May 7, 2020

 Governor Kate Brown held a press conference today unveiling the Phase 1 county reopening plan process. Union County has not yet received approval for reopening from the Governor’s office. The Governor stated today that County plan submission will not be allowed until tomorrow, May 8, 2020. A plan was submitted by the county last week, but Union County will now be resubmitting a revised plan addressing new criteria released yesterday. The Governor’s office has released May 15, 2020 as the potential reopening date.

Oregon Health Authority provided Phase 1 General Reopening Guidance for the Public and Employers. Sector Guidance specifically for Retail, Restaurants and Bars, Outdoor Recreation, and Personal Services was also provided. Guidance documents can be found through the following link:
http://union-county.org/reopening-guidance-provided-by-ore…/

Phase 1 guidance encourages the public to continue practicing good hygiene, maintain physical distancing, and staying home when you are sick, among others. The public is also asked to stay close to home, avoid overnight trips, and minimize other non-essential travel, including recreational day trips to destinations outside the community. Phase 1 will also allow in person local gatherings of up to 25 people as long as social distancing measures can be met.

After 21 days in Phase 1, counties continuing to meet the prerequisites may be approved to enter Phase 2. The goal is to further expand gathering size, allow some office work, plus begin to allow visitation to congregate care facilities. Specifics of Phase 2 have not yet been released.

Union County remains at four confirmed cases of COVID-19, of which three have been classified by Oregon Health Authority as recovered. Wallowa County remains with one confirmed case, who has been classified as recovered. Oregon Health Authority is reporting a total of 2,989 confirmed and presumptive cases, and 121 deaths statewide.