Governor Kate Brown signed an executive order Sunday morning declaring a state of emergency in Oregon to address the spread of COVID-19 in the state.

Oregon now has 14 patients that have tested positive in a state lab for the new strain of coronavirus, according to the Oregon Health Authority, while 100 suspected cases tested negative, 53 tests are pending and 203 people are under monitoring and have been asked to stay home.

Eight of the cases are in Washington County, two in Jackson County and one each in Umatilla, Klamath, Marion and Douglas counties. Five of the cases were hospitalized at the time of the presumptive positive result.

“COVID-19 is a communicable disease. We know it will spread. We know we will see more cases,” OHA director Pat Allen said during a news conference Sunday morning. “But we also know there are steps we can take to prevent COVID-19 transmission and protect people most at risk … by taking effective, evidence-based action we can slow the spread of COVID-19, protect people that are most vulnerable and deny the virus the opportunity to cause widespread disruption to our daily lives.”

Brown verbally announced the emergency Saturday evening, but signed the executive order Sunday. It is currently set to last 60 days, but could be extended if needed.

“This news is concerning for all Oregonians, but my resolve and that of my administration to address this public health crisis is unchanged,” she said. “This emergency declaration gives the Oregon Health Authority and the Office of Emergency Management all the resources at the state’s disposal to stem the spread of this disease. We will do everything it takes, within our power and in coordination with federal and local officials, to keep Oregonians safe.”

According to a news release, the emergency declaration grants “broad authority” to the state’s public health director, to take immediate action in devoting state resources to combat the outbreak. 

Allan said the emergency declaration helps OHA increase testing, expand telemedicine, activate volunteer reserves of medical professionals, give insurers and providers more flexibility and mobilize an aggressive outreach strategy for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and homeless.

After a walkout by Republican legislators cut the legislative session short, the legislature’s emergency board plans to meet Monday to allocate an additional $5 million to OHA to help cover costs associated with COVID-19.

Oregonians are asked to do their part by washing their hands with soap and water frequently, or using hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol when soap is not available, along with sanitizing frequently-touched surfaces, covering their cough and staying home when sick.

For more information, visit https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/DISEASESCONDITIONS/DISEASESAZ/Pages/emerging-respiratory-infections.aspx.