Coronavirus Information and Resources
Brown introduces framework for reopening Oregon
PORTLAND, Ore. — On April 14,
Gov. Kate Brown introduced her frame-
work for Reopening Oregon - a plan to
restart public life and business while
maintaining healthy Oregon communities.
The framework sets specific prereq-
uisites based on science, which Oregon
communities must meet to begin reopen-
ing, and also outlines the actions Oregon
must take to move forward.
“We all want to get back to work and
return to normal life as quickly as pos-
sible,” said Brown. “But the truth is, the
best path forward is a cautious one — a
path that proceeds gradually, carefully and
incrementally; a path that relies on science
and facts to determine each step forward.”
In order to begin reopening commu-
nities, Oregon must first slow the growth
of COVID-19 as well as acquire adequate
personal protective equipment to protect
health care workers and first responders.
Once those prerequisites are met, Oregon
can begin to reopen by:
•
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Ramping up COVID-19 testing capac-
ity in every region of Oregon
Developing robust contact tracing
systems to track and contain COVID-
19 cases
•
Additional LIEHP help
available
Establishing a quarantine and isola-
tion program for new cases
The Siletz Tribal Housing
Department has received additional
funding for the Low Income Energy
Assistance Program (LIEHP), so
clients can access assistance for
utility bills through the Housing
Department. Please keep in mind
“While we have to be careful, we
also cannot stand still,” said Brown. “The
shuttering of an economy at this scale
has never happened before. Likewise, the
reopening of a shuttered economy of this
scale has never happened before.
“As we prepare in the months ahead
to get Oregon back to work, we must
remember the importance of doing so in
a smart and deliberate fashion that keeps
us moving forward instead of sending us
backward.”
that LIEHP is not just for housing
residents.
Contact Casey Godwin at
541-444-8311 or 800-922-1399,
ext. 1311, for details.
Tips to protect yourself and your Nation from COVID-19
By Victoria Warren-Mears, Ph.D., North-
west Portland Area Indian Health Board
The spread of COVID-19 in our state
threatens our elders, our workers, our
families and our Nations.
To protect our people, the Northwest
Portland Area Indian Health Board and the
43 federally-recognized Tribes that is our
board recommends that Tribes in Oregon,
Washington and Idaho cancel social gath-
erings and non-essential services, and that
all AI/AN people “stay home.”
Know how it spreads
The best way to prevent illness is to
avoid being exposed to this virus.
•
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à
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Stay home
It may feel like an overreaction, but
each one of us has an important role to
play to help prevent COVID-19 from
spreading. The most important thing we
can do to help prevent COVID-19 from
spreading is to stay home, even if you don’t
feel sick or think you are at risk.
People can look completely normal
and feel healthy, and unknowingly spread
the virus to others. By staying home, you
will protect those who are most vulnerable
in our communities, including elders and
those with asthma and diabetes.
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The virus is thought to spread mainly
from person to person.
Between people who are in close
contact with one another (within
about 6 feet).
Through respiratory droplets pro-
duced when an infected person
coughs or sneezes.
These droplets can land in the mouths
or noses of people who are nearby or
possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
•
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and
mouth.
à
Why? Hands touch many surfaces and
can pick up viruses. Once contami-
nated, hands can transfer the virus to
your eyes, nose or mouth. From there,
the virus can enter your body and can
make you sick.
Protect yourself and your loved ones
•
Wash your hands frequently: www.cdc.
gov/handwashing/materials.html
à
Regularly and thoroughly clean your
hands with soap and water or an
alcohol-based hand rub. Why? Wash-
ing your hands kills viruses that may
be on your hands.
•
Maintain social distance.
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Avoid close contact with people who
are sick.
Stay home if you’re sick.
•
Stay home if you are sick, except to
get medical care.
•
Cover your mouth and nose with a
tissue when you cough or sneeze or
use the inside of your elbow. Throw
used tissues in the trash.
4 Reminders to Prevent
Coronavirus
USE SOCI A L
DIST A NCING
Unless you need essential items or
Continue to use social distancing and
services like food or medical
proper hygiene when you must get
appointments.
essentials.
W A SH H A NDS A ND
SURF A CES OFTEN
SSUME COVID IS IN
YOUR COMMUNITY
Not everyone with COVID-19 has been
may have no symptoms (also known as
tested. Act like there are patients in your
asymptomatic), mild symptoms, or
community that are sick and take
severe symptoms.
appropriate precautions.
Immediately wash your hands with
soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
If soap and water are not readily avail-
able, clean your hands with a hand
sanitizer that contains at least 60%
alcohol.
Wear a facemask if you’re sick.
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People that are sick and contagious
•
If you have a fever, cough and difficulty
breathing, seek medical attention and
call in advance. Follow the directions
of your local health authority.
•
Why? National and local authorities
will have the most up-to-date infor-
mation on the situation in your area.
Calling in advance will allow your
health care provider to quickly direct
you to the right health facility. This
will also protect you and help prevent
spread of viruses and other infections.
Clean and disinfect
•
Clean and disinfect frequently
touched surfaces daily. This includes
tables, doorknobs, light switches,
countertops, handles, desks, phones,
keyboards, toilets, faucets and sinks.
•
If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use
detergent or soap and water prior to
disinfection.
Protect your community and Nation
•
ST A Y HOME &
ST A Y S A FE
Put 6 feet of distance between your-
self and other people. This is espe-
cially important for people who are
at higher risk of getting sick. Only
go out for essentials, like groceries
or medicine. Group your trips and
designate one healthy person to run
errands to reduce exposure and con-
tamination.
If you are sick: You should wear
a facemask when you are around
other people (e.g., sharing a room or
vehicle) and before you enter a health
care provider’s office. If you are not
able to wear a facemask (for example,
because it causes trouble breathing),
then you should do your best to cover
your coughs and sneezes, and people
who are caring for you should wear
a facemask if they enter your room.
If you are NOT sick: You do not need
to wear a facemask unless you are
caring for someone who is sick (and
they are not able to wear a facemask).
Facemasks may be in short supply and
they should be saved for caregivers.
If you have fever, cough and difficulty
breathing, seek medical care early.
•
Stay home if you feel unwell.
We know this period is stressful for
many. We hope you are taking care of
yourself and are finding strength in your
community. Many of the places we visit,
shop or gather have closed to lessen the
spread of COVID-19, including our
schools and local businesses. These are
not easy decisions to make, but the swift
action and effectiveness of these measures
relies on our collective cooperation to
protect ourselves, our families, friends and
Tribal communities.
Things you can do to cope
•
Continue to practice spiritual connec-
tion and guidance, in your own way, at
home with your family
•
Check on elders and neighbors. Drop
off food for those who can’t go out.
•
Have video and phone chats.
•
Help explain the importance of stay-
ing home to elders and family mem-
bers who might not understand.
•
Exercise outside (hiking, biking,
walking).
•
Create a schedule for your family
(including games, books and meals).
Remember to take a break from social
media and the news.
Learn more at npaihb.org/covid-19/.
May 2020
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Siletz News
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