PRESS RELEASE
Today, Baker County hired a business liaison to assist business owners and customers through the reopening process. Jeff Nelson, who is also the Business Advisor at the Small Business Development Center, will be working to help businesses understand and implement the new guidance from the Oregon Health Authority as they prepare to reopen to the public, as well as customers with questions or concerns.
Nelson will be joining the Business Operations and Recovery group within the local Incident Command Team. He says, “I look forward to working with businesses through all these changes, I’m here to help. Feel free to contact me anytime.” Jeff Nelson can be contacted at 541-523-0015, or by email at eoc@bakercounty.org. Resources for businesses are being added frequently to the County’s website, www.bakercountycovid19.com. Businesses with questions, or who may be struggling to find the personal protective equipment needed to meet OHA guidelines, are encouraged to get in contact.
Baker County’s Reopening Plan has not yet been approved by the Governor’s office. The County received notification on Friday that the Governor’s office had passed the plan on to Oregon Health Authority for review. County officials are optimistic the plan meets the state’s review criteria and Baker County will be approved to enter Phase 1 of the Reopening Oregon process soon. The Governor’s plan indicates some counties may start reopening as soon as May 15.