DAILY COVID-19 UPDATE, MARCH 17, 2020
News Release from Central Oregon Emergency Information Network
Posted on FlashAlert: March 17th, 2020 5:49 PM
K-12 SCHOOL CLOSURE EXTENDED TO APRIL 28
Today, Governor Kate Brown extended the statewide school closure for Oregon students through April 28, via an executive order.
RESOURCES FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES
Many workers and employers are feeling the economic impact of COVID-19 through layoffs, work and hour reductions and perhaps even closures. Those with questions about individual benefits can learn more from the Oregon Employment Department. Oregon Employment Department (Worksource Oregon) is currently answering unemployment benefit questions due to the wide-spread economic impacts. As each situation is different, individuals may need to file a claim to learn if they qualify for benefits. As this situation may change, people interested in learning about their benefits should maintain contact with the Employment website.
The City of Bend is also providing resources for local businesses at City of Bend website: www.bendoregon.gov/bizresources. Individuals can sign up to receive email updates, as the situation is changing continually.
CHANGES FOR BARS, RESTAURANTS
Governor Kate Brown announced Monday that restaurants, bars and other establishments are to serve takeout or delivery food only beginning today, Tuesday, March 17. Those that offer food or beverages for sale are restricted with no on-site consumption permitted. The Governor also included an order that food service at health care facilities, workplaces, and other essential facilities will continue. This statewide action is to implement new orders and guidance on social distancing.
In Deschutes County, restaurants with questions may call 541-317-3114 regarding closure rules.
SUMMIT MEDICAL GROUP EXPANDS VIRTUAL VISITS
Summit Medical Group Oregon (SMGOR) has recently expanded its telemedicine and virtual triage services. The health provider now has the ability to offer video medical visits with an urgent care provider to any residents in Deschutes County experiencing flu-like symptoms or those who are concerned about COVID-19 exposure. Learn more here or call 541-706-2319. The telemedicine visits are approved by Medicare and many insurance companies in Oregon. Video visits are not for emergency services and patients experiencing life threatening emergencies still need to dial 9-1-1.
NEW PHONE LINE
St. Charles Health System and Deschutes County Health Services joined together to open a new phone line to answer questions from the public about COVID-19. The free phone line, available to individuals in Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson counties, will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday and will be staffed by caregivers and county health services professionals.
Phone line: 541-699-5109
REMINDER: WIPES CLOG PIPES
The City of Bend Utility Department offers a reminder to discard disposable wipes in the garbage and not into the toilet. Wipes, even those deemed “flushable wipes,” can cause infrastructure damage leading to sewer backups into homes and streets. All wipes, including cleaning and disinfectant wipes, cosmetic wipes, baby wipes, personal wipes and “flushable wipes” should be disposed of in the garbage sent to the landfill.
For more information about what should and shouldn’t go down the toilet, visit www.bendoregon.gov/wipes
UPDATED COMMUNITY CLOSURES, CHANGES
City of Bend
All City of Bend facilities, excluding the main Police Department lobby, will be closed to the public beginning on Thursday, March 19. The City will continue to provide services through other remote means as much as possible. Call 541-388-5505 or visit www.bendoregon.gov.
The City of Bend Utility Department offices will be closed to the public beginning March 19. Customers are encouraged to interact with Utility Department staff remotely and make electronic payments if possible. Learn more and make online payments.
Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and City of Bend Police Department
Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and the City of Bend Police Department are now triaging access to the department lobbies for services needed. Both locations will continue to staff the front office from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., however, they are asking community members to first consider calling the departments by phone prior to visiting. City of Bend Police Department 541-322-2960 and Deschutes county Sheriff’s Office - 541-388-6655.
City of Prineville
All City of Prineville facilities, including city hall and the Police Department lobby, will be closed to the public beginning Tuesday, March 17, through Sunday, April 12. All standing advisory committee meetings and activities are canceled during this time. City council meetings will continue; the in-person attendance is limited to 25 individuals. Call 541-447-5627 or visit www.cityofprineville.com for any government needs.
Jefferson County
Beginning Tuesday, March 17, all Jefferson County buildings, other than the Sheriff’s office and County Courthouse, will be restricted to employees and pre-arranged appointments. Residents may request an appointment for urgent business and county services will continue. Call 541-475-2449 or visit www.jeffco.net. While this restriction includes the Public Health building, preventive health services not related to COVID-19 will continue. Clients will check-in via phone from the parking lot, then be escorted into the building.
