Ben Botkin

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MIKA BAUMEISTER/UNSPLASH

Jackson County Joins Chorus of Concerns Over Gov. Kate Brown’s Mask Rules

The rural southern Oregon county’s commissioners called new mask regulations “unfair” for local businesses and faith institutions.

May 26, 2021
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OREGON HEALTH AUTHORITY

Oregon Senate Passes Bill To Ban Online Vaping Sales

House Bill 2261, which would ban online sales of vaping products and e-cigarettes, heads to Gov. Kate Brown’s desk.

May 26, 2021
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Five Oregon Counties, including Multnomah, Advance To Lower Risk Category 

The improved ranking will lift some public health restrictions as a reward for the counties vaccinating at least 65% of adult residents.

May 25, 2021

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CareOregon is among 15 coordinated care organizations in Oregon serving Medicaid members. | LYNNE TERRY/THE LUND REPORT

Oregon Weighs $100 Million In Incentives To Boost Vaccination Rates

Coordinated care organizations and the state are negotiating a change that could reward them for having a high rate of vaccinated members.

May 25, 2021

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The Moda Center in North Portland will open with sections for vaccinated people.

Oregon Health Authority To Allow ‘Vaccinated Sections’ In Businesses 

Gov. Kate Brown on Monday announced the forthcoming rule, which will apply to lower risk counties.

May 24, 2021

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State health officials are racing to win federal approval of Oregon Health Plan changes before Oregon Gov. Kate Brown, shown at the Oregon Convention Center vaccination site, leaves office./Josh Andersen/OHSU

Oregon Offering Lottery Prizes As Incentive To Get Vaccinated

Gov. Kate Brown announces a $1 million lottery prize, and other smaller prizes, to entice the unvaccinated into getting a jab.

May 21, 2021
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Oregon State Capitol in Salem. | COURTESY OF OREGON LEGISLATURE

Businesses Pan Oregon’s New Mask Rule Requiring Customer Checks

Business groups say they don’t want to be the “vaccine police,” but support for alternatives -- such as resuming a full mask mandate or allowing maskless customers with no vaccination verification -- is unclear.

May 19, 2021

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The Oregon State Capitol building in Salem. | BEN BOTKIN/THE LUND REPORT

Oregon Voters Will Decide On Making Health Care A Right

Senate Joint Resolution 12, which passed in the House on Wednesday after approval in the Senate, would enshrine guaranteed health care in the state constitution.

May 19, 2021

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Oregon Gov. Kate Brown visits the Oregon Convention Center site in May./Josh Andersen/OHSU

Under New Rules, Oregon Businesses Can Choose To Check Vaccination Cards Or Keep Mask Requirement

At the same time, the progress in vaccinations means that five counties qualify for the lower risk category and can increase business activities.

May 18, 2021
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SHUTTERSTOCK

Providers Set To Play Major Role In Increasing Vaccination Rate

Hospital-run mass vaccination sites are winding down while primary care providers and others are increasing their role in the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine.

May 17, 2021
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