With the rain, the fires are more contained than they had been in the past, but many lost homes and businesses over the course of the last few weeks. For those who are now trying to figure out what to do with their insurance company, the Oregonian had some advice.
https://www.oregonlive.com/business/2020/09/oregon-wildfire-insurance-payouts-will-be-a-long-process-state-warns-so-get-started-now.html
OREGONLIVE.COM
Oregon wildfire insurance payouts will be a long process, state warns, so get started now
At a time of crisis for Oregonians that resulted from the fires, we can see the best of humanity in how many people help one another out. Unfortunately, not everyone is helpful and the Governor has felt that the conduct of some has necessitated action. As such, she issued an executive order that people who have been subjected to excessive prices for essential consumer goods and services can report that conduct to the Oregon Department of Justice ("DOJ") Consumer Protection Line and the DOJ is empowered to investigate those complaints for unlawful trade practices. Below is a link to the executive order.
https://www.oregon.gov/gov/Documents/executive_orders/eo_20-42.pdf
OREGON.GOV
www.oregon.gov
Given the fires in the Northwest, many may have friends or family in need of resources during these difficult times. Below is a KGW article setting forth some resources available to victims of the fires.
https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/resources-for-wildfire-evacuees/283-42fb4f5f-a1a0-48a5-918b-8c8b203bb971
KGW.COM
Resources for Oregon and Washington wildfire evacuees
The statewide plastic bag ban went into effect shortly before COVID. Due to a run on paper bags and the difficulties with reusable bags due to COVID, enforcement was loosened for companies. Below is an article from KGW 8 news.
https://www.kgw.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/in-oregon-temporary-rules-now-allow-disposable-t-shirt-plastic-bags-with-no-fee-to-customers/283-768363d9-a9e1-4478-a13c-e1d59b25c74e
KGW.COM
Coronavirus pandemic deals blow to plastic bag bans, plastic reduction
OSHA has put out national guidance on preparing workplaces for COVID-19. Employers and employees alike should be aware of what OSHA is recommending nationally for safety standards in work environments. State guidelines may be even more stringent.
https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3990.pdf
OSHA.GOV
www.osha.gov
The new face covering guidelines in Oregon apply to nearly all business and/or employees in some fashion. It is important to understand what is required and what signs must be posted. Below is a link to the Oregon Health Authority Guidelines associated with face coverings.
https://sharedsystems.dhsoha.state.or.us/DHSForms/Served/le2288k.pdf
SHAREDSYSTEMS.DHSOHA.STATE.OR.US
sharedsystems.dhsoha.state.or.us
For residential landlords and tenants, it is important to take note that Governor Brown extended the moratorium on residential evictions for non-payment of rent or for "no cause" through the end of the year. She also banned banks from foreclosing during the same timeframe. Below is an article from Oregon Live.
https://www.oregonlive.com/business/2020/09/oregon-gov-brown-extends-residential-eviction-ban-until-dec-31.html
OREGONLIVE.COM
Oregon extends residential eviction ban until Dec. 31
The Oregon Workplace Fairness Act went into effect October 1, 2020 to address sexual assault, discrimination, and harassment, . As an employer, or employee, you should be aware of the new policies that should be offered and part of employee manuals associated with the new laws that went into force recently. Below is an article from the United Employers Association explaining the Act in more detail. https://www.unitedemployers.org/page/ORWorkplaceFairnessAct
UNITEDEMPLOYERS.ORG
OR Workplace Fairness Act (SB 726)
The Oregon Health Authority has passed new guidelines for masks and face shields. Employers should review the rules to ensure their businesses are in compliance and customers and employees should review to ensure they have what they need when going different places. Below is a link to the new OHA guidelines. https://sharedsystems.dhsoha.state.or.us/DHSForms/Served/le2288K.pdf
SHAREDSYSTEMS.DHSOHA.STATE.OR.US
sharedsystems.dhsoha.state.or.us
Oregon voters, don’t forget to get your vote into an open drop box by 8 pm November 3. Every vote matters. Ensure your voice is heard.
