Oregon Reports Another Virus Death, Bringing Total To 5

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Oregon is reporting another death from COVID-19, bringing the state’s total to five as mayors and others urged Gov. Kate Brown to issue more restrictions to stop the spread of the virus.

And a city on Oregon’s northwest coast, Warrenton, declared a state of emergency, banned camping and ordered campgrounds to close. The city also prohibited short term rentals, homestay lodging and told hotels to close after an influx of weekend visitors, who were told to leave within 24 hours.

The Oregon Health Authority said the latest death was a 72-year-old woman in Marion County who had underlying health conditions. She tested positive March 15 and died Friday at Kaiser Permanente Sunnyside Medical Center.

The state also reported 23 new confirmed cases of the disease on Saturday and 24 additional on Sunday, bringing the total to 161.

Oregon Gov. Kate Brown, Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler and Multnomah County Commission Chair Deborah Kafoury said Friday night they are working on a forthcoming order directing Oregonians to “Stay Home and Stay Healthy,” to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

Wheeler said Friday night that it will be a “stay at home unless it’s absolutely necessary to go out” order. He said they will draft the specifics over the weekend and planned to announce more details Monday.

On Saturday a regional group of mayors and the Oregon Nurses Association said the governor needed to issue the order to increase social distancing measures.