May 26, 2020

ByAnnette Powers

Wallowa County announced an additional COVID-19 case on Friday, May 22, bringing the total of confirmed cases in Wallowa County to two (with one considered recovered). The Wallowa County resident is in their 20’s. The individual is not hospitalized and is isolated while recovering. The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is working to complete the necessary contact tracing for those that meet the criteria. A close contact is defined as anyone within six feet of the individual for more than 15 minutes. If you are identified through this investigation as someone that may be at risk for COVID-19, OHA will be in contact.

Oregon Health Authority is reporting a total of 3,967 presumptive and confirmed cases today. This total includes the two in Wallowa County and six in Union County (with five considered recovered). To date, there have been a total of 115,450 COVID-19 tests conducted statewide. Plans are underway for an increase in public testing. Center for Human Development, Union County Public Health is awaiting additional ordered test kits from Oregon Health Authority. A delivery date has not yet been determined.

Baker County Judge Matthew Shirtcliff announced today that he will not vacate his injunction ruling that Governor Kate Brown exceeded her authority by restricting activities, including church services and businesses, for longer than the 28 days authorized under state law. Judge Shirtcliff was given a deadline of 5:00 p.m. today by the Oregon Supreme Court to either vacate the injunction or explain why it should remain in place. Judge Shirtcliff stands by his original ruling. The state is now required to file a brief with the Oregon Supreme Court by Thursday, May 28 and the plaintiffs must file briefs by Tuesday, June 2 further detailing their position.

Today, the Union County Chamber of Commerce hosted a webinar regarding Phase 1 Reopening. The webinar was to provide support and answer questions for businesses and communities of Union and Wallowa Counties. Key speakers were available to provide updates and answer questions regarding Phase 1. The webinar is available for viewing at https://www.facebook.com/TravelUnionCounty/videos/642004343017852/.

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