This morning, Governor Brown announced effective April 1st, 2022 Oregon’s COVID-19 emergency declaration will be lifted.
Additionally, beginning March 19th, Oregon will lift mask mandates for schools and most indoor public places. Masks will still be required in health care settings, public transportation, and in airports or on airplanes. Individual school districts will be able to set their own masking rules.
Read more by visiting:
As COVID-19 levels in Marion County improve and vaccination rates continue to increase, the City of Stayton has made the following adjustments:
- City offices have begun a limited reopening to the public, Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. At this time, masks are required (regardless of vaccination status) for staff and customers over the age of five.
- City staff and services continue to be available to the public Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. via phone, email, or video conferencing (e.g. Zoom).
The COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally changed how we operate. Throughout the pandemic, the essential functions of the City have remained fully functional and operational. The focus of the City has been to meet our top priority, the health and safety of our residents and employees. As such, the City must continue to follow the recommendations and guidelines of the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Oregon Occupation and Health Administration (OR-OSHA) and City-County Insurance Services (CIS).
All staff contact information, with an option to send an email, is available on our Staff Directory page.
- City Hall – (503) 769-3425 or email cityofstayton@ci.stayton.or.us
- Police Department Office – (503) 769-3423
- Emergencies dial – 9-1-1
- For non-emergencies – (503) 982-2340
- Public Works Office Office – (503) 769-2919
- After-hours non-emergency – (503) 769-3421
- Planning & Development – (503) 769-2998
- Stayton Municipal Court – (503) 769-2668 or (503) 769-3425
- Stayton Public Library – (503) 769-3313
The statewide eviction moratorium ends on June 30th. The Oregon Emergency Rental Assistance Program online portal is now open to help Oregonians avoid eviction. The Program assists qualified tenants with funding to pay rent (including past rent, current and future rent) and certain home utility costs.
You can visit their website at www.OregonRentalAssistance.org. The website also has a variety of helpful tools including videos, information about income limitations, tenant checklists and links to paper applications etc. The portal is available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Simplified Chinese and Russian.
The Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) program was established by the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act to provide emergency assistance to eligible venues affected by the Coronavirus pandemic.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is in the process of setting up the grant program and is not yet accepting applications. In the meantime, the agency has released the following new resources to help eligible entities prepare to apply.
Reference Materials
Video Tutorials
The COVID-19 Mortgage Relief program helps Oregon homeowners who are struggling to make their mortgage payments.
For eligible applicants currently receiving unemployment benefits, it will bring their mortgage current and make up to six monthly payments directly to their mortgage servicer. For those who have returned to work, but are behind on their mortgage, it will bring their account current.
Homeowners who have suffered a financial hardship and are struggling to keep up with their mortgage should visit https://www.oregonhomeownerhelp.org. The site is available in Spanish as well.
Funding is limited and applications will only be accepted through 3/14/2021.
Health care providers throughout Marion County have established regular COVID-19 vaccination clinics. To find a clinic near you, you can:
- Visit getvaccinated.oregon.gov;
- Call 2-1-1;
- Text ORCOVID to 899211;
- Email ORCOVID@211info.org; or
- Visit COVID-19.MCHealthy.net
Oregon residents who are 80 years and older are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. We know that many seniors have found it difficult to find reliable information about the vaccine, but we can help make the process easier.
The following are all ways you can help the seniors in your life access a COVID-19 vaccine:
- Share reliable information from trusted sources, including local health care providers, public health, the Oregon Health Authority, and the CDC;
- Help them schedule an appointment if they would like to be vaccinated;
- Provide transportation to and from vaccination appointments if needed.
By working together and supporting each other, we can help protect those who are most at risk of experiencing serious complications from COVID-19. For more information, including a list of vaccination clinics currently operating in Marion County, please visit: COVID-19.MCHealthy.net
The Oregon Health Authority has released a toolkit to assist older adults in receiving their COVID-19 vaccination. You can download the toolkit below:
Helping Older Adults Get COVID-19 Vaccinations: Partner Toolkit
As you are likely aware, administration of the COVID-19 vaccine is currently underway.
If you'd like to learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine and its distribution in Marion County, Marion County Health & Human Services has a webpage with information on the vaccine itself and the distribution plan:
https://www.co.marion.or.us/HLT/COVID-19/Pages/Vaccine.aspx
Marion County, Oregon is pleased to offer additional business relief grants for local businesses negatively impacted by COVID-19. The county expects to distribute approximately $3.5 million in grant funding to local businesses by the end of the year. Nearly $1.5 million will be distributed to hospitality businesses from the first round of grants. The second round of the grant process is now open for local small businesses.
If more grant applications are received than available funding, Marion County will select grant recipients from eligible applicants by lottery.
Grant beneficiaries will need to fill out a short grant application form to demonstrate they meet State of Oregon eligibility guidelines. Businesses must be located in Marion County, have 25 or fewer employees, and have not received funding in the first round of grants.
Grant applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 18, 2020.
Grant applications forms:
Due to the short time line, it is important that businesses carefully complete the grant application form and ensure all required information is accurate and complete. Incomplete applications will be disqualified.
For questions or assistance with the grant application, please contact the Marion County Board of Commissioners Office at commissioners@co.marion.or.us or call (503) 588-5212.
UPDATED 12/03: Link to the application process is now available at https://marioncounty.formstack.com/forms/mceh_covid19_grant_application?fbclid=IwAR2dN5A606fy-R5man1eDheHoIKQdKA3cxtuvyIso54g_ffutUHpEh2llog
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ORIGINAL POST:
Today, during their weekly meeting, the Marion County Board of Commissioners created a new grant program to help prop up leisure and hospitality businesses affected by the most recent shutdown order. At their meeting, the County indicated they will reach out to eligible businesses registered with Marion County Environmental Health (restaurants, mobile food units, hotels, etc.).
See the County’s COVID-19 Business Resources page for more information.
Applications are expected to go up Thursday on the County's website, with checks being issued prior to year end.