With the uptick in COVID-19 cases Governor Brown has issued another Executive Order shutting down many business in the state and restricting the number of people gathering in businesses and homes. With the constantly changing rules, it is important to be aware of the guidelines that apply to you and your workplace. Below is an article from KEZI news laying out the new rules starting Wednesday of next week.
https://www.kezi.com/content/news/Gov-Brown-orders-two-week-freeze-over-COVID-19-surge-573067931.html
KEZI.COM
WATCH: Gov. Brown orders two-week 'freeze' statewide over COVID-19 surge
Due to the uptik in COVID-19 cases in Oregon, Governor Brown passed another executive order with more restrictions in several counties. Be sure you know what applies to you as an employer, employee, or customer. Below is an artice from Big Country News. https://www.bigcountrynewsconnection.com/local/oregon-governor-issues-more-limits-on-social-gatherings-warns-second-lockdown-possible/article_253e64e9-86c1-5836-a337-75c99847d350.html
BIGCOUNTRYNEWSCONNECTION.COM
Oregon Governor Issues More Limits on Social Gatherings, Warns Second Lockdown Possible
It has been 9 months now that our Governor has been using her emergency powers to make guidelines regarding our activities due to COVID-19 and it is an ever changing situation. As you head into the Holidays read her actual Orders so you fully understand what is expect of you as an Oregonian, employer, employee, and business owner. At this point, she has noted she has no other choice but to employ law enforcement to impose fines and jail time. Below is a link to her Executive Order as well as an article from the Oregonian regarding her enforcement plan. Good luck and be safe.
https://www.oregon.gov/gov/Documents/executive_orders/eo_20-65.pdf
https://www.oregonlive.com/coronavirus/2020/11/oregon-gov-kate-brown-says-large-parties-could-trigger-fines-or-jail-time-during-coronavirus-freeze.html
OREGONLIVE.COM
Large parties could trigger fines or jail time during Oregon's coronavirus ‘freeze’
As I noted in my last post, the situation in Oregon is ever changing, and Governor Brown has changed it yet again, loosening restrictions for some business while tightening restrictions on others. Be aware of the portions of her executive orders that apply to you as an employer, employee, and consumer. Below is a link to an article from the Oregonian about her new restrictions.
https://www.oregonlive.com/news/2020/11/gov-kate-brown-will-loosen-many-of-oregons-covid-19-restrictions-bars-and-restaurants-can-open-for-outdoor-dining-next-week.html
OREGONLIVE.COM
Gov. Kate Brown will loosen many of Oregon’s COVID-19 restrictions: Bars and restaurants can open for outdoor dining next week
DMV is now issuing Real-ID compliant licenses for Oregonians wanting to fly. Due to COVID-19 people now have until October 1, 2021 (a one year extension) to get a Real-ID compliant license to travel via airplane. Below is an article from KATU2 with additional information.
https://katu.com/news/local/oregon-dmv-can-now-issue-real-id-compliant-licenses
KATU.COM
Oregon DMV can now issue Real ID-compliant licenses
Starting Jan. 1 people in Oregon will no longer need to prove citizenship to apply for a driver's licence. Proof of residency will suffice. To obtain a "Real ID" citizenship will still be required and voting registration will no longer be done automatically when a license is issued. Instead, people will need to prove citizenship to get registered to vote. Below is an article from KTVZ explaining the new law that takes effect Jan. 1.
https://ktvz.com/news/oregon-northwest/2020/12/18/driver-licenses-for-all-law-takes-effect-in-january-dmv-reminds/
KTVZ.COM
'Driver Licenses for All' law takes effect in January, DMV reminds - KTVZ
Governor Brown announced that effective Jan. 1, 2021 she will allow districts to decide for themselves whether to reopen schools while requirements for schools are not expected to be issued until Jan. 19, 2021. Below is an article from Oregon Live explaining her recent statements in more detail.
https://www.oregonlive.com/education/2020/12/oregon-schools-can-decide-to-reopen-starting-jan-1-governor-kate-brown-says.html
OREGONLIVE.COM
Gov. Kate Brown changes course, allows local districts to decide on opening schools
The legislature met a few weeks ago and passed laws extending the eviction moratorium through July 1, 2021; allowing bars and restaurants to sell 2 cocktails per substantive food item; and created funds for landlords and tenants, wildfire victims, and COVID-19 costs. The OPB article below goes more in depth on the new legislation.
