Author: Tara Micka

PRESS RELEASE – June 5, 2020

Today, the Governor approved Baker County to enter Phase 2 of reopening starting Saturday, June 6th. Phase 2 will allow more local businesses and organizations to reopen using specific guidelines to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Some key changes included in Phase 2 are:

• Indoor and outdoor venues, including theaters and churches, with 6 feet of physical distancing and other measures in place, can reach a COVID-19 occupancy limit of up to 250 people.
• Offices can begin reopening and employees can return to workplaces with physical distancing and other measures in place, though remote work is still recommended when possible.
• Increased travel will be allowed throughout Oregon, though staying local is still recommended to prevent overloading county health systems.
• Restaurants and bars will be able to serve food and drink until midnight.
• Pools and sports courts will be allowed to reopen under new guidelines.
• Indoor and outdoor activities such as bowling, batting cages and mini golf, will be allowed to reopen under new guidance.
• Recreational sports can resume in limited form, with physical distancing guidance.

Baker County remains at one confirmed case of COVID-19, reported on May 6. In order to remain in Phase 2, Baker County is required to continue to meet the criteria for Phase 2, which includes standards for no significant increases in positive cases of the virus, sufficient personal protective equipment remaining available, and timely contact tracing occurring for any positive cases.

The Phase 2 reopening standards are an opportunity for many businesses and organizations to resume operating after months of pause. County officials ask everyone to bear in mind that these businesses’ and organizations’ success depends on being able to meet the guidelines put forward by the state. Commissioner Mark Bennett says, “You are supporting local when you observe the standards these establishments have to follow, whether that be social distancing, face masks, sanitizing, or others. Remember these businesses didn’t choose this situation, and we need to support them as they work to stay open. By preventing the spread of illness we can suppress an outbreak, keep our community healthy and our businesses open.”

PRESS RELEASE – 5/29/2020

Today, Baker County submitted an application to the State of Oregon for entering Phase 2 of Reopening. The County requests beginning Phase 2 on June 6, 21 days after Baker County moved into Phase 1.

The Governor’s office released the criteria for counties to enter into Phase 2 yesterday evening. In order to be approved, counties must demonstrate that they continue to meet the criteria previously required to enter Phase 1, as well as meet three new criteria for contact tracing and stable or downward trends for numbers of positive cases. Baker County’s single positive case result occurred 24 days ago.

Even while counties begin making applications to enter the next phase, businesses, organizations and event organizers are anxiously waiting for the Oregon Health Authority to release guidance outlining what will be allowed under Phase 2. In a letter earlier this week, Baker County encouraged the Governor’s office to allow additional business sectors to reopen in Phase 2, as well as allow larger gatherings where social distancing can be met, partitions to be placed between restaurant booths as a way to increase restaurant capacity, extend the hours that food and drink can be consumed at restaurants and bars, and allow other recreational activities such as rafting or jet-boating, among other suggestions.

When Phase 2 guidance is released, the information will be provided at www.bakercountycovid19.com. The Baker County Business Operations and Recovery group will continue to provide information, resources and assistance for business owners and the public by calling 541-523-0015.

PRESS RELEASE

The Baker County Fair Board decided yesterday evening to hold certain fair events this year, making modifications to prevent the spread of illness. The Baker County Fair in Baker City is scheduled from August 3-7. The Fair Board is working with 4-H and FFA leadership and the livestock sale committee to finalize scheduling details.

Fair Board Chairman Ron Rowan emphasized, “This fair won’t look like it usually does, but it is important to the Fair Board that our local youth have the opportunity to show their 4-H and FFA projects. They’ve put a lot of effort into their exhibits, and we want them to have the opportunity to showcase their work. We are still working on logistics, but there are many volunteers who are willing to work together to adapt these events and make them happen.”

The 4-H and FFA market animal classes and auction, small animal exhibits, horse show, and static exhibits will continue, and each event will be modified to meet Oregon standards for social distancing and sanitation.

Unfortunately, open class shows will not be held this year, and premiums will not be awarded for exhibitors. The Fair Board appreciates the community’s understanding as changes are made to conform with whatever COVID-19 requirements are in place at the time of the fair.