COVID-19 RESOURCES

PBDG will continue to add new and relevant information as it becomes available.

IMPORTANT UPDATES

These COVID-19 updates include data complied from the OHA, CDC, FDA, NW Oregon Health Preparedness Organization, and Multnomah County. Please help spread the word to protect our communities and encourage vaccination.

Natural Immunity vs Vaccination: According to OHA’s weekly report, immunity from vaccinations provides a three times higher level of protection than natural immunity. 

Breakthrough Cases: According to the most recent Oregon Breakthrough Case report, the rate of COVID-19 cases among unvaccinated individuals is approximately six times the rate of COVID-19 cases among fully vaccinated individuals. To date, 5.5% of all known breakthrough cases have been hospitalized, and only 0.9% have died. 84% of the deaths among breakthrough cases occurred in people ages 70 and above.  

Ivermectin Warning: The FDA and CDC have issued warnings against the use of ivermectin for COVID-19 prevention or treatment, due to rapid nation-wide increase in severe illness associated with ivermectin products. The Oregon Poison Center at OHSU reported an increase in calls involving intentional misuse of ivermectin. This drug should not be used as a COVID-19 treatment. 

Masking Guidance: Starting Friday, August 27, masks are required in most public outdoor settings – regardless of vaccination status – when individuals from different households are unable to maintain physical distance. Children under five years old, persons experiencing houselessness, and a few others are exempt. Learn more about Multnomah County’s Gatherings and Get Togethers.

Vaccinations: The FDA issued full approval of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for individuals 16 and older. The vaccine will be marketed under the name Comirnaty. It is still available for emergency use authorization for youth aged 12-15 and for certain immune-compromised people in need of a booster dose. Third doses of mRNA vaccines have been authorized for emergency use by the FDA for people with compromised immune systems. The CDC has strongly recommended that pregnant people be vaccinated. While no timeline is certain, OHA is planning for the possibility of FDA and CDC emergency use authorization (EUA) of COVID vaccine for children ages 5-11 in October and EUA for ages 6 months to 4 years in November or December. There are about 500,000 children in Oregon in these age groups. At this time, there are observable equity gaps in vaccination rates in our 12-17 aged populations.

In early July 2021, Oregon reached 70% of all adults vaccinated, but the vaccination rates vary by demography and geography. Oregon Health Authority established an 80% vaccination goal to close the equity gap – an 80% goal across the state is achievable and provides greater immunity to all people in Oregon.

Find a vaccination site near you.

COVID-19 Testing: Due to high demand for COVID-19 tests, Multnomah County encourages people to make an appointment to get a test. To make an appointment call the MultCo COVID Call Center at: 503-988-8939. Test results will be available 15 – 30 minutes after taking the test. 

 

ASSISTANCE

Coping with the existence of COVID-19 and how it has changed our daily lives is difficult enough. That’s why the City, County, State and federal government are all working to help provide relief for homeowners, renters and those experiencing homelessness.

Governor Kate Brown has extended the moratorium on residential foreclosures to the end of the year – December 31, 2021. Oregon continues to deploy federal financial relief both for Oregonians who rent or own their homes. See the resources below for more information: 

Homeowners: Contact your mortgage servicer to determine whether or not your loan is backed by the Federal Government and to understand additional eligibility requirements. See the resources below for more information.

Renters: If you can demonstrate a substantial loss in income due to the COVID-19 pandemic you can defer your rent payments. Rent payments are not being forgiven, you will still be obligated to repay missed payments.

Federal and Private Mortgage Relief Information & FAQ.

Utilities: The three largest utilities in Oregon, Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, and Northwest Natural, have all announced a suspension of disconnects and/or late fees to support Oregonians during the COVID-19 outbreak.

  • NW Natural | For more information visit www.nwnatural.com or call 1-800-422-4012
  • Portland General | For more information visit www.portlandgeneral.com or call 800-542-8818
  • Pacific Power | Customers can call 1-888-221-7070
  • Portland Water | Water service will not be disconnected for non-payment of sewer/stormwater/water bills. For more information call 503-823-4874 or email PWBCustomerService@portlandoregon.gov

Regional Resources

State & Federal Resources

ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE

Regional Resources

State & Federal Resources

If you have lost your health insurance due to COVID-19, there are a number of different options depending on your circumstances. Those may include the following:

  • Marketplace coverage through healthcare.oregon.gov
  • Oregon Health Plan—OHP provides health care for low-income Oregonians.
  • COBRA— When you lose job-based insurance, you may be offered COBRA continuation coverage by your former employer.
  • State continuation— State continuation applies to those who have had continuous health coverage (not necessarily with the same employer) for at least three months before the date employment or coverage ended.
  • Medicare— Medicare is for U.S. citizens 65 and older who meet residency requirements and some blind and disabled people younger than 65.
  • Your previous employer decides to continue paying for employer-based coverage through a spouse’s insurance.

NUTRITION ASSISTANCE

Putting food on the table to feed your family does not have to be an added stress. Families and individuals who have experienced a loss of income due to the COVID-19 pandemic may be eligible for SNAP or WIC. Many local organizations and community partners also continue to operate at a high demand to ensure children, seniors and our most vulnerable neighbors are fed during this crisis.

Regional Resources

Federal Resources

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

State of Oregon | COVID-19 Resources

Multnomah County | COVID-19 Resources

City of Gresham | COVID-19 Resources

City of Beaverton | COVID-19 Resources

City of Hillsboro | COVID-19 Resources

PPE Supplier

National Safety, Inc.
Matt Strand
www.nationalsafetyinc.com
360-253-7378
(c)360-949-5223
matt@nationalsafetyinc.com

Return to top section

Request a callback from PBDG

Callback Request

*denotes a required field