on or after Sept. 16. Applicants can claim only one quarantine period.
Because the available funds are limited, the program is available only to quarantine periods that were in place on or after Sept. 16. Applicants can claim only one quarantine period.
Outbreaks in Workplaces - Indoor Air Safety and COVID-19
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County Information
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Multnomah County Public Health officials say they are cautiously optimistic about a vaccine for COVID-19, calling its development a remarkable achievement, but warning that it will not provide an immediate return to normal... Read more
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If you're hosting a holiday gathering this year:
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The first shipments of COVID-19 vaccine have arrived in Oregon. Vaccines will be available to frontline healthcare workers and both residents and employees of long-term care facilities. It is likely to be many months before a COVID-19 vaccine is available to everyone... Read more
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Washington Exposure Notifications (also known as WA Notify) is a new tool that works through smartphones, without sharing any personal information, to alert users if they may have been exposed to COVID-19. It is completely private, and doesn’t know or track who you are or where you go... Read more
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Local Resources
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