Joint Information Center Announces Transition Plan

JOINT INFORMATION CENTER ANNOUNCES TRANSITION PLAN

News Release from Central Oregon Emergency Information Network

Downloadable file: Update_web.jpg

As Central Oregon’s response to COVID-19 continues to evolve, the Central Oregon Emergency Information Network’s Joint Information Center has begun to turn public information functions back to local public agencies, beginning Tuesday, May 26. The team, which has served to provide media releases, social media content, media response and public service announcements and more about COVID-19 in Central Oregon, will reduce from daily meetings to twice weekly meetings.
“We are extremely proud of the work our local Joint Information Center has done to keep residents in Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson counties informed and connected during this pandemic,” said Julianne Repman, JIC manager. “These trained staff members are continuing to assess our needs in Central Oregon and stand ready should the situation change.”
The Central Oregon Joint Information Center includes more than 30 representatives from local county, public health, law enforcement, city and school agencies as well as representatives from St. Charles and the Emergency Operations Center. Moving forward, members of the media are advised to reach out directly to their communications contacts within each local or state agency.
Representatives will continue to provide content for the popular COEIN social media channels and blog as well as respond to queries to the email address. Further the public COVID-19 information line will continue to be staffed by St. Charles Health System and Deschutes County Public Health.

ABOUT COEIN
COEIN’s website, www.coemergencyinfo.blogspot.com provides a collective resource for up-to-date information. Access to accurate, timely information both locally and nationally is encouraged. Our County Public Health experts point to the Oregon Health Authority and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as good sources of information. Daily situation updates are available via email at http://bit.ly/COVID19UPDATES

COVID-19 phone line: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. 541-699-5109

Central Oregon Emergency Information Network (COEIN), includes Deschutes County Health Services, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, St. Charles Health System, Crook County Health Department, Crook County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson County Health Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department, tri-county public schools, City of Bend, Bend Police, Bend Fire & Rescue, and others. COEIN’s purpose is to collect, coordinate and distribute timely and accurate information.

Accommodation Information for People with Disabilities  
To obtain this information in an alternate format such as Braille, large print, electronic formats, etc. please contact the COEIN JIC at 541.316.0087 or centraloregoninfo@gmail.com.

How Central Oregonians Can Report Issues Related to COVID-19 Restrictions

 

HOW CENTRAL OREGONIANS CAN REPORT ISSUES RELATED TO COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS

News Release from Central Oregon Emergency Information Network

The “Safe and Strong Oregon” order declared by Gov. Kate Brown addresses gatherings, closure of certain businesses, outdoor activities, and other events and/or activities. (See the full Executive Order 20-25 in detail.) Community members who witness a violation of the order can utilize the following resources instead of calling 911.

For employees regarding businesses:
Oregon OSHA is taking complaints from employees regarding apparent violations of the Governor’s COVID-19 executive order by their employer, in particular social distancing protocol in the workplace. Employees should contact Oregon OSHA if they feel their employer is violating the order: 541-388-6066 or 800-922-2689 (inside Oregon only); email tech.web@oregon.gov; or use the Online report form

FOR GENERAL PUBLIC
Deschutes, Ochoco National Forest and Crooked River Grasslands:
Individuals can call any of the local front desks to report a concern. NOTE: Offices are short staffed and may not always have a person available to answer the phone, but voicemail is being checked.

• Sisters: 541-549-7700
  
• Bend-Ft. Rock: 541-383-5300
  
• Crescent:  541-433-3200
  
• Or send an email: https://www.fs.usda.gov/contactus/deschutes/about-forest/contactus
  
• Official Closure Order
  
• FAQ
  

Oregon State Parks:
There is limited day use at some state parks. Camping is closed through June 8, 2020 at least. A decision about camping after June 9 will be made in the coming weeks. Check the Park Status Map for current information.

