Summer 2020 City ENews - City responds to COVID-19

City responds to COVID-19

Since the beginning of March, the City of Hood River has been responding to the COVID-19 public health crisis. The City’s priorities have included keeping essential workers and first responders safe, making operational changes throughout City departments in order to maintain all City services, providing public information on important topics, and collaborating with regional and local partners on the community response.

*The City initiated a “Who Are You Masking For?” campaign on Facebook before Oregon mandated face coverings in indoor public places followed by outdoor public places.*

Four months later, the threat of the virus is still in the community and the City continues to respond as needed with gradual, careful reopening of public facilities. The City follows recommendations from the Hood River County Health Department and Oregon Health Authority with regards to COVID-19.

Portway Parklet — *The City is issuing temporary right-of-way permits for curbside pick-up parking spaces and parklets for food and beverage establishments.*

With Hood River County in Phase Two of Reopening, City offices are open to the public with limited in-person services available. Precautions continue, and it’s still strongly encouraged to conduct business or ask questions by phone, email and online. The City’s main phone number is 541-386-1488; department direct lines can be found on the bottom of the website.

Most parks are now open, with the exception of Children’s Park and Waterfront Park’s playground. The City reminds users to follow all health guidelines, and pack out trash at Waterfront Park due to the increase in debris left.

City parks are open with the exception of Children’s Park and the Waterfront Park playground, which remain closed for the foreseeable future. The City made changes to park rules that allow small groups to meet for casual classes and children’s activities so long as physical distance and other health authority guidelines are followed.

The City’s website includes a Covid-19 page that covers the status of City operations and regulations during the local State of Emergency. This page is updated with information for the public (such as utilities services and parks status), as well as City operations and essential services as the situation evolves.

Today, it is as important as ever to follow guidelines recommended by the State and County health departments to lessen the spread of COVID-19 in the community:

Wash hands frequently
Continue to physical distance with those outside your household
Wear face coverings in public places indoors, and outdoors when unable to maintain distance
Stay home if you are ill

General guidance from Oregon Health Authority on testing, county health indicators, face covering guidance and the State’s Reopening Framework may be useful resources as questions arise on allowances and restrictions in the fluid status of reopening for various counties.
The need for the public to stay connected to the City for information has never been more apparent.
Community members may:

Sign up for City emails to stay informed.
Enroll in Citizen Emergency Alerts.
Follow news on the City’s website and Facebook page.

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