March 24, 2020

 As part of the Governor’s Executive Order issued yesterday, many small businesses are being forced to close. The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Additional information and applications can be found at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

The American Red Cross will be holding a blood drive by appointment only next week in Union County. Although all local appointment times are full, there is a need for Red Cross Volunteers to assist in disaster. The need for volunteers is constant and continues to evolve as the COVID-19 health crisis is navigated. Volunteer opportunities include not only supporting blood donations, but also delivering much-needed services to the community. Additionally, there is a wide variety of work-from-home opportunities available. If you are interested, please visit https://www.redcross.org/volunteer/become-a-volunteer.html.

The Union City Council declared a state of emergency yesterday for the City of Union enabling the city to stand ready to take further action as needed.

Wallowa County has requested lodging facilities and businesses to participate in a voluntary closure for the next two weeks. The county would also like to issue a reminder that all State Park facilities, overnight campgrounds, trails, restrooms, viewpoints and picnic areas are closed until further notice. This includes the Wallowa Lake State Park.

Union County continues to have only one confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) case which was announced last week by Union County Public Health. Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Union County Public Health continue to work on identifying and isolating any individuals who may have been in close contact with the person while they were contagious. Wallowa County does not have any confirmed cases of COVID-19.