John,

Sadly, on Saturday we learned of the first death in Oregon from the coronavirus. We want to extend our sincerest condolences to the family and loved ones of this individual. We have also learned that he was a veteran. We are grateful for his service to our country and to the VA hospital here in Portland for his care.

I'm sure I speak for all of us in thanking our medical professionals and all care providers who are on the frontlines of this public health crisis. Everyone's goal, of course, is to keep healthy and stop – or at least, slow down – the spread of this virus. Thank you for doing your part through social distancing and taking good care to look out for you and your family's health and hygiene. By doing so, you are protecting all you come in contact with over these next days and weeks.

As we have been asked by our Governor, it is important that we listen to and follow the advice of the experts at the CDC, the World Health Organization, and the Oregon Health Authority. You can follow the most up-to-date coverage here on the CDC website. And, here, an article by a physician, Dr. Asaf Bitton, I found to be particularly thoughtful in reviewing recent posts on the importance of social distancing. We are all social creatures, and this is hard – but necessary.

Next, I want to ask a favor of you: Unfortunately, scammers are always lurking when opportunity strikes. Please be extra-alert and if you find anyone trying to take advantage of consumers with too-good-to-be-true offers, price gouging, or other predatory behaviors, please call my consumer complaint hotline at 877-877-9392.

I want to assure you that my office is taking steps to keep all 1,300 of our employees safe and healthy – including encouraging telecommuting – all the while keeping up the important legal work of the Department of Justice that Oregonians rely on every day.

Standing strong together, we will get through this. Thank you for doing your part. Be well and be safe.

P.S. Meanwhile, in some uplifting news, I was glad to see my five-year-old granddaughter, Charlotte, after making her "snowgirl" this weekend – taking charge of her unexpected days off school (pre-K) with her own daily schedule!