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Washougal Uses Pre-K Inclusion Champions Grant to Assist Special Needs Students

Washougal WA  — Washougal School District’s mission to know, nurture and challenge all students to rise was given a boost last spring when it was awarded a Pre-K Inclusion Champions grant worth $20,000.  The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) grant aligns with the state’s goals of prioritizing inclusive practices in early childhood learning as well as the K-12 system.

“This is the perfect grant for us as our district focuses on equity, diversity and inclusion,” said Penny Andrews, WSD Special Education Director. “By creating supportive and inclusive classrooms and learning experiences for our preschool students, we are laying the groundwork for improving our inclusion practices into K-12 classrooms. Part of the grant money is designated for creating inclusive classrooms for our earliest learners by having activities designed for learners with specific needs.”  

The inclusive practices grant is helping school districts shift to a model where students with special needs are able to access general education classroom settings as much as possible.

Other funds are being used for professional development including an inclusionary practices book study, Universal Design for Learning in the Early Childhood Classroom,  for all preschool staff as well as a series of seminars through ESD called The Inclusionary Practices Project that staff are participating in.

“This year, as we focus a lot of energy into equity, the Pre-K Inclusion Grant from OSPI has been of great support,” said Leslie DeShazer, Birth-5 Teacher on Special Assignment. “A portion of the grant money was used to purchase material to support inclusion in our six preschool classrooms.”

Washougal
https://www.lesschwab.com/store/?storeId=714

They include equity driven books to support social/emotional differences, tools to accommodate fine/gross motor differences, tools to accommodate sensory processing differences, and tools to accommodate communication differences. 

“The materials purchased with the grant will provide the opportunity for students with special needs or learning differences to participate and attend preschool with their general education peers,” said Maggie Jennings, preschool speech language teacher.  “Inclusion is a wonderful opportunity for students with special needs as well as their general education peers.”  

“I’m confident that these materials will help each and every one of our students feel more supported and empowered in our preschool classrooms,” DeShazer added.  “In combination with the professional development our teachers have been hard at work with, these materials will make the huge task of embracing equity much more attainable.” 

“I can’t tell you how impressed I have been with the preschool classrooms during ‘regular times,’ but especially this year with the COVID challenges,” said Mary Templeton, WSD Superintendent. “They have all created inviting, vibrant, exciting environments for our youngest learners! I appreciate their commitment and passion to see our littlest ones known, nurtured, and challenged to Rise!  The investment of this grant into equity makes my heart happy!” 

The grant ends in spring of 2021.

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Inslee Extends Current COVID-19 Restrictions Through New Year

Olympia, WA — Governor Jay Inslee announced today additional economic supports for workers and businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as a three-week extension of the state’s current restrictions which will now be in place until January 4, 2021.

“What we do between now — when COVID activity is still at crisis levels — and the time when vaccines are widely available, is literally a matter of life and death,” Inslee said today.

Inslee was joined by Department of Commerce Director Lisa Brown who announced an additional $50 million, doubling the number of Washington small businesses that will receive aid. Brown said industries recently shut down, such as restaurants and fitness centers, as well as businesses that have been severely impacted by the pandemic, like music and event venues, have been prioritized.

“The needs among our small businesses are profound, and speed is of the essence,” Brown said. “This additional funding allows us to double the number of small businesses we can provide aid to, but we know it’s not enough. As we battle the toughest months of this pandemic, we need Congress to step up so we can support our businesses and workers as we continue asking them to do these hard things.”

In addition, Inslee also announced the state’s readiness to step in in the case of Congressional failure to extend the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance funding in the CARES Act by the end of the year. Washington will be able to fill some of the funding gap for residents that aren’t eligible for regular unemployment insurance, such as self-employed workers, freelancers and independent contractors.

“Whether it is through federal or state aid, if Congress fails to act by Christmas, we will step up to help workers and their families who are not covered by pre-pandemic unemployment insurance benefits,” Inslee said.

The three-week extension of statewide restrictions come as the state’s healthcare system nears dangerous occupancy levels. With the effects of Thanksgiving on infection and hospital numbers still unknown, the extension is designed to grant the state’s medical system much needed time to increase Intensive Care Unit (ICU) capacity.

“We all hoped a fall surge would not materialize. Sadly, that was not the case and our hospital systems continue to be heavily impacted by rising cases,” said Secretary of Health John Wiesman. “It’s important we stay the course right now. We cannot let our guard down, even though it’s hard and we’re tired. We need people to mask up, stay home as much as possible and delay gatherings with anyone outside your home.”

