Clackamas County Has Not Yet Entered Phase 1
May 13, 2020
Phase 1 of Oregon’s Plan to Reopen
Last week, Governor Kate Brown announced new details of the framework for reopening Oregon. Individual counties may apply to the State to enter Phase 1 of the reopening process, and they must meet several measured prerequisites in order to be approved. Prerequisites include declining infection rates, adequate PPE, sufficient health care system capacity, a contact tracing system, quarantine facilities, and a certain level of testing capacity. Once approved to enter Phase I, counties can begin the limited reopening of restaurants and bars for sit-down service, personal care and services businesses including barbers and salons, and in-person gatherings of up to 25 people under specific safety guidelines (Governor's news release here, Reopening Oregon documents here).
Clackamas County has not yet submitted a Phase 1 application; County Commissioners will review a draft application at a work session next Tuesday, May 19 (news release here). Meanwhile, West Linn and Clackamas County ask residents to please continue to care for your neighbors and abide by the Governor's Stay Home, Save Lives Executive Order, to ensure the progress we have made against the virus is not lost.
As Governor Brown starts slowly lifting restrictions on activities and businesses, it’s important to remember that current health and hygiene advice to slow the spread of COVID-19 still applies. Actions such as frequent handwashing, staying six feet apart, and wearing face coverings will continue to be a part of our daily lives.
West Linn Event Cancellations
The Governor also announced that large gatherings such as conventions, festivals, and major concerts and live audience sporting events will need to be cancelled at least through September, stating, "Restarting events of this size will require a reliable treatment or prevention, like a vaccine, which is many months off." Unfortunately, this means that the West Linn Parks & Recreation Department has made the difficult decision to cancel the following events:
- Old Time Fair, July 17-19, 2020, Willamette Park
- Music in the Park, July 23-August 2, 2020, Tanner Creek Park
- Movies in the Park, July 24-August 4, 2020, Mary S. Young Park
- The Historic Willamette Street Dance is rescheduled to October 10th
We would like to thank you for your patience and support as we navigate these ongoing changes. Parks & Recreation looks forward to bringing the citizens of West Linn new, creative ways to connect with each other and celebrate our community while keeping everyone safe and healthy. See the City's full announcement here.
West Linn Boat Ramps Reopen
Cedaroak Boat Ramp is currently open. Bernert Landing Boat Ramp was temporarily closed this week for placement of new boarding floats; this work is ahead of schedule and Bernert will again be open on the afternoon of May 14. While at the boat ramps, please park in designated parking areas, maintain a 6 foot distance from others, and utilize the provided portable restroom if needed. It is advised to bring your own hand sanitizer and toilet paper as supplies may run low during the day. Thank your for following public health guidance, including maintaining 6' physical distancing from others, keeping the parks sanitary and able to remain open.
Which Local Businesses Are Open?
Clackamas County has made a map of businesses that are open for delivery, pick-up or online services. If you have a business that is providing services to customers, or if you’re a customer looking to find which businesses are open in Clackamas County, visit the Who’s Open? page here.
To see what West Linn restaurants are open for delivery or pick-up, visit the Chamber of Commerce’s West Linn To Go page.
Keeping Children Healthy During COVID-19
According to the Oregon Health Authority, physicians have seen a significant decrease in child health visits and vaccinations in the last two months. Parents are encouraged to maintain important well child checkups and vaccine schedules for children five and younger, and to use telemedicine appointments with their child’s primary care provider to discuss new illnesses. This could include issues such as allergies, asthma, sleep concerns, or other general health questions.
Portland International Airport Requires Face Coverings
PDX will begin requiring face coverings for everyone at the airport starting May 18. All airlines serving PDX are also requiring their passengers to wear face coverings while traveling. Learn more at flypdx.com. CDC guidance states that all non-essential travel should be avoided. Learn more about travel guidance here.