Effective December 3rd, the State of Oregon has implemented a new Risk and Protection Framework. This new health and safety framework uses four different risk levels for counties based on their level of COVID-19 spread—Extreme Risk, High Risk, Moderate Risk, and Lower Risk.
On Monday, November 30, the Oregon Health Authority will reexamine county data to determine which counties qualify for each risk level on December 3, following the end of the 2-Week Freeze. In each subsequent two-week period, the Oregon Health Authority will examine and publish county data weekly, but county risk levels will not change until the end of the second week. In the first week, counties will be given Warning Week data to prepare for potential risk level changes. In the second week, county risk levels will be updated based on that week’s data. More detailed information will be posted before December 3.
As part of the new framework, a new website is available for information for the state and individual counties at https://coronavirus.oregon.gov/Pages/default.aspx
As of Wednesday, November 25th, Marion County was listed in the "Extreme Risk" category.
Small Latinx businesses can apply for a stipend through PCUN. Contact Omar Alvarado by phone at (971) 444-9051 or via email at OMARALVARADO@PCUN.ORG.
Additional information on the Oregon Worker Relief Fund through PCUN is available here: https://pcun.org/alivio-laboral-de-oregon-oregon-worker-relief-fund/
The Oregon Department of Agriculture and Oregon State University (OSU) Extension are partnering to provide free KN95 masks to farmworkers, farmers, ranchers, fishers, food processors, and farm labor contractors to protect Oregon’s food and fiber workers. Covering your nose and mouth with a mask is an effective tool to protect yourself and others from the spread of COVID-19. Keeping Oregon’s agricultural communities healthy is critical in the ongoing response to the pandemic.
ODA and OSU have regionally staged free KN95 masks for the agricultural community. Please call ahead to schedule a time for pick-up as many staff are safely working from home.
Máscaras gratis para la agricultura de Oregon
El Departamento de Agricultura de Oregon (ODA) y la Extensión de la Universidad Estatal de Oregon
(OSU) se han asociado para proporcionar máscaras KN95 gratuitas para proteger a los trabajadores
de alimentos y fibras de Oregon, incluyendo a los trabajadores agrícolas, granjeros, ganaderos,
pescadores, procesadores de alimentos y contratistas de mano de obra agrícola. Cubrirse la nariz y
la boca con una máscara es una herramienta eficaz para protegerse a sí mismo y a los demás de la
propagación del COVID-19. Mantener la salud de las comunidades agrícolas de Oregon es fundamental
en la respuesta continua a la pandemia.
ODA y OSU han organizado máscaras KN95 gratuitas regionalmente para la comunidad agrícola. Por
favor llame de antemano para programar una hora de recogida, ya que muchos miembros del personal
están trabajando de manera segura desde casa.
Oregon retailers are prepared for Oregonians to shop safe, shop local
(Salem, OR) — Governor Kate Brown today announced the launch of the “Give the Gift of Oregon” campaign as part of a comprehensive effort to support local businesses statewide. Shopping local is more important than ever due to the significant economic hardships that COVID-19 has created for Oregon businesses across the state. As Oregonians do their part individually to contain the spread of the virus, businesses are implementing necessary health and safety measures to protect customers and employees so they can get back to business and stay open.
“Oregon’s businesses are the backbone of our communities and our economy, and I am encouraging all Oregonians to shop locally this holiday season," said Governor Brown. "Strengthening our economy starts here at home. One way Oregonians can help is to spend locally to keep dollars with our homegrown businesses that are run by our neighbors, family, and friends. Many local retailers are offering online, curbside pickup, and ‘take-out’ shopping options, making it easy for Oregonians to shop safely.”
Travel Oregon and Business Oregon, the state’s tourism and economic development agencies, are collaborating to carry out this consumer campaign, which runs from November 18 through December 31. The project aims to inspire Oregonians to keep it local and support their favorite businesses as they check off holiday gift lists. There are many ways to shop locally online, and through safe retail operations. Travel Oregon is also appealing to Oregonians to help offset a nearly 60% reduction in direct travel spending, including shopping and restaurant business, that has affected the entire state.
Oregonians will be able to find featured businesses across the state, along with gift ideas on traveloregon.com/giftoforegon. The campaign also highlights the Oregon Wine Board's The Giving Season efforts, as well as the Built Oregon Marketplace, an online platform that provides consumers with an opportunity to discover products from Oregon makers.
“Oregon’s local businesses are the bedrock of the state’s tourism economy – boutique Oregon accommodations, restaurants, coffee shops, breweries, wineries, attractions, tour operators, and retail shops that promote and sell Oregon-made products comprise the fabric of tourism in Oregon,” said Todd Davidson, CEO of Travel Oregon. “COVID-19 continues to have a devastating impact on these businesses and, now more than ever, they need support. We encourage Oregonians to shop local this holiday season and to share hope by giving the gift of Oregon.”
“The spending power of all of us this season can make a big difference,” said Business Oregon Director Chris Cummings. “We continue to push out as many resources as we can, through funds from the CARES Act and our existing programs, and this promotion is just another way we can help. This also provides a great opportunity to discover incredible local products throughout Oregon.”
There are many “buy local” campaigns happening throughout Oregon, and this statewide promotion will highlight many of these during the season on social media with the #GivetheGiftofOregon hashtag. Oregonians are encouraged to share their support on social media by sharing their purchases or favorite local businesses and using the hashtag. Oregon businesses and communities can learn more about participating in the campaign by visiting Travel Oregon’s website: industry.traveloregon.com
Oregon’s agricultural community continues to demonstrate grit and compassion this year in the face of a global pandemic and historic wildfires. Our collective efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 to protect Oregon’s agricultural community is more critical now than ever as Oregon reports a record number of infections. Wearing face coverings is the fundamental action we can take to protect our friends, family, employees, and colleagues from possible exposure.
