April 23, 2020
There were 68 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 announced today in Oregon, bringing the total to 2,127. Union County remains at four cases and Wallowa County remains at one. There is a total of 83 COVID-19 deaths in Oregon of which five new deaths were announced today. There have been no COVID-19 related deaths reported in either county.
Governor Kate Brown announced today in a press briefing that she will be lifting her order delaying non-urgent procedures for health care providers able to demonstrate ability to meet new requirements for COVID-19 safety and preparedness. Hospitals, surgical centers, medical offices, and dental offices that meet the requirements will be able to resume non-urgent procedures on May 1. Some of the necessary requirements include minimizing the risk of coronavirus transmission to patients and healthcare workers; maintaining adequate hospital capacity in the event of a COVID-19 surge; and supporting the health care workforce in safely resuming activities. Medical providers must also demonstrate that they have adequate personal protective equipment (PPE), following Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidance for the extended use or reuse of PPE. Hospitals must continue to report PPE supply levels to the Oregon Health Authority. Hospitals must also demonstrate adequate COVID-19 testing capacity, including the ability to screen patients before non-urgent procedures and follow strict infection control protocols. Additional information can be found through this link: https://www.oregon.gov/newsroom/Pages/NewsDetail.aspx…
The City of La Grande continues to accept applications for emergency loans. Loan amounts of up to $10,000 at 1% interest are available to businesses located in La Grande. Loans are based on a 48-month term, with no interest and no payments the first six months, and interest only payments for the second six months. The application form has been revised to make it more user-friendly. You can use the previous application if already completed, or download the new application from the this link: Ignitemybusiness.org. Applications are due Friday, May 1, 2020 by 5 pm. Questions should be directed to Christine Jarski at cjarski@cityoflagrande.org or (541) 962-1307.
Several auto insurance companies have been working with the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation to provide auto insurance premium refunds and credits to Oregonians. This is due to the reduced risk of auto accidents related to Governor Kate Brown’s Stay Home, Save Lives executive order. The list of participating insurance companies that have committed to provide refunds and credits to Oregon customers can be found here: https://dfr.oregon.gov/…/…/Documents/DFR_AutoInfographic.pdf
Union County Commissioner Paul Anderes picked up a donation of 1,700 pounds of onions from Fort Boise Produce in Parma, Idaho this morning. The onions will be delivered to Community Connections of NE Oregon (CCNO) for food bank distribution. CCNO serves Union, Wallowa, Baker, and Grant Counties. Individuals needing food bank assistance may contact CCNO at www.ccno.org.
