City Response to Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)-Old page (keep for reference)

*UPDATED April 14, 2020--Reaching vulnerable populations, community partnerships, extended City closures, City meetings online, State updates, food resources, WLWV School District starts distance learning,  Tri-County symptom checker.

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*April 14, 2020

City of West Linn Updates

In addition to City staff reaching out directly to some of our more vulnerable populations using data we have available to us, we are using newspaper advertisements and utility bill mailings to provide vital resources to those without access to digital content. We can't do this alone and continue to ask you to check on your friends, family and neighbors and connect them with resources on this page or with City and/or Clackamas County staff that can help. 

Much thanks to the Latter Day Saints Church for donating over $2,800 worth of food, personal hygiene, and laundering products to the West Linn Food Pantry to help serve those in our community who are facing food insecurities and other difficulties during this time. West Linn Parks and Library staff helped to organize, pick up and deliver this large order from the LDS Bishops Storehouse on April 14th. Another example of the great partnerships that continue to define our community...

West Linn Library staff also partnered with local West Linn and Wilsonville robotics teams "WLHS To Be Determined" and "FRC 1426 Error Code" to 3D print and assemble protective face shields for West Linn Police and other local first responders. West Linn Police have been using these face masks as part of their free Prescription Drug Delivery Program.

We will be extending closure of City facilities to the public until it is safe to reopen them, based on data and guidance from public health authorities. City Council will also be considering an extension of their emergency declaration at their next meeting on April 20th, the current emergency declaration is set to expire on April 30th. Bernert and Cedaroak boat ramps remain closed, effective April 9th. With the closure of many boat ramps in Clackamas County, we are unfortunately no longer able to safely operate these facilities under the current State order.

City public meeting opportunities are expanding online, with many Citizen Advisory Groups now beginning to take advantage of the new videoconferencing abilities. Please visit the meetings page and agendas of upcoming meetings for information on how to participate.

State of Oregon Updates

Oregon Health Authority released new projections from health researchers at the Institute for Disease Modeling in Washington. The new projections estimate that Oregon’s aggressive social or physical distancing measures have prevented as many as 18,000 cases of COVID-19 and 500 hospitalizations. These restrictions must be maintained into at least May to prevent new cases from rising above current daily levels of active coronavirus cases. By following Governor Brown’s stay at home executive orders, Oregonians are preventing a surge in new infections that could overwhelm hospital beds if left unchecked.

On April 14, Governor Kate Brown announced a framework for reopening Oregon's economy, while maintaining healthy communities (press release here). The framework leans on scientific benchmarks prior to reopening, increased testing, robust tracking, and quarantining protocols. On April 13, Oregon, California and Washington announced a Western States Pact, an agreement on a shared vision for reopening their economies and controlling COVID-19 into the future (press release here). Governor Brown also released $8M in funding to the Oregon Food Bank (press release here).

If you are in need of food assistance, please visit the Oregon Food Bank's Food Finder or visit West Linn's own Food Pantry on Thursdays from 3:00 to 6:00pm.

West Linn Wilsonville School District Updates

West Linn Wilsonville Schools began distance learning on April 13th to continue serving students and the community through the extended school closure. WLWV primary schools and High School are providing to go meals Mon.-Fri. from 10:00-11:00am for children age 1-18, regardless of attendance area. For more information and details on distance learning and WLWV's meal program please visit their website here. You can also sign up for more WLWV updates, including on capital bond projects of interest to the community, through their listserv here.

Tri-County Symptom Checker

Health officials from Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas County agencies have launched a new online tool providing people a way to screen for possible Coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms from home. The COVID-19 Symptom Checker can be accessed at c19oregon.com and is available in 15 languages. The free online tool provides information on your nearest hospitals, but is a guidance tool only and should not replace professional health care advice, diagnosis or treatment by a licensed physician.

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April 8, 2020

Today, Governor Kate Brown announced that Oregon schools will remain closed through the end of the school year. This applies to K-12 and post-secondary education systems. School districts, community colleges, and universities have been directed to complete the final weeks of the regular academic year by continuing distance learning and support to students. Read the Governor's official statement and check the school district's coronavirus page for updates.

