Regional Interests

Epidemic Executive Order | Restaurants | Childcare

Oregon Public Broadcasting | By Sage Van Wing, Julie Sabatier, Samantha Matsumoto

Published March 23, 2020 at 8:57 AM PDT

<p>A sign on the window of Cruzroom restaurant and bar in northeast Portland's Alberta Street, March 21, 2020.</p> — A sign on the window of Cruzroom restaurant and bar in northeast Portland's Alberta Street, March 21, 2020.

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Last Friday the Governor called for all Oregonians to “stay home, stay healthy.” But it appears that the combination of spring break and beautiful weather this weekend inspired many people to leave their homes. In response, some coastal communities have closed hotels and short term residences. And all state parks will close today. OPB’s Dirk VanderHart fills us in on the latest orders from the Governor. And Warrenton Mayor Henry Balensifer tells us about the decisions his city made over the weekend for the safety of their coastal community.

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Restaurants around Oregon have been closing their doors, laying off staff and, in many cases, scrambling to offer takeout and delivery options since March 16. That’s when Governor Kate Brown issued an executive order banning seated dining in an effort to increase social distancing as a response to the new coronavirus. We hear from Carmen Oakes, manager at the Korner Cafe in Fossil, Mother’s Bistro and Bar executive chef and owner Lisa Schroeder and Jason Brandt, president and CEO of the Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association.

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The novel coronavirus outbreak has closed schools, restaurants and other sectors of Oregon life, but daycares and preschools remain open. We hear from Miriam Calderon, the head of Oregon’s Early Learning Division, about the latest updates to childcare in Oregon and what families need to know.