Sheltering with Grace: Senator Thatcher’s Campaign Newsletter

Sheltering with Grace – Weathering the Coronavirus Storm

Senator Kim Thatcher Newsletter | March 24, 2020

 
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Governor Brown is ordering Oregonians to “Stay Home, Save Lives” to the “maximum extent possible” to slow the spread of the coronavirus. This is the most serious action taken by an Oregon Governor I’ve seen in my lifetime. Further details outlined below. Failure to comply with the Governor’s order “constitutes an imminent threat and creates an immediate danger to public health”.

We are at war against an invisible enemy. Just as we did after 9/11 we can fight back as Americans. We supported our troops and our first responders after the towers fell, and we are rallying to assist our health care providers today. Just as we helped the travel industry and other businesses impacted by the terrorists’ actions, we will also rebuild our economy when this virus is in the under control.

We made sacrifices then, we are making them now. Change is hard for a lot of us, especially if you have kids out of school, who aren’t doing their normal learning routines. Add to that spring break cabin fever and limited options for family enjoyment.

Oregonians love being social and being on the move. This virus has created all sorts of problems. Businesses are struggling because they may not survive all the government restrictions.

Unemployment claims are way up, as are calls to domestic violence hotlines. People recovering from addiction may be struggling because they can’t attend support meetings, but many connect by phone and online.

The experts ask us for social distancing, what they mean is physical separation. You’ve heard the terms “stay-at-home order,” or “lockdown”, and “shelter in place”. I hope we can all “shelter with grace”.

It’s time to take care of ourselves and our immediate families. To show kindness and mercy for our neighbors and others in the community. We may not agree with all our elected leaders, but they have a tough job, and we need to follow the Governor’s order and do what the medical professionals tell us is the best path to lead us out of this pandemic storm.

I was very moved recently listening to Vice President Mike Pence, leader of the White House task force on COVID-19, when he said, “We can do this America, we can lessen the magnitude of the coronavirus in our country. With the cooperation, compassion, generosity, and prayers of the American people, we can slow the spread. We can protect the most vulnerable and we can heal our land, so let’s do it America.”

I have faith in Oregonians. I know in my heart if we stick together, we will persevere and be even stronger when the storm clouds pass.

Thank you,

 
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Here are a few important topics and related links:

Governor Brown’s Stay Home, Save Lives Executive Order

Link to Executive Order | Link to News Release for Executive Order

Social gatherings are prohibited outside the home, regardless of size if there isn’t 6-feet of separation between individuals.

  • Businesses not specifically mentioned in the order can stay open as long as they implement telework measures as much as possible, use social distancing practices and designate an employee to enforce those procedures.

  • Playgrounds, parks, shopping malls, and many other gathering spots are shut down under this new order.

  • Leaving home is only allowed for food, health care, work, caring for family members, and a few other essential purposes. Walking, and hiking are fine with 6-foot separation.

  • Violators face a misdemeanor penalty, up to 30 days in jail or $1,250 fine.

  • Governor Brown’s Coronavirus Website  (helpful information and resources)

  • Federal Centers for Disease Control Coronavirus central website Cdc.gov/COVID19

  • State Office of Emergency Management Oregon COVID-19 Response(good tools for the public including how to donate items and services)

HEALTH CARE

  • The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is the lead public health agency in the state on this crisis and has lots of valuable updates on their site healthoregon.org/coronavirus

  • 211info.org/corona-virus is an OHA partnership providing community information specialists answering questions about symptoms, travel, pets, and other issues for free.

  • Has your work status recently changed? If so, you could get health insurance through the Oregon Health Plan (OHP). Go to OHP.Oregon.gov to find out.

  • If you have health insurance, Consumer and Business Services arranged for several insurance companies to waive co-pays and deductibles if you’re tested for COVID-19.  This includes testing at an in-network doctor’s office, urgent care or emergency room.

  • This can be a very difficult time for people so if you’re struggling with a mental health problem please reach out to one of the many crisis lines available around Oregon.

EDUCATION

  • Oregon’s K-12 public schools and higher education campuses remain closed until at least April 28th. The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) is working on questions regarding state testing and graduation for seniors hoping for answers soon.

  • Meanwhile, during spring break some districts may not be providing meals for students as they have been. ODE posted a list of schools offering meals this week.

  • Looking for ways to keep learning going in your new homeschool environment? There are a ton of resources online including GoNoodle and these suggestions from Common Sense Media. And look for a few staycation ideas for virtual field trips at adventuresinfamilyhood.com, a site recommended by teachers.

  • No way to surf the web? Several internet providers including CenturyLink, Charter, and Comcast are offering a variety of free services, free hotspots, and fee waivers for the next few months. 

FAMILIES

  • Elderly residents in senior living facilities remain in restricted access. The state Department of Human Services (DHS) has issued guidelines if you’re in that age category or have loved ones who are.

  • Child Care providers can still operate but under the Governor’s new order, only with groups of 10 or fewer kids, granting priority to children of emergency responders and health care workers.

  • Social isolation can be hard for at-risk families. DHS encourages us to check in with families with severe emotional/mental health needs or other challenges through phone, email, or by a safe distance. If you suspect a problem contact the Child Abuse Hotline 1-855-503-(SAFE) 7233

  • A new effort to help foster families mobilized this week in response to the additional complications the coronavirus has caused. The Every Child Oregon public-private partnership launched an emergency response called MyNeighbOR seeking goods and services from the community EveryChildOregon.org/MyNeighbOR

  • Having trouble keeping paying the water bill? Many utility companies are willing to waive late fees and not cut off service during this crisis.

  • Did you stand in line only to pay $25 for a 12-roll of toilet paper? The Oregon Department of Justice wants to know about price gouging and has other valuable consumer tips.

ECONOMY

  • Small businesses are the backbone of Oregon’s economy and under the Oregon Secretary of State’s umbrella is the Office of Small Business Assistance. The office has been really busy the past few weeks but they’re happy to help oregon.gov/smallbusiness

TRAVEL

  • Safety first, but spring break can still be fun. Check out some of the alternatives the folks at Travel Oregon suggest. If you have questions about going outside the state, check out the CDC information.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

BLOOD DONATIONS

  • One thing many of us can donate that also saves lives, is blood. The American Red Cross is facing a severe shortage since a huge number of blood drives were recently canceled. If you’re healthy and feeling okay, the Red Cross says it’s safe to give blood. At redcrossblood.org you can enter your zip code to find a local donation center.

 

FOOD BANKS

  • Oregon Food Bank has seen an increasing need for meals to shut-in seniors and others. They’re also recruiting more volunteers. The Food Bank has improved health and safety measures and could use our support.

Reagan Knopp