What happens if someone violates this restriction and visits a closed park?
According to the Oregon State Parks website, closed is closed. They lock restrooms, stop trash service, and it’s not safe for you to go into a closed park. Individuals who are seen in a park will be asked to leave and those who refuse will be issued a citation and law enforcement may be called.

Restaurants, Pools and Hotels:
Central Oregon county specific Health Services Environmental Health are responding to complaints of apparent violations of the Governor’s order related to restaurants, pools and hotels.
Contact Deschutes County Health Services Environmental Health to report an apparent violation at one of the facilities listed above, at 541-317-3114 or use the Online report form or CountyEnvironmentalHealth@deschutes.org.

For Jefferson County, information can be found on their Environmental Health Services website.  To report an apparent violation contact Environmental Health at 541-475-4476 or by email: publichealthinformation@publichealth.jeffco.net

In Crook County, report an apparent violation by calling Environmental Health Services at  (541) 447-5165.  For more information visit their website.

Local Parks:

Bend
Community members can call 541-389-7275 during business hours if they observe park use that is not allowed at this time. After hours and on weekends, call 541-388-5435 to report incidents in parks and trails. The Bend Park and Recreation District has limited staff resources and is asking for public compliance with park closures, signs and other markings on closed amenities.

Redmond
Redmond Area Park and Recreation District staff are regularly evaluating the situation and strive to ensure the safety of their staff and community members. Please check their website for updates to programs and services. Community members can email raprd@raprd.org  or call 541-548-7275 if they observe park use that is not allowed.

Sisters
Parks and open spaces in the City of Sisters have remained open, but playground equipment is not per Governor Brown’s Executive Order. For questions or concerns, please contact the Sisters Park and Recreation District at 541-549-2091 or the City of Sisters at 541-549-6022.

Crook County Parks and Recreation/Prineville
In Crook County, skate parks, pickleball courts, Ochoco Lake, Crook County RV Park and Haystack are open. Playgrounds, picnic shelters, splash pad, pool and basketball courts remain closed. Community members can call 541-447-1209 or email info@ccprd.org if they observe park use that is not allowed under Phase 1 reopening.

Madras
The Madras skate park is open, playgrounds and basketball courts remain closed at this time.  For questions or concerns, please contact the Jefferson County Sheriff’s non-emergency number 541-475-2201.

Other:

Those who believe they see a violation of current restrictions order that don’t fit into these descriptions can contact local law enforcement non-emergency at

• 541-693-6911 for Deschutes County
  
• 541-475-2201 for Jefferson County
  
• 541-416-0853 for Crook County
  

Individuals may also contact Deschutes County Environmental Health at 541-317-3114, Online report form, or CountyEnvironmentalHealth@deschutes.org.

The Governor’s order is enforceable by law enforcement, however agencies in Central Oregon have reported they are primarily focused on education and outreach about current regulations and would use arrests as a last resort.

ABOUT COEIN
COEIN’s website, www.coemergencyinfo.blogspot.com provides a collective resource for up-to-date information. Access to accurate, timely information both locally and nationally is encouraged. Our County Public Health experts point to the Oregon Health Authority and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as good sources of information. Daily situation updates are available via email at http://bit.ly/COVID19UPDATES

COVID-19 phone line: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. 541-699-5109

Central Oregon Emergency Information Network (COEIN), includes Deschutes County Health Services, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, St. Charles Health System, Crook County Health Department, Crook County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson County Health Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department, tri-county public schools, City of Bend, Bend Police, Bend Fire & Rescue, and others. COEIN’s purpose is to collect, coordinate and distribute timely and accurate information.
Accommodation Information for People with Disabilities  
To obtain this information in an alternate format such as Braille, large print, electronic formats, etc. please contact the COEIN JIC at 541.316.0087 or centraloregoninfo@gmail.com.

