Oregon Food Bank is closely monitoring the available information about the COVID-19 Coronavirus, participating in planning conversations with a number of state agencies, and tracking Feeding America's efforts. We will provide regular updates as more information becomes available.

We encourage Partner Agencies to follow the guidance of the Oregon Health Authority regarding precautionary measures to prevent the spread of any virus. These include:

• Washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
• If you are sick (including volunteers), stay home to avoid spreading germs
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing/sneezing
• Remind clients that they are allowed to have another person pick up food for them using the TEFAP Authorized Representative Form (see below for language options), and encourage clients with fever or signs of respiratory illness to ask someone else to pick up their food. 

There are some useful FAQs about the disease and info about how it's impacting Oregon on the Oregon Health Authority website, including this informational flyer - which can be shared with clients and volunteers (available in seven languages).

Taking additional steps to sanitize your program space is also recommended - such as providing hand sanitizer, disinfecting surfaces and shopping carts more frequently, etc.

Should anything change, especially regarding OFB operations, we will use the Send Word Now emergency communication system to share significant updates.

Please don't hesitate to reach out to your Regional Network Developer with additional questions. 

*The TEFAP Authorized Representative Form is available in the following languages:

• English
• Spanish
• Arabic
• Russian
• Vietnamese
• Simplified Chinese