Oregon lends ventilators to desperate New York hospitals.
Oregon lends ventilators to desperate New York hospitals. Spencer Platt / Getty News

Here's your daily roundup of all the local and national news about COVID-19. (Like our coverage? Please consider donating to the Mercury to keep it comin'!)

ā€¢ As of yesterday, the number of positive coronavirus cases in Oregon (that we know ofā€”since we should assume everyone has it) has risen to 899, with 22 reported deaths. UPDATE: As of Saturday, April 4, Oregon now has 999 cases (exactly 100 more since yesterday), and 26 reported deaths.

ā€¢ On the order of Gov. Kate Brown, Oregon will be sending 140 ventilators to the desperate hospitals of New York. Here's why that's the smart (and human) thing to do.

ā€¢ The CDC has now recommended (with half-assed agreement from half-wit Trump) that Americans should wear a face mask when going out in public. Portland's public health officials are also making this recommendation, saying, "simple homemade masks are a sound voluntary step to further slow community spread of COVID-19." Want to know how to make simple homemade masks for yourself or to donate? CHECK OUT OUR TUTORIAL HERE!

ā€¢ Since the coronavirus crisis (and the resultant layoffs) started, Oregon's worker protection agencies like OSHA have been inundated with complaints about unsafe workspaces. So how are they dealing with this onslaught of investigation requests? Our Blair Stenvick looks into it.

ā€¢ While Oregon's social distancing order is doable for most of us, what about those in prison? Our Alex Zielinski talks with two people in the prison system, both of whom have harrowing stories of trying to stay alive.

ā€¢ While Portland Public Schools is gearing up to provide online classes in the next week or so, here are over 40 great educational documentaries, shows, and podcasts that will keep your kids and teens learning!

IN NATIONAL NEWS:

ā€¢ As of yesterday nine states have refused to issue stay in place orders.

ā€¢ The current worldwide death count is 62,444, according to this count, and the number of cases worldwide is 1,162,297.

ā€¢ New York state saw another 630 deaths in 24 hours. On Saturday, the state's total death toll surpassed 3,500.

ā€¢ An experimental anti-coronavirus vaccine has potential according to researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, and they are awaiting FDA approval.

ā€¢ Your "Trump is the worst leader this country has ever seen" must-read of the day: Inside the coronavirus testing failure: Alarm and dismay among the scientists who sought to help.

ā€¢ Actually, read this investigative deep-dive too: Denial, dysfunction, delays: Tracing Trump administrationā€™s failures over first 70 days of the virus fight.

ā€¢ Hiding behind the din of the coronavirus crisis, last night Trump quietly fired the intelligence community inspector general who raised concerns about the president before his impeachment.

ā€¢ If you're already having a tough day, get your mood going in a different, more positive direction with the Mercury Cheer Up Club!

ā€¢ You need a crap-ton of fun stuff to do while staying safe at home this weekend, right? Well, we have a crap-ton of stuff for you to do right here, courtesy of your pals at the Mercury!

ā€¢ And finally, need to make a mask, but lack the necessary sewing skills? THIS HERO HAS GOT YOU.