Clackamas County Approved for Phase I Reopening

May 27, 2020

Clackamas County Approved for Phase I Reopening
Governor Brown approved Clackamas County to enter Phase 1 of reopening on Saturday, May 23. Entering Phase 1 means that the State and County are ready to begin easing restrictions on local gatherings and allowing restaurants, salons, shopping centers, and gyms to open as soon as they are able to meet State safety guidelines. Clackamas County submitted the application for reopening on May 19, after successfully demonstrating to the State that the County is ready to meet seven prerequisites as required by our population size and our health region. Clackamas County's full press release can be found here.

On May 15, the State allowed retail businesses and child care facilities to open, among others. Now that we have entered Phase 1, there is more flexibility for who can open. These areas include:

Businesses in these categories who feel they are ready to open can visit the State’s website to make sure they meet all the criteria.
The County must stay in Phase 1 for at least 21 days before it can be considered for the next phase of reopening. Details of Phase 2 requirements have not yet been provided by the State.

It's important to note that it remains more important now than ever to follow all Oregon Health Authority public health guidance during Oregon's phased reopening, including these primary actions you can take when out in public to help reduce spread of the virus and save lives.

West Linn Tennis/Pickleball Courts and Skate Parks Reopen
City of West Linn Parks & Recreation announced that West Linn Tennis/Pickleball Courts and Skate Parks will reopen effective today, May 27, 2020.

The City is working to safely restore these amenities while following guidelines from Oregon Health Authority. We ask that you continue to maintain physical distancing, limit groups to 10 people or less at a time, avoid touching common surface areas, and wash hands frequently.

As a reminder, West Linn Parks and Trails are open for use, but other park amenities such as playgrounds, basketball courts, spray parks, sports fields, and picnic shelters will remain closed until further notice in accordance with State guidance as these activities may involve contact or increased public health risk.

West Linn Police Department
West Linn Police Department announced today, May 27, that their business office has reopened to the public during regular business hours with new restrictions in place. There is a maximum of 4 people allowed in the lobby at one time and we ask that you wear a mask in the building. The Satter Community Room remains closed to the public at this time. We continue to encourage phone reporting and other forms of electronic communication when possible to keep our police force healthy and ready to serve:

West Linn City Facilities
The City of West Linn is continuing to put together a strategy for a careful, phased re-opening of additional City facilities and is working on putting necessary procedures and physical controls in place. We are working with the County and our neighbor cities on this to ensure as much coordination as possible and to stay within the Governor's framework for reopening Oregon. Taking a phased approach will allow the City adequate time to implement and evaluate protective strategies as the safety of the community and our staff remains our number one priority. The City will continue to provide essential services and can be reached through a variety of means as referenced on our City Services webpage, which will be continually updated as services change.

Clackamas County Parks Reopening
Clackamas County announced that many parks and boat ramps will reopen to the public for daytime use beginning Monday, June 1, 2020.  Encouraged activities include walking, hiking, biking, running, and fishing, as well as access to the river for swimming, boating, and floating. Picnic shelters, playgrounds, sport courts, and other group facilities will remain closed until further notice. County Park campgrounds at Barton Park, Metzler Park, and Feyrer Park are expected to open June 22, 2020.

Clackamas County reminds visitors to enjoy the parks while abiding by new rules related to physical distancing.

Clackamas County Go Teams
From a mental health perspective, the COVID-19 pandemic is already having far reaching and widespread effects throughout our community. As a way to address these mental health needs, Clackamas County has developed Go Teams.

Go Teams are made up of peer support specialists, mental health therapists, dental assistants, office support staff, case managers, health educators, and substance use prevention specialists, and are able to reach out to you where you are, even at your home. Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), and practicing physical distancing, team members are able to provide Psychological First Aid to help individuals who are struggling with anxiety, worry, isolation, and other stressors.
 
To request Go Team support for yourself or a loved one in Clackamas County, call their crisis and support line at 503-655-8585.

Health Coverage Options
Many Oregonians are currently experiencing layoffs, drastically reduced hours, and uncertainty in their jobs. For those with employer-based health insurance, this can mean the loss of health coverage when it is most important. To help you navigate your options, the Department of Consumer and Business Services has put together helpful information sharing the seven ways workers with employer-based insurance can maintain coverage after a layoff or reduction in hours.

If you need assistance looking at your options, a licensed health insurance agent can help you. An online tool to help Oregonians find licensed health insurance agents in their area is available through the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace.

Staying Close to Home as Oregon Reopens
As counties reopen across Oregon, we remind you to stay local and as close to home as possible (as defined by the State as within 50 miles in urban areas), while practicing physical distancing and other public health precautions. It may be tempting to visit other parts of the state, but staying local will help prevent the spread of COVID-19 to areas where it may not currently be circulating. Thank you for your efforts to keep neighboring counties safe and healthy.

Please Continue to Follow Public Health Guidance
Although our state is gradually beginning to reopen, the health advice to keep you and your loved ones safe is still important. Stay home if you are sick. Practice physical distancing by keeping six feet apart from each other. Wash your hands frequently throughout the day and disinfect high-touch areas. Wear a face covering or mask while in public spaces. Try to avoid touching your face. OHA’s Safe + Strong website continues to be updated regularly with everyday tips and resources that you can use.

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