February 23, 2021 3:20 a.m. 

Governor Kate Brown has ordered all flags at Oregon public institutions to be flown at half-staff until sunset on Friday in memory of the more than 500,000 Americans who have lost their lives due to COVID-19.

A release from the Governor’s office said that includes 2,155 Oregonians.

Brown said “Every life lost to COVID-19 is a tragedy. With more than 500,000 Americans who have died from this virus, there are infinitely more people who are now without a friend, a family member or a loved one”.

Brown said she remains committed to ensuring that Oregonians do everything they can to stop the spread and save lives.