COVID-19 has claimed one more life in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 92, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 8 a.m. today, April 27th.
Oregon Health Authority also reported 43 new cases of COVID-19 as of 8 a.m. today bringing the state total to 2,354. The new COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Coos (2), Deschutes (2), Linn (5), Malheur (1), Marion (11), Multnomah (12), Washington (9), Yamhill (1). There have been 48,844 negative tests in Oregon; and 261 negative tests in Tillamook County. “The county has received additional testing kits and are moving toward expanding testing to the most vulnerable populations,” according Marlene Putman, administrator for Tillamook County Community Health Center during the Tillamook County Leadership Team meeting this morning April 27th.
Busting myths about COVID-19
As we learn more about the virus that causes COVID-19, new information is coming at us fast. Unfortunately, so is misinformation. To combat this, the World Health Organization (WHO) has created a Myth-busters page to address some of the rumors.
They continue to add information as new myths surface. For example, a hot bath will relax you, but no, it won’t help fight the coronavirus. Spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body will not kill viruses that have already entered your body. And, viruses cannot be spread through 5G mobile networks.
Legislature invests more than $32M in state funds to support COVID-19 response
On Thursday, the Oregon Legislature’s Emergency Board approved an emergency funding package to provide support to our state’s COVID-19 response. The new funding totals more than $32 million and includes:
-$12 million for rental assistance and motel vouchers for individuals who have lost income due to COVID-19 and shelter for individuals at risk of infection or health problems due to inadequate shelter or housing.
– $5 million matched with another $5 million from the Oregon Business Development Department to create a $10 million assistance program for small businesses with up to 25 employees that have not received support from the federal CARES Act.
– $2 million for survivors of domestic and sexual violence to support emergency housing
– $10 million to create a wage replacement fund for newly unemployed workers who are unable to access unemployment payments due to their immigration status.
– $3.35 million to help workers in long-term care facilities pay for coronavirus testing and offer caregivers training in infectious disease prevention.
Reporting income changes to HealthCare.gov
If you’re enrolled in a Marketplace plan through the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace and your income or household changes, you should update your application.
The “Economic Impact Payment” that will be sent to most families won’t affect people applying for coverage or those who already have coverage through the Marketplace.
The federal increase in unemployment benefits of $600 per week for up to four months (ending July 31, 2020) will be counted as income and will need to be reported.
Changes — such as lower or higher income, adding or losing household members, or getting offers of other health coverage — may affect the coverage or savings you’re eligible for.
You can find steps on how to report changes and important information about Marketplace plans and COVID-19 at HealthCare.gov.
To see more case and county-level data, Oregon Health updates its website once a day: www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus.
