Mid-Columbia Medical Center has announced it is implementing a temporary furlough of what it termed “select employees” based on volume and need to care for patients.  In a statement, the hospital said it has received a significant financial impact due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with considerable declines in patient volume due to State and Federal executive orders, the suspension of elective surgeries and the desire of some potential patients to simply stay away for fear of exposure to the coronavirus, while at the same time facing increased costs related to the pandemic.  The furlough begins this coming Sunday and is currently expected to last through May 30, but will be re-evaluated in the middle of the month, and MCMC CEO Dennis Knox says they hope to have all staff return to work as soon as possible.  Oregon Governor Kate Brown announced that hospitals and surgical centers can begin reopening for non-urgent medical procedures on May 1 if strict new requirements for COVID-19 safety and preparedness are in place.