Reopening Begins in Oregon
The gradual and incremental reopening of Oregon began earlier this month when Governor Brown allowed non-urgent medical procedures (beginning May 1) and recreation where physical distancing can be followed (beginning May 5 in some state park day-use areas and boat ramps, with an option for county/federal campgrounds). As Governor Brown has emphasized, Oregon’s phased reopening is guided by science and measurable data.
On Friday, May 15, two additional categories of business can reopen throughout Oregon:
- Retail Stores: Stand-alone retail that was previously closed but can follow OSHA guidelines, including furniture stores, art galleries, jewelry shops and boutiques
- Childcare, summer school, camps and youth programs (with limitations and specific guidelines)
Read more information on statewide guidance for reopening.
Lane County Approved for Phase I Beginning May 15
Lane County’s application detailing its ability to meet the state’s seven prerequisites for phased reopening was accepted on May 14. This allows the County to move into Phase I on May 15.
During, the following will be allowed in Lane County:
- Gatherings up to 25 people while maintaining physical distance from those not in your household (no travel, stay close to home and avoid overnight trips)
- Limited sit-down service at restaurants and bars with 6-foot distancing
- Personal care businesses may reopen (salons, barber shops, massage) with physical distancing, appointments, personal protective equipment (PPE) and customer list
- Gyms and fitness centers may reopen with physical distancing and sanitation
- Shopping centers and malls may reopen with physical distancing
The Oregon Health Authority has created downloadable signage in multiple languages to post in your business (scroll down to OHA Guidance, Signage and Rules section): “Clean hands save lives,” “Going out? Stay apart,” and “Do you have these symptoms?”
Next Steps
After a minimum of 21 days, Lane County may be able to enter Phase II if it continues to meet all prerequisites. The state will not move into Phase III until there is a reliable treatment or vaccine. See more details about the state’s three phases of reopening. It’s also important to remember the Governor’s plan may change and it could affect Lane County and Eugene.
"The Governor’s Reopening Oregon plan outlines a phased approach to safely restart public life and business based on science and data. Different types of businesses will reopen differently in each phase, so the community needs to be flexible as we reopen and work to keep everyone safe while resuming services."
—Eugene Incident Commander and Eugene Springfield Fire Chief Chris Heppel
Important Actions to Protect Ourselves and Each Other
During the past eight weeks, Eugeneans and residents throughout Oregon have helped flatten the curve by following important guidelines. As the state reopens, it’s important to remember the risks and to continue to do our best to protect ourselves and one another. If we all follow these actions, we will help save the lives of our colleagues, neighbors, friends and family members.
- Stay home if you are sick: If you become symptomatic (cough, fever, shortness of breath) while in public, please return home and self-isolate immediately. Contact your health care provider if you need medical attention.
- Stay home if you are at risk for severe complications: Individuals over the age of 60 or who have underlying medical conditions should stay home even if well to avoid exposure to COVID-19.
- Practice good hand hygiene: Frequently wash your hands for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer (60-95% alcohol content).
- Cover coughs/sneezes with elbow or tissue: If you use a tissue, immediately discard tissue in garbage and your wash hands.
- Avoid touching your face.
- Continue physical distancing: Maintain at least six (6) feet of distance between you and people who you do not live with.
- Wear masks in public: The Governor strongly recommends the use of cloth, paper or disposable face coverings in public. As Oregon is reopening and restrictions are being lifted on businesses and public spaces, it may be difficult to ensure that you can stay six (6) feet away from others at all times.
- Telework: When possible.
- Stay close to home: Avoid overnight trips and minimize other non-essential travel, including recreational day trips to destinations outside the community where you live.
See detailed guidance for the public.
Long-term Community Recovery
When COVID-19 arrived in Oregon and Lane County, the City’s immediate response priorities were to help protect the health and safety of the community, support our public health partners and maintain essential services. As the pandemic evolved, the City directed resources to recovery measures, while also recognizing the need for a Long-term Community Recovery strategy to re-establish a healthy, functioning community that will sustain itself over time. The City of Eugene is taking a “whole community approach” to long-term recovery that includes the social, economic and physical aspects of the city.
To achieve long-term community recovery, the City of Eugene will start with a plan. This plan will focus on the period 12-24 months in the future to repair the damage caused by COVID-19. Learn more about the City’s long-term community recovery planning and watch the a recent City Council work session presentation and discussion.
Resources for More Information
The City of Eugene is working hard with our partners at Lane County and Springfield to ensure our community has important information about local, state and federal resources to help those who have been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. See a list of Community Resources for physical and mental health, food, housing, businesses, employees, schools and children, as well as information in Spanish. Also learn how you can help.
Our partners also have a significant amount of information available online. Please visit these resources for the most up to date information:
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