September 1, 2020 2:00 p.m. 

On Tuesday, Oregon Governor Kate Brown extended her declaration of a state of emergency, regarding COVID-19 for an additional 60 days, until November 3rd.

Brown said “Now, six months after this crisis began, we have made progress. Together we have slowed the spread of this disease”. Brown said Oregon has one of the lowest mortality rates in the country. She said, “…as students across Oregon begin a school year far different than any other before, it is clear that at current COVID-19 levels, it will not be safe in much of the state for children to return to in-classroom instruction for months to come”.

Brown said Labor Day weekend is another critical moment in this crisis.

She said,” We can work together to stay safe and put Oregon on the path to return more students to classrooms. Or we could see Labor Day celebrations unknowingly sow the seeds of COVID-19 outbreaks that could set us back for months”. Brown said “Until there is an effective vaccine for COVID-19, this disease can spread like wildfire if we let our guard down”.

A release said small social get-togethers like barbecues and family celebrations have fueled wider community outbreaks in counties across Oregon. Brown said, “This weekend you have a choice. Please stay local this Labor Day, and practice safe COVID-19 habits”. Wear a face covering, watch your physical distance and wash your hands”.

The release said the declaration is the legal underpinning for the Governor’s COVID-19 executive orders and the Oregon Health Authority’s health and safety guidance. The emergency orders are reevaluated every 60 days.