Currently, nearly 80 percent of ICU beds are currently occupied, with approximately 1,000 residents in those units. Even in the best-case scenario, hospitals across the state would need to add surge capacity to ensure enough ICU beds to care for COVID-19 patients in the weeks and months to come. In the worst-case scenario, state ICU capacity would need to be doubled before the end of the year.

“They’re not all COVID patients taking up the ICU beds, which is very important to remember: If COVID overwhelms our medical facilities, every other person with a significant medical need will be affected, not just COVID-19 patients,” Inslee said. “We are all, quite literally, in this together.”

Inslee
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Downtown Camas ‘Winter Wonderland’ Events Happening on First Friday

Camas, WA — A weeklong Downtown Camas Association (DCA) “Winter Wonderland” series of online events culminates this Friday with a cookie walk, winter wonderland displays, snowman, winter photo ops, and art shows. Visitors can also enjoy the downtown Christmas tree, which is all decorated and will be lit up.

The fun begins at 5 pm on Friday, December 4.

Enthusiasts have been able to enjoy new games or activities posted on the Downtown Camas First Friday Facebook Page every morning between November 29 and December 4, and can enjoy a Facebook Live event on First Friday (December 4) at 5 pm where the DCA will announce the winners from the week.

First Friday will also be right in the middle of the DCA’s Winter Wonderland in Downtown Camas event, which consists of 12 days of activities! These activities will be following social distancing and safety guidelines.

Here are the daily activities:

  • Sunday – Winter Wonderland Word Jumble
  • Monday – Pick & Pic–Pick your favorite snowman and then post a pic of you having fun in the snow or a picture of a fun snow scene!
  • Tuesday – Seek & Find the Snowman in Downtown Camas (also find the hidden woodland animals in the Downtown Winter Wonderland windows!)
  • Wednesday – Where is this product from in Downtown Camas?
  • Thursday – Post your favorite Holiday Cookie Recipe
  • Friday – Two different passports!
  • **Virtual “Elf on the Shelf” Merchant Passport
  • **Downtown Merchant In-Store Passport will be a Cookie Walk in Downtown Camas and Vote for Your Favorite Downtown Winter Window!
Winter Wonderland
www.champpizza.com — Ready for take out or delivery.

According to the DCA, enthusiasts have until 3 pm on First Friday to complete each of the daily activities to be entered to win downtown gift cards and prizes. You have until 9 pm on First Friday to post your in-store merchant passport to be entered to win!

In-town First Friday events include:

  • Cookie Walk in Downtown Shops! Start at the DCA table by Papermaker Pride & pick up a “Cookie Bag” & fill it with a free wrapped cookie from each while you shop!
  • Winter Wonderland Window Displays! Vote for your favorite on First Friday & be entered to win prizes
  • Snowman & Winter Photo Ops in town
  • Enjoy art shows and after-hours holiday shopping & dining in Downtown Camas!

First Friday prizes are sponsored by the DCA and Bear Insurance to support our downtown merchants. 

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Interstate Bridge Replacement Program Seeks Members For Advisory Groups

PORTLAND, OR — The bi-state Interstate Bridge Replacement Program is accepting applications from community members interested in serving on one of two new advisory groups: the Community Advisory Group and the Equity Advisory Group. Along with the Executive Steering Group, these advisory groups will play a critical role in helping the program define a replacement bridge solution.

Optional information sessions will be facilitated in English at the following times and dates, with interpretation provided on specific dates. All of the information sessions can be accessed at the following link: go.participate.online/CAGInfoSession

Online applications in English, Spanish, Somali, Korean, Vietnamese, Chinese and Russian will be available at the following links from Dec. 1-18:

The Executive Steering Group encourages individuals with diverse backgrounds to apply to serve on either advisory group. Representation from those who experience transportation barriers firsthand, regularly use the Interstate Bridge, or will be potentially affected by the program is desired, as are community members who are passionate about social equity and transportation equity issues. 

Additional information about the advisory groups and application process can be found on the Interstate Bridge Replacement program page. For more information, or to request a printed application, please call 360-905-1560 or send an email to [email protected]. 

About the advisory groups

The advisory groups are part of a comprehensive effort to actively engage with the public, elected officials, stakeholders, and partnering agencies from both states to build consensus through an open and public process. The first meetings for both groups will occur in early 2021.