The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) and Oregon State University (OSU) Extension are again partnering to provide free KN95 masks to farmworkers, farmers, ranchers, fishers, food processors, and farm labor contractors to protect Oregon’s food and fiber workers. ODA and OSU have regionally staged free KN95 masks for the agricultural community. Please call ahead to schedule a time for pick-up as many staff are safely working from home.
Handouts are available in English and Spanish for distribution.
Máscaras KN95 gratuitas disponibles a través de Oregon
La comunidad agrícola de Oregon continúa demostrando valor y compasión este año frente a una pandemia mundial e incendios forestales históricos. Nuestros esfuerzos colectivos para mitigar la propagación de COVID-19 para proteger a la comunidad agrícola de Oregon son más críticos ahora que nunca, ya que Oregon reporta un número récord de infecciones. El uso de cubiertas faciales es algo fundamental que podemos hacer para proteger a nuestros amigos, familiares, empleados y colegas de una posible exposición al virus.
El Departamento de Agricultura de Oregon (ODA) y la Extensión de la Universidad Estatal de Oregon (OSU) se han asociado nuevamente para proporcionar máscaras KN95 gratuitas para proteger a los trabajadores de alimentos y fibras de Oregon, incluyendo a trabajadores agrícolas, granjeros, ganaderos, pescadores, procesadores de alimentos y contratistas de mano de obra agrícola. ODA y OSU han organizado máscaras KN95 gratuitas en diferentes regiones del estado para la comunidad agrícola. Llame de antemano para programar una hora de recogida, ya que muchos miembros del personal están trabajando de manera segura desde casa.
Hay folletos disponibles en inglés y español para su distribución.
Salem, OR — As the economic impacts of the pandemic continue, the Oregon legislature and Governor Kate Brown have allocated millions more in grant funding for Business Oregon to deliver into the hands of small businesses across Oregon. On Monday, November 9th, the Emergency Board of the Oregon Legislature approved $20 million more to Business Oregon’s Emergency Business Assistance Grant Fund. This funding and program are separate from the $55 million in funds the Governor also announced this week.
This grant fund has already put approximately $25 million out into the community through four rounds of funding. The first four rounds were allocated from Business Oregon to intermediary lenders such as cities, counties, Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), and Economic Development Districts (EDDs), who in turn granted the money to individual businesses. With this new round, Business Oregon is able to fund businesses directly. The grants are available to small businesses that have seen lost revenue due to the pandemic, and that meet a minimal set of requirements.
“This funding is timely, as we face the sharp increase in COVID-19 under this new wave of the pandemic,” said Business Oregon Director Chris Cummings. “These grants can help our small business owners today, but to get back to business in the long haul we’ve got to do what it takes now to stop the spread of this virus.”
This round makes some changes to previous rounds of grant funding under the program, so that more businesses can access the funds. Businesses with up to 100 employees can apply, whereas previous funding was limited to those with up to 25 employees, to ensure smaller businesses could access the funds first.
Most previous rounds also targeted businesses that did not already receive assistance through the CARES Act (such as PPP, EIDL, City of Portland Small Relief Program, the Oregon Cares Fund for Black Relief + Resiliency and other programs funded with CARES Act funds). This round will now consider applications from businesses with 1 to 25 employees that have already received anywhere from $100,000 to $1 million in funding from these federal resources. Businesses with 26 to 100 employees are eligible regardless of the amount of federal resources they received (up to $1,000,000), if they meet other program requirements.
Businesses are eligible to receive up to $200,000 in grant funding as detailed in the grant application. To be eligible, a business must show it was prohibited from operations by the Governor’s Executive Order 20-12, or demonstrate a 25% reduction in sales over a 30-day period in 2020 compared to a comparable period in 2019.
Tomorrow, Thursday November 19, the application form and additional details will be found on Business Oregon’s website. If the application is not yet posted in the morning, a time estimate will be provided on the web page. Grants will be reviewed on a first-come first-served basis, and will be allocated so that there is an equitable geographic distribution of funds as dictated by the Oregon Legislature.
The application portal will close once applications totaling $25 million in requested grants are received. Business Oregon will reopen the portal if any funds remain after reviewing those initial applications for eligibility.
Additional resources and information on COVID-19 response can be found on the department’s website, and the Governor's COVID-19 web page has the latest guidance.
Business Oregon, the state's economic development agency, invests in Oregon businesses, communities, and people to promote a globally competitive, diverse, and inclusive economy. The agency's services span rural community development and infrastructure financing; business retention, expansion and recruitment; export promotion and international trade; investments in industry research and development and entrepreneurship; small business assistance; and support for arts and cultural organizations. Learn more at www.oregon4biz.com.
Oregonians have a strong tradition of unifying to protect the most vulnerable members of our communities. As your fellow community members, please join us in adhering to the Governor’s Executive Order during the two-week Coronavirus freeze. As your Oregon Law Enforcement professionals, our primary objective throughout the Coronavirus pandemic has been to take an education first approach and to seek voluntary compliance with each Executive Order. We recognize the inconvenience the pandemic and subsequent restrictions have caused all of us. We also know that the risk to our most vulnerable populations is extremely high at this time and we urge everyone to follow these restrictions in order to protect them. After all, we are all in this together.
With the issuance of the latest Executive Order, Oregon Law enforcement will continue to follow an education first approach. Oregon Law Enforcement will only take enforcement action (criminal citations) as a last resort. As with most enforcement decision making, discretion will be used if/when any Executive Order enforcement action is taken. Oregon Law Enforcement recognizes that we cannot arrest or enforce our way out of the pandemic. We can however work together in following these restrictions to make our communities a safer and healthy place.
We include the following recommendations when it comes to reporting Executive Order violations.
- Business/workplace violations-Please report these to Oregon OSHA.
- Restaurant/Bars-Please report these violations to OSHA or OLCC.
Oregon Law Enforcement is faced with many challenges one of which is typically receiving more police calls for service than available resources to respond. Because of this, we ask the public to follow the above-mentioned recommendations for reporting alleged violations of the Executive Order.
