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While announcing the number of deaths in the state of Oregon attributed to COVID-19, a public health official decided to dress up as a clown.
While it is less than a week before Halloween, many found it odd for the Dr. to turn such a tragic topic into a laughing matter.
Dr. Claire Poche, a pediatrician and senior health adviser for the Oregon Health Authority, took off her face mask to reveal full-on clown makeup.
In what resembled a scene from “The Joker” or an “SNL” skit, Poche said in a monotone voice, “Hello. We thought we’d start by giving you a quick update on where we are with COVID-19.”
“As of today, there have been 38,160 cases of COVID-19 in Oregon, with 390 new cases being reported today,” she continued. “Sadly, we are also reporting three deaths today, bringing the statewide total for COVID-19-related deaths to 608.”
After the somber message, Poche immediately put her mask back on.
Following the death statistics provided by Poche, the video announcement switched to her fellow senior adviser Shimi Sharief, who was wearing a baggy animal onesie inspired by a Japanese cartoon called “My Neighbor Totoro.”
Sharief described “safe” ways to celebrate the holiday amid COVID-19.
One Twitter user summed up the video perfectly, saying, “Oregon. Literally run by clowns.”