More than 75 Oregon county commissioners-- along with business advocates-- have penned a letter to Governor Kate Brown. They’re requesting reconsideration of the state’s approach to COVID-19 mitigation measures and restrictions.
The same day Governor Brown announced Lane County would move to Extreme risk for COVID-19 restrictions, the Board of Commissioners unanimously approved their own letter. The other missive now includes four pages of signatures from multiple counties, including Lane.
Vonnie Mikkelsen is President and CEO of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce. She wants the governor to expedite revisions of current risk metrics so small businesses can still operate.
“We need some support and we’re looking to her to provide a path and solution to reopen our economy," Mikkelsen said. "Not in two weeks, not in a week and certainly not by the end of June.”
The letter states Oregon has not seen an instance of a super spreader event tied to the hospitality industry. It also asks that “all effort and momentum be put into vaccinations.”
Read the full letter to Governor Brown from the Association for Oregon Counties and Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association here.
Find the letter to Governor Brown from Lane County Commissioners co-signed by five Chambers of Commerce here.
Governor's Office Responses Quickly to Vaccine Allocation Request From Lane County
Lane County government officials sent Governor Kate Brown a letter on Tuesday, requesting- among other things- an increase in the allotted number of COVID-19 vaccine doses.
Public Health reported they have already heard back from the governor’s office.
Spokesperson Jason Davis: “We have been informed that our vaccine allocation will be significantly higher next week, to the tune of 3 times what we would be typically getting.”
Davis said with the increased doses, mass vax clinics will resume at full swing next weekend. To schedule a shot, visit lanecounty.org/vaxclinics