C.O. COVID-19 update: Phase 1 reopening info, Deschutes County business resources
Here is Thursday's COVID-19 information update from the Central Oregon Emergency Information Network.
GOVERNOR BROWN ANNOUNCES PHASE I REOPENING
During a press conference this morning, Governor Kate Brown announced that Crook and Deschutes Counties can begin reopening on May 15, following the Reopening Oregon Phase I guidelines. Later this afternoon, Jefferson County was notified that it is also approved to begin Phase I reopening.
Qualifying counties demonstrated that they met all of Oregon’s safety and preparedness prerequisites for reopening, as well as a declining prevalence of COVID-19.
In counties approved for Phase I, the following additional areas can operate if they comply with sector-specific health and safety guidance beginning May 15:
- Restaurants, bars, and other such establishments for dine-in service until 10 pm
- Personal services businesses
- All retail businesses, including malls and shopping centers
- Gyms and other fitness facilities
- Local gatherings of up to 25 people
Phase I of Reopening Oregon is expected to last for 21 days.
For additional information and sector-specific reopening guidelines, visit coronavirus.oregon.gov.
STAYING SAFE IN PHASE I
As areas of the region begin reopening under Phase I guidelines, it is important to remember that the risks for contracting COVID-19 are still the same. Community members should follow these guidelines to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the community:
- Stay home if you are sick. If you get a cough, fever, or shortness of breath while in public, please return home and self-isolate immediately. Contact your health care provider if you need medical attention.
- People who are at risk for severe complications (over age 60 or have underlying medical conditions) should stay home even if you feel well.
- Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer (60-95% alcohol content).
- Use cloth, paper or disposable face coverings in public.
- Cover coughs/sneezes with elbow or tissue and avoid touching your face. If you use a tissue, immediately throw it away and your wash hands.
- Practice physical distancing of at least six (6) feet between you and people who you do not live with.
- Stay close to home. Avoid overnight trips and minimize other non-essential travel.
REMINDERS ON GATHERING SIZE RESTRICTIONS
All gatherings of more than 25 people are canceled statewide until the Governor ends Executive Order 20-07. The Governor has indicated the potential for a new Executive Order. Until that occurs:
Under Phase I guidelines, residents in Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson Counties may have gatherings of no more than 25 people. Gatherings of fewer than 25 people are only allowed if physical distancing of at least 6 feet can be kept for all people from different households. People from the same household are not required to keep physical distancing.
According to the Governor’s May 5 Reopening Guidance for Outdoor Recreation parties are defined as a group of 10 or fewer people who arrive at an outdoor site together. Parties are required to maintain physical distance while recreating or retrieving/returning gear and entering/exiting vehicles.
Additional information is available at: https://govstatus.egov.com/OR-OHA-COVID-19
DESCHUTES COUNTY BUSINESS RESOURCES
Deschutes County Public Health is excited to support local businesses with new resources that outline protocols and strategies to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19. By following the safety recommendations in the resource guide, businesses can develop and implement plans that help protect the public’s health.
Businesses are encouraged to use the Deschutes County Resource Guide to develop and implement a written document that includes the following elements:
Recommendations or requirements for face coverings and masks for employees and patrons,
Conducting daily health assessments for employees (self-evaluation) to determine if they are healthy for work,
Maintaining good hygiene at all times, hand washing and physical distancing,
Cleaning and disinfecting workplaces throughout the workday and at the close of business or between shifts,
Limiting maximum capacity to meet physical distancing guidelines,
Following all state and federal requirements.
Businesses in Deschutes County are encouraged to direct technical questions about planning to safely reopen to the Deschutes County Environmental Health team, by calling 541-317-3114 or emailing at countyenvironmentalhealth@deschutes.org.
El Departamento de Salud Ambiental del Condado Deschutes está disponible para responder preguntas y brindar asistencia técnica en español para negocios locales. Para solicitar estos servicios gratuitos, llame a Adrea Roriguez-Lovejoy al (541) 280-1499 o envÃe un correo electrónico a countyenvironmentalhealth@deschutes.org.
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ABOUT COEIN
COEIN’s website, www.coemergencyinfo.blogspot.com provides a collective resource for up-to-date information. Access to accurate, timely information both locally and nationally is encouraged. Our County Public Health experts point to the Oregon Health Authority and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as good sources of information. Daily situation updates are available via email at http://bit.ly/COVID19UPDATES
COVID-19 phone line: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. 541-699-5109
Central Oregon Emergency Information Network (COEIN), includes Deschutes County Health Services, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, St. Charles Health System, Crook County Health Department, Crook County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson County Health Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department, tri-county public schools, City of Bend, Bend Police, Bend Fire & Rescue, and others. COEIN’s purpose is to collect, coordinate and distribute timely and accurate information.
Accommodation Information for People with Disabilities
To obtain this information in an alternate format such as Braille, large print, electronic formats, etc. please contact the COEIN JIC at 541.316.0087 or centraloregoninfo@gmail.com.