The Community Advisory Group will develop recommendations to shape program work that reflects the community’s needs, issues and priorities. The Equity Advisory Group will make recommendations regarding processes, policies, and decisions on program work that has the potential to affect historically underrepresented and/or underserved communities. 

Each group will consist of approximately 30 members, acting as individual community members or as representatives of organizations. Approximately eight at-large members for the Community Advisory Group and approximately 10 at-large members for the Equity Advisory Group will be selected through the application process. The remainder of the representatives in both groups will be appointed by a selection committee in coordination with agency partners.

Interstate
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Annual Stuff The Bus Event Changes With COVID Restrictions

Washougal and Camas, WA — The 14th annual Stuff The Bus event is happening now through December 11, and the need is greater than ever, say event organizers. 

The primary beneficiary, Children’s Home Society, is serving 350 families a month, which is about 100 more families than a year ago. Children’s Home Society is also serving local families through the backpack program.

“We’ve had to come up with a new plan,” said Stuff The Bus organizer, Tabitha Shaffer. “All schools in Washougal and Camas are allowing anyone to drop off food at the schools during normal business hours. You may also drop off food at the Camas Fire Department (Station 42) on Parker Street.”

What type of food is needed?

Non-perishable canned food, such as fruits, vegetables, stew, beans, and soup. They need cereal (small boxes), oatmeal, peanut butter, tuna fish, canned meats, such as SPAM, ham, etc. Spaghetti, spaghetti sauce, individual sized apple sauce, Mac and cheese, rice.

The C.A.R.O.L. Program works hard every year to serve 150 families each Christmas, which includes serving dinner, extra food, and presents.

Cash donations are also accepted via www.donatetostuffthebus.com

Under normal circumstances, students from both school districts participate by gathering donated food from all schools, and then distribute that food to various charitable organizations, such as Children’s Home Society, C.A.R.O.L., and American Legion Skamania County.

Key Stuff The Bus sponsors are: Long Building Technologies, Dan Jones Conveyor, and Caliber Home Loans.

Builder
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Education: Washougal School Board Visits CRGE Classrooms Virtually

Washougal WA – Several classrooms at Columbia River Gorge Elementary had extra faces in boxes during their ZOOM lessons on Wednesday, November 18 when Washougal School District (WSD) Board members joined in.

“Typically, the Board takes learning walks at our schools to see first-hand the education and learning going on,” said Renae Burson, WSD Assistant Superintendent.  “But in the new virtual world that education is in, today’s visit took place via ZOOM classrooms.”

The session began promptly at 7:30 a.m. and, over several hours and through a number of ZOOM links, board members visited CRGE first and fifth grade classrooms, Kindergarten music class and a presentation by Wolfways to the entire third grade.

“My school team has forged ahead successfully,” Tracey MacLachlan, CRGE Principal told board members as they prepared to join the classrooms.  “They are very innovative, and they understand just how important it is for them to be reaching out and connecting to all students. No one is happy with the status quo.”

Board members witnessed fast paced, yet calm instruction and activities that are necessary to capture and hold the attention of students.

“We can’t just sit back, or the kids will check out,” said MacLachlan.  “What is important to me as an administrator is our teachers are knowing their students and engaging them. Engagement is the number one priority to support learning at CRGE.”

In the past, only the first couple weeks of school may have included a lot of classroom community building. “With remote learning, teachers are keeping more of those activities as a way to engage,” explained MacLachlan.  “Morning meetings and community building activities, that include recognizing and connecting with individual students, hold a lot of value for engagement.” 

CRGE first grade teachers report connecting with approximately 90 percent of their students and they continue to reach out to those who are missing. 

“We have to support them wherever they are at and provide individualized attention as they need it,” said CRGE first grade teacher, Sydney Termini. “It is about knowing what is going on with a student and keeping the student accountable for their own learning and setting expectations.”

MacLachlan said her teachers understand it is all about relationship building, for instance encouraging use of cameras. “If there is a black screen or the student can not be seen in the image, the teacher may call on that student during the lesson to check their engagement,” MacLaclan explained.

“They find many are participating but just not on camera.” 

If it is clear the student is not present, the family is contacted. However, some students may have poor wifi connectivity so the camera can not operate or they may be in a difficult living situation.  If a student privately requests their camera not be used for good reason it can be approved.

“This is all a huge puzzle and being honed to each individual student,” MacLachlan said.  “What is important is for teachers to know the student and know the situation so they can offer the right help at the right time. We can’t challenge if we don’t know them and can’t challenge if we don’t nurture. I want us to persevere every time!”  

