News Releases (COVID-19)
April 21, 2021
This past Monday, all Oregonians who are ages 16 and older became eligible to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Individuals meeting these criteria can use the following resources to get linked to vaccine information:
April 14, 2021
Out of an abundance of caution, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has asked all of the state’s vaccine providers to immediately pause administering the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, in accordance with the recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
April 7, 2021
Clackamas County is moving from the Moderate to High Risk level, effective this Friday, as COVID-19. Clackamas County will remain in the High Risk category, effective April 9 through April 22. As case counts and hospitalizations increase and counties qualify for higher risk levels, restrictions on businesses and activities will increase. Read the full news release here.
March 31, 2021
Oregon's vaccine eligibility timeline is being moved up! On April 5, Group 7 will be eligible for vaccination. That includes frontline workers, people ages 16 to 44 with underlying conditions and people living in multigenerational homes.
March 23, 2021 Update
Clackamas County at Risk of Re-Entering "High Risk" Level
Recent numbers have shown an increase in COVID-19 cases in Clackamas County. If numbers continue to increase, Clackamas County will re-enter the "high risk" level. We can all do our part to slow the spread. We remind you to continue maintaining physical distance, wear a face covering or mask while in public spaces or if you're around people outside your immediate family, avoid large gatherings, wash your hands frequently throughout the day, and disinfect high-touch areas.
March 17, 2021
Renters in Oregon must take a step to be covered under the current statewide eviction moratorium that will last until June 30, 2021. With limited exceptions, landlords cannot evict renters for nonpayment or without cause until July of 2021 — if renters sign and return a form to their landlord if they can’t afford their rent. Renters who do not return the form are not protected, and can be evicted!
March 10, 2021
The Oregon Legislative Emergency Board allocated $100 million to Business Oregon for a new program to provide financial assistance to small businesses and commercial landlords impacted by the economic hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
March 3, 2021
The Oregon Legislative Emergency Board allocated $100 million to Business Oregon for a new program to provide financial assistance to small businesses and commercial landlords impacted by the economic hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic
February 10, 2021
Governor Kate Brown announced yesterday that Clackamas County is being downgraded from "extreme" risk to "high" risk, effective this Friday, February 12. Click here to see what activities are allowed, with health protocols in place.
At the Council meeting on Tuesday, January 19, 2021, West Linn City Council offered the following sentiments: “Today, we join other cities across the nation, including a lighting ceremony that took place in Washington D.C. at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, to honor and remember the 400,000 lives lost to COVID-19. We extend our deepest condolences to everyone who has lost a loved one to the pandemic. This is a time for us to come together as a community and nation to reflect on the toll this health crisis has had on us and to continue to care for each other by doing our part to slow the spread of the virus, especially as we all struggle with pandemic fatigue.”
Oregon’s pace of COVID-19 vaccinations is on par with other states, with more than 1.2 percent of the population having been vaccinated as of Monday. Director Allen and Dr. Hargunani announced that this week OHA will take the following steps:
December 16, 2020
We know that holiday celebrations are important for many people in Oregon. Though many traditions involve gathering with our friends and family, this year the best way to honor loved ones is to celebrate at home with only the people we live with.
If you are considering gathering with people you don’t live with, here are some tips for making the decision:
December 9, 2020
The first COVID-19 vaccine was given to a 90-year-old grandmother in the United Kingdom yesterday. The vaccine, which was produced by Pfizer, was recently approved for use in the U.K. Vaccination provides hope that the pandemic will come to an end. To read more about the first vaccination in the U.K., see the story on the National Health Service webpage.
December 2, 2020
After the statewide two-week freeze ends today, Oregon will introduce a new framework of safety measures dependent on each county's risk. Clackamas County is considered to be in the extreme risk category. Here's what you need to know:
November 25, 2020
The statewide two-week freeze continues through Wednesday, December 2. For more details about the freeze see the news release here.
November 18, 2020
Yesterday, Governor Kate Brown issued Executive Order 20-65 following last week's announcement of a statewide freeze to stop the rapid community spread of COVID-19 in Oregon. In light of increasing COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, the order outlines necessary risk reduction measures designed to limit gatherings and curb human contact. The statewide two-week freeze is now through Wednesday, December 2.
For more details about the freeze see the news release here.
November 11, 2020
Governor Kate Brown announced Monday, November 9 that Clackamas County has been added to the two-week COVID pause, taking place November 11 - 25. The two-week pause measures include:
- Urging all businesses to mandate work from home to the greatest extent possible.
- Pausing long-term care facility visits that take place indoors to protect staff and residents.
- Reducing maximum restaurant capacity to 50 people (including customers and staff) for indoor dining, with a maximum party size of six. Continuing to encourage outdoor dining and take out.
- Reducing the maximum capacity of other indoor activities to 50 people (includes gyms, fitness organizations/studios, bowling alleys, ice rinks, indoor sports, pools, and museums).
- Limiting social gatherings to your household, or no more than six people if the gathering includes those from outside your household, reducing the frequency of those social gatherings (significantly in a two-week period), and keeping the same six people in your social gathering circle.
