UPDATE (7:13 p.m. PT) — The Oregon Employment Department said Thursday it received 53,800 initial claims for unemployment benefits for the week of April 5 in addition to the 243,000 initial claims filed in the last three weeks.
Related: Oregon Unemployment Claim Numbers Continue To Increase Amid Pandemic
The department began its first CARES Act payments April 10, adding an extra $600 per week to unemployment benefits.
From the week of April 5 to April 11, the department said it paid out $97 million in benefits to Oregonians.
The department said it’s still working on programming the unemployment benefits system for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance. That program will allow self-employed, contract and gig workers to receive unemployment benefits that they are currently not eligible for.
OHA reports new COVID-19-related deaths
Oregon state and local health officials reported 73 new known coronavirus cases Thursday. There are now 1,736 confirmed cases in Oregon.
Oregon officials also reported six new coronavirus-related deaths Thursday.
There have been 64 known coronavirus-related deaths in the state.
The Oregon Health Authority reported the six deaths as:
- An 84-year-old man in Multnomah County who tested positive on March 24 and died on April 13 at his home. He had underlying medical conditions.
- A 56-year-old man in Multnomah County who tested positive on March 28 and died on April 14 at Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center. He had underlying medical conditions.
- A 78-year-old man in Multnomah County who tested positive on March 30 and died on April 14 at his residence. He had underlying medical conditions.
- A 69-year-old man in Multnomah County who tested positive on April 13 and died on April 15 at Kaiser Sunnyside Medical Center. He had underlying medical conditions.
- A 74-year-old woman in Benton County who tested positive on April 2 and died on April 14 at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center. She had underlying medical conditions.
- A 92-year-old man in Marion County who tested positive on April 14 and died on April 11 at his residence. He had underlying medical conditions.
Washington fatality rate more than 5%
Clark County Public Health said Thursday that there are seven new confirmed cases of coronavirus in Southwest Washington. There are now 265 confirmed cases there. To date, 15 people in Clark County have died.
The latest available data from the Washington Department of Health indicated the state had reported 11,152 diagnosed cases of the coronavirus and 583 related deaths.
Map: Watch The Spread Of Coronavirus Across The US
See where and how reported cases of the novel coronavirus have grown over time in the map below.
"PBS NewsHour"
Portland concerts, movies in the park canceled
Portland Parks & Recreation announced Thursday it is canceling outdoor summer events including Concerts in the Park and Movies in the Park.
Portland Parks & Recreation said it is planning to still operate its Free Lunch + Play summer program — providing free meals and recreational activities to young Portlanders.
“The last few weeks have been unprecedented for all of us as we navigate the COVID-19 global health crisis,” PP&R Director Adena Long said in a news release. “In these circumstances, we must focus on the highest needs of the people we serve. Portland Parks & Recreation will focus on the Free Lunch + Play program to fill the summertime meal gap for thousands of young people.”
The bureau’s annual Summer Free For All program will not include Concerts in the Park, the Washington Park Festival, Movies in the Park or the Portland World Soccer Tournament due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, PP&R said.
“This decision will ensure that the bureau’s summer offerings can adhere to the guidance of public health officials,” PP&R said. “In addition, summer preparations, such as hiring, fundraising and planning, normally would occur during the spring and that is not possible this year due to the financial and operational constraints PP&R is enduring at this time.”