“I was impressed with how organized the virtual classroom was and the quality of instruction from the teachers in a virtual environment,” said WSD Board president, Cory Chase. “It was fun to see the kids engaged in learning and interacting with one another.  The pandemic has provided some significant challenges, but I was really happy to see how everyone was adapting and making the most of our unique circumstances.”

Chase found the virtual music class a pleasant surprise. 

“I had heard about them but being able to experience it first-hand really gave me a new perspective.  It was fun to see and hear music, movement, and sign language combined in the lesson,” he said. 

Washougal
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“I was impressed by the community building and engagement and pleased that kids were learning important skills like how to operate in a group (hand raising and waiting their turn), as well as applied math skills in the first grade classroom,” said Board member Donna Sinclair. “The classroom mantras that reinforced respect and kindness were also terrific.”

Sinclair noted that the board understands there are kids whose needs are not being met.  “But I appreciate that teachers and paraeducators are working hard to stay in contact with them,” she said.

“Our elementary teachers are really hitting the mark,” said WSD Superintendent Mary Templeton. “I am encouraged at what I saw and impressed with how they manage relationships, expectations and connections. We hope the Board feels they benefited by having eyes on the product we are providing.  We wanted them to know how this looks and how it sounds.   I am enormously proud of our Washougal teachers and staff and the work they are doing on behalf of our students.”

The WSD Board will visit other Washougal schools virtually in early 2021.

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Open Camas Schools Group Rallies Outside District Administration Building

Camas, WA — About 50 members of a local group called Open Camas Schools rallied for several hours today at the Camas School District (CSD) administration building and alongside Everett Street.

Their intention is to encourage CSD to start opening up more classes to in-person learning. Camas schools have been mostly closed to in-person learning since March, with the exception of special education and a handful of other students totaling about 600 district wide.

Open Camas Schools is a grassroots group of parents and some teachers who are greatly concerned about students falling behind academically, as well as the mental and emotional challenges emerging from continued isolation from peers, academics, and sports.

”I’m here to support Camas schools,” said Mike Hubbell, a concerned parent who helped organize today’s rally. “I want to see our kids back in school. I believe there’s a better method than how we’re currently teaching our kids — to sit and just watch a screen.”

Is the timing right now challenging given the lockdown?

“I think there’s always going to be challenging times,” he said. “When you look at the opportunity we are missing with our kids there’s nothing more important than our kids being educated. The biggest challenge is seeing my kids in sports, and how that’s affecting their ability to play sports, their ability to practice sports, and the whole camaraderie that people see when they play sports. Kids love to play with other kids. They’re missing out on those opportunities right now, and that’s a big part of what our lives are about. The hard work, the dedication that comes with that. Parents don’t get together anymore.”

He also said the schools are the hubs of community.

“The moment you destroy schools, you destroy sense of community.”

Mike Hubbell, Open Camas Schools

He’s also very concerned about the mental well being of students.

“Too much screen time is dangerous,” Hubble said. “What kind of message are we sending to our kids?”

Heather Wynn was also in attendance.

“We’re here as parents asking the district to hear us,” said Wynn. “Online learning is not working for many, many students for many reasons, not just academically. It’s harming them mentally and socially. So, we are here to say it can be done safely. Once the lockdown is over let’s get on this. Let’s get them back in school happy and healthy.

“We know this lockdown has put a damper on things, we’re not tone deaf, but we did plan this weeks ago. We’ve done car rallies, and we’re just getting nowhere with them (CSD Administration). They’re not listening to us. They are using one metric, and this metric is not meeting the needs of the children.”

What’s the metric?

”Case numbers per 100,000,” she said. “It has to be 75 or under and it’s the only metric they are using. They’re not paying attention to other statistics from other school districts that have been open. So, we believe all those things have to be put on the table. We are here to ask them to look at other schools who are doing it safely, even here in our local area. And, then make the decision based on that. Look at what the children are asking for. How many are failing? I personally know of two children — not in this area — who have committed suicide.”

Wynn wants CSD to open up schools once this current lockdown is over. She’s not asking all families or teachers to come back to school.

“I don’t want them to go against what they believe,” she said. “You can see people are saying we need these in-person options for our kids. We want our children to be better served. It can be done safely. They have the space in the buildings. Follow all the protocols. Do a hybrid model. To teachers we say we need you in the classroom.”

The Open Camas Schools Facebook page has 922 members as of this writing.

