Monday, April 06, 2020

Rep. Greg Walden

Dear Nadia,

As the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to spread across our state, our nation, and the world I wanted to update you on the latest information. My top priority is ensuring that our local health care providers have the resources they need.

The situation is rapidly changing, but I will continue to provide updates and resources. I am in constant contact with local and federal officials and will continue to provide updates on my COVID-19 resource page. Additionally, you can stay updated by following my Twitter @RepGregWalden or my Facebook page @RepGregWalden.  

Below you will find some helpful updates and resources on the coronavirus.

It is an honor to represent you in the U.S. Congress.

Best regards,

Greg Walden
U.S. Representative
Oregon's Second District

The latest on the coronavirus: The situation is rapidly changing, but I wanted to share the latest information and news on the outbreak and relief efforts.
Application Now Open for Paycheck Protection Program:
Businesses can now apply through their local lender for the Paycheck Protection Loan Program that 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.
New Global Level 4 Do Not Travel Advisory:
The Department of State has advised that U.S. citizens avoid all international travel because of COVID-19. Citizens who remain in countries where commercial travel is available should arrange immediate return to the U.S. The situation surrounding COVID-19 is rapidly changing and as a result the Department of State's ability to provide assistance in arranging evacuation flights may become more limited. Learn more here.
Currently, we have 25 open cases of Oregonians abroad that are trying to return to the United States. My office is in constant contact with these Oregonians, and the State Department and I are doing all we can to get everyone safely home.
Jackson County Leads Way in Testing:
Oregonian: "Jackson County has tested more people per capita for coronavirus than every state except New York, Washington, and Louisiana. They are testing at a rate more than twice the rate of the state overall. " Read more from the Oregonian here.


Social Distancing is Working for Oregon:
Current modeling by the state shows that the stay at home order is working, cutting the number of infections by 50 -- 70%. Read more here.
Checks for Social Security Recipients:
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.
Working on Treatments: 
FDA announced the creation of the Coronavirus Treatment Acceleration Program (CTAP) to expedite the development of potentially safe and effective life-saving treatments. Currently, 10 therapeutic agents are in active trials, and another 15 therapeutic agents are in planning stages. Read more here.
Increasing Ventilators
The Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed) announced that its member respiratory device companies have dramatically expanded the limits of their present production capacity, producing on average 2,000 – 3,000 ventilators per week, collectively.  In the coming weeks, production is expected to ramp up to 5,000 – 7,000 ventilators per week. 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.
What’s Walden Doing: An update on my latest actions. 
Greg Walden Statement on Unemployment in America
 Greg Walden released a statement on increased unemployment in America. Read it here.
Greg Walden: ‘Take full advantage of the Paycheck Protection Program’
Greg Walden released a statement encouraging small businesses to apply for the Paycheck Protection Program, the new Small Business Administration’s 7A loan program.  Read more here.
Greg Walden Talks about Oregon's COVID-19 Response on Cheddar News
Watch the full interview here.
Greg Walden Announces Funding to Support Oregon Communities
Greg Walden announced that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded over $1.2 million in Community Development Block grants to a selection of communities throughout the Second District. This funding comes as a result of the CARES Act, which Walden helped champion into law. Read more here.
Walden Pens Op-ed on the CARES Act in The Hill

Greg Walden penned an op-ed in The Hill explaining how The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act delivers for America’s health care needs during this crisis. The full article may be viewed here. 
Resources to Know and Share: Here are some helpful resources and information on COVID-19.
ASSISTANCE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
The Paycheck Protection Program prioritizes millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing up to $349 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses.

Small businesses and eligible nonprofit organizations, Veterans organizations, and Tribal businesses described in the Small Business Act, as well as individuals who are self-employed or are independent contractors, are eligible if they also meet program size standards.
  • For a top-line overview of the program CLICK HERE
  • If you’re a lender, more information can be found HERE
  • If you’re a borrower, more information can be found HERE
  • The application for borrowers can be found HERE
INFORMATION FOR AMERICANS ABROAD:

The State Department has repatriated over 25,000 Americans from 52 countries. 

The State Department is making efforts to bring home Americans, including through commercial flights, chartered flights, and military transport.  Any American abroad who needs assistance should contact their local U.S. embassy and register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), available here or by calling 1-888-407-4747.
If you decide to travel abroad or are already outside the United States:
  • Consider returning to your country of residence immediately using whatever commercial means are available.
  • Have a travel plan that does not rely on the U.S. Government for assistance.
  • Review and follow the CDC’s guidelines for the prevention of coronavirus.
  • Check with your airline, cruise lines, or travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
  • Visit travel.state.gov to view individual Travel Advisories for the most urgent threats to safety and security.
  • Visit Embassy webpages on COVID-19 for information on conditions in each country or jurisdiction.
  • Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the United States.
Other Helpful Links
  • State Department’s International Travel Guidance 
  • State Department and County Advisor
ASSISTANCE FROM HHS AND FEMA:

HHS and FEMA have fielded many requests to assist or partner with the Federal Government in response to the COVID pandemic.
  • Organizations or individuals seeking to contract with the federal government to import or manufacture medical products to aid the U.S. response submit information to FEMA through the a Request for Proposal, available here.
  • Organizations or individuals that wish to donate medical supplies or equipment can submit that information here.
  • Other inquiries from organizations or individuals, including individuals who want to volunteer or organizations that want to produce a product related to the COVID response, among other inquiries, can be referred to https://www.fema.gov/coronavirus/how-to-help.
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 
Fast Facts: Here are some helpful stats on COVID-19 as of 4/5/20

Cases of COVID-19: (as of 4/5/20)

U.S.  current case count -There are currently at least 337,620 cases and 9,643 deaths in the United States, as reported by Johns Hopkins and other media sources. 

Oregon current case count: 1,068
Benton: 19

Clackamas: 84

Clatsop: 4

Columbia: 6

Crook: 1

Deschutes: 39

Douglas: 11

Grant: 1

Hood River: 2

Jackson: 33

Josephine: 13

Klamath: 15

Lane: 27

Lincoln: 4

Linn: 43

Malheur: 2

Marion: 198

Morrow: 2

Multnomah: 233

Polk: 24

Tillamook: 3

Umatilla: 7

Union: 3

Wallowa: 1

Wasco: 7

Washington: 259

Yamhill:26
 
 
Testing - in Oregon: As of 4/5/20

Positive: 1,068

Total Tested: 20,624

Total Deaths: 27

PPE in Oregon: These number reflect the amount of PPEs supplied from the strategic national stock pile.  We anticipate these numbers to rise as more are distributed. (Below is as of 3/31/20)

N95 Masks: 60,450
Surgical Masks: 143,511
Face Shield: 31,207
Surgical Gowns: 25,688
Coveralls: 1,765
Gloves: 184,258

Monday, April 06, 2020

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