Gov. Brown orders 'stay home, stay healthy' to save lives during coronavirus pandemic

PORTLAND, Ore. — Oregon Gov. Kate Brown announced during a Friday night news conference a "stay home, stay healthy" order to save lives during the coronavirus pandemic.

Multnomah County Chair Deborah Kafoury and Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler joined her, stressing that residents in their jurisdictions should stay home to stem the spread of the disease.

The details of the order have not yet been worked out, Wheeler said, but will be worked on over the weekend. It was not clear whether he was talking about the governor's order or one he has been drafting for the city of Portland. But he said Portland would act independently if needed.

Much of the confusion came about when Brown was directly asked whether an order was forthcoming. She deferred to Wheeler.

"There is an order coming," Wheeler said. "We're in the process of developing the details. We're giving the public clear guidance that that order is forthcoming. We're telling people that the order will be along the lines of to stay inside your house unless absolutely necessary."

Later, a KATU News reporter pressed the governor to clarify.

"I'm directing Oregonians tonight to stay home to stay healthy," Brown said. "This plan that we have agreed on -- these three jurisdictions -- is both an order and a public awareness campaign."

Earlier in the day, Brown had said that if Oregonians didn't practice social distancing, "I will need to impose more restrictions."

The governor, however, said during the evening news conference more executive orders from her would be likely. She has already taken unprecedented steps to stop the spread of COVID-19, including shutting down all K-12 public schools until April 28 and placing restrictions on restaurants. They are required to provide only takeout orders.

It is not a lockdown, the leaders said, but people should stay home unless it is absolutely necessary to leave, including going to the grocery store and to fulfill other essential needs.

People can go outside to do things like take a walk or hike, but they need to observe social distancing practices, like staying six feet away from others, they said.

"Social distancing done early and done well can save lives," Brown said. "Your actions right now mean the difference between life and death for yourself and for others."

Wheeler said the officials are not using the phrase, "shelter in place" because it is typically used during short-term emergencies like active-shooter situations and natural disasters.

Kafoury acknowledged that life for everyone has been upended.

"Like you and like most Oregonians, I love to be outside. I love to go see friends. I love to shop, but we can't do that right now, at least not in the way that we're used to," she said.

Watch the Recorded News Conference Below:

Brown said she expected the Oregon Legislature to go into special session in the next two weeks to address the coronavirus pandemic. She said her hope is that lawmakers get more resources to shelter space and rental assistance.

She also said, despite the contentious regular legislative session last month that ended early after Republicans walked out of the Capitol over a cap-and-trade bill, she had received support from Republican Senate Leader Herman Baertschiger Jr. and Sen. Dallas Heard, R-Roseburg.

"They wanted me to know that they had my back and they supported my efforts to keep Oregonians healthy and supported the actions we're taking on a statewide basis," Brown said.

Twenty-six new cases of coronavirus were announced Friday, bringing the total in the state to 114.