November 4, 2020
Clackamas County is offering a second round of Small Business Assistance grants to provide financial support to businesses with 25 employees or less that have been adversely affected by economic conditions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications are due by Friday, November 6.
October 28, 2020
Yesterday, October 27, Governor Kate Brown extended her declaration of a state of emergency regarding COVID-19 for an additional 60 days, until Jan. 2, 2021. The declaration is the legal underpinning for the Governor's COVID-19 executive orders and the Oregon Health Authority's health and safety guidance. Learn more with yesterday's news release.
October 21, 2020
Oregon Health Authority announced revisions to the statewide guidance on face coverings. This includes new provisions about workplaces, markets and events, some educational facilities, as well as information about face shields. In particular, the guidance now requires that people wear face coverings in all private and public workplaces including classrooms, offices, meeting rooms and workspaces, unless someone is alone in an office or in a private workspace. More details available here.
October 14, 2020
The Pioneer Center Meals on Wheels programs are on the front lines every day, focused on doing all they can to keep West Linn and Oregon City seniors safe and nourished. They now provide food boxes to make sure the homebound population has food throughout the weekend, and make 275 wellness calls a week to check-in on clients’ physical and mental health.
October 7, 2020
West Linn Refuse and Recycling
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, West Linn Refuse & Recycling (WLRR) has made the decision to cancel their fall drop-off event. They are, however still providing their free bulky waste cleanup program to West Linn customers. While many haulers in Oregon have temporarily discontinued bulky item pickups altogether, WLRR has continued to offer this service by keeping their drivers safe with masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, and maintaining physical distancing. Each customer gets one free bulky waste pick up per year. For details on the program click here or call WLRR at 503-557-3900 to schedule your free pick up.
September 30, 2020
Eviction Moratorium Protects Renters Through December 31
Governor Kate Brown issued a new Executive Order ensuring that Oregon renters are protected from eviction until December 31, 2020. Landlords cannot evict tenants for nonpayment during this time. Landlords also cannot use most kinds of no-cause notices until the end of the moratorium. Find out more about this moratorium here.
September 23, 2020
Emergency Business Assistance Grant Program
The City of West Linn has created a second round Emergency Business Assistance Grant Program intended to provide financial assistance to small businesses adversely affected by economic conditions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
September 9, 2020
The members of the Oregon Legislature's Black, Indigenous and People of Color Caucus worked to create the Oregon Cares Fund. The fund invests in Black people, Black-owned businesses and Black-led community-based organizations.
The Oregon Cares Fund is a sub-grant from the U.S. Treasury's disbursement of Coronavirus Relief Funds received by the State of Oregon under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
September 2, 2020
Governor Kate Brown today extended her declaration of a state of emergency regarding COVID-19 for an additional 60 days, until November 3, 2020.
August 19, 2020
Applications are open for Oregon’s Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) Cultural Support program. Funds allocated to the Oregon Cultural Trust will be available to Oregon cultural organizations facing losses due to the COVID-19 health crisis. The $25.9 million in funding was made available through a $50 million relief package for Oregon culture recently approved by the Emergency Board of the Oregon Legislature.
August 12, 2020
Current times are difficult, and Portland General Electric wants you to know they’re here to help. Call 800-542-8818, or fill out a customer assistance form and a Customer Service Advisor will call you to talk through bill support options, energy assistance and more.
August 5, 2020
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Clackamas County Emergency Operations Center is providing face coverings to small businesses, community based organizations, and agricultural employers that meet the following criteria:
Small Businesses: Must have 25 or fewer employees and be located within Clackamas County. Priority is given to minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned, those with disabilities, and emerging, small businesses, in accordance with the State of Oregon Equity Framework in COVID-19 Response and Recovery.
July 29, 2020
Governor Kate Brown and leaders from the Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon Department of Education shared new guidance about schools and how they might operate this fall.
Unfortunately there is not a simple, statewide answer for every school in Oregon. It is important to get students back to class, but returning to class depends on a number of important factors, such as: prevalence of the virus, availability of testing, the capacity of the local health care system to provide quality care, and the readiness of the public health system to work with schools to contain any outbreaks.
July 22, 2020
Earlier today, July 22, Governor Kate Brown announced new requirements for the State of Oregon. Beginning this Friday, July 24, the following requirements will take effect:
July 8, 2020
At the West Linn City Council meeting on Monday, July 6, Council unanimously voted in favor of extending West Linn's emergency declaration to September 14, 2020.
July 1, 2020
Governor Kate Brown extended her declaration of a state of emergency regarding COVID-19 for an additional 60 days, until September 4. The state of emergency was set to expire on July 6. Moving forward, the Governor will review and reevaluate each of her emergency orders every 60 days, to determine whether those orders should be continued, modified, or rescinded.
June 24, 2020
Governor Brown announced last Wednesday, June 17, 2020 that she is instituting a requirement to wear face coverings while in indoor public spaces. This includes businesses such as grocery stores, gyms and fitness studios, pharmacies, public transit agencies, personal services providers, restaurants and bars, retail stores, shopping malls, ride-sharing services, and more.
Children under 12 years of age, as well as people with a disability or a medical condition that prevents them from wearing a face covering, are not required to wear one.
