May 7, 2020
  Thanks to millions of Oregonians staying home to keep themselves and their neighbors safe, we have prevented as many as 70,000 COVID-19 infections, and 1,500 hospitalizations in Oregon.
 Now, COVID-19 hospitalizations are stabilized statewide, supply chains for personal protective equipment are improving, and we've been able to finalize our statewide testing and contact tracing strategy.
 Because of these sacrifices and the hard work of our front line workers and health care experts, I'm happy to announce details for the first phase of a step-by-step reopening of Oregon.
  But I want to be absolutely clear with you, reopening any part of our state comes with risk.
  Until there is a vaccine, we will not be able to go back to life as we knew it. Physical distancing and face coverings are, and will, remain a part of our lives for many months to come. Hand washing and good hygiene are, and will, remain life-saving daily practices.
  My reopening framework is a regional approach, taking into account how the virus has impacted different parts of Oregon. That means some areas will be able to reopen before others. For counties that meet the state's requirements to move into Phase 1 of reopening (by May 15), the following sectors will then be eligible to reopen following specific safety guidelines:

• Restaurants and bars in these communities may open for sit-down service, but only with adequate physical distancing and the wearing of face coverings by employees. We encourage customers to also wear face coverings.
• Personal care businesses such as salons, barber shops, and gyms may open in a very limited way with physical distancing and increased sanitation, as well as a series of additional guidelines, like wearing face coverings and gloves at salons. Salons must also serve customers by appointment only and maintain records for contact tracing.
• Retails businesses can also open using physical distancing -- and we ask that they encourage this through proper signage, one-way flow in aisles, and using tape markings to delineate space.
• Local gatherings can increase in size to 25 with physical distancing.

  However, the Oregon Health Authority is advising that any large gathering -- in ALL counties across the state -- should either be cancelled or significantly modified at least through September. This includes live sporting events with audiences, concerts, festivals, and conventions.
  Each county must remain in Phase 1 for a minimum of 21 days, so that we can monitor whether there's an unsafe uptick in the virus. If the county still meets the prerequisites, and has not seen increased hospitalizations, then we can assess whether they are ready to move forward into the next phase.
  More information on all these steps is available online at www.coronavirus.oregon.gov.
  As we begin to reopen parts of the state, I ask that Oregonians continue being safe and smart.
Together, we can rebuild a healthy Oregon for everyone.
Yours,
Kate

  PORTLAND — New data released by the Oregon Secretary of State today shows that 1,006,266 Oregonians are now registered Democrats, making the Democratic Party the first political party in Oregon history to surpass the 1 million mark, and showing an increase of 10,000 new Democrats over the prior month.
  “These numbers are for the record books, and demonstrate the strength of our Party’s vision for all Oregonians and the work of Democratic activists from all corners of the state,” said Carla “K.C.” Hanson, Chair of the Democratic Party of Oregon. Currently, there are more than 30 Democratic county parties and 17 caucuses representing the diverse views of Democrats from all walks of life in Oregon.
  “Oregon Democrats believe that we’re greater together than we are on our own, and now — together — we are more than one million strong,” said Hanson. “Oregon Democrats set the standard for progressive leadership. We strenuously resist the Trump agenda, and work hard to ensure ALL Oregonians have access to health care, good jobs with fair and equitable pay, quality public education, sustainable energy, and a clean environment. This election year Democrats must fight to take back our wounded nation and continue the progress we’re making here in Oregon.”
  While Republicans have achieved a net increase of about 5,000 voters in the last year in Oregon, Democrats have seen a net increase of nearly 30,000. New automatically registered voters are choosing to become Democrats at more than triple the rate than they join other parties. That’s because more and more Oregonians agree with Democrats’ belief that this country succeeds when everyone gets a fair shot, everyone does their fair share, and everyone plays by the same rules.
“Republicans have a million reasons to be nervous today. This remarkable achievement is a testament to what we already knew: Democrats are more energized and better organized than ever before,” said Tom Perez, DNC Chair. “Every day, Chair Hanson and Oregon Democrats are doing the hard work of strengthening our party and bringing more voices into our democracy — that dedication is going to pay off in November.”
  Oregonians can register to vote at oregonvotes.org.
  For more information on the Democratic Party of Oregon, visit dpo.org.
  –– Molly Woon, DPO

May 6, 2020
 Today is National Nurses Day, an opportunity to pause and honor nurses who are providing lifesaving care to our communities.
  These heroes provide critical care 365 days a year, but in this difficult time, we should recognize that they're putting their own health at risk due to shortages of PPE.
  Nurses deserve our respect, our gratitude, and far more support and protection. That's true every day, but today, it's especially important we let nurses know we've got their backs.
  Head over to Facebook and watch my video, then help me show our appreciation by leaving a comment thanking our nurses.
  – Peter