I know that spending most of the day outside in this beautiful, warm weather is tempting, but we must not let our guards down.
Your perseverance is already paying off, we’re seeing evidence of physical distancing working in Oregon and it’s vitally important we continue to stay home to save lives.
In the meantime, let’s do everything we can to protect our loved ones and ourselves.
As you may know, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is now recommending Americans wear a cloth face cover to help slow the spread of COVID-19. According to the CDC, cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost can be used as an additional, voluntary public health measure.
What we know about this virus continues to develop as we learn more from patients being treated. Many of you who are healthy could have the virus and don't know it. A face cover is a preventive action we can all take to stop the transmission of the virus.
Making a cloth face covering is easy. Visit the CDC website to learn how to make a cloth face covering, or watch these three simple how-to videos for all skill levels.
#AskMayor Wheeler Twitter Q&A
On Thursday, April 9 at 3pm, I will participate in a Twitter Q&A, giving you a virtual opportunity to interact and ask questions about the City's COVID-19 response. Follow @TedWheeler, tweet your questions using #AskMayorWheeler and help us spread the word.
Resources for Food Assistance
Putting food on the table to feed your family also 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 during this time of high demand to ensure children, seniors and our most vulnerable neighbors are fed during this crisis. Please consider donating to a local food pantry and help them serve more meals. Visit my COVID-19 webpage for more information on WIC and SNAP, plus locations to meal access sites.
City Council Business Continues
Adhering to the physical distancing guidelines, City Council meetings continue to be held virtually and will be available to the public via the eGov PDX YouTube channel and Channel 30 on television. If you would like to sign up for public testimony in the future, be sure you register by 4 pm Tuesday. The Council agenda is posted online every Friday before the following week’s Council meetings.
Donate & Volunteer
Multnomah County and the City of Portland have launched the Joint Volunteer Information Center (JVIC) to coordinate volunteers and donations to support the COVID-19 emergency response. We are accepting volunteer applications and PPE donations. Learn more online or call 503-406-3696 to volunteer, donate supplies and services, or for more information.
The State of Oregon also established a central point of contact for volunteer and large vendor coordination – this includes people who want to donate time, equipment, resources, or facilities; and people who want to sell those items – related to Oregon’s COVID-19 response.
Public Safety
Our first responders at Portland Police and Portland Fire & Rescue continue to respond to emergencies all over the city to maintain public safety during this pandemic. They provide a vital public service necessary to ensure the well-being of our entire community and I thank them for continuing to operate on the front lines of this crisis.
In PPB’s April NewsBeat newsletter, they share more about their response to public safety during the COVID-19 crisis, related crime trends and others news. You can read more about their response in this PDF version.
Portland Small Business Relief Fund
And finally, Prosper Portland has worked hard to distribute $1 million in small business relief grants to more than 200 small businesses. They’ve been leading on economic relief work since day one and many employees are working sleepless nights to get Portlanders every grant, loan, and resource possible.
Beginning today, The Small Business Relief Fund loan program will accept applications for zero-interest loans up to $50,000. Be sure you have the following information on hand: Oregon Business Registration number, 2019 gross revenue, estimate of revenue loss due to COVID-19, number of employees, years in business, payroll information, and City of Portland business license number.
I’m so proud of how our community has come together to help the most vulnerable impacted by COVID-19.
Keep up the great work, stay safe, stay home and save lives.