As the weather gets nicer this week it is important to continue practicing physical distancing from others. Enjoy the sun, our parks, exercise and take care of your physical and mental health, but please do it safely. The best way we have to slow the spread of this virus is to stay physically apart.

Parks themselves will remain open as long as physical distancing from others can be maintained, but all park play equipment, sports courts, fitness court, skatepark, and all park bathrooms are closed. Effective April 9th, Bernert Landing and Cedaroak Boat Ramps will be closed until further notice. With the closure of many boat ramps in Clackamas County, we are unfortunately no longer able to safely operate these facilities under the current State order. 

TVFR and other local fire agencies are asking the public to voluntarily stop outdoor burning to help vulnerable populations during the pandemic. Please be a good neighbor by helping to limit respiratory irritation and keeping our firefighters focused on emergency medical care. Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue will begin using more sustainable personal protective equipment (PPE) on the majority of our medical calls, which will help reduce the consumption of PPE supplies that have been challenging to replenish. Please be aware that TVFR staff may arrive wearing a ventilator mask, gloves, safety glasses, and Tyvek suit. Photos and more info here.

TVFR is also encouraging residents and local businesses to consider donating new, unused PPE. Please email supply@tvfr.com and include a description of what items you have and quantity. TVFR staff will then work with you to either schedule a pickup or arrange a delivery.

Several State agencies worked together to compile a useful new Small Business Resource Navigator page to help business owners and employees find information and resources to deal with the impacts of COVID-19.

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April 6, 2020

Starting today, and continuing through the end of the Governor's emergency order, West Linn Police Department employees will be providing a free prescription delivery service for West Linn residents for those at higher risk of illness due to COVID-19. During deliveries, the Police employees will wear personal protective equipment and will follow social distancing guidelines to avoid spreading the virus. The employees will always be in official attire and will carry identification. Please visit the WLPD Prescription Delivery Website for details and call the WLPD Business Office at (503)655-6214.

Following Centers for Disease Control mask recommendations (CDC mask guidance), the Oregon Health Authority (OHA mask guidance) this past weekend recognized that use of cloth face coverings (e.g. homemade fabric masks) may reduce the spread of virus and help prevent those who have the virus but do not have symptoms from passing it to others. Medical masks (e.g. N95 and respirators) should be reserved for health care providers who are on the front lines working with patients most likely to have COVID-19. We have had shortages of medical masks -- and it's critically important that our health care workers have the equipment they need to do their jobs. Non-medical mask use does NOT replace the need to follow guidance to stay home, maintain 6' or more of social distancing with others, frequent handwashing, avoiding touching the face, and staying away from people who are ill. These are the most important steps to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 illness.

New data visualizations were recently released from the Oregon Health Authority (OHA data) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC data), these are the types of data referred to when you hear of all the work we are all doing to "flatten the curve." The CDC also provided updated guidance on disinfecting homes and workplaces when someone is sick that you may find useful.  

Following the lead of the World Health Organization and OHA, we will also start to move away from the term "social distancing" to "physical distancing" to acknowledge that it is important to stay physically separated from each other to slow the spread of COVID-19, but supporting each other socially is also critically important to our health and well-being. Please continue to support your friends, family, and community by checking in on each other.

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April 1, 2020

The City of West Linn would like to thank you for continuing to stay home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Though it might not feel like much, you are keeping your neighbors and loved ones safe by practicing strict social distancing and staying home as much as possible. This is a true community effort, and together we have the power to save lives. 

Updated projections from health researchers show that there is “strong evidence that measures currently in place in Oregon are reducing transmission,” according to the latest models. But these social distancing and stay-at-home measures must remain strictly in place to continue to alter the trajectory of new infections and allow our hospital systems to ramp up to meet the coming surge.

Oregon is at a critical moment in the fight against the virus and maintaining social distancing and stay-at-home measures is essential.

Gov. Kate Brown issued a new executive order today that bans commercial evictions and strengthens eviction protections for residents.

Rapid Community Grant Funding

During the coronavirus pandemic our City Council is interested in providing grant funding to local community organizations in need sooner than the usual timeframe of July. Please apply for a community grant now if your organization is impacted by the Covid-19 crisis and let us know of your immediate need. Grant deadline is April 13th.