https://www.opb.org/article/2020/12/21/oregon-lawmakers-offer-relief-for-renters-restaurants-as-protesters-vandalize-capitol/
OPB.ORG
Oregon lawmakers offer relief for renters, restaurants as protesters vandalize Capitol
COVID restrictions from Governor Brown are still in force throughout Oregon. It is important to understand what is expected of your business if you are operating in this environment. Below is a website to figure out the status of businesses in your county and a link to an article from the Statesman Journal about Courthouse Club Fitness in Salem being fined $126,746 for failing to comply with the governor's orders.
https://coronavirus.oregon.gov/Pages/living-with-covid-19.aspx
https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/2021/01/12/salem-courthouse-gym-fined-violating-covid-19-restrictions/6639767002/
STATESMANJOURNAL.COM
Courthouse gym fined $126,746 for violating COVID-19 restrictions
As an Oregonian it is important to stay up to date on the new laws coming into effect in 2021 which include an increased cigarette tax, Real IDs for travel and driver licenses for all, no facial recognition software in Portland, decriminalization of certain amounts of drugs (Feb), and minimum wage increases (July) to name a few. Below is a KGW 8 article about the changes listed herein.
https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/oregon-portland-new-laws-2021/283-8fcb3051-ece3-4bb8-af8b-50e5b2343817
KGW.COM
Here are new laws that go into effect in Oregon and Portland in 2021
Federal OSHA has posted guidelines about what businesses should be doing to deal with COVID-19. It is important to be aware of the guidelines as employers, employees, and customers when businesses are gradually allowed to reopen.
https://www.osha.gov/coronavirus/safework
OSHA.GOV
Protecting Workers: Guidance on Mitigating and Preventing the Spread of COVID-19 in the Workplace | Occupational Safety and Health Administration
As the vaccine is becoming more available, it is important to keep track of when employers and employees will be eligible for the vaccine. Though it seems to be a moving target, Governor Brown recently provided more information on the roll-out of the vaccine in Oregon. https://www.kgw.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/vaccine/gov-brown-state-health-officials-to-hold-briefing-on-covid-19-vaccine-rollout/283-0fbcaf08-1a09-4195-96cc-02a32bf153f3
KGW.COM
State adjusts projections for timeline on senior vaccinations; most by early April, if supply continues
OSHA has created rules that address the risks associated with COVID-19 in work places. If you are a business and are open and operating, it is important to be aware of the rules with which you will be expected to comply. Below is a link to OSHA's COVID-19 rules.
https://osha.oregon.gov/OSHARules/div1/437-001-0744.pdf
OSHA.OREGON.GOV
osha.oregon.gov
The recent winter storm has left many in Oregon reeling as they try to deal with downed trees on their properties. Salem has opened up four drop sites for tree debris. Below is a link to a City of Salem article describing drop sites.
https://www.cityofsalem.net/Pages/trees-down-and-blocking-major-roadways-citywide.aspx
CITYOFSALEM.NET
UPDATE FEB. 18 City Adds Crews to Help with Storm Recovery
As people are getting vaccinated COVID cases are reducing and restrictions are easing in several counties. Restaurants and gyms are now allowed to open at 25% capacity is some counties. It is important to stay on top of the ever-changing rules that may be applied to you, your business, and/or your customers. Below is a link to the Governor's updates that can be searched by county. https://coronavirus.oregon.gov/Pages/living-with-covid-19.aspx
CORONAVIRUS.OREGON.GOV
coronavirus.oregon.gov
There is a 3-month grace period with regard to officers issuing citations to people whose driver's licenses expired between November 1, 2020 and April 30, 2021. Anyone who needed to renew, but didn't get it done in time due to DMV office closures, should review the guidelines to qualify for the grace period and to renew ASAP. Below is a link to the Oregon DOT page regarding this issue.
https://www.oregon.gov/odot/dmv/pages/covid_alert.Aspx
OREGON.GOV
Oregon Department of Transportation : DMV COVID-19 Update : Oregon Driver & Motor Vehicle Services : State of Oregon
Governor Brown renewed her declaration of a state of emergency through May 2, 2021. As such, if you are a business, employee, or customer wondering about how long the rules set forth in executive orders, or the laws passed by the legislature, are in effect, know that if they state they last as long as Oregon is in a state of emergency, as of now that means May 2, 2021. That may change in the future. Below is a link to the executive order.
https://www.oregon.gov/gov/Documents/executive_orders/eo_21-05.pdf
OREGON.GOV
www.oregon.gov
