Oregon health official dresses as a CLOWN to announce Covid-19 death toll in ill-judged Halloween stunt

  • Claire Poche gave update on death toll with a big red smile painted on her face 
  • The irony was lost on Poche who was joined by colleague wearing in a onesie
  • They went on to describe how Oregonians could enjoy a Covid-safe Halloween 
  • The women have been slammed after the Oct. 14 video went viral yesterday 

By Ross Ibbetson For Mailonline

Published: | Updated:

An Oregonian health adviser has dressed up as a clown to announce the state's coronavirus death toll.

Claire Poche, a senior member of Oregon Health Authority, had a big red smile painted across her face and wore bright yellow trousers for the solemn announcement.

'As of today, there have been 38,160 cases of COVID-19 in Oregon, with 390 new cases being reported today,' she said. 'Sadly, we are also reporting three deaths today, bringing the statewide total for COVID-19-related deaths to 608.'

Poche was joined by a colleague dressed up in an animal onesie as they went on to describe how Oregonians could celebrate Halloween safely during the pandemic.

Claire Poche, a senior member of Oregon Health Authority, painted a big red smile across her face and wore a polka dot shirt with yellow trousers during the video announcement

Claire Poche, a senior member of Oregon Health Authority, painted a big red smile across her face and wore a polka dot shirt with yellow trousers during the video announcement

Poche was joined by fellow senior adviser Shimi Sharief who was dressed up in an animal onesie

Poche was joined by fellow senior adviser Shimi Sharief who was dressed up in an animal onesie

Fellow senior adviser Shimi Sharief said 'it doesn't mean Halloween still can't be spooky and fun this year.'

Sharief gave some examples of 'low risk activities' including 'online costume contests, watching a scary movie online and carving pumpkins with members of your household.'

The video was recorded on October 14 but went viral online after it was highlighted by a local reporter who called it 'an absolute nightmare.'

Poche seemed unaware of the grim irony as she said: 'Sadly, we are also reporting three deaths today, bringing the statewide total for COVID-19-related deaths to 608'
Poche dressed up as a clown during the sombre announcement

Poche seemed unaware of the grim irony as she said: 'Sadly, we are also reporting three deaths today, bringing the statewide total for COVID-19-related deaths to 608'

Oregonian journalist Samantha Swindler wrote: 'I'm sorry but who at the Oregon Health Authority thought this was a good idea?' 

British writer Douglas Murray commented on the video: 'Oregon. Literally run by clowns.'

On Wednesday, Oregon recorded another 407 cases of coronavirus taking its total to 43,228. Another 8 deaths were added to the toll of 673.

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