New measures take effect Wednesday, Nov. 18, in all Oregon counties
(Portland, OR) — Governor Kate Brown today 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 measures will be in effect from Nov. 18 through Dec. 2, statewide. 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.
“Since I announced a Two-Week Pause one week ago, we are seeing an alarming spike in both cases and hospitalizations,” said Governor Brown. “The virus is spreading in the community and, every day, it is infecting more and more Oregonians. This situation is dangerous and our hospitals have been sounding the alarms. If we want to give Oregon a fighting chance, we must take further measures to flatten the curve and save lives. I know this is hard, and we are weary. But, we are trying to stop this ferocious virus from quickly spreading far and wide. And in Oregon, we actually can do this.
“Given the data and modeling we are seeing, my public health experts tell me that some counties will need longer to flatten the curve. So I want to be very clear that there are some COVID-19 hotspot counties that will likely need to stay in the Freeze for much longer than two weeks. Multnomah County, for example, will be in this Freeze for at least four weeks. Our actions right now, no matter where in the state you live, are critical.”
The Two-Week Freeze measures include:
- Limiting social get-togethers (indoors and outdoors) to no more than six people, total, from no more than two households.
- Limiting faith-based organizations to a maximum of 25 people indoors or 50 people outdoors.
- Limiting eating and drinking establishments to take-out and delivery only.
- Closing gyms and fitness organizations.
- Closing indoor recreational facilities, museums, indoor entertainment activities, and indoor pools and sports courts.
- Closing zoos, gardens, aquariums, outdoor entertainment activities, and outdoor pools.
- Limiting grocery stores and pharmacies to a maximum of 75% capacity and encouraging curbside pickup.
- Limiting retail stores and retail malls (indoor and outdoor) to a maximum of 75% capacity and encouraging curbside pickup.
- Closing venues (that host or facilitate indoor or outdoor events).
- Requiring all businesses to mandate work-from-home to the greatest extent possible and closing offices to the public.
- Prohibiting indoor visiting in long-term care facilities (outdoor visitation permitted for supporting quality of life).
The Two-Week Freeze does not apply to or change current health and safety protocols for personal services (such as barber shops, hair salons, and non-medical massage therapy), congregate homeless sheltering, outdoor recreation and sports, youth programs, childcare, K-12 schools, K-12 sports currently allowed, current Division 1 and professional athletics exemptions, and higher education — all of which can continue operating under previous guidance issued by the Oregon Health Authority.
For all other permitted activities listed above, the Oregon Health Authority will be issuing sector-specific guidance within the next week. Sectors without specific prohibitions or guidance must operate under this general employer guidance.
Governor Brown's full remarks are available here.
A link to Governor Brown's press conference is available here.
There will be a free community drive-thru COVID-19 testing event on Saturday, November 21st, 2020 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Cascade High School (10226 Marion Road, SE, Turner).
All are welcome, regardless of immigration status. Your information will be kept confidential and not shared with anyone. No symptoms required. No I.D. required.
Pre-registration is recommended by visiting http://www.santiamhospital.org/coronavirus or calling Enedina Lopez, Interface Network, at (503) 910-4908.
Measures take effect Nov. 11 in Malheur, Marion, Multnomah, Jackson, and Umatilla Counties, with five additional counties close to triggering these measures
(Portland, OR) — Governor Kate Brown today announced new measures pausing social activities to help stop the rapid spread of COVID-19 in counties where community transmission is on the rise. These pause measures will be in effect for two weeks, from Nov. 11 through Nov. 25, for Malheur, Marion, Multnomah, Jackson, and Umatilla Counties. Based on increasing statewide case counts, as well as increased sporadic case rates in these five counties, the new public health measures to reduce spread are an effort to save lives in Oregon.
Five additional counties––Washington, Baker, Union, Clackamas, and Linn––are close to the COVID-19 thresholds that would necessitate adding them to the Two-Week Pause. The Oregon Health Authority will examine their COVID-19 metrics on Monday to determine if those counties qualify.
“It is alarming that recent high case rates are not linked to any specific outbreaks, but rather reflective of sporadic community spread,” said Governor Brown. “We are seeing in real time how this virus can quickly snowball out of control. This Two-Week Pause is a series of measures and recommendations intended to curb human contact — both through reducing the amount of people we interact with, and the frequency of those encounters. We must stop this virus from spreading. We must preserve our hospital capacity. And we must save lives.”
The Two-Week Pause measures include:
- Urging all businesses to mandate work from home to the greatest extent possible.
- Pausing long-term care facility visits that take place indoors to protect staff and residents.
- Reducing maximum restaurant capacity to 50 people (including customers and staff) for indoor dining, with a maximum party size of six. Continuing to encourage outdoor dining and take out.
- Reducing the maximum capacity of other indoor activities to 50 people (includes gyms, fitness organizations/studios, bowling alleys, ice rinks, indoor sports, pools, and museums).
- Limiting social gatherings to your household, or no more than six people if the gathering includes those from outside your household, reducing the frequency of those social gatherings (significantly in a two-week period), and keeping the same six people in your social gathering circle.
Governor Brown added: “I am also calling on Congress to pass another COVID-19 relief package immediately when they return to DC—including another $600 weekly benefit in enhanced Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation—due to the increase of COVID-19 cases and the need for rollbacks both here in Oregon and nationwide.”
The Two-Week Pause is being instituted in counties with a case rate above 200 per 100,000 people over a two-week period, or more than 60 cases over a two-week period for counties with less than 30,000 people. These measures replace the County Watch List process that Governor Brown instituted in July.
Governor Brown's full remarks are available here.
A link to Governor Brown's press conference is available here.
Willamette Workforce Partnership has opened a 4th round of grant funds to eligible businesses, as of October 19th. The criteria for eligibility has been expanded, and the grant maximums have increased, so we anticipate funds will be awarded at a very fast pace. Applications will be available on
willwp.org until all funding is no longer available.
