Although there is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19, the best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus. The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person between people who are in close contact with one another through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
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.
The Center for Disease Control recommends that if you are feeling ill or cannot maintain appropriate social distancing, wearing a cloth face covering is encouraged. Ideally, cloth face coverings should be washed after every use.
The Oregon Air National Guard is scheduled to continue their efforts conducting multiple F-15 Eagle hospital flyovers throughout Oregon on Friday, May 22. This salute is to recognize Oregonians on the forefront of the COVID-19 pandemic, lift morale during a time of severe health and economic impacts, and remember those brave service members who have…
The Oregon Supreme Court issued a stay last night blocking the decision made earlier in the day by Baker County Circuit Court Judge Matt Shirtcliff. The ruling put forth by Judge Shirtcliff stated that Governor Brown has exceeded her authority by restricting activities, including church services and businesses, for longer than the 28 days authorized…
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today the details of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), which will provide up to $16 billion in direct payments to deliver relief to America’s farmers and ranchers impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
Union County Chamber of Commerce Director Suzannah Moore-Hemann talks about the Phase 1 Reopening of businesses like barber shops, salons, gyms and restaurants. Learn how to keep yourself safe as a customer and the changes you should expect.
he La Grande School District has announced that tomorrow, May 19 will be the last distance learning packet issued for the school year, that will need to be returned. The packet issued on May 26 will be Summer Learning Resources, and will not require returning.
Governor Kate Brown announced today the counties that can begin entering Phase I of reopening on May 15 under her framework for building a safe and strong Oregon. Qualifying counties demonstrated that they met all of Oregon’s safety and preparedness prerequisites for reopening, as well as a declining prevalence of COVID-19. “In each of these counties we…
Union County Commissioner Matt Scarfo talks about the county’s vulnerable population and individual risk tolerance as we enter into Phase 1.
La Grande Parks and Recreation Director Stu Spence talks about the social distancing rules for the Farmers Market tomorrow.
Those who are older, or have underlying health conditions should consider continuing to stay home.
Counties must remain in Phase 1 for at least 21 days before becoming eligible to advance to Phase 2.
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…
Limit the number of customers in the retail store and focus on maintaining at least six (6) feet of distance between customers and employees.
If you are at high risk of severe complications such as those over age 60 or have underlying medical conditions, you may want to consider staying home and maintaining strict physical distancing even if the County is allowed to enter Phase 1. Each individual will need to evaluate their risk factors and their risk tolerance as we move through the phased reopening.
La Grande Fire Chief Emmitt Cornford talks about how COVID-19 has impacted the number of calls they’ve seen
There are currently 3,286 confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported in Oregon of which 218 are new cases reported since Friday, May 8. No new cases have been reported in Union or Wallowa County over the weekend. Umatilla County reported five new cases over the weekend and its second COVID-19 death. The total number of…
Crime has not increased since the COVID-19 pandemic began, according to LGPD Lt. Jason Hays.
The Union County Reopening Plan was submitted to Governor Kate Brown early this morning as directed through her press conference held yesterday. The submitted plan was an updated version containing the new statewide guidance received through May 7. This afternoon, Union County received feedback from the Governor’s office requesting minor changes to the Plan. These…
Phase 1 guidance encourages the public to continue practicing good hygiene, maintain physical distancing, and staying home when you are sick, among others.
Union County Commissioner Paul Anderes talks about wildfire and natural resources in our area as it relates to COVID-19.
Union and Wallowa Counties continue to work diligently to prepare reopening plans that will meet Governor’s approval. The Governor’s benchmarks for reop
Union County Commissioner Matt Scarfo sits down to talk about the challenges business owners are facing with COVID-19 and what lies ahead when they open.
We hope that our public remembers Union and Wallowa Counties did not impose the statewide closures, but we are working diligently to remove all barriers for reopening.
The Union County Reopening Plan was submitted to Governor Kate Brown’s office last week for approval. The reopening includes a three-phase plan. This does not mean that the County will be immediately reopening. Before Union County can begin phase one of the reopening, the following steps must be met: 1. Governor approval of the Union…
The Union County Board of Commissioners met in an emergency session today to consider the Union County Reopening Plan prepared by the local Incident Management Team (IMT). The Commissioners agreed to submit the Plan to Governor Kate Brown for approval. Receiving Governor approval of the Plan is the first step towards an incremental reopening. The…
Union County Commissioners will be holding an emergency meeting tomorrow afternoon at 3:00 p.m. The purpose of the meeting will be to consider the Union County Reopening Plan to be submitted to Oregon Governor Kate Brown. The Plan was prepared based upon the Public Health framework provided by the Governor’s office. In order to reopen…
