b'2020-21 Officers & DirectorsOREGON Fuels Association (OFA) ReportOR Oregon OriginalAcross the nation, families and businesses continue to face challengesrelating to COVID-19. From social distancing and protective equipment, to daily operations and employment concerns, Oregonians across the state seek solutions while following legislative guidelines and keep-ing their loved ones and customers in mind. The Oregon Fuels Association (OFA), with the assistance of their lobbyists, remains in constant contact with state offices and legislators to provide input, guidance (when requested or needed) and relay communications to our members. For the purpose of this Matt Truaxarticle, information included will be current as of August 1, 2020.OFA PresidentOn May 7 th,Oregon Governor Kate Brown released her plan for rebuilding a safe and strong Oregon. The framework included guidance for a 3-Phase OFA county-by-county approach. Through social distancing mandates and prac-tices, Oregonians successfully flattened the curve of COVID-19 cases enter-ing May. Beginning May 15th, the onus was placed on individual counties to display decreased hospitalization while showing sufficient testing and contact tracing capabilities among other parameters. Counties then remain in Phase 1 for 21 days before becoming eligible to enter Phase 2. As of August 1, 30 of 36 Oregon counties are in Phase 2 which allows for increased gatherings, businesses to remain open along with parks and recreational areas. On July 24th, in efforts to curb the recent influx of cases, additional requirements were put in place that include mandatory face coverings for children 5 years and older, required masks at gyms and indoor venues, and restaurants and bars to close at 10 PM in Phase 2 counties. Unfortunately, one Oregon county has been required to recede to Phase 1 while another is again under baseline stay at home protocol. Another cause for concern is the upcoming school year and the uncertain-ties surrounding in-class and virtual learning. Current guidance specifies that county metrics must display 10 or fewer cases per 100,000 population and positive COVID-19 tests of 5% or less in the preceding 7 days. Currently, 15 counties have positive case rates exceeding 5% and 8 have more than 10 cases per 100,000 residents. Oregon Governor Brown has called for a Special Session beginning August 10th to rebalance the state budget due to the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic and to ensure delivery of benefits and benefit programs to Oregonians. She is supporting legislative efforts that build on remains from the first special session, particularly related to police accountability. (Recently, the city of Portland, OR, has made national news for the protests and interactions between law enforcement officials and civilians.) At this point, there is no agreement on additional legislation, although workgroups have been meeting on police reform as well as liability relief for businesses and public entities, including schools. Finally, Oregon Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) is preparing to issue infectious disease standards, particularly relating to airborne entities, due to the risk in workplaces. This will undoubtedly be controversial and receive scrutiny due to the possibility of new and permanent standards that could be put in place. On behalf of OFA, stay safe and be well.S48 www.wpma.com / Autumn 2020'