Photo of lake with mountain background

May 14, 2020

ByAnnette Powers

Union and Wallowa County received approval from Governor Kate Brown to begin Phase 1 of the reopening process effective tomorrow, May 15. Phase 1 does not allow for a full reopening of all businesses, and there are very specific safety guidelines that must be followed. Phase 1 guidance for all applicable sectors can be viewed in entirety at https://govstatus.egov.com/or-covid-19. Today, new guidance was released for Gyms and Fitness Centers which is included in the above link.

All Union County Parks and Mt. Emily Recreation Area campground will be open for overnight camping opportunities effective tomorrow, May 15. This includes Pilcher Creek, Thief Valley, and Wolf Creek Reservoirs. Signs will be posted for park users encouraging continued practice of physical distancing and good hygiene.

The City of La Grande Parks & Recreation Department announced the following changes which will be effective Monday, May 18, 2020:
• Morgan Lake will reopen for day use and camping. Restrooms will be sanitized once per day.
• All in-town park restrooms will reopen and will be sanitized by Parks Staff twice per day. Soap and/or sanitizer will be provided in all park restrooms. Restrooms may be closed again if soap and/or sanitizer is lost or damaged.
• Skate Park will reopen with social distancing requirements.
• The Pee Wee Soccer league has been cancelled. Parents are instructed to check their emails for instruction.

As a reminder, the counties will remain in Phase 1 for a minimum of 21 days before becoming eligible to advance to Phase 2. Phase 2 details have not yet been completed by the state, but some tentative plans include an increase in social gathering size and the possibility of long-term care facility visitations.

Union County remains at four confirmed cases of COVID-19, of which three have been classified by Oregon Health Authority (OHA) as recovered. Wallowa County remains at one confirmed case, who has been classified as recovered. OHA is reporting today a total of 3,479 confirmed and presumptive cases statewide.

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