   

Phase I Reopening of Central Oregon Counties; Staying Safe in Public; Reminders on Gatherings; Deschutes County Business Resources; Daily Digest 5.14.20

PHASE I REOPENING OF CENTRAL OREGON COUNTIES; STAYING SAFE IN PUBLIC; REMINDERS ON GATHERINGS; DESCHUTES COUNTY BUSINESS RESOURCES; DAILY DIGEST 5.14.20

News Release from Central Oregon Emergency Information Network

Downloadable file: Update_web.jpg

GOVERNOR BROWN ANNOUNCES PHASE I REOPENING 
During a press conference this morning, Governor Kate Brown announced that Crook and Deschutes Counties can begin reopening on May 15, following the Reopening Oregon Phase I guidelines. Later this afternoon, Jefferson County was notified that it is also approved to begin Phase I reopening.

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 counties approved for Phase I, the following additional areas can operate if they comply with sector-specific health and safety guidance beginning May 15:

• Restaurants, bars, and other such establishments for dine-in service until 10 pm
  
• Personal services businesses
  
• All retail businesses, including malls and shopping centers
  
• Gyms and other fitness facilities
  
• Local gatherings of up to 25 people
  

Phase I of Reopening Oregon is expected to last for 21 days.
For additional information and sector-specific reopening guidelines, visit coronavirus.oregon.gov.

STAYING SAFE IN PHASE I
As areas of the region begin reopening under Phase I guidelines, it is important to remember that the risks for contracting COVID-19 are still the same. Community members should follow these guidelines to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the community:

• Stay home if you are sick. If you get a cough, fever, or shortness of breath while in public, please return home and self-isolate immediately. Contact your health care provider if you need medical attention.
  
• People who are at risk for severe complications (over age 60 or have underlying medical conditions) should stay home even if you feel well.
  
• Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer (60-95% alcohol content).
  
• Use cloth, paper or disposable face coverings in public.
  
• Cover coughs/sneezes with elbow or tissue and avoid touching your face. If you use a tissue, immediately throw it away and your wash hands.
  
• Practice physical distancing of at least six (6) feet between you and people who you do not live with.
  
• Stay close to home. Avoid overnight trips and minimize other non-essential travel.
  

REMINDERS ON GATHERING SIZE RESTRICTIONS
All gatherings of more than 25 people are canceled statewide until the Governor ends Executive Order 20-07. The Governor has indicated the potential for a new Executive Order.  Until that occurs:

Under Phase I guidelines, residents in Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson Counties may have gatherings of no more than 25 people. Gatherings of fewer than 25 people are only allowed if physical distancing of at least 6 feet can be kept for all people from different households. People from the same household are not required to keep physical distancing.

According to the Governor’s May 5 Reopening Guidance for Outdoor Recreation parties are defined as a group of 10 or fewer people who arrive at an outdoor site together. Parties are required to maintain physical distance while recreating or retrieving/returning gear and entering/exiting vehicles.

Additional information is available at: https://govstatus.egov.com/OR-OHA-COVID-19

DESCHUTES COUNTY BUSINESS RESOURCES
Deschutes County Public Health is excited to support local businesses with new resources that outline protocols and strategies to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19. By following the safety recommendations in the resource guide, businesses can develop and implement plans that help protect the public’s health.

Businesses are encouraged to use the Deschutes County Resource Guide to develop and implement a written document that includes the following elements:

*        Recommendations or requirements for face coverings and masks for employees and patrons,
*        Conducting daily health assessments for employees (self-evaluation) to determine if they are healthy for work,
*        Maintaining good hygiene at all times, hand washing and physical distancing,
*        Cleaning and disinfecting workplaces throughout the workday and at the close of business or between shifts,
*        Limiting maximum capacity to meet physical distancing guidelines,
*        Following all state and federal requirements.

Businesses in Deschutes County are encouraged to direct technical questions about planning to safely reopen to the Deschutes County Environmental Health team, by calling 541-317-3114 or emailing at countyenvironmentalhealth@deschutes.org.

El Departamento de Salud Ambiental del Condado Deschutes está disponible para responder preguntas y brindar asistencia técnica en español para negocios locales. Para solicitar estos servicios gratuitos, llame a Adrea Roriguez-Lovejoy al (541) 280-1499 o envíe un correo electrónico a countyenvironmentalhealth@deschutes.org.