Updated October 7, 2020
The Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency (MWVCAA) is operating a robust Rent Relief program through ARCHES. Whereby eligible households who have been impacted by a COVID emergency can receive rental assistance. These are funds provided by Oregon Housing and Community Services; dedicated to helping Oregonians during this crisis. Additional eligibility criteria includes being below 80% Area Median Income per household size (https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/il/il2020/2020summary.odn). Citizenship status is not required.
To learn more, please visit: https://mwvcaa.org/programs/the-arches-project/covid-rent-relief/
To access, households should call (503) 399-9080, Ext. 4003 for a housing assessment. These are offered Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in English and Spanish (other languages are available as needed). After an assessment is performed, the household is directly referred to the MWVCAA Prevention Team for processing.
Details on program documents that households can begin preparing are included in the files below. If you have any questions please contact ARCHES at (503) 399-9080 to speak with a customer representative.
MWVCAA - Rent Relief flyer in English and Spanish.pdf
If you need assistance with utilities, please contact MWVCAA's Energy Services at (503) 588-9016.
GoFundMe has partnered with Yelp and Intuit QuickBooks to create a Small Business Relief Fund to help small businesses negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Each of these three companies has contributed $500,000 to the Fund, and it's receiving additional donations from the public. The fund will provide $500 grants to any small business that raises $500 on GoFundMe. To learn more visit https://www.gofundme.com/c/small-business-relief-initiative-and-fund-faqs
New temporary moratorium for non-payment evictions effective from September 30 through December 31, 2020
(Salem, OR) — In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the widespread devastation caused by wildfires, Governor Kate Brown today established a new moratorium preventing residential evictions for non-payment and other no-cause evictions between September 30 and December 31, 2020.
Governor Brown took immediate action in March and April through executive orders to keep Oregonians housed during the pandemic. In the first special session of this year, the Legislature passed House Bill 4213, establishing a residential and commercial eviction moratorium through September 30, 2020, with a six-month repayment period. The Governor’s new executive order will help keep Oregonians in their homes until the Legislature can convene later this year to address housing issues.
“Every Oregonian deserves a warm, safe, dry place to call home,” said Governor Brown. “Since the Legislature passed House Bill 4213, thousands of people have been displaced by massive and devastating wildfires, and the global pandemic continues to make it difficult for many Oregonians, including Oregon's veterans and many families with children, to pay rent, through no fault of their own.
“Keeping economically vulnerable Oregonians in their homes has been critical to the State’s COVID-19 response throughout this pandemic. Having a safe and stable home allows individuals to practice effective physical distancing, helps facilitate quarantine and isolation, and helps to prevent families and individuals from being displaced from their homes into more crowded multifamily or congregate living conditions, where the virus can spread more easily.
“Housing is a critical human need, and, as we enter cold and flu season during a pandemic––and as many students learn remotely from home––it is absolutely critical that people not be turned out of their homes. While my action today will address the immediate issue of preventing residential evictions through the end of the year, it is my hope that, when the Legislature next meets, they will take up the larger issues we need to address regarding housing relief.”
EO 20-56 establishes a new, temporary residential eviction moratorium through the end of the year, due to the urgent need to prevent a wave of evictions during simultaneous wildfire and pandemic emergency response and recovery efforts. Both crises have had an acute and disproportionate impact on Oregon's communities of color, including Black, Indigenous, Latino, Latina, and Latinx, Pacific Islander, and Tribal communities, as well as families living in rural Oregon.
Added Governor Brown: "Many of the Oregonians most impacted by the pandemic and wildfire crises are those who can afford it least, and who have already faced housing discrimination and vast disparities in the availability of affordable housing. My action today will provide immediate relief, but we still have much work to do to address the systemic racism that lies at the heart of the affordable housing crisis in our country."
The full text of Governor Brown’s executive order is available here.
The Oregon Legislature has approved a $35 million program to provide financial relief to Oregonians who may have experienced an economic hardship due to COVID-19. Oregon is partnering with the private sector to deliver one-time, $500 emergency relief payments.
You may be eligible for this payment if you:
- Are a current resident of Oregon.
- Can prove your identity.
- Are experiencing severe financial hardship due to the Governor’s Executive orders 20-07 or 20-12 or indirectly hardship due to the orders.
- These are the ‘Stay Home, Save Lives’ orders that closed many restaurants and personal services to slow the spread of COVID-19. Many sectors – like personal transportation services – were indirectly affected by the orders and may have resulted in a loss of income.
- Earned $4,000/month or less pre-tax prior to your income loss due to COVID-19.
- Are NOT current on your unemployment payments:
- Current means you have received all payments for weeks claimed except for the current claim week. Applicants should count base payments for traditional Unemployment Insurance and the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program – not the $600 enhanced payment that ended July 31, 2020. Do not count your waiting week to determine whether or not you are current.
- You may be eligible if you never applied for or were denied unemployment.
- You may be eligible if you are not current on unemployment benefits but have since returned to work.
Providing false statements may subject you to repayment of any benefit received.
To learn more about the program and how to apply, visit: https://emergencychecks.oregon.gov/
Salem, Ore. – Applications are now live and open for Oregon’s Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) Cultural Support program. Funds allocated to the Oregon Cultural Trust will be available to Oregon cultural organizations facing losses due to the COVID-19 health crisis. The $25.9 million in funding was made available through a $50 million relief package for Oregon culture recently approved by the Emergency Board of the Oregon Legislature.
The distribution plan for the CRF Cultural Support program was approved at the Aug. 6 Cultural Trust Board of Directors meeting. Applications are due by noon on Monday, Aug. 24, and approved funds must be distributed by Sept. 15.
“We are grateful to the members of our Board for authorizing us to move forward with the distribution plan as soon as possible,” said Brian Rogers, executive director of the Cultural Trust. “We have worked hard to develop a statewide, equitable distribution plan and look forward to supporting our cultural community in surviving this unprecedented crisis.”
