A senior official at the Oregon Public Health department raised some eyebrows when she decided to dress in clown makeup and a polka-dot suit to announce the COVID-19 death tolls.

Claire Poche, began her video announcement by listing off the new cases of the virus in the tall-tree state, not beginning by addressing the very strange choice of attire. 

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

It was only when the video switched over to fellow senior adviser Shimi Sharief, who was dressed in a cuddly animal onesie that she said was inspired by the Japanese cartoon “My Neighbor Totoro," that it became clear the costumes were part of a Halloween-themed video. 

Still, the stunt went viral this week, causing many to question the appropriateness of the very strange choice of costume while discussing such a somber topic. 

What is going on in Oregon? This is real. The public health authority announces Covid-19 deaths in clown face without explanation. pic.twitter.com/GN6HjLsJk9

— @amuse (@amuse) October 28, 2020

Some social media users compared the clip to a skit from "The Office."

This feels like a skit from a show like The Office...

— Sassy Dungeon Master (COMMS OPEN) (@AussiSassyGob) October 27, 2020

Another user said "Christmas is going to be grim this year if we are already at 'sad clowns deliver the news'"

Sad Oregon clown delivers Covid news and tells us tips on how to have a safe Halloween in a pandemic. Totoro makes an appearance.

Christmas is going to be grim AF this year if we're already at "sad clowns deliver the news".https://t.co/yDdd6LDkNI

— Duke (@somecallmeduke) October 27, 2020