#####

Accommodation Information for People with Disabilities  
To obtain this information in an alternate format such as Braille, large print, electronic formats, etc. please contact the COEIN JIC at 541.316.0087 or centraloregoninfo@gmail.com.

NEWS RELEASE

May 13, 2020

Media Contact:
Charles Boyle, 503-931-7773
Nikki Fisher, 503-689-2509

 

Governor Kate Brown to Announce Counties Entering Phase I of Reopening

Updates to statewide and county guidance available at coronavirus.oregon.gov
 

(Portland, OR) — Governor Kate Brown will hold a press availability tomorrow to announce the counties that can begin entering Phase I of reopening on May 15 under her framework for building a safe and strong Oregon. She will be joined by representatives from the Oregon Health Authority.

The press availability will be held by teleconference tomorrow, Thursday, May 14, at 10:00 AM PST.

Members of the media must RSVP for call-in information by emailing Nikki Fisher. A live stream will be available for the public here.

Teleconference information will be provided to all reporters who RSVP to participate remotely. We will have an operator-assisted teleconference line available for this press conference. Thank you for working with us to ensure the health and safety of all participants.

Updates to sector-specific guidance available at coronavirus.oregon.gov
The Governor’s Office continues to work with the Oregon Health Authority to update health and safety guidance for the reopening process. Members of the public with questions about the reopening process are encouraged to visit coronavirus.oregon.gov. A new version of the website will launch tomorrow, May 14, to help Oregonians navigate the guidance that applies at the county level and statewide.

Statewide retail guidance begins May 15, shopping malls to reopen county by county
Not all retail businesses were automatically closed by the Governor’s Stay Home, Save Lives order. Under the guidance for retailers issued last week, all retailers statewide, including those that were mandated to close previously, will be able to operate as long as they can implement the new safety measures required, effective May 15.

However, outdoor and indoor shopping malls will not reopen statewide. Malls will reopen county by county, as counties meet the prerequisites for reopening in Phase I.

Expanded emergency child care statewide for families returning to work 
Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, Oregon child care providers have continued to operate by applying with the Early Learning Division to provide emergency child care––with priority given to the families of first responders, emergency workers, health care professionals, and other essential personnel working outside the home.

Beginning May 15, emergency child care will be expanded with new health and safety guidelines, as well as greater flexibility so that families returning to work under Oregon’s phased reopening can also have access to child care options. The new guidance also applies to other early learning programs, such as respite care and kindergarten transition.

Additional draft guidance 
Further guidance documents are forthcoming, and will be posted to coronavirus.oregon.gov.
  

###

COVID-19 resources for community members; Recursos COVID-19 para la comunidad

COVID-19 RESOURCES FOR COMMUNITY MEMBERS; RECURSOS COVID-19 PARA LA COMUNIDAD

News Release from Central Oregon Emergency Information Network

Downloadable file: COVID-19 Resources
Downloadable file: Recursos COVID-19

Deschutes County Health Services has developed a list of COVID-19 Resources for the Central Oregon community. The list provides information on:

• Preventing the spread of COVID-19
• Emotional support
• Social services and support
• Local COVID-19 hotline
• Websites with up-to-date COVID-19 resources

Community members are encouraged to review the list and share it with those who may need access to the resources listed.





LISTA DE RECURSOS COVID-19

Los Servicios de Salud del Condado de Deschutes han desarrollado una lista de Recursos COVID-19 para la comunidad de Oregon central. La lista tiene información sobre:

• Prevención de la transmisión de COVID-19
• Apoyo emocional
• Servicios sociales y apoyo
• Línea directa local de COVID-19
• Sitios web con recursos actualizados de COVID-19

Se les alenta a los miembros de la comunidad que revisen la lista y la compartan con quienes necesiten acceso a los recursos enumerados.





