For Immediate Release
Contact: Eddie Kurtz
[email protected]
PORTLAND — As the nation heads into the Fourth of July holiday weekend, Oregon is in a dramatically better place than just one year ago. Gov. Kate Brown’s reopening of the state is proof of the hard-earned progress Oregon has made in recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, although there is still work to do.
Our progress — the fruit of a deep partnership with the Biden/Harris Administration, Senators Wyden and Merkley, and Representatives Bonamici, Blumenauer, DeFazio, and Schrader — is a direct result of Democratic leadership that prioritized science and bold action at both the state and federal levels.
Since the beginning of 2021:
- Oregon COVID deaths are down 82%
- More than 2.3 million Oregonians have received at least one dose of a COVID vaccine
In addition to these advances in public health, Oregon’s economy is recovering with more than 45,000 jobs created so far this year.
Democratic Party of Oregon Chair Carla “KC” Hanson stated:
“While we are still mourning the devastating losses suffered in the last year, this Fourth of July Oregonians have a lot to celebrate. Thanks to the bold leadership of Governor Brown, President Biden, Senators Wyden and Merkley, and our Democratic congressional delegation, Oregon is open again!
“Oregonians should know that the tough decisions by Governor Brown saved lives. Oregon has seen one of the lowest rates of COVID-19 infection and mortality in the country. Our approach has, in fact, saved more than 4,000 lives when compared with other states. Oregon has had the lowest rates of COVID infections and death of any state with a major metro area, and Oregon is among only 3 states with a case rate below 5% (Hawaii and Vermont).
“Thanks to Gov. Brown’s decisive action and leadership, vaccinated people all over the state are safely taking off their masks, hugging family members, and getting together to celebrate our nation’s birthday.
“Because of heroic state efforts and the American Rescue Plan — passed without a single Republican vote — America is coming back. Together.”
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