Just when we get somewhat used to COVID-19... now theres a BEE INVASION??
Just when we get somewhat used to COVID-19... now there's a BEE INVASION?? Millerpd / iStock / Getty Images Plus

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'!)

• The statewide coronavirus death toll went up by one in Monday's status report to 53; the total confirmed count of positive cases across Oregon has reached 1,584 people.

• The curve here in Oregon is definitely flattening, but the downward slope from this current plateau is not expected to safely begin for another six weeks. But staying home and staying safe has saved us from an estimated 18,000 new cases of COVID-19.

• Multnomah County is adopting the same eviction moratorium rules as the state—but with some slight tweaks in our favor. Our Alex Zielinski has more.

• The New York Times paused to consider whether or not Oregon, Washington, and California deserved way more credit for how we're handling this crisis. (Spoiler: YES.)

• Related: After the White House's colossal failure to protect Americans from COVID-19 and provide a workable plan, California Governor Gavin Newsom, Oregon Governor Kate Brown, and Washington Governor Jay Inslee have formed a three-state pact that will provide leadership on where we go from here and how we'll eventually return society to normal. Six East Coast states are planning on doing the same.

• Construction on the three tent villages for Portland's houseless has begun. The shelters are scheduled to open next week.


• Uh, what? Wait a second... we're already dealing with the effects of a global pandemic and now you're just sort of casually informing us about the do's and don'ts of Portland's inevitable Bee Invasion!?! (!!!??!?!)

• After all that time spent trying to get grocery stores to be more sustainable by limiting (or outright banning) plastic bags, the coronavirus has major grocery chains suspending prior bans over fears of shoppers are bringing contaminated re-usable bags in with them.

• Hey, maybe you're curious as to how the Mercury is doing since having our major funding pulled out from under us? Our editor-in-chief Wm. Steven Humphrey has some details for you!

IN NATIONAL NEWS:

• The White House was forced to put out an official statement responding to our idiot president retweeting a call for Dr. Fauci's firing, officially refuting speculation that he is thinking of firing one of the only adults in the room, which is certainly not a thing he's already done about 30 times in the past three years or anything.

• In related news, this same idiot president doesn't know what the 10th Amendment is.


• Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is expected to recommend that the president proceed with a plan to financially punish the World Health Organization by limiting US funding and placing specific conditions on that funding.

• Today saw the first stimulus payments arriving in people's direct deposit, and debt collectors are doing what they can to make sure they get their hands on that money before you do.

• If you're looking for a pant-load of funny stuff to brighten up your day, look no further than the daily Mercury Cheer Up Club!

• And if you're looking for a fun AND FASHIONABLE way to support the Mercury, how about buying a Mercury "TP" T-shirt?

• And finally, maybe a world where animals can freely roam isn't such a bad idea? ESPECIALLY SEALS!