Deschutes County Courts
The Deschutes County Justice Court’s office in Redmond City Hall is closed to the public, but court sessions are still being held; the courtroom can be accessed through the south door at the back of Redmond City Hall and is only open during court sessions. There are multiple ways to contact the court: 541-617-4758 or justicecourt@deschutes.org. Visit www.deschutes.org/court to pay fines and get more information. The Justice Court is not accepting new small claims filings at this time.
Due to the closure of Sisters City Hall, Deschutes County Justice Court sessions scheduled for Wednesday, March 18, in Sisters, are canceled. Defendants cited into that court location for March 18 will receive a new arraignment date/location by mail.
Bend Municipal Court has canceled court for March 19. Anyone scheduled for arraignments that day should call 541-388-5572 and press “9” to speak with a court clerk in regards to options. Phones operate from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Updates will be posted on www.bendoregon.gov.
Ride Bend
Ride Bend ride-share services are suspended beginning on Wednesday, March 18, continuing through Friday, March 27.
High Desert Museum
The High Desert Museum will close today, and remain closed through Sunday, March 29. All museum programs are postponed or canceled through April 11. Kids’ Camp Spring Break is also canceled for the week of March 23-27.
Central Oregon Community College
At this time, COCC remains open to students. However, the college has placed new restrictions on some operations and facilities that will go into effect through Sunday, April 5.
The Mazama Gymnasium, weight room and recreational drop-in facilities are closed, except as needed for finals week. The Barber Library is closed to the public; however, the tutoring and testing center and the office of services for students with disabilities remain open. All events scheduled by outside groups on any of the four COCC campuses have been canceled.
Food service is available only to students who live on campus. For more information, call 541-383-7700.
UPDATES ON NEW LOCAL CASES
Moving forward, COVID-19 case count updates will be provided by daily Oregon Health Authority news releases. Local public health departments will continue to update their websites, but will not issue news releases for new cases.
Residents can find current numbers on cases of COVID-19 in Oregon at www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus or by dialing 2-1-1.
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
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.
Today, Governor Kate Brown extended the statewide school closure for Oregon students through April 28, via an executive order.
RESOURCES FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES
Many workers and employers are feeling the economic impact of COVID-19 through layoffs, work and hour reductions and perhaps even closures. Those with questions about individual benefits can learn more from the Oregon Employment Department. Oregon Employment Department (Worksource Oregon) is currently answering unemployment benefit questions due to the wide-spread economic impacts. As each situation is different, individuals may need to file a claim to learn if they qualify for benefits. As this situation may change, people interested in learning about their benefits should maintain contact with the Employment website.
The City of Bend is also providing resources for local businesses at City of Bend website: www.bendoregon.gov/bizresources. Individuals can sign up to receive email updates, as the situation is changing continually.
CHANGES FOR BARS, RESTAURANTS
Governor Kate Brown announced Monday that restaurants, bars and other establishments are to serve takeout or delivery food only beginning today, Tuesday, March 17. Those that offer food or beverages for sale are restricted with no on-site consumption permitted. The Governor also included an order that food service at health care facilities, workplaces, and other essential facilities will continue. This statewide action is to implement new orders and guidance on social distancing.
In Deschutes County, restaurants with questions may call 541-317-3114 regarding closure rules.
SUMMIT MEDICAL GROUP EXPANDS VIRTUAL VISITS
Summit Medical Group Oregon (SMGOR) has recently expanded its telemedicine and virtual triage services. The health provider now has the ability to offer video medical visits with an urgent care provider to any residents in Deschutes County experiencing flu-like symptoms or those who are concerned about COVID-19 exposure. Learn more here or call 541-706-2319. The telemedicine visits are approved by Medicare and many insurance companies in Oregon. Video visits are not for emergency services and patients experiencing life threatening emergencies still need to dial 9-1-1.
NEW PHONE LINE
St. Charles Health System and Deschutes County Health Services joined together to open a new phone line to answer questions from the public about COVID-19. The free phone line, available to individuals in Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson counties, will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday and will be staffed by caregivers and county health services professionals.