All Oregon cultural nonprofits and community venues are welcome to apply. Eligible grant recipients include, but are not limited to, cultural institutions, county fairgrounds, cultural entities within federally recognized Indian Tribes based in Oregon, and festivals and community event organizations. Funds will be distributed through the Cultural Trust statewide network of County and Tribal Cultural Coalitions. Funding will be determined based on eligible request amounts, an award allocation formula that establishes a base amount of funds per county or tribe and the organization’s fiscal size. COVID-19 expenses previously reimbursed by other federal CARES Act programs are not eligible. Complete guidelines are posted on the Cultural Trust website.
The intended use of the CRF Cultural Support funds is to provide financial assistance to cultural nonprofit organizations and community venues that have canceled or postponed public programming because of public health executive orders associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Guidelines for the funding are in accordance with the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
The federal CARES Act requires that CRF funding only be used to cover expenses that: are necessary expenditures incurred due to the public health emergency; were not accounted for in the budget most recently approved as of March 27, 2020 (the date of enactment of the CARES Act); and were incurred during the period that begins on March 1, 2020, and ends on Dec. 30, 2020.
The Cultural Trust is committed to serving Oregon’s culturally diverse and traditionally underserved communities.
Are you a homeowner struggling to make your mortgage payment? Oregonians whose income has been negatively affected by COVID-19 are eligible for foreclosure protection. To learn more view the Oregon Housing and Community Services Flyer and visit their website.
On Wednesday, Governor Kate Brown announced several new measures to help suppress COVID-19 in Oregon and drive transmission rates back down, effective today, Friday, July 24.
In the press conference, OHA State Health Officer Dr. Dean Sidelinger discussed the reasoning behind some of the new rules:
- Reducing gathering sizes in venues from 250 to 100 across the state: Taking this action, even in Phase II counties, means fewer people will be close together in confined spaces.
- That reduces the risk of "super-spreader" events seen in our state and around the nation.
- The farther we are apart, the harder we make it for the virus to spread.
- New mask requirements: We learn more about COVID-19 every day. The science is growing and clear that masks slow the spread of COVID-19.
- Masks protect other people from virus-laden droplets that might be transmitted by the wearer.
- There's also emerging evidence that masks protect the wearer from other people by filtering out some virus particles that can cause infection.
- Imposing a 10 p.m. curfew on all restaurants and bars: Wherever people gather, there's a higher risk COVID-19 will be present and will pose a danger.
- Many restaurants and bars have made efforts to provide a safer experience to their customers.
- However, a uniform statewide curfew curtails the amount of time people can interact in restaurants and bars, which means fewer opportunities for COVID-19 to spread.
He also discussed what's driving increased COVID-19 cases in Oregon.
Big outbreaks have become less of a factor. Large outbreaks in workplaces, long-term care facilities and other settings account for a diminishing proportion of recent cases. Oregon also has more resources to assist with isolation and quarantine. For people to stay limit the spread of disease to others they often need help with shelter, food and other necessities.
However, sporadic cases are growing. Sporadic cases are people who become infected with COVID-19 and don't have any epidemiological link to any other known case. As of last week, 47 percent of cases in Oregon can't be traced to a known case. That means the virus is circulating more widely in the community - diffuse and largely undetected.
Oregon's contact tracing capacity is under strain. Last week, case investigators were only able to contact 93 percent of new cases within 24 hours of diagnosis, which is below our goal of 95 percent. That dip adds urgency to our efforts to bolster investigation and contact tracing capacity across the state - and our need to contain community spread.
You can watch the full press briefing on OHA's YouTube channel.
Effective July 24, children 5 and up to wear face coverings
Portland, OR—— In light of the continued spread of COVID-19 in Oregon––including a troubling rise in cases of community spread that cannot be traced and contained––Governor Kate Brown today announced new statewide health and safety measures, including new requirements for face coverings and businesses, effective Friday, July 24. Unless the spread of COVID-19 begins to slow, the Governor made clear that additional restrictions would be necessary.
“Oregon, we ventured out onto the ice together and that ice has begun to crack. Before we fall through the ice, we need to take steps to protect ourselves and our community,” said Governor Kate Brown. “So it’s time for further actions to slow the spread of this disease. Keep in mind, this is not an on or off switch. This disease is something that, for the time being, we must live with. However, when we see numbers rise, we must respond in turn. We must dim the lights. We must scale back, limit our interactions, take more precautions.”
Beginning July 24, the following new requirements will apply:
Face Coverings
- Face coverings will be required for all Oregonians ages five and up in indoor public spaces and outdoors when six feet of distance cannot be maintained.
- Face coverings will be required even in cases of physical exertion indoors, and outdoors when six feet of distance cannot be maintained.
Businesses
- The maximum indoor capacity limit is capped at 100 for all venues in Phase II counties and for restaurants and bars in Phase I or II counties.
- Restaurants and bars will be required to stop serving customers at 10:00 P.M statewide.
A recording of the Governor’s press conference from Wednesday, July 22, is available here.
A full transcript of the Governor’s remarks from Wednesday, July 22, is available here.
Updated guidance will be posted to coronavirus.oregon.gov.
The Stayton Family Memorial Pool will have a limited reopening beginning July 20, 2020. The
City's Phased Reopening Plan has been updated to reflect this. Additional information can be found on the
Pool's webpage.
WorkSource Willamette would like to invite Dislocated Workers to attend a virtual Rapid Response Information Session that will provide information about resources and services available.
These sessions will be held every Thursday in July from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and information includes:
- Registering for Unemployment Insurance
- Healthcare Options
- Job Search Assistance
- Training or Retraining Opportunities
- Skills and Aptitude Assessments
- Labor Market Information
This information can help you navigate through these uncertain and frightening times and plan your next steps as you transition from employment to training, job search activities or new employment opportunities.
Register in advance for this webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_lcKeVuwvR8Ctl9UkAXOdDQ
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
The Oregon Health Authority has updated the statewide face covering guidance FAQs. Here is the
link.
