On March 23, 2020, Gov. Kate Brown issued an executive order called Stay Home, Save Lives to strengthen physical distancing requirements to slow the spread of the coronavirus. The order does not apply to much of our workforce because our Department is one that must stay open to provide the critical services Oregonians depend on during crisis. Director Fariborz Pakseresht and Deputy Director Liesl Wendt share what the order means for our Department and its staff. “If we had an earthquake or a major flood instead of a pandemic, the services we would offer would be the same. Not only because we are required to do them, but because people need those things to stay safe and cover the basic necessities of life while we get past the challenge,” Director Pakseresht said.

Find more information for staff on the OWL.

Find more information for clients and the public on the DHS website.

Follow DHS on Twitter @OregonDHS.

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