[Medford, Oregon] — May 14, 2020, Late Wednesday evening, the Jackson County Board of Commissioners received the official letter from Governor Kate Brown that Jackson County is approved to move into Phase I reopening effective May 15, 2020.
“Jackson County citizens are ready to get back to work and support local businesses,” shared Jackson County Commissioner Board Chair Colleen Roberts. “This shut down has had a tremendously negative impact on our community and getting approval to reopen is very welcome news.”
The Governor shared in her letter that reopening does not come without risks. With every restriction lifted, transmission of COVID-19 has the potential to increase. The contact tracing, testing and personal protective equipment requirements that were a part of the conditions for opening will be essential to mitigate that transmission increase.
“We want to thank the business and medical communities, our county staff and, most of all, our citizens for coming together to do our part in slowing the spread of COVID-19,” says Jackson County Commissioner Rick Dyer. “Without all of our efforts, we would not be able to take this first step to reopening our economy.”
Phase I reopening will allow for restaurants, bars and personal care services to reopen with limited hours and capacity as well as permitting small, local groups of no more than 25 to meet in person.
“We ask that everyone in our community follow the Phase I guidelines so that we can continue on to the next phases as quickly as possible,” adds Jackson County Commissioner Bob Strosser.
Information on the reopening guidelines for the State of Oregon can be found on the Oregon Health Authority website: https://govstatus.egov.com/or-covid-19
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