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A sign at Hillsboro Online Academy asks people entering the building to wear masks. / Elizabeth Miller / OPB

Oregon Health Authority Hears More Testimony Against Extending Mask Mandates

In two more hearings Monday, state officials heard criticism of a ‘permanent rule’ that they promise will be rescinded when pandemic conditions improve.

Jan 25, 2022

Oregon lawmakers gathered to discuss the upcoming session in a virtual discussion Thursday./Zoom

Oregon Lawmakers Prepare For Session Crammed With Health Care Proposals

As the COVID-19 pandemic nears the two-year mark, state legislators say its lessons are spawning bills.

Jan 20, 2022
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Becky Hultberg, CEO of the Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems, said Thursday hospitals are straining under state mandates/Zoom

As Omicron Peak Nears, Hospitals Say Hundreds More Beds Should Be Vacant

Oregon hospitals urge lawmakers to refrain from new mandates, saying they’re nearing capacity because they can’t discharge patients like they normally do.

Jan 20, 2022

Union members prepare for a strike in the rain beneath a tent. Boxes filled with signs are in the foreground.

SEIU-affiliated workers of McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center in Springfield staged their picketing from a tent across the street from the hospital on Dec. 6, 2021. The union, which represents more than 420 workers, started a five-day strike that day. | BEN BOTKIN/THE LUND REPORT

McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center Union Members Reach Deal

SEIU Local 49-affiliated health care workers have approved a three-year contract with raises and other benefits.

Jan 20, 2022
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COVID-19 TESTS./HANNAH NORMAN/KAISER HEALTH NEWS

Households Can Sign Up For Free COVID-19 Tests

The Biden administration’s effort to distribute free COVID-19 tests nationwide was supposed to start Wednesday, but the government began taking orders on Tuesday.

Jan 20, 2022