Salem, OR — Support for businesses in Marion, Polk and Yamhill Counties impacted by the COVID -19 pandemic is available. Financial assistance is available thanks to grants from Business Oregon and the Oregon Community Foundation. Willamette Workforce Partnership will be managing the grant process.
The first round of funding will be distributed to businesses in the three county area with up to 25 employees. The amount of the grant will be dependent upon number of employees and fixed operating expenses. Grant amounts will range from $2,500 to $25,000. Applications will be available on the Willamette Workforce Partnership website (willwp.org) on Tuesday, July 21 at noon. Applications will close at noon on Thursday, July 23.
Eligible businesses must be headquartered in Oregon, have 25 or fewer employees, have been adversely affected by Executive Order 20-12 or have a one-month decline in sales greater than 50% in the month of March or April 2020. For profit and nonprofit organizations are eligible. If a business has accessed federal CARES Act funding, they are not eligible for this program.
“During this pandemic, we have seen many opportunities to support businesses adversely impacted. This grant program will allow us to serve both profit and non-profit companies, and can support businesses with more employees. We look forward to helping make a difference for companies as our society learns to live with the situation we are all facing. We are pleased to partner with the Mid-Willamette Valley Council of Governments to help make a difference in our community during these challenging times.” said Kim Parker-Llerenas, Executive Director, Willamette Workforce Partnership.
For more information, visit https://willwp.org/.
Marion County Emergency Management has compiled an updated list as of July 1, 2020, of COVID-19 Resources. It can be viewed
here or under the Helpful Resources tab above.
Updated June 30, 2020:
A statewide face covering requirement goes into effect on July 1st.
For further information, you can visit: https://govstatus.egov.com/OR-OHA-COVID-19
Originally Posted June 23, 2020:
Beginning June 24th, Governor Brown is requiring face coverings to be worn in Marion, Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas, Hood River, Polk and Lincoln counties in indoor public spaces.
For further information, you can visit: https://govstatus.egov.com/OR-OHA-COVID-19
New modeling of the COVID-19 virus shows that COVID-19 is spreading more rapidly in Oregon, according to the latest model released today by the Oregon Health Authority and the Institute for Disease Modeling.
The model, which is based on data through June 18, offers three projections -- optimistic, moderate and pessimistic -- predicting that daily case levels could rise as much as 20 percentage points.
The modeling assumes that hospitalizations from COVID-19 remain stable and testing remains at its present level of approximately 4,000 a day:
The optimistic scenario with those assumptions suggests the previous modeling increase of June 11 was the result of higher testing and that case counts would remain stable at about 180 per day over the next month. This is the least likely scenario to occur because it assumes diagnosis of all new cases and presently about one-third of new infections cannot be traced to a known source.
The moderate scenario suggests the rise in cases in the last modeling report was due to increased transmission and expanded testing -- and that daily infections of COVID-19 could rise over the next month to more than 900 per day, with daily hospitalizations rising from 8 to 27.
The most pessimistic scenario suggests the rise in cases in the last modeling report was due entirely to increased transmission and not expanded testing -- and that infections could rise to more than 4,800, and hospitalizations could increase to 82 per day.
"We know that COVID-19 is in our communities," said Dean Sidelinger, MD, Oregon state health officer. "This latest model provides us with a sobering reminder that we all need to guard against continued spread, especially as we continue to reopen and the weather gets warmer."
Dr. Sidelinger said, "Think hard about your choice of activities, especially as we get close to the Fourth of July holiday. Ask yourself: how can I reduce my risk and the risk I might pose to people around me?" Do what you can to suppress the virus: Stay 6 feet away from other people. Wear a mask. Avoid large gatherings, and if you are in a group setting -- like a holiday barbeque -- stay outside, keep your distance and use a face covering when you’re not eating. Wash your hands frequently and stay home if you’re sick.
OHA uses this modeling for data analysis and planning purposes and releases it on a bi-weekly basis. The entire report can be found here.
Note: Dr. Dean Sidelinger will hold OHA’s regular weekly media briefing today at 11 a.m. To participate, media are invited to call 844-867-6163, participant code: 593699.
Due to the lack of definitive knowledge about the lifespan of COVID-19 on library materials and the amount of restrictions that would be required to have the public in the building, the Stayton Public Library building will remain closed at this time. The Library will increase its curbside service, doubling the number of pick-up times, and adding hours on Saturday. The Library will also continue to provide virtual and passive programming including a comprehensive Summer Reading program for all ages with options for a paper version.
We will monitor the situation going forward and adjust as we receive guidance and information, including test results from the national study being done by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The research should help to define best practices for the safe handling of library materials to mitigate exposure to the public and library staff.
*Following best practices from the State Library of Oregon and the Oregon Library Association
The Stayton Public Library will:
- Increase the amount of available curbside pick up appointment times and add additional hours on Saturday.
- Enable holds to be placed online at catalog.ccrls.org or by phone at (503) 769-3313.
- Fulfill holds for Stayton items only. Holds can be placed on items at other CCRLS libraries but will not be fulfilled until courier service resumes.
- Provide an online calendar for patrons to schedule pick up appointments at www.staytonoregon.gov/page/library_pickup and book appointments over the phone at (503) 769-3313.
- Increase reader’s advisory service to assist patrons who need reading suggestions.
- Use a quarantine system for returns.
- Require staff to wear masks and gloves to ensure employee and patron safety when checking materials in and out, working with returns, packing hold bags, and delivering holds to the table outside for pick up appointments.
- Provide a virtual Summer Reading program for all ages.
Guidance applies to Multnomah, Clackamas, Washington, Marion, Polk, Hood River, and Lincoln Counties, effective June 24
(Salem, OR) — Governor Kate Brown today issued updated guidance from the Oregon Health Authority regarding the use of face coverings in indoor public spaces for Multnomah, Clackamas, Washington, Marion, Polk, Hood River, and Lincoln Counties, effective Wednesday, June 24. The guidance applies to businesses and members of the public visiting those businesses.