ABOUT COEIN
COEIN’s website, www.coemergencyinfo.blogspot.com provides a collective resource for up-to-date information. Access to accurate, timely information both locally and nationally is encouraged. Our County Public Health experts point to the Oregon Health Authority and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as good sources of information. Daily situation updates are available via email at http://bit.ly/COVID19UPDATES

COVID-19 phone line: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. 541-699-5109

Central Oregon Emergency Information Network (COEIN), includes Deschutes County Health Services, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, St. Charles Health System, Crook County Health Department, Crook County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson County Health Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department, tri-county public schools, City of Bend, Bend Police, Bend Fire & Rescue, and others. COEIN’s purpose is to collect, coordinate and distribute timely and accurate information.
Accommodation Information for People with Disabilities   
To obtain this information in an alternate format such as Braille, large print, electronic formats, etc. please contact the COEIN JIC at 541.316.0087 or centraloregoninfo@gmail.com.

Cloth Face Coverings Do's and Don'ts; Bend's Wastewater Samples Tested for COVID-19; A Message from St. Charles Health System CEO, Joe Sluka;Daily Digest 5.11.20

CLOTH FACE COVERINGS DO'S AND DON'TS; BEND'S WASTEWATER SAMPLES TESTED FOR COVID-19; A MESSAGE FROM ST. CHARLES HEALTH SYSTEM CEO, JOE SLUKA;DAILY DIGEST 5.11.20

News Release from Central Oregon Emergency Information Network

Downloadable file: CDC Face Covering Checklist

CLOTH FACE COVERINGS DO’S AND DON’TS

Central Oregon Public Health Departments encourage residents to wear cloth face coverings in public settings when physical distancing measures are difficult to maintain, such as grocery stores and pharmacies.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cloth face coverings can help to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community. Cloth face coverings prevent the person wearing the mask from spreading respiratory droplets when talking, sneezing, or coughing. If everyone wears a cloth face covering when out in public, such as going to the grocery store, the risk of exposure to COVID-19 can be reduced for the community. Since someone can spread the virus before symptoms start, or even they never have symptoms, wearing a cloth face covering protects others. Face coverings worn by others can help protect you from getting the virus from people carrying the virus.

When wearing a cloth face covering:

Do:
*      Wear a covering when you can’t maintain 6 ft of distance from people outside your   household (e.g., grocery store, pharmacy)
*      Fully cover your mouth and nose with the face covering
*      Limit gaps between face and covering
*      Wash or sanitize your hands before touching your face or covering
*      Remove covering without touching your eyes, mouth, or nose
*      Launder covering when not in use, or when soiled
*      Continue taking other precautions, like physical distancing and regular hand washing.

Don’t:
*      Use someone else’s face covering
*      Touch the inside of your face covering
*      Share your face covering
*      Go out in public if you’re experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, except for medical care.

Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance. For children 2-8, cloth face covering should only be worn under adult supervision to ensure that the child can breathe safely and avoid choking or suffocation.

BEND’S WASTEWATER SAMPLES TESTED FOR COVID-19

The City of Bend is one of 330 cities across the United States participating in a study with Biobot Analytics, analyzing wastewater for signs of COVID-19.

Bend’s Utility Department has been providing one sample of untreated sewage as it goes into the wastewater treatment plan each week for five weeks. Biobot Analytics, a biotech startup, launched a COVID-19 sewage testing program in collaboration with researchers at MIT, Harvard, and Brigham and Women's Hospital. The City is teaming up with Deschutes County Health Services, which is providing technical leadership in response to COVID-19.

“As an innovative City, we are excited to be part of this research,” said City Manager Eric King.
“Environmental surveillance is an important public health tool in monitoring transmission and serving as an early warning system,” said Dr. George A. Conway, Deschutes County Health Services Director.

The Biobot webpage says new studies show that SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19, is shed in the stool of infected patients. If successful, Biobot says these data could:

• enable communities to measure the scope of an outbreak, including data on asymptomatic people,
  
• anticipate emerging outbreaks and likely impact on health systems, and
  
• inform public policy and track the effectiveness of interventions.
  