CSD Statement

Dr. Jeff Snell, Superintendent of Camas Schools, issued this statement today:

“We recognize that this is a challenging time for everyone and appreciate that the pandemic has affected all of our families uniquely.  We understand the value of in-person learning experiences and have been incrementally increasing the number of students served that way within the recommendations from the Washington State Department of Health.  We also value input from our community – students, staff, and families.  Last night, we held another town hall to engage the community in a conversation about remote learning, increasing in-person learning opportunities, and the current transmission rates in our community.  My hope is that we can rally together in our community and every other community on behalf of our students, drive down transmission rates and get all of our kids back in school.”

The Town Hall was virtually attended by about 200 people. Here are some resources CSD posted today from the event.

 *   Town Hall Recording<https://camas-wednet-edu.zoom.us/rec/share/AqkBv7RuEDngRF1nvRYEGVYeIuHBoenB9XZfh71nSsDPl86WtDLs95usXn3io9MZ.1oufgBhpi2iQ-bYU>
 *   Presentation Slides<https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1BGyVnno1sR-b_534495KBEkD9vU0IecvgLKX1t7fhzg/edit?usp=sharing>
 *   Thoughtexchange prior to Town Hall<https://my.thoughtexchange.com/report/9f1740ee28e0a23b0b9b1ad48369f555> – read community members’ concerns and questions that we used to help plan the Town Hall
 *   Thoughtexchange during the Town Hall<https://my.thoughtexchange.com/report/f8f583c4132ba1bf6002d3f6dc3e4ebf> – read participants’ questions and concerns captured at the end of the Town Hall Meeting.

Open
Open Camas Schools rally in front of the CSD Administration building.

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Clark County Health Leaders: COVID-19 Case Numbers ‘Exploding’


Vancouver, WA — Multiple Clark County health leaders are urging local residents to mask up, physical distance, and follow COVID-19 guidelines to slow down the present virus “explosion” in Southwest Washington.

“The COVID-19 case numbers are exploding,” said Dr. Alan Melnick, Director of Clark County Public Health. “They are going up at an alarming rate.”

Eight weeks ago, the county averaged 28 cases per day, last week it averaged 120 cases per day, and Monday the health department reported Clark County added 310 new virus cases from the last three days. Melnick said this is the highest weekend number reported since the pandemic began.

The county reports that 42 percent of COVID-19 infections trace back to households, while small intimate gatherings make up 18 percent of the infection total.

At Monday’s press briefing, Melnick, along with Dr. Ray Lee, Medical Chief of Staff at PeaceHealth, and Dr. Hoa Ly, Medical Director at Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center, said they are calling on citizens to take personal responsibility to stop the virus spread.

Lee said “the stakes of our personal decisions before us right now cannot be higher” while Ly said his hospital is postponing some elective procedures to ensure more beds are available for the expected uptick in virus-related hospitalizations.

The health department said 50 people are currently hospitalized for COVID-19, and 76 percent of licensed hospital beds are currently occupied, which is four percent below the state’s desired 80 percent target.

“We are fully capable of making sacrifices for a higher calling,” Ly said. “We are capable of making difference for ourselves and our loved ones. The virus can only do what we allow it to do. This is in our power to defeat this virus if we choose to work together.”

COVID-19
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Clark County by the numbers — to-date:


Confirmed positive COVID-19 cases to-date: 6,470
Total negative tests to date: 89,681
Hospitalizations to-date: 432
Deaths to-date: 80
% of Deaths: 1.7%

Clark County Public Health’s Monday COVID-19 update: 

  • 6,470 cases to date
  • 1 new death (80 to date) — a woman in her 80s with underlying conditions
  • 482 active cases
  • 50 COVID-19 patients hospitalized
  • 6 persons under investigation (PUIs) for COVID-19 hospitalized 
COVID-19
Dr. Alan Melnick, Director, Clark County Public Health

A reminder about active cases: This reflects the number of confirmed cases who are currently in their isolation period. For most people, isolation is based on when symptoms began, not when they received the positive test result. Some individuals learn they are COVID-19 positive and only have a few days of isolation remaining.

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Governor Inslee Issues Sweeping New COVID-19 Restrictions, Effective Monday Night

Olympia, WA — Governor Jay Inslee issued broad new statewide restrictions and shutdowns for restaurants, gyms, theaters and all indoor gatherings during a Sunday morning address. 

Most of the orders are effective at 11:59 pm Monday, with the exception of restaurants and bars, which go into effect at 11:59 pm on Tuesday. The order expires on December 14.

