Governor Brown has announced that, effective July 1st, 2020,
face
coverings will be required for indoor public spaces statewide.
Current data from OHSU and the University of Washington indicates a surge in
cases affecting the 20-40 year age group. This is the average age of
employees in the veterinary workforce. For these reasons, veterinary
facilities should require clients and staff in facilities to wear face
coverings and practice physical distancing to every extent possible.
Continuing to officer curbside service is strongly recommended.
These requirements and recommendations are made in hopes of
preventing another statewide shut-down. Ideally, veterinary
staff should wear face shields if interacting with clients who enter the
facility and may be exempt from wearing face coverings. (Exempted are
children under 12 years of age and individuals with conditions that preclude
wearing a face-covering. For further information on exemptions, please go
the Oregon Health Authority website, below.) It is critical that
veterinarians remain mindful of the uncertainties of the times and be
considerate of their employees, clients and the public.
As a reminder,
- Face coverings should be worn inside the facility at
all times.
- Wash your hands every time before and after patients
and every time you touch your mask
- Maintain a 6-foot physical distance between yourself
and others whenever possible
As
licensed members of Oregon’s scientific community, you can significantly
influence public health and safety by supporting and reinforcing these
requirements. Please continue to monitor the
Oregon Health Authority website
for updates and guidance.
Licensee Vaccination Information-Updated 04/15/2021
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has asked all of the state's vaccine providers to immediately pause administering the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, following an announcement on April 13, 2021 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Please review the links below for more information.
OHA Announcement
OHA Press Release
Updated 3/1/2021:
OHA3527A and OHA3527C has information on the next phases for vaccine recipients. You will find excellent information in the two OHA attachments that explains who comes next and the estimated time frame. There is additional and more detailed information available on OHA's website.
Updated 1/11/2021:
All licensees are scheduled to be vaccinated in Phase 1a. Phase 1a was initially broken into four groups intended to create a sequential prioritization of receiving the vaccine (where all individuals in group 1 of phase 1a would be vaccinated before moving to individuals in group 2 of phase 1a, etc.), however, as of 1/5/2021, OHA announced they will move this week to start vaccination of all individuals in all four groups within 1a.
OHA is working with entities authorized to administer the vaccine, such as hospitals, local public health authorities, retail pharmacies and other partners to finalize the distribution plans across the state. Each entity serving as a distribution point is responsible for the specific logistics, timing and requirements for individuals eligible to receive the vaccine.
The best ongoing source of information from OHA regarding the vaccine distribution is covidvaccine.oregon.gov
For where to get a vaccine in your specific area, contact your local hospital, public health agency or other entity identified as a vaccine distribution point. As OHA works with these partners, they will also be posting the specific detail for where and when you can get your vaccine at the site listed above. We expect information to roll out over the next several days.
One announced program, for individuals in Phase 1a who live or work in Marion County, Salem Health is currently running a vaccination clinic at the Oregon State Fairgrounds starting Thursday, 1/7/2021.
OHA identified the goal of vaccinating all health workers in group 1a by mid-February, dependent on sufficient supply.
Please be sure your contact information, including current work location is up to date with the OBCE so we have clear information about where licensees are currently located in order to support the distribution efforts.
More information can be found at Governor Brown's Press Release Page.