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Oregon COVID-19 updates, Sept. 30: Employment department plans to start issuing extra $300 payments today

As COVID-19 continues to impact Oregon and Southwest Washington, get the latest updates here.

PORTLAND, Ore. — Cases of COVID-19 began popping up in the United States in January. The first case in Oregon was reported on Feb. 28.

We've been posting a daily blog to track the changes in Oregon and Southwest Washington as we get them. CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LATEST UPDATES

BY THE NUMBERS

As of Wednesday evening:

INTERACTIVE: Oregon coronavirus map

REAL-TIME UPDATES

8:55 p.m.

  • There are 61 active COVID-19 workplace outbreaks in Oregon as this week. The six largest active outbreaks are at food processing facilities and correctional facilities. Learn more
  • Lincoln County moved into Phase 2 of Oregon's reopening plan. Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas and Malheur are the remaining counties in Phase 1. Learn more
  • Although many Oregon kids aren't going to school in-person right now because of state COVID-19 restrictions, their teachers might be. Several districts and schools allow - or even require - teachers to be in the classroom, teaching students virtually. Learn more
  • Buckle your lederhosen and grab your beer stein, the Mt. Angel Oktoberfest will celebrate virtually, on Saturday, October 3. COVID-19 forced organizers to think outside the box after canceling their in-person celebration that draws 400,000 people. Learn more

2:45 p.m.

  • Health officials reported 220 new COVID-19 cases and four more deaths in Oregon. There has been a total of 33,509 cases during the pandemic, including 559 people who have died. Learn more
  • COVID-19 infections reported at Oregon schools will now be released publicly as part of the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) weekly report. In the first COVID-19 Grade School Report, six schools listed at least one case of a student or staff member infected with the coronavirus. Learn more

11:15 a.m.

  • Oregonians who were unemployed from July 26 through August 15 should start receiving $300 payments from the federal government's assistance program for unemployed workers as soon as Wednesday. Oregon is one of 44 states approved for FEMA's Lost Wages Assistance program. Only people who were unemployed from July 26 through August 15 are eligible to receive the payment. Those who qualify will get $300 for each week they were unemployed during that time frame. Learn more

9 a.m.

  • Portland-based nonprofit Lines for Life and the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) launched the Safe + Strong Helpline at 800-923-4357 (800-923-HELP). The line offers free, 24/7 emotional support and resource referral to everyone, not only those experiencing mental health crisis. OHA said the Safe + Strong Helpline is in response to emotional support needs during disasters like the COVID-19 pandemic and wildfires. Learn more
  • Oregon continues to see a rise in coronavirus cases. Analyzing a trend in coronavirus case numbers, though, is especially tricky following weeks of wildfire evacuations and hazardous air quality, according to Multnomah County Health Officer Dr. Jennifer Vines. "We think numbers, in general, are increasing, but we’re kind of waiting for things to settle as the disruptions from the wildfires and evacuations," Vines said. Learn more
  • OHA reported eight more COVID-19 deaths and 299 new cases of the virus in Oregon yesterday. Multnomah County had the highest number of reported new cases yesterday with 52, followed by Marion County with 49. Learn more

INTERACTIVE: Active workplace outbreaks with 5 or more cases

INTERACTIVE: Oregon coronavirus data by age group

INTERACTIVE: COVID-19 Cases in Oregon

INTERACTIVE: Oregon COVID-19 Hospitalization Data

RELATED: Oregon coronavirus: Maps, graphs and data

WATCH: Coronavirus latest updates | YouTube playlist

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