“The latest CDC guidance is welcome news for vaccinated Oregonians, and hopefully will encourage those who have yet to get their vaccine to sign up for an appointment as soon as possible,” said Sandra McDonough, president & CEO of OBI.
Gov. Brown announced on May 11 that she will fully reopen the state once the vaccine rate (adults 16+ with the first dose) hits 70% statewide. “Fully reopen” means risk levels will be eliminated, and businesses can return to normal operations, although mask and distancing requirements may continue. The governor said the state can hit that goal by late June with additional efforts to encourage broader vaccination.
“We appreciate that the governor is allowing these Oregon businesses to reopen,” said Sandra McDonough, OBI’s president and CEO. “Hopefully, this will be the end of the COVID business closures and we will move swiftly to fully reopening our state’s economy.”
On May 4, the Oregon Occupational Health & Safety Administration (OSHA) filed permanent workplace rules related to COVID. OSHA had previously adopted temporary rules on Nov. 6, 2020 and those rules were set to expire today.
This week, Gov. Kate Brown announced that 15 of Oregon’s 36 counties would be moving into the “extreme risk” category due to rising COVID cases. Under the state’s emergency plan, that means several businesses in those counties now face curtailing operations or shutting down altogether – yet again.
Senator Wyden has been a steady champion of the Oregon Business Plan. After helping to launch the Oregon Business Plan Leadership Summit in 2002, Senator Wyden has never missed the annual Summit. We are eager to hear his ideas on how to best advance the Business Plan’s agenda for Shared Prosperity presented last December.
Join OBI for our May Speaker Series discussion featuring freshman Democratic and Republican legislators from around the state. Hear about their priorities for their districts, their vision for the state, and their thoughts about what it’s like to serve in the Legislature.
Join OBI for our June Speaker Series discussion to hear industry leaders’ perspectives on the pandemic, how health care providers have been impacted and adapted to our new reality, and what the future of health care delivery might look like here in Oregon and across the nation.
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Oregon Business & Industry exists to strengthen Oregon’s economy in order to achieve a healthy, prosperous and competitive Oregon for the benefit of present and future generations.
