On this day, August 22, 2002, President George W. Bush proposed to end the government's "hands-off" policy in national forests and ease logging restrictions in fire-prone areas.
Also on this day, August 22, 2014, the State of Oregon filed a $200 million suit against Oracle Corp. and several executives over the company's role in creating the troubled website for the state's online health insurance exchange.
Also on this day, August 22, 2020, demonstrators faced off in Portland with the two sides -- one aligned with a "Back the Blue" rally and the other a Black Lives Matter counter-demonstration -- reportedly largely ignoring police warnings. Ultimately, Department of Homeland Security officers deemed the gatherings unlawful and moved through the plaza, forcing the crowd to disperse.
Maybe the COVID-19 virus doesn’t take the bus
Amidst announcements of numerous additional COVID-19 lockdown mandates by Oregon's Governor Kate Brown was
an announcement by the Tri-Met public transit service in the metropolitan area of Portland Oregon which works to offer additional seating capacity for those who might rely on their services. Critics have noted that this might be commendable when looked at without the bigger picture considered- but it may be hypocritical considering stricter mandates on placed on less at-risk rural Oregonians.
Another set of inexplicably divergent guidelines was
pointed out by people on Friday who noted that preachers and choir members in churches now have to wear masks when preaching or singing -- even though the Governor routinely takes her mask off when she gives press conferences.
The guidelines announced by Tri-Met are in conjunction with an increase in rider capacity.
Effective Sunday, July 26th, we are increasing the rider capacity on buses and trains. Buses will now carry 19 passengers, or up to 24 if there are couples or families riding together. A MAX car will carry 22 people, or up to 26 with couples and families. WES will carry 25 to 37 passengers, depending on the type of train.
This change is based on the 3-foot physical distancing guidelines for transit previously announced by Governor Brown and the Oregon Health Authority. We held off implementing 3-foot distancing until we could put in place additional safety measures:
- Face coverings are available on all our buses and trains and hand sanitizer is available on all buses and some trains.
- Our enhanced cleaning program is in place. We’re now cleaning every bus with disinfecting fog after it has been in service, we have additional cleaning tools like UV light, and our new team of cleaners is ready to disinfect major touch points on most buses and trains with a goal of a 4 hour interval between disinfection.
- Face coverings are required on board and most riders are wearing them. Don't worry if you've forgotten your mask — we have dispensers on board. Remember — small children and people who are not physically able to wear them don’t have to.
--Ben Fisher| Post Date: 2020-07-27 17:43:20 | Last Update: 2020-07-27 18:26:18 |