“In order to slow the spread of rapidly increasing COVID cases in our state, and ensure that hospital and medical systems are not overwhelmed, we are taking the very difficult but necessary steps to protect public health,” Inslee said. “We recognize this will cause financial hardship for many businesses and we are exploring ways to mitigate the impacts.”

He ordered restaurants and bars to shutdown indoor service and to limit outdoor service to parties of five or less. Indoor gyms and fitness centers must also shutdown, along with movie theaters, bowling alleys and museums. Indoor gatherings with people outside your household will be prohibited unless participants have quarantined for 14 days, tested negative and quarantine for seven days prior or receive a negative COVID-19 test within two days of the planned gathering.

“Indoor social gatherings from people outside your home are prohibited unless they have been quarantined for 14 days,” Inslee said. “You can get the virus in your own home.”

This is the most extensive mandate since Inslee’s March emergency stay at home order. The new orders do not apply to K-12 schools or the court system. They also do not apply to child care.

“Today, Sunday, November 15, 2020, is the most dangerous public health day in the last 100 years of our state’s history,” Inslee said. “A pandemic is raging in our state. Left unchecked, it will assuredly result in grossly overburdened hospitals and morgues; and keep people from obtaining routine but necessary medical treatment for non-COVID conditions.”

Despite a statewide mask mandate, which was issued in June, and current restrictions on businesses, the pandemic has been rapidly spreading in Washington. The state, for the last two weeks, has been breaking previous infection records almost daily. 

“We need to preserve our well being,” said Inslee. “I share your frustration, but we need to hold the pandemic down until the calvary arrives (referring to a vaccine).”

Two weeks ago, the state recorded a then-record 1,469 coronavirus infections. By Nov. 14, daily infections had increased more than 50 percent and stood at 2,233 infections, according to Dr. Kathy Lofy, State Health Officer. The day Inslee issued his stay-home order in March, there were 225 confirmed infections.

Inslee
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Outdoor social gatherings should be limited to no more than five people from outside your household, Inslee said. Religious services can continue, but must limit indoor attendance to 25 percent of capacity, or 200 people, whatever is less. Masks must be worn at all times and choirs, bands and congregational singing will be prohibited. Wedding and funeral ceremonies will be limited to 30 people. Receptions are prohibited.

Retail stores, including grocery stores, and malls must limit occupancy to 25 percent and must close food court seating.

Offices are required to mandate employees work from home, if possible, and must limit occupancy to 25 percent if they remain open. They must be closed to the public.

Long-term care facilities can accept visitors only in outdoor settings, with limited exceptions for end-of-life care and essential support personnel.

Personal services, such as barber shops and salons, are limited to 25 percent capacity. Real estate open houses are prohibited. Youth and adult sports are limited to outdoor only intrateam practices and athletes must wear masks.

Inslee acknowledged the financial hardship this will bring to businesses already suffering from existing mandates. He said the state has issued $25 million in grants, and there is an additional $50 million coming to help mitigate business challenges.

“This is not enough,” Inslee said. “We need the federal government to step up to the plate. Congress needs to help. And, we are looking at alternatives.”

Lofy is fearful of getting to 4,000 cases per day, which she said would overwhelm hospitals. 

Clint Wallace, an ICU nurse also spoke.

“We are exhausted, we are tired,” said Wallace. “It’s about adequate staffing, and COVID patients require more than normal patients. We are all close to burning out.”

Inslee
Latest daily statewide COVID-19 case numbers.
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Oregon Governor Brown Puts State on Two-Week ‘Freeze’ Effective Wednesday

Salem, OR — Oregon Gov. Kate Brown on Friday ordered a statewide two-week “freeze,” which restricts social gatherings and closes many businesses in an effort to help curb this third wave of COVID-19.

Beginning Wednesday, November 18, bars and restaurants will become takeout only. Indoor facilities such as gyms, museums and skating rinks are mandated to close entirely until the order is lifted in early December.

Her orders Friday are some of the most stringent in Oregon since her March stay-at-home order.

Under Brown’s latest order indoor and outdoor gatherings will be limited to no more than six people from two separate households. Grocery stores and pharmacies will also be required to limit their capacities, and churches are allotted indoor crowds no larger than 25 people.

Anyone traveling to Oregon is also required to quarantine for 14 days upon the arrival.

“I want to be honest,” Brown said Friday. “We are trying to stop this ferocious virus from spreading even more quickly and far wide, and to save lives.”

Brown said that some counties could remain in the freeze longer than two weeks, noting that Multnomah county’s orders are to last four weeks.

Brown
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