This document was published November 18, 2020. For the most up to date information on the City’s work related to COVID-19, please visit our COVID-19 web pages. For health and safety information about COVID-19 including confirmed cases and testing data, please visit Lane County Public Health or Oregon Health Authority’s websites.
Eugene is once again in a make or break moment. Our COVID-19 cases have been rising steadily for weeks and our hospitals are sounding the alarm.
To prevent hospitals from being stretched to capacity, Governor Brown has announced a statewide two-week freeze in addition to a new travel advisory (more info on both below). These new measures put strict limitations on social gatherings, which continue to drive our COVID-19 case increases.
We can’t control the pandemic, but we can control the steps we take to protect ourselves and the community. If we do not act now to slow the spread of the virus, these restrictions will be extended.
Statewide Two-Week Freeze Begins Today
Last week, Governor Kate Brown announced a statewide two-week freeze, implementing new measures to limit gatherings and stop the rapid spread of COVID-19 across Oregon.
The two-week freeze will be in effect from today, November 18, through December 2.
These risk reduction measures are critical in limiting the spread of COVID-19, reducing risk in communities more vulnerable to serious illness and death, and helping conserve hospital capacity so that all Oregonians can continue to have access to quality care. They include restrictions to social gatherings, restaurants, retail, gyms and more. See our Keeping Eugene Safe web page for more information.
City Services Affected by the Freeze
Some city services will have temporary changes due to the statewide freeze from Nov. 18 through Dec. 2:
- Eugene Public Library: All locations will remain open with most services continuing, including holds pick-up and book returns. Because fewer people will be allowed inside the buildings, two services will temporarily not be available: at the Downtown Library, there will not be counter service for same-day borrowing; and at Bethel and Sheldon branches, there will not be Internet computer access.
- Recreation: Sheldon and Amazon pools are closed. Adult programming and indoor sports leagues are canceled. We will be able to continue offering childcare, youth programming, outdoor sports leagues and virtual programming. Check with specific programs for any additional details.
- Parks and Open Space: The Rhododendron Garden at Hendricks Park and the Owen Rose Garden are closed. Community gardens are open for harvesting produce. All volunteer events during this period have been canceled and park rental applications are not being taken.
- Eugene Police Department: Eugene Police Records Section Front Counter is providing only the following services: vehicle impound releases, pet fix-it tickets, potentially dangerous dog (PDD) registration and posting bail. All other counter Front Counter and Records Services are suspended. Learn how to submit public records requests.
- Municipal Court: See our City Services - What's Open page for upcoming information about Muni Court and other services.
Travel Advisory
Together with the governors of Washington and California, Governor Brown announced a joint travel advisory effective November 13, 2020. The advisory urges anyone entering Oregon – either residents returning from a trip, or non-residents entering Oregon on a trip – to quarantine for 14 days. It further advises Oregonians to refrain from any non-essential travel to other states or countries. Read the full advisory here.
Thank You, COVID-19 Messaging Contest Participants
We are thrilled to have received 67 entries for “Stop the Spread: A COVID-19 Messaging Contest for Young Adults.” Public voting has now ended but you can still view the entries while they are being scored by our panel of judges. Winners will be announced by Friday the 20th. The winning graphics and videos from young adults ages 14-30 will be shared with other young adults to emphasize the importance of preventing the spread of COVID-19.
Celebrating Thanksgiving Safely
It is difficult to think about Thanksgiving looking different this year. But social gatherings among all age groups are the largest cause of increasing COVID-19 cases. The governor’s statewide freeze currently limits gatherings to no more than 6 people total, from no more than 2 households, whether indoors or outdoors.
The safest way to celebrate Thanksgiving this year is to share it with people in your household. You might also consider alternatives like hosting a virtual Thanksgiving meal, playing games with people in your household or safely preparing a dinner and providing a “no contact” delivery to a friend or neighbor. We all have a responsibility to keep ourselves and others healthy so that we can move toward a return to our favorite holiday traditions.
And One More Thing to Consider this Thanksgiving…
Keep Up the 4 Ws
- Wear a Face Covering – indoors and outside when you can’t maintain 6 feet of space, it’s a statewide requirement.
- Watch Your Distance – stay 6-feet apart from those outside your household and limit your gathering size.
- Wash Your Hands – often with soap and water for 20 seconds throughout the day.
- Wait It Out – stay home if you are sick.
COVID-19 Resources
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 have a significant amount of information available online. Please visit these resources for the most up to date information:
Previous Community Update
October 28, 2020 Community Update