Exciting New City Services

Check out our new Parks and Recreation Virtual Community Center or the wide array of new online Library services and engaging and interactive Library programs. 

Parks and Recreation also released their online Recreation Activity Guide! Feel free to register for all classes and camps! If programs are not held you will receive a full refund of registration fees.  ​

We are holding Council and other public meetings virtually. We want to keep the public fully engaged and invite public comments via email, eComment software, or by phone and videoconferencing software. Look for upcoming public meetings and information on how to participate at our meetings page here. 

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March 23, 2020

On March 23rd, Governor Kate Brown issued a statewide "Stay Home, Save Lives" order, effective immediately. The order requires Oregonians to stay home except to meet essential needs as defined in the order, and requires social distancing at all times. Oregon Mayors, including West Linn's Mayor Axelrod, have been calling for such an order to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. The infographic below outlines what is and isn't permitted during this time.

In terms of additional effects to City of West Linn public services, we will be closing all park play equipment, sports courts, fitness court, skatepark, and all park bathrooms. Parks themselves will remain open as long as physical distancing from others can be maintained. Bernert Landing and Cedaroak Boat Ramps remain open.

The West Linn Police business office will also now be closed to the public (for emergencies call 911, non-emergency dispatch 503-635-0238, or for other police business matters email wlpdrecords@westlinnoregon.gov). We are continuing to assess the order for additional impacts to our community and will communicate them to the public as they arise.

Though all City buildings are closed to the public, essential City utility functions are fully operational and City staff are still working for you (virtually or physically distanced from others). We continue to ask the public to contact us by phone or online if they have questions or need assistance (contact information can be found at the bottom of this page).

The Governor's News Release can be found here

The Governor's Executive Order details can be found here

Click here for a helpful Do's and Don'ts Infographic explaining the Stay Home, Save Lives Order

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March 19, 2020:  West Linn City Council Declares State of Emergency

On March 19th West Linn City Council took further steps to protect the health and well-being of our community by declaring a state of emergency and initiating actions towards protecting residential and commercial tenant from evictions. Additionally, the City’s Emergency Operations Center has been activated and all City closures have been extended to April 30th.

The emergency declaration (attached at bottom of page) is a preparedness measure that enables the City to more nimbly mobilize resources to better address potential future impacts caused by COVID-19. The declaration also facilitates quicker coordination with other public agencies and allows funds to be redirected for emergency use as needed to safeguard the West Linn community. The declaration is set to expire on April 30th, 2020, but may be renewed if necessary. More information regarding details of actions on eviction protections will be posted to this webpage as it is available.

In accordance with the City’s Emergency Operations Plan, the City has also activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) as a preparedness measure. Many surrounding jurisdictions have also activated their EOCs. The EOC provides a framework for communications, mobilizing resources, documentation, and developing plans across all the City’s functions. The EOC is currently operating at the lowest level of activation in support of changes to City operations and as a point of contact with the Clackamas County EOC. 

All City closures have been extended to April 30th (details below).  

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March 16, 2020:  CDC Releases New Guidance

Extensive new guidance from the President and CDC was released March 16th to reduce exposure and slow the spread of the novel coronavirus through reduced social contact and enhanced cleanliness actions. We take these actions seriously and hope you help us to proactively preserve critical health services for those in vulnerable populations and in need.  New guidance from local, state, and federal public health authorities continues to come in daily and we are contantly reevaluating our response appropriately (see updates above).

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Coronavirus Information

Most City facilities and programs are closed to the public until at least April 30th or later, subject to change. However, City operations will continue to the greatest extent possible. 

