Mask mandate extended to outdoors, event planned to counter anti-abortion extremists

Gov. Brown extends mask mandate to outdoor settings

Gov. brown extended mask requirements to many outdoor settings last week. Brown states that under this order, that will be overseen by OHA, “masks will be required in most public outdoor settings, including large outdoor events, where physical distancing is not possible, and regardless of vaccination status.” Excluded will be when individuals are passing by each other, actively eating, delivering a speech, and more.

Hospitalization rates have gone up across Oregon, and researchers suggest it will get worse in the coming weeks. OHSU projects that by Sep. 6 there will be 1,197 people hospitalized with COVID across the state. PeaceHealth will be bringing in the National Guard to its RiverBend hospital to assist in non-medical responsibilities.

Lane County Public Health reported last week an outbreak at Gateway Living long-term care facility that infected 64 people and killed five.

Hate group to protest at Planned Parenthood, community set to counterprotest

The Church at Planned Parenthood (TCAPP), a right wing anti-abortion group, is set to protest at the West Eugene Planned parenthood this Saturday. Anti-fascists have been promoting “Eugene stands with Planned Parenthood“, an event to affirm reproductive healthcare. In addition to inciting violence and harassing the community writ large, the extremist group disrupts those actively seeking care. However the West Eugene location is temporarily closed.

TCAPP, which has been active in Salem over the summer, often brings along Proud Boys as security. TCAPP tried to hold a rally in Bend over the weekend, but appeared to scared away by counterprotestors.

Organizers of the Eugene Stands with Planned Parenthood event are kicking off their event with music at 1 PM, and encourage people to bring water and signs.

Local links

  • NYT: Facing its worst virus surge, Oregon returns to strict mandates

  • Representatives of UAUO recently met with the UO administration to provide concerns with plans for reopening and a list of four asks.

  • Cost of living up 6.4% since last UO faculty raises

  • Creswell councilors Kevin Prociw and JoeRell Medina expressed interest in the vacant mayor position, Medina later became upset at the talk of equity and inclusion at the meeting, saying those words alone are “very troubling”. Medina also stated that the town doesn’t have any problems with inclusivity.

  • The Oregon Department of Justice appointed an independent investigator to look into the allegations of racism at Oregon’s Bureau of Labor and Industries, and they reported the claims were unsubstantiated.

  • Carry It Forward has put together a list of free COVID testing and vaccination sites in Eugene and Springfield.

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