Deschutes, Crook counties among at least 18 approved for Phase 1 reopening Friday

(Update: Deschutes, Crook counties, 16 others say they have been approved)

Gov. Brown holding Thursday news conference; more guidelines posted online

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Deschutes County announced Thursday morning that it's been approved by Gov. Kate Brown to enter Phase 1 of reopening on Friday. Crook County also was among at least 18 counties to gain approval, news reports said.

Deschutes County shared by Twitter a letter dated Wednesday to county commission Chair Patti Adair, ahead of Brown's 10 a.m. news conference to announce the counties that have been approved to enter Phase 1.

Brown thanked the county for the the work put into its plan "for meeting the prerequisities demonstrating your county's preparedness for beginning to lift restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic."

She listed the goals as outlined previously: to minimize hospitalizations and deaths while allowing people to return to work and support themselves and their families.

Other goals include to "minimize risk to front line workers, avoid overwhelming the health care system" and "protect those at highest risk of severe illness."

"I want to be clear that reopening does not come without risks," Brown wrote. "With every restriction lifted, we know transmission of the virus has the potential to increase. The contract tracing, testing and personal protective equipment requirements that were part of the conditions for opening will be essential to mitigate that transmission."

Phase 1, which allows businesses such as restaurants and bars (dining in), barbers and salons, massage business, gyms and fitness centers to reopen under physical distancing and other guidelines, such as workers required to wear masks and customers encouraged as well. In-person gatherings, previously under a 10-person limit, is raised to 25, but travel is still discouraged.

Phase 1 will last at least three weeks, while COVID-19 cases are closely monitored for any surge before a broader Phase 2 reopening can be considering.

Deschutes County commissioners will meet with reporters at 1 p.m. to discuss the Phase 1 reopening, and it will be livestreamed on their site here.

OPB reported at least 15 counties said they had been notified of approval, including Deschutes, Lane, Baker, Grant, Harney, Malheur, Lake, Wheeler, Wasco, Crook, Jackson and Douglas counties, while other media outlets said Coos, Benton, Curry, Klamath and Yamhill counties also were approved.

KGW reported Gilliam County also was approved, but Marion County was not approved.

Brown's office announced late Wednesday she will hold a news conference Thursday morning to announce which counties can begin entering Phase I of reopening on Friday "under her framework for building a safe and strong Oregon."

Brown will be joined by representatives from the Oregon Health Authority at the 10 a.m. news conference, which will be livestreamed for the public here.

Updates to sector-specific guidance available at coronavirus.oregon.gov
The Governor’s Office said it continues to work with the Oregon Health Authority to update health and safety guidance for the reopening process. Members of the public with questions about the reopening process are encouraged to visit coronavirus.oregon.gov.

A new version of the website will launch Thursday to help Oregonians navigate the guidance that applies at the county level and statewide.

Statewide retail guidance begins Friday, shopping malls to reopen county by county
Not all retail businesses were automatically closed by the governor’s Stay Home, Save Lives order. Under the guidance for retailers issued last week, all retailers statewide, including those that were mandated to close previously, will be able to operate as long as they can implement the new safety measures required, effective Friday.

However, outdoor and indoor shopping malls will not reopen statewide. Malls will reopen county by county, as counties meet the prerequisites for reopening in Phase I.

Expanded emergency child care statewide for families returning to work
Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, Oregon child care providers have continued to operate by applying with the Early Learning Division to provide emergency child care––with priority given to the families of first responders, emergency workers, health care professionals, and other essential personnel working outside the home.

Beginning Friday, emergency child care will be expanded, with new health and safety guidelines, as well as greater flexibility, so that families returning to work under Oregon’s phased reopening can also have access to child care options. The new guidance also applies to other early learning programs, such as respite care and kindergarten transition.

Additional draft guidance
Further guidance documents are forthcoming, and will be posted to coronavirus.oregon.gov.