December 21, 2021 2:00 p.m. 

On Tuesday, Governor Kate Brown extended her declaration of a state of emergency, as Oregon continues to implement its plan to prepare for and respond to the impending Omicron variant surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.

Governor Brown said, “As Oregon prepares for what could be our worst surge in hospitalizations during this pandemic, I know that this is not the beginning of the new year any of us had hoped for”. Governor Brown said, “Time and time again over the last two years, Oregonians have proven that we will stand with each other in our most difficult times. Your actions have saved lives, and it is because we have worked together to keep each other safe that Oregon still has some of the lowest infection and mortality rates in the nation. Please do your part again – get vaccinated, get your booster shot and wear a mask”.

Governor Brown’s release said the emergency declaration continues to be necessary to provide flexibility and resources for the state’s COVID-19 response and recovery efforts, including allowing for the use of SERV-OR volunteer medical providers in hospitals. The release said this provides flexibility around professional health licensing, and ensures that Oregon can continue to access all federal disaster relief funds available, such as enhanced SNAP benefits. Executive Order 21-36 will remain in effect until June 30, 2022, unless earlier rescinded or extended.

The release said most of the Governor’s executive orders regarding COVID-19 were rescinded on June 30th of this year. Governor Brown said she did not for the most part use her executive authority in responding to the Delta surge of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.

Governor Brown’s release said Oregon’s safety requirements in place today regarding masks, vaccinations for K-12 educators and staff and vaccinations for healthcare workers, do not rely on the state emergency declaration – instead they are covered by agency administrative rules issued under existing state authority.