Emergency Declaration Extended to September 29

For Immediate Release: Friday, September 04, 2020

Emergency declaration continued to support public health response

This week the Washington County Board of Commissioners extended by 28 days, until September 29, the county’s prior declaration of emergency regarding the response to the new coronavirus. The new emergency declaration continues the authorizations, support for coordination and other actions from the prior declaration adopted on August 24.

Washington County entered phase 1 on June 1 within Governor Kate Brown’s reopening framework, a separate decision-making process from the board’s emergency declaration. The governor subsequently linked Washington County’s future progress toward phase 2 to that of Clackamas and Multnomah counties. Since that time, Washington County has not met several of the governor’s criteria for progressing to phase 2.

On September 1, at roughly the six-month mark in the county’s response to the pandemic, Health and Human Services Director Marni Kuyl provided an overview of the data showing where Washington County stands within the statewide reopening framework. Washington County is currently meeting three of the six statewide criteria, including:

• a low percentage of emergency department visits (less than 1.5% COVID-19-like illness),
• a downward trend of hospitalizations over the last 14 days and
• sufficient contact tracing capability.

Other measures required for Washington County to enter phase 2 are not being met, including increasing positive test results, percent of new cases within the last seven days and the amount of community spread of the virus.

“We continue to see outbreaks where there are multiple households gathering,” Kuyl explained. “We are asking people to think about how we can keep those gatherings as safe as possible. Keeping them small, keeping them outside now while the weather is beautiful, but anytime that we are indoors, wearing a mask, maintaining that physical distance.”

Kuyl also pointed out the importance of getting a flu vaccination this fall.

“COVID or influenza are really nasty viruses that can make people really sick,” said Kuyl. “We certainly don’t want to combine them.”

More information about where to get a flu shot is available at VaccineFinder.org.

The board first declared an emergency on March 4, just after the county’s first case of COVID-19 was discovered.

The county’s emergency operations center (EOC), which also activated soon after the first case of new coronavirus was reported, has since demobilized after nearly six months of operation. The coordinating center served to support public health operations and to help organize the multi-agency response to the outbreak. Hundreds of staff and representatives from several community partners contributed to the unified response through the work of the EOC.

The functions of the EOC are now being performed through teams of county personnel, including those in the county’s Emergency Management office, Public Health Division and others.

The public is reminded to follow Governor Kate Brown’s statewide orders for limiting the spread of the virus and recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These simple steps can save lives by to slowing the spread of COVID-19:

• Follow the statewide requirement to wear a face covering when in indoor public spaces and outdoors when six feet of distance cannot be maintained. This requirement does not apply to children under five, and to people with a medical condition or disability that prevents them from wearing a face covering.
• Wash your hands often with warm running water and soap for 20-seconds.
• If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand wash product.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes using your sleeve or a tissue, not your bare hand.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Stay home and away from the rest of your household if you’re feeling sick. Additional home guidance is here.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces that are frequently touched surfaces at home and at work, including your mobile devices.
• Follow the governor’s Safe and Strong Oregon orders.
• Pregnant women should visit the CDC's website for the most current guidance.
• Breastfeeding women should visit Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine for the most current guidance.

Health officials also ask that the public stay informed and educated through trustworthy sources of information, such as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Oregon Health Authority and Washington County Public Health Division.

General questions about COVID-19 can be answered by calling 2-1-1. Questions about your specific medical needs should be directed to your health care provider.

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