City leadership staff have been meeting regularly to address and respond to the latest guidance for our safety of our community, which now includes the actions below:

Closures/Cancellations 

• City Hall is closed to the public through April 30.
• Adult Community Center, Sunset Fire Hall, Robinwood Station, and McLean House are closed  through April 30. 
• All recreation programming, events, and facility rentals are canceled through April 30 (includes ACC, Sunset Fire Hall, Robinwood Station, McLean House, park cleanup events). All reservations and registrants are being contacted in regards to refunds/credits/new dates.
• All park play equipment, sports courts, fitness court, skatepark, and all park bathrooms are closed. Parks themselves will remain open as long as physical distancing from others can be maintained. Bernert Landing and Cedaroak Boat Ramps remain open.
• Athletic fields utilized by organized groups and leagues are closed through April 30. All City sports programs canceled through April 30.
• West Linn Public Library is closed through April 30. Learn more here.
• Municipal Court will be postponed until May 7, with telephone and virtual meeting contact as needed.
• The West Linn Police business office is closed to the public. The Satter Community Room at the Police Department is closed to public events through April 30.
• West Linn-Wilsonville School District has canceled school and all activities through April 28. Grab-and-go breakfast and lunch meals will be available to children at 8 primary schools and West Linn High School. The School District will be beginning targeted educational programming on April 6th, but has some online resources available now. School playgrounds are closed. Learn more here.

• We will be reviewing all scheduled public meetings to determine whether they are necessary, whether they can be delayed, and whether they can be conducted electronically. It is recommended to citizen advisory groups, neighborhood associations, and other community gathering groups that meetings be postponed, conducted virtually, or at minimum, with social distancing strategies in mind (e.g. separation of seating by at least 6 feet). Many upcoming meetings have already been postponed, please view the City's calendar for the latest updates on meetings and events.

Additional Actions by the City of West Linn

• Maintaining social distancing strategies when performing city business with both coworkers and the public. We encourage residents to conduct business with us electronically to the greatest degree possible (see bottom of page).

• City operations will continue to the greatest degree possible while building closures are in effect. Many staff will be telecommuting if their job duties allow and staff will remain working in many buildings and in the field to respond to citizens, maintenance needs, and inspections.   

• The Police Department is taking measures to prioritize emergency response. This includes increasing the use of phone reporting where possible, and the use of social distancing in all contact scenarios as applicable. Police staff will not be entering senior/nursing facilities when at all possible in order to minimize risk to residents. The West Linn Police business office is closed to the public. 

• TVFR is also taking measures to prioritize emergency response, including updated patient assessment strategies, refreshed training for personal protective equipment, canceling use of community rooms, canceling events, and other new protocols for staff safety. Please be aware that TVFR staff will arrive at most medical calls heavily suited up in protective gear.

• Water and utility disconnects are temporarily being suspended (this includes City of West Linn, Portland General Electric, and NW Natural services). West Linn is suspending Library fines and interest accruals on late utility bill payments. West Linn's water system remains safe and fully operational. 

• *Parks will remain open, but we are closing park play equipment, sports courts, fitness court, skate park, and all park bathrooms and posting signs to encourage youth and others to follow public health guidance on social distancing.  

• New temporary personnel policies have been drafted to discourage spread of the coronavirus and plan for maintenance of city services. These include policies on telecommuting, sick leave due to COVID-19, alternate work schedules, social distancing, identification of essential staff, and ensuring sick or exposed staff stay home. Plans are being tailored to suit current and expected future needs.

  • We have posted signs about preventive measures related to cleanliness and staying home sick from the CDC around City facilities at entrance points and public restrooms.

  • We are ensuring more frequent cleaning of frequently touched surfaces in City buildings and increased availability of handwashing and sanitizing supplies.

  • Employees have been asked to follow preventative everyday measures and stay home if they are exhibiting fever, coughing, or breathing difficulties and to contact their healthcare provider.

• Partnering with WLWV School District, West Linn Police, TVFR, and public health agencies on communication efforts.

• Please note these actions are subject to change and may adjust with new guidance.

The City of West Linn does not oversee public health, but works with Clackamas County Public Health and the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) to protect the public health during urgent health matters such as concerns over the COVID-19 virus. The City maintains an Emergency Operations Plans to ensure our ability to maintain essential services to our residents, as well as support state and county health efforts. West Linn City Council and staff are taking steps to help prevent and prepare for the spread of the novel coronavirus, in accordance with the guidance of local, state, and federal agencies. Please call or email city staff to conduct business electronically (see links below)

​Other actions you can take to help:

