Circumstances are still changing quickly when it comes to Oregon’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the past week alone, most counties entered the first of three phases for re-opening their economies. And on May 20, 2020, the state released the first quarterly economic and revenue forecast since the pandemic reached Oregon. Both are important milestones in the path forward for rebuilding a safe and strong Oregon. These events don’t change the Department’s current operations, but they do add another level of urgency to the preparations we’re making.

Chief Administrative Officer Don Erickson joined Director Fariborz Pakseresht to discuss how the Department is planning for the time when it is safe to bring staff back from teleworking and resume services put on hold when the public health crisis emerged.

The podcast covers the playbooks in development to guide us through the different phases of reopening; new guidance around visitor tracking in offices and face coverings and plans to expand teleworking options beyond the pandemic. Director Pakseresht also gives a brief update on the economic forecast and its impact on the Department budget.

Find more information for staff about COVID-19 on the OWL.

Find more information for clients and the public about COVID-19 on the DHS website.

Follow DHS on Twitter @OregonDHS.

Download full script by clicking here.