“We have only taken four samples and received the results for three, so it’s a little early to draw any conclusions with the limited data set we have thus far,” said Jeff Buystedt, Utility Department Program Manager Environmental Compliance. “Our and Biobot's goal is to get more data.”
“We are helping provide research and data that can help the entire world in the future,” said Buystedt. “Methods will continue to improve and get more accurate as we have more cumulative data. It’s still early in this effort, and we’re all learning together.”

Media Contacts:
Jeff Buystedt, Bend Utility Department Environmental Compliance Program Manager, O: 541-322-6369, M: 541-420-6892, jbuystedt@bendoregon.gov
Christina Davenport, Bend Utility Department Industrial Pretreatment Program Manager O: 541-323-8540, M: 541-610-7922, cdavenport@bendoregon.gov
Dr. George A. Conway, Deschutes County Health Services Director, 541-322-7504, george.conway@deschutes.org

A COVID-19 MESSAGE FROM ST. CHARLES HEALTH SYSTEM CEO, JOE SLUKA

While the number of people hospitalized for COVID-19 in Central Oregon is now low, we don’t know if it will stay that way. We don’t yet understand if this virus will behave like the flu, allowing us to anticipate its resurgence, or if the social distancing measures we keep in place moving forward will be enough to prevent localized outbreaks. We can’t reliably predict when a vaccine will be available and—absent one—how long this virus will have to circulate before we have sufficient herd immunity.

With so many questions still unanswered, it’s critically important that we responsibly manage the phased reopening of our communities. St. Charles is committed to helping do that.

As part of this process, St. Charles experts have actively worked with officials in Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson counties to provide important data as they develop their reopening plans. A county’s eligibility to reopen is in part contingent upon the local health system’s capacity to handle another surge in patients. Thanks to your efforts to “flatten the curve,” which bought us time to expand our acute bed capacity, stockpile more personal protective gear and provide more testing, we can confidently say we’re prepared to take care of our community.

At the same time our counties are planning their recovery, so are we. Some of our services are beginning to resume, albeit not at the same levels as before. Starting today, we will be performing more elective surgeries at our hospitals, taking care of more patients whose care has been delayed. Our Home Health team is working in tandem to care for more patients as a result of the higher volume of surgeries.

Still other services keep evolving. St. Charles Medical Group clinics are encouraging patients to continue preventive care through video, phone and email visits—and the results are encouraging. In February, only 106 patients “saw” their provider via a phone visit (and none by video). By April, more than 6,200 patients had visited with their provider over the phone and another 3,500 via video.

As we ease back into public life, St. Charles and our local health departments will be working closely to monitor the prevalence of the virus, as well as those other benchmarks that indicate our ability to handle an outbreak. If the situation changes, so will our response.

At the same time, we are also committed to supporting our local economy. Just like Central Oregon was here for St. Charles when we needed the support most, we will be here for you as you begin to navigate the choppy waters of reopening. We’re still having conversations with our business leaders to understand what that may look like and how we can best help, but I assure you we are going to play a role in helping our local businesses safely reopen—and stay open.
We owe it to you.

#####

ABOUT COEIN
COEIN’s website, www.coemergencyinfo.blogspot.com provides a collective resource for up-to-date information. Access to accurate, timely information both locally and nationally is encouraged. Our County Public Health experts point to the Oregon Health Authority and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as good sources of information. Daily situation updates are available via email at http://bit.ly/COVID19UPDATES

COVID-19 phone line: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. 541-699-5109

Central Oregon Emergency Information Network (COEIN), includes Deschutes County Health Services, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, St. Charles Health System, Crook County Health Department, Crook County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson County Health Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department, tri-county public schools, City of Bend, Bend Police, Bend Fire & Rescue, and others. COEIN’s purpose is to collect, coordinate and distribute timely and accurate information.

