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Update on Corona Virus

As the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to spread across our state, our nation, and the world I wanted to update you on the latest information. My top priority is ensuring that our local health care providers have the resources they need.

The situation is rapidly changing, but I will continue to provide updates and resources. I am in constant contact with local and federal officials and will continue to provide updates on my COVID-19 resource page. Additionally, you can stay updated by following my Twitter @RepGregWalden or my Facebook page @RepGregWalden.  

Below you will find some helpful updates and resources on the coronavirus. 

It is an honor to represent you in the U.S. Congress.

Best regards,

Greg Walden
U.S. Representative
Oregon’s Second District

The latest on the coronavirus: The situation is rapidly changing, but I wanted to share the latest information and news on the outbreak and relief efforts.

An Update on the PPP and EIDL:

Since the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) was originally passed as part of the CARES Act, it has approved loans to over 4.3 million small businesses for a total of more than $513 billion. In Oregon, the SBA has approved loans for over 55,880 small businesses for a total of more than $6.8 billion.

The SBA also released an updated report with information about both the number and the amount of Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) it has approved. Across the country, more than 250,000 of these loans have been approved for a total of nearly $25 billion. In Oregon, more than 3,900 loans have been approved for a total of over $350 million.

New Coronavirus Vaccine Shows Promise:

A new coronavirus vaccine that is in preliminary trials has shown promising results. These results come from a Phase 1 study of the vaccine which is primarily focused on whether or not the vaccine is safe. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the study moving forward to a Phase II study, with hopes of beginning a Phase III study by July. Read more here.

House Votes on HEROES Act:

On Friday, the House voted on the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions (HEROES) Act. The over 1,800 page bill, drafted by Speaker Pelosi without any input from House Republicans, was released last Monday with the House holding a vote on it just days later.

Read Walden’s statement on the legislation here.

Watch Rep. Walden’s floor remarks on the legislation here.

Increased Funding for Testing in Oregon:

Last week, President Trump announced $11 billion of CARES Act funding will be distributed to states to increase testing capacity, including $86 million for Oregon. The state will also receive 80,000 new swabs in May.

Watch out for COVID-19 Scams:

Both the Federal Trade Commission and the Federal Communications Commission are reporting a spike in coronavirus related scams including home testing kits, fake cures, and other malicious attempts to prey on COVID-19 fears. The Treasury Department will NOT ask you to pay anything for the payment most Americans will receive as a result of the CARES Act and will not contact you for your bank account information. If you are contacted by someone claiming to be from the government asking for this type of information, please report it to www.ftc.gov/complaint. You can learn more about how to protect yourself from these types of scams here.

What’s Walden Doing: An update on my latest actions.

Greg Walden: ‘Heroes are not partisan’

Greg Walden released a statement after he voted against the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions (HEROES) Act. The over 1,800 page bill, drafted by Speaker Pelosi without any input from House Republicans, was released Monday with the House holding a vote on it just days later. Read more here.

Greg Walden Announces $2.4 Million for Oregon Community Health Centers

Greg Walden released a statement after the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), awarded over $2.4 million to 11 Community Health Centers (CHCs) in Oregon’s Second District. The funding comes through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to help HRSA-funded health centers across Oregon expand COVID-19 testing. Read more here.

Greg Walden Calls on Governor Brown, Legislative Leaders to Help Local Governments with COVID-related Expense

Greg Walden called on Governor Kate Brown and Oregon Legislative Leaders to share a portion of the funds Congress sent to states with local governments to help them deal with unexpected COVID-19-related costs. Read more here.

Resources to Know and Share: Here are some helpful resources and information on COVID-19.

ASSISTANCE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

The Paycheck Protection Program prioritizes millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing billions in funding toward job retention and certain other expenses.

Small businesses and eligible nonprofit organizations, Veterans organizations, and Tribal businesses described in the Small Business Act, as well as individuals who are self-employed or are independent contractors, are eligible if they also meet program size standards.

  • For a top-line overview of the program CLICK HERE
  • If you’re a lender, more information can be found HERE
  • If you’re a borrower, more information can be found HERE
  • The application for borrowers can be found HERE

The Small Business Administration has also launched a hotline for lenders who need assistance accessing SBA’s E-Tran system. That number is: 1-833-572-0502. More answers from the SBA can be found here.

Other resources on the Paycheck Protection Program:

INFORMATION FOR AMERICANS ABROAD:

The State Department has repatriated over 76,500 Americans from more than 130 countries.

The State Department is making efforts to bring home Americans, including through commercial flights, chartered flights, and military transport.  Any American abroad who needs assistance should contact their local U.S. embassy and register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), available here or by calling 1-888-407-4747.

ASSISTANCE FROM HHS AND FEMA:

HHS and FEMA have fielded many requests to assist or partner with the Federal Government in response to the COVID pandemic.

  • Organizations or individuals seeking to contract with the federal government to import or manufacture medical products to aid the U.S. response submit information to FEMA through the a Request for Proposal, available here.
  • Organizations or individuals that wish to donate medical supplies or equipment can submit that information here.
  • Other inquiries from organizations or individuals, including individuals who want to volunteer or organizations that want to produce a product related to the COVID response, among other inquiries, can be referred to https://www.fema.gov/coronavirus/how-to-help.

How to schedule a blood donation appointment:

Fast Facts: Here are some helpful stats on COVID-19 as of 5/18/20

Cases of COVID-19: 

U.S.  current case count: There are currently at least 1,508,598 cases and 90,353 deaths in the United States, as reported by Johns Hopkins and other media sources. 

Oregon current case count: 3,623

Baker: 1

Benton: 54

Clackamas: 286

Clatsop: 38

Columbia: 16

Coos: 30

Crook: 1

Curry: 4

Deschutes: 101

Douglas: 25

Grant: 1

Harney: 1

Hood River: 14

Jackson: 51

Jefferson: 24

Josephine: 25

Klamath: 41

Lane: 65

Lincoln: 8

Linn: 109

Malheur: 21

Marion: 843

Morrow: 12

Multnomah: 996

Polk: 93

Sherman: 1

Tillamook: 6

Umatilla: 98

Union: 6

Wallowa: 1

Wasco: 18

Washington: 638

Yamhill: 59

 
Testing in Oregon:

Positive: 3,604

Negative: 93,628

Total (since 1/24): 97,232

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