The full guidance document is available here.
“As we learn more about COVID-19, evidence continues to mount that face coverings play a critical role in reducing transmission,” said Governor Brown. “We have to live with this disease for a while. And that is going to require adjusting our habits––taking the simple step of covering our nose and mouth in spaces where we interact with others.
“We wear face coverings to protect the doctors and nurses working day and night in hospitals and clinics around the state. We wear them to protect our elderly neighbors. We wear them to protect kids in cancer treatment and people with compromised immune systems. We wear them to protect the grocery store clerk and the pizza delivery gal. We wear them because we don’t want to accidentally kill someone.
“It’s really that simple. Face coverings save lives.”
The guidance applies to businesses including grocery stores, gyms and fitness studios, pharmacies, public transit agencies, personal services providers, restaurants and bars, retail stores, shopping malls, and ride sharing services. In counties that have entered Phase 2 of reopening, the guidance also applies to swimming pools, indoor entertainment facilities, indoor venues, and indoor recreational sports facilities.
Under the new guidance, businesses must require employees, contractors, volunteers, customers, and visitors to wear a mask, face covering, or face shield unless an accommodation or exemption applies. For example, face coverings are not required in restaurants and bars while eating or drinking, or at swimming pools while swimming.
Children under 12 years of age, as well as people with a disability or a medical condition that prevent them from wearing a face covering, are not required to wear one. (This guidance applies to customers and visitors of businesses, and is separate from the guidance and recommendations issued by the Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon Department of Education regarding children in schools.)
Acceptable face coverings can be cloth, paper, or disposable, including bandanas and homemade masks.
Counties not included in the face coverings guidance may request to opt in at any time.
Additional guidance and information about the reopening process under the Governor’s plan to build a safe and strong Oregon is available at coronavirus.oregon.gov.
A video message from the Governor about the new requirements from Wednesday, June 17, is available here.
A recording of the Governor’s press conference from Thursday, June 18, is available here.
A full transcript of the Governor’s remarks from Thursday, June 18, is available here.
City of Stayton playgrounds are now open for public use. Please be advised that the use of the playground equipment and park amenities is to be done at the risk of you and any children in your care. The playground equipment and amenities will not be cleaned or sanitized by the City.
Per the Centers for Disease Control (CDC):
Carefully consider use of playgrounds, and help children follow guidelines. Playgrounds can be hard to keep safe because:
- They are often crowded and could make social distancing difficult
- It can be difficult to keep surfaces clean and disinfected
- SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, can spread when young children touch contaminated objects, and then touch their eyes, nose, or mouth.
If you choose to visit a playground:
- Maintain a distance of at least 6 feet away from people you don’t live with.
- Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Adults and older children who can safely use hand sanitizer: Use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol and rub hands together until dry, if soap and water are not readily available
- Wear a cloth face covering, if you can. Cloth face coverings should not be placed on:
- Children under age 2
- Anyone who has trouble breathing
For the safety of others, adults and children with these symptoms should avoid the playground or park amenities. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:
- Fever or chills, Cough, Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, Fatigue, Muscle or body aches, Headache, New loss of taste or smell, Sore throat, Congestion or runny nose Nausea or vomiting, Diarrhea
These temporary guidelines may change as state or federal agencies update their guidelines.
We wanted to share this great fact sheet that talks about how to stay alert to misinformation about COVID-19.
Portland, OR—Governor Kate Brown released the following statement today:
“Last week I issued a statewide pause on all county applications to move into Phase 1 or Phase 2. This meant holding off on reviewing the reopening applications from Hood River, Marion, Multnomah, and Polk Counties.
“I instituted the statewide pause because of the rising number of cases in both rural and urban communities. I did this to give public health experts time to assess what factors are driving the spread of the virus and make adjustments to our reopening strategy.
“Since then, the Oregon Health Authority has continued to analyze data in the state, including the source of the growth in new cases, hospitalizations, results of contact tracing, and other metrics. Additionally, I have consulted with independent health experts, business leaders, and local elected officials. Today, I am announcing the following four decisions:
“First, I will be instituting a requirement to wear face coverings while in indoor public spaces, such as grocery stores and other businesses, for the following counties: Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas, Hood River, Marion, Polk, and Lincoln. This mandate will be effective beginning Wednesday, June 24.
“Second, I am moving Marion, Polk, and Hood River Counties to Phase 2 beginning Friday, June 19. Marion and Polk Counties are seeing a decline in hospitalizations, and Hood River has had only one new hospital admission in the past two weeks. All three counties have implemented timely follow up on cases in the past week.
“Third, I am allowing Multnomah County to move to Phase 1 starting Friday, June 19. While Multnomah County has seen an increase in new cases recently, the county has not experienced an uptrend in new hospital admissions, and overall hospitalizations remain well within capacity.
“Finally, I will be grouping several counties together as regional units for future reopening decisions. This will apply to the tri-county area––Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas Counties will be treated as a single unit in future reopening decisions. And Marion and Polk Counties, which each include parts of the City of Salem, will also be treated as a unit going forward. Both of these regions include a highly-connected urban area, making it difficult to monitor the disease based solely on the contours of county jurisdictional lines.
“As a result of these decisions, the entire tri-county region will remain in Phase 1 for at least 21 days after June 19 before the three counties together will become eligible for Phase 2. I know this impacts communities and businesses in Clackamas and Washington counties but, as we reopen our state, we must recognize how interconnected the metro area is.
“The next few weeks will be difficult, and we will be monitoring the data regularly. We are much better prepared than we were in early March. We have increased PPE, much more widespread testing, and many more contact tracers.
“However, if hospitalizations spike too rapidly, if the capacity of our health care system is threatened, we will be forced to revert to stricter rules.
“Our entire ability to reopen and stay open is dependent on whether each of us follows basic health and safety protections. Stay home if you feel sick, wear a face covering, keep six feet of distance