Accommodation Information for People with Disabilities  
To obtain this information in an alternate format such as Braille, large print, electronic formats, etc. please contact the COEIN JIC at 541.316.0087 or centraloregoninfo@gmail.com.

Guidelines Help Cyclists, Hikers, Campers and More Recreate Safely

GUIDELINES HELP CYCLISTS, HIKERS, CAMPERS AND MORE RECREATE SAFELY

News Release from Central Oregon Emergency Information Network

Downloadable file: FB-1-Recreation-hiking3.jpg
Downloadable file: FB-1-Recreation-hiking.jpg
Downloadable file: FB-1-Recreation-fishing6.jpg
Downloadable file: FB-1-Recreation-fishing5.jpg
Downloadable file: FB-1-Recreation-camping2.jpg
Downloadable file: FB-1-Recreation-camping1.jpg
Downloadable file: FB-1-Recreation-Biking8.jpg
Downloadable file: FB-1-Recreation-Biking7.jpg

Central Oregon Emergency Information Network encourages local residents to recreate safely. Those who choose to enjoy the sunshine outdoors should follow these recommendations, developed in partnership with recreation leaders from Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson counties.
BIKING

• Trail etiquette is as important as ever now.
  
• Yield to both hikers and horses on trails.
  
• Ride/hike from your back door, if possible. (Avoid driving to trailheads.)
  
• Maintain at least 6 feet of distance from others.
  
• Visit less crowded areas, visit during off-peak times, and have a back-up plan.
  
• Be nice, say hi!
  

FISHING

• Visit less crowded areas, visit during off-peak times, and have a back-up plan.
  
• Keep at least 6 feet between you and other Oregnians enjoying the outdoors.
  
• Sustain fish and wildlife habitat by avoiding or minimizing activity along eroding stream and lake banks and other unstable areas.
  
• Launch on boat at a time to ensure other ORegonians have enough space to launch safely and securely.
  

HIKING

• Offer a wide berth when passing and say a friendly, “hello.”
  
• Go solo or only with members of your household. No groups and go single file.
  
• Visit less crowded areas, visit during off-peak times and have a back-up plan.
  
• Check what’s open before leaving home. Your favorite trail may remain closed, or need to be closed on a temporary basis.
  
• Stay 6 feet from others.
  

CAMPING

• Check what’s open before leaving home. Your favorite camp site may remain closed, or need to be closed on a temporary basis.
  
• Leave no trace, and pack out what you pack in.
  
• It is wildfire season. Please remain safe and vigilant to ensure forest health and safety. Do not start fires in undesignated areas.
  
• Check if your campground or park allows outdoor fires before you strike a match. If permitted, make sure you are building a campfire properly and that you have water or an extinguisher on hand.
  
• Before you leave, ensure the campfire is out. If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave.
  

ABOUT COEIN
COEIN’s website, www.coemergencyinfo.blogspot.com provides a collective resource for up-to-date information. Access to accurate, timely information both locally and nationally is encouraged. Our County Public Health experts point to the Oregon Health Authority and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as good sources of information. Daily situation updates are available via email at http://bit.ly/COVID19UPDATES

COVID-19 phone line: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. 541-699-5109

Central Oregon Emergency Information Network (COEIN), includes Deschutes County Health Services, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, St. Charles Health System, Crook County Health Department, Crook County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson County Health Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department, tri-county public schools, City of Bend, Bend Police, Bend Fire & Rescue, and others. COEIN’s purpose is to collect, coordinate and distribute timely and accurate information.

Accommodation Information for People with Disabilities  
To obtain this information in an alternate format such as Braille, large print, electronic formats, etc. please contact the COEIN JIC at 541.316.0087 or centraloregoninfo@gmail.com.