• Reach out to your neighbors in need of assistance, especially those in vulnerable populations.
  • Connect with Clackamas County Meals on Wheels or Clackamas County's Senior Companion program (more about local social services).
  • Connect with so many generous members of our community offering help on local Facebook pages (West Linn Community Page, West Linn Open Forum) and elsewhere. Protect yourself and use known contacts or vetted friends of friends only. Remain skeptical and don't provide credit card information, other payment or personal information to anyone. There are  continuing scams emerging as people try to take advantage of the situation. 
  • Support the local West Linn Food Pantry through donations, funding, or volunteering. 
  • Look for special shopping hours for vulnerable populations from your local grocery stores. 
• Support our local and small businesses!
  • Use this local dine in and take-out guide!!! And add the "West Linn To Go" Facebook group to your list of groups, here you can find great promotions and rave about your favorite local eateries.
  • This is a difficult time for our businesses, even more so for some in our Historic Willamette Area during construction activities. Consider buying gift cards now for use later to keep cash flowing or order carry out or delivery (don't forget non-food items like gifts and flowers too). Many are even offering great deals right now on family-sized orders while so many of us are home from work and school. 
  • Resources to help the business community:
    • Clackamas Workforce Partnership
      Funds are available to help businesses avoid layoffs and/or closure, including remote work setup, deep cleaning/sanitizing, and business model changes. Local Rapid Response Teams are available to help businesses navigate this challenging process.
      Clackamas County
      Business resource assistance from the County.
      Oregon Employment Department
      Information on COVID-19 related layoffs, closures and unemployment insurance benefits.
      Business Oregon
      A compilation of resources to help during this emergency situation.
      Workshare Oregon
      Provides an alternative to layoffs during tough times, leveraging unemployment insurance to subsidize wages.
      Greater Portland
      Regularly updated links and resources to address needs of both workers and employers.
• Consider online shopping services for groceries and prescriptions, many of our local stores offer this option and there are several online grocery shopping services.
• Keep your family at ease and entertained.
  • So many people are stepping up with great online options from online DJ events to yoga, including our online Library services, which have endless supplies of movies and ebooks to choose from.
  • Learn how to talk to children about this outbreak. 
• Take a break from media coverage.
  • Get outside and enjoy nature. West Linn's vast and beautiful parks, trails, and open spaces are open for your enjoyment as long as you keep appropriate 6' or more physical distance from others. Parks bathrooms, play equipment, fitness court, skateparks, and bathrooms are closed at this time. 
  • Take care of your mental health during these stressful times. 
• Treat everyone with respect. Distinguish legitimate and appropriate medical precautions from racist and discriminatory behaviors. Do your part to discourage stigma and racial discrimination related to the coronavirus--create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone can safely access services and care. 

Everyday actions people can take to prevent the spread of COVID-19:

• STAY HOME, SAVE LIVES! Stay home whenever possible, except for essential needs. Please follow the March 23rd order from Governor Kate Brown. 
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash. If you don't have a tissue, sneeze or cough into your elbow.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces that are often touched.
• Take care of your overall health. Staying current on your vaccinations, including flu vaccine, eating well and exercising all help your body stay resilient.
• Consult CDC's travel website for any travel advisories and steps to protect yourself during travel.
• If you feel sick and need medical care, stay home and call your health care provider before going in. Calling helps reduce person-to-person contact and avoids unnecessarily inundating hospitals. The CDC has helpful guidance on what to do when you are sick, including a useful self-checker tool.
• Older adults and those with underlying health conditions are at increased risk and should take additional precautions to protect themselves and consider social distancing strategies such as avoiding gatherings or other situations of potential exposure. 

Trustworthy sources of information and updates related to COVID-19:

Oregon Health Authority (we recommend signing up for email updates here). 

Clackamas County Public Health

Centers for Disease Control 

West Linn Wilsonville School District Updates

Call 211 if you have general questions or concerns about coronavirus in Oregon

Please let us help you conduct business over the phone or electronically:

Library:  503-656-7853 (info. on Library services and coronavirus)

City Hall: 503-657-0331

Municipal Court: 503-656-4263 

Police:  911 for emergencies, 503-655-6214 Police Business Office,  503-635-0238 Police non-emergency dispatch. Email wlpdrecords@westlinnoregon.gov for police business matters. 

Adult Community Center:  503-557-4704

Parks and Recreation:  503-557-4700

Submit service requests through YourGov or contact staff by email here