Phone line: 541-699-5109
REMINDER: WIPES CLOG PIPES
The City of Bend Utility Department offers a reminder to discard disposable wipes in the garbage and not into the toilet. Wipes, even those deemed “flushable wipes,” can cause infrastructure damage leading to sewer backups into homes and streets. All wipes, including cleaning and disinfectant wipes, cosmetic wipes, baby wipes, personal wipes and “flushable wipes” should be disposed of in the garbage sent to the landfill.
For more information about what should and shouldn’t go down the toilet, visit www.bendoregon.gov/wipes
UPDATED COMMUNITY CLOSURES, CHANGES
City of Bend
All City of Bend facilities, excluding the main Police Department lobby, will be closed to the public beginning on Thursday, March 19. The City will continue to provide services through other remote means as much as possible. Call 541-388-5505 or visit www.bendoregon.gov.
The City of Bend Utility Department offices will be closed to the public beginning March 19. Customers are encouraged to interact with Utility Department staff remotely and make electronic payments if possible. Learn more and make online payments.
Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and City of Bend Police Department
Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and the City of Bend Police Department are now triaging access to the department lobbies for services needed. Both locations will continue to staff the front office from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., however, they are asking community members to first consider calling the departments by phone prior to visiting. City of Bend Police Department 541-322-2960 and Deschutes county Sheriff’s Office - 541-388-6655.
City of Prineville
All City of Prineville facilities, including city hall and the Police Department lobby, will be closed to the public beginning Tuesday, March 17, through Sunday, April 12. All standing advisory committee meetings and activities are canceled during this time. City council meetings will continue; the in-person attendance is limited to 25 individuals. Call 541-447-5627 or visit www.cityofprineville.com for any government needs.
Jefferson County
Beginning Tuesday, March 17, all Jefferson County buildings, other than the Sheriff’s office and County Courthouse, will be restricted to employees and pre-arranged appointments. Residents may request an appointment for urgent business and county services will continue. Call 541-475-2449 or visit www.jeffco.net. While this restriction includes the Public Health building, preventive health services not related to COVID-19 will continue. Clients will check-in via phone from the parking lot, then be escorted into the building.
Deschutes County Courts
The Deschutes County Justice Court’s office in Redmond City Hall is closed to the public, but court sessions are still being held; the courtroom can be accessed through the south door at the back of Redmond City Hall and is only open during court sessions. There are multiple ways to contact the court: 541-617-4758 or justicecourt@deschutes.org. Visit www.deschutes.org/court to pay fines and get more information. The Justice Court is not accepting new small claims filings at this time.
Due to the closure of Sisters City Hall, Deschutes County Justice Court sessions scheduled for Wednesday, March 18, in Sisters, are canceled. Defendants cited into that court location for March 18 will receive a new arraignment date/location by mail.
Bend Municipal Court has canceled court for March 19. Anyone scheduled for arraignments that day should call 541-388-5572 and press “9” to speak with a court clerk in regards to options. Phones operate from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Updates will be posted on www.bendoregon.gov.
Ride Bend
Ride Bend ride-share services are suspended beginning on Wednesday, March 18, continuing through Friday, March 27.
High Desert Museum
The High Desert Museum will close today, and remain closed through Sunday, March 29. All museum programs are postponed or canceled through April 11. Kids’ Camp Spring Break is also canceled for the week of March 23-27.
Central Oregon Community College
At this time, COCC remains open to students. However, the college has placed new restrictions on some operations and facilities that will go into effect through Sunday, April 5.
The Mazama Gymnasium, weight room and recreational drop-in facilities are closed, except as needed for finals week. The Barber Library is closed to the public; however, the tutoring and testing center and the office of services for students with disabilities remain open. All events scheduled by outside groups on any of the four COCC campuses have been canceled.
Food service is available only to students who live on campus. For more information, call 541-383-7700.
UPDATES ON NEW LOCAL CASES
Moving forward, COVID-19 case count updates will be provided by daily Oregon Health Authority news releases. Local public health departments will continue to update their websites, but will not issue news releases for new cases.
Residents can find current numbers on cases of COVID-19 in Oregon at www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus or by dialing 2-1-1.
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
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.
Contact Info:
Contact: 541-316-0087, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. JIC hours
Contact: 541-316-0087, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. JIC hours
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