St. Charles Requiring Universal Masking; New Unemployment Assistance Available; Daily Digest 5.4.20

ST. CHARLES REQUIRING UNIVERSAL MASKING; NEW UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE; DAILY DIGEST 5.4.20 

News Release from Central Oregon Emergency Information Network

Downloadable file: FB-1-Business.c5.jpg

ST. CHARLES HEALTH SYSTEM REQUIRING UNIVERSAL MASKING
Beginning Monday, May 4, St. Charles Health System is now requiring any persons entering a St. Charles hospital or clinic to wear a mask, to prevent the asymptomatic spread of COVID-19. Patients and visitors are encouraged to bring their own mask, but one will be provided if needed.

NEW UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE
The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program is open and accepting applications. Self-employed, contract, and gig workers not eligible for regular unemployment benefits who are filing for the first time should use the instructions and initial application form to complete their first claim. For more information and links to PAU applications visit https://govstatus.egov.com/ui-benefits/CARES

ABOUT COEIN
COEIN’s website, www.coemergencyinfo.blogspot.com provides a collective resource for up-to-date information. Access to accurate, timely information both locally and nationally is encouraged. Our County Public Health experts point to the Oregon Health Authority and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as good sources of information. Daily situation updates are available via email at http://bit.ly/COVID19UPDATES

COVID-19 phone line: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. 541-699-5109

Central Oregon Emergency Information Network (COEIN), includes Deschutes County Health Services, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, St. Charles Health System, Crook County Health Department, Crook County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson County Health Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department, tri-county public schools, City of Bend, Bend Police, Bend Fire & Rescue, and others. COEIN’s purpose is to collect, coordinate and distribute timely and accurate information.
Accommodation Information for People with Disabilities  
To obtain this information in an alternate format such as Braille, large print, electronic formats, etc. please contact the COEIN JIC at 541.316.0087 or centraloregoninfo@gmail.com.

Cloth Face Coverings Encouraged at Food Establishments; No Known Food or Food Packaging Transmission of COVID-19; Daily Digest 5.1.20

CLOTH FACE COVERINGS ENCOURAGED AT FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS; NO KNOWN FOOD OR FOOD PACKAGING TRANSMISSION OF COVID-19; DAILY DIGEST 5.1.20 

News Release from Central Oregon Emergency Information Network

Downloadable file: Cloth face coverings.

FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS ENCOURAGED TO USE CLOTH FACE COVERINGS

Central Oregon Public Health Departments strongly encourage all local food establishments to use cloth face coverings. While not required, there is strong evidence that face coverings can prevent the spread of COVD-19 from workers who do not show illness symptoms, yet still can spread the virus.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain, such as restaurant kitchens, drive-thru windows and food trucks. Click here for more information on CDC cloth face covering recommendations.

NO KNOWN TRANSMISSION OF COVID-19 THROUGH FOOD OR FOOD PACKAGING

Ver este mensaje en español.

According to the Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon Department of Agriculture, there is no evidence that food or food packaging is associated with the transmission of COVID-19. Food products do not need to be withdrawn or recalled from the market if someone on the farm or in the processing plant tests positive.

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person to person, such as between people who are in close contact with one another, or through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. To further reduce the risk of contracting the virus, Oregon Health Authority recommends people wash their hands often, including before and after preparing meals, before eating and after coming home after being out.

ABOUT COEIN
COEIN’s website, www.coemergencyinfo.blogspot.com provides a collective resource for up-to-date information. Access to accurate, timely information both locally and nationally is encouraged. Our County Public Health experts point to the Oregon Health Authority and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as good sources of information. Daily situation updates are available via email at http://bit.ly/COVID19UPDATES 

COVID-19 phone line: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. 541-699-5109

Central Oregon Emergency Information Network (COEIN), includes Deschutes County Health Services, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, St. Charles Health System, Crook County Health Department, Crook County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson County Health Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department, tri-county public schools, City of Bend, Bend Police, Bend Fire & Rescue, and others. COEIN’s purpose is to collect, coordinate and distribute timely and accurate information.
Accommodation Information for People with Disabilities   
To obtain this information in an alternate format such as Braille, large print, electronic formats, etc. please contact the COEIN JIC at 541.316.0087 or centraloregoninfo@gmail.com.