June 17, 2020
Governor Brown announced today, June 17, 2020 that she is instituting a requirement to wear face coverings while in indoor public spaces, such as grocery stores and other businesses, for the following counties: Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas, Hood River, Marion, Polk, and Lincoln. This mandate will be effective beginning Wednesday, June 24. The CDC has helpful information about how to wear a face covering and how to make one out of everyday items you may have in your home. You can also receive a free facemask here.
June 10, 2020
The past few days have marked some of the highest daily counts since the onset of the pandemic in Oregon. These higher numbers are tied to several factors, including the availability of more widespread testing, increased contact tracing, and active monitoring of close contacts of cases.
May 27, 2020
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.
May 22, 2020
Gov. Kate 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 and gyms to open as soon as they are able to meet state safety guidelines. Clackamas County submitted the application for reopening on Tuesday, 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.
May 20, 2020
Clackamas County Comissioners voted unanimously yesterday, May 19th, to submit the County’s Phase 1 Reopening application (press release here) and County staff completed submission to the Governor's Office late yesterday. Status of all Oregon county applications can be found at the State website here. The County has also launched a reopening dashboard, where residents can track the County’s progress on meeting the seven prerequisites to Phase 1.
May 13, 2020
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).
May 13, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic has had an unimaginable impact upon the world around us, and that includes the West Linn community. Following the guidance announced by Governor Kate Brown on May 7, 2020 and after careful consideration the City has made the extremely 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
May 6, 2020
Governor Brown has introduced new plans for COVID-19 testing and contact tracing, two foundational elements of her framework for reopening Oregon safely (press conference, press release). One element of the testing plan is the Key to Oregon study, in which OHSU will enroll 100,000 randomly selected Oregonians to voluntarily participate. The study will seek to better understand infection patterns with testing and precise, real-time mapping. More information about Oregon’s testing and contact tracing plans is available on the OHA website under "Reopening Oregon."
April 22, 2020
While discussions continue about the path to reopening Oregon, it's important that we all continue to follow the State's Stay Home, Save Lives order, which remains in place until further notice. By staying home as much as possible and practicing physical distancing, we are flattening the curve and preventing a surge in new infections. We know it's difficult, but we must be patient and continue working together to get through this pandemic safely.
April 14, 2020
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.
April 8, 2020
Following the lead of the World Health Organization and Oregon Health Authority, we will move away from the term "social distancing" to "physical distancing." While it's important to stay physically separated from each other to slow the spread of COVID-19, 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.
April 1, 2020
Thanks for Staying Home and Helping Out. 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.
March 25, 2020
On March 23rd, Governor Kate Brown issued a statewide "Stay Home, Save Lives" order, requiring Oregonians to stay home except to meet essential needs such as grocery shopping, picking up prescriptions, doctor visits, and exercising. The order closes gyms, hair salons, state parks, playgrounds, shopping malls, and more. See the details of the order here.
March 23, 2020
Earlier today 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. As difficult as it is, all of us at the City ask you to follow the order as closely as possible to help our community save lives. The actions we all take have real consequences, as hospital treatment capacity is limited for those needing medical intervention.
March 19, 2020
Today, the City of West Linn took further precautions to protect the health and well-being of our community in light of the current novel coronavirus outbreak. At their meeting this afternoon, West Linn City Council declared a state of emergency and initiated actions toward protecting residential and commercial tenants from evictions. Additionally, the City’s Emergency Operations Center has been activated and all City closures have been extended to April 30th.
March 18, 2020
What happens in the coming weeks depends on what each of us does today. What we each do now to maintain cleanliness and social distancing precautions will save people's lives. The City continues to urge everyone to look out for each other and take steps to protect themselves and those around them who are most vulnerable. Take advantage of all the new online opportunities popping up every minute to stay connected with others and take care of your family's general wellbeing.
March 16, 2020
In accordance with the latest public health guidance released today, and to best proactively protect the health of our community, the City of West Linn has decided to close most City buildings and programming to the public until April 1st, effective immediately. Building closures now include City Hall, Library, Adult Community Center, McLean House, Robinwood Station, and Sunset Fire Hall. The Community Room at the Police Department and park athletic fields used by organized groups and leagues are also closed to the public.
March 12, 2020
This morning, Governor Brown and the Oregon Health Authority announced new measures to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The measures include canceling gatherings of more than 250 people, encouraging members of high-risk populations to avoid crowds of more than ten people, canceling non-essential school and work gatherings, and more. Read the full measures from the Governor here.
March 11, 2020
The City of West Linn continues to closely follow guidance from Clackamas County Public Health, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), and the CDC to protect the public health during the current coronavirus pandemic. This weekend, the OHA issued guidance and best practices to schools, colleges, and universities. At this time, the guidance recommends against closing schools and campuses where no cases of COVID-19 are present. The recommendation gives schools tools to prevent COVID-19 transmission and maintain a normal learning environment for students and staff. Read the full recommendation here.
March 3, 2020
With the first cases of coronavirus in Oregon announced recently by the Oregon Health Authority you may be concerned about the spread of this illness. The City of West Linn 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.
