·On May 26, Business Oregon opened grant funding to provide grants for small businesses to help with commercial rent and operational costs in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Approximately $28 million is available to be distributed in this final round through the Operational Cost Assistance Grant, designed for businesses with 100 or fewer employees in industries that were particularly affected by the pandemic, including those that offer the consumption of food and or drink on premise; provide specified indoor physical exercise, recreational or family entertainment; OR provide specified personal services.

Full details of the program, including eligible industries, is available at Business Oregon’s website. Applications for the Operational Cost Assistance Grant will be accepted beginning May 26, and continue through June 6. The application process is NOT first-come, first-served. Awards will be selected after a random lottery process of all complete and eligible applications received.

Salem, OR—Governor Kate Brown today ordered flags be lowered to half-staff in honor of Memorial Day on Monday, May 31, 2021 until noon. President Joe Biden today proclaimed Memorial Day as a day of prayer for permanent peace, and designated the hour beginning at 11:00 a.m. in each locality on Monday as a time when people might unite in prayer and reflection. Oregonians are also asked to observe the National Moment of Remembrance beginning at 3:00 p.m. local time on Memorial Day.

“On Memorial Day, and every day, we remember the fallen. We remember their courage and tenacity. We remember their dedication and determination, their service and sacrifice,” said Governor Brown. “We take this day to honor and remember our veterans, fallen heroes, military members and their families across Oregon. Together, we resolve to remember and honor those who have given their lives in the name of peace, freedom, and democracy.”

The full Presidential Proclamation is available at the White House’s website .

Original News Bulletin found here.

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is issuing a public health advisory today for unsafe levels of fecal bacteria in ocean waters at D River Beach in Lincoln County. People should avoid direct contact with the water in this area until the advisory is lifted.

Unsafe levels of fecal bacteria can cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, skin rashes, upper respiratory infections, and other illnesses. Children, elderly and those with a compromised immune system should use extra caution as they are more vulnerable to illness from waterborne bacteria.

Visitors should avoid wading in nearby creeks, pools of water on the beach, or in discolored water, and stay clear of water runoff flowing into the ocean. Levels of fecal bacteria tend to be higher in these types of water sources.   

Unsafe levels of fecal bacteria in ocean waters can come from both shore and inland sources including:

• Stormwater runoff.
• Sewer overflows.
• Failing septic systems.
• Animal waste from livestock, pets and wildlife.

Even if there is no advisory in effect, avoid swimming in the ocean within 48 hours after a rainstorm.

Ocean waters will be re-tested after an advisory is issued. Once bacteria levels are at a safe level, OHA will notify the public that the advisory is lifted.

While this advisory is in effect at D River Beach, state officials continue to encourage other recreational activities (flying kites, picnicking, playing on the beach, walking, etc.) on this beach because they pose no health risk even during an advisory.