March 8, 2020 12:25 p.m.
Governor Kate Brown has announced a state of emergency to address the spread of the novel coronavirus after the Oregon Health Authority identified seven new cases of COVID-19 in Oregon, bringing the total to 14.
The Governor authorized the state of emergency by verbal proclamation Saturday night and confirmed it in writing Sunday morning.
Brown said “the news is concerning for all Oregonians, but my resolve and that of my administration to address this public health crisis is unchanged”. She said the declaration gives the Oregon Health Authority and the Office of Emergency Management all the resources at the state’s disposal to “stem the spread of this disease”. She said state officials will “do everything it takes, within our power and in coordination with federal and local officials, to keep Oregonians safe”.
A release from the Governor’s Office said the emergency declaration allows OHA to activate reserves of emergency volunteer health care professionals, bringing online auxiliary medical professionals to work with local health authorities to identify and contain new cases of COVID-19 in Oregon. The declaration additionally grants broad authority to the State Public Health Director, OHA and the Office of Emergency Management, which allows the agencies to take immediate action and devote all available state resources toward containing the coronavirus in Oregon.
The state of emergency will remain in affect for 60 days, but can be extended until the public health threat of the coronavirus is contained.