Social distancing is working in Oregon with figures showing the number of coronavirus infections is down by significant numbers, according to figures released today by U.S. Rep. Greg Walden.
Walden said current modeling by the state shows that the stay-at-home order is working, cutting the number of infections by 50 – 70 percent. Read more here.
The Center for Disease Control is advising the use of simple cloth masks to slow the spread of the virus. Surgical and N95 masks should be reserved for health care workers. Learn more here.
Hospitals and PPE
Walden said Oregon sent 140 of its ventilators to New York. President Trump announced that the Army Corps of Engineers has assessed more than 100 facilities in all 50 states and is building temporary hospitals and alternative care sites in numerous states, including Oregon.
Businesses can now apply through their local lender for the Paycheck Protection Loan Program that will provide businesses with up to eight weeks of funding to keep employees on the payroll. The Treasury Department released useful information for lenders and borrowers, and a copy of the application here.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin announced that Social Security recipients who do not normally file tax returns will automatically receive their coronavirus relief checks. Additionally, he said they will not have to file tax returns to receive their checks. Read more here.
Watch out for COVID-19 Scams
Both the Federal Trade Commission and the Federal Communications Commission are reporting a spike in coronavirus related scams including home testing kits, fake cures, and other malicious attempts to prey on COVID-19 fears. Read more here.
How to schedule a blood donation appointment
- Visit RedCrossBlood.org. Click on “Schedule an Appointment” under the “Donate Blood” tab. From there you can enter your zip code to find a blood drive near you.
- Red Cross Blood Donor App
- Call 1-800-RED-CROSS
- Use Amazon Alexa Blood Scheduling Skill
Cases of COVID-19: (as of 4/7/20)
- U.S. current case count: There are currently at least 398,809 cases and 12,895 deaths in the United States, as reported by Johns Hopkins and other media sources.
- Oregon current case count: 1,181
- Benton: 21
- Clackamas: 97
- Clatsop: 5
- Columbia: 8
- Crook: 1
- Curry: 2
- Deschutes: 44
- Douglas: 12
- Grant: 1
- Hood River: 2
- Jackson: 39
- Josephine: 16
- Klamath: 19
- Lane: 30
- Lincoln: 4
- Linn: 45
- Malheur: 2
- Marion: 215
- Morrow: 2
- Multnomah: 258
- Polk: 28
- Tillamook: 3
- Umatilla: 8
- Union: 3
- Wallowa: 1
- Wasco: 7
- Washington: 282
- Yamhill: 25
Testing – in Oregon: As of 4/6/20
- Positive: 1,181
- Negative: 21,826
- Total (since 1/24): 23,007
PPE in Oregon: These number reflect the amount of PPEs Oregon has on hand. It is anticipated these numbers to rise as more are distributed. (Below is as of 4/6/20):
- N95 Masks: 519,327
- Surgical Masks: 282,068
- Face Shield: 33,039
- Surgical Gowns: 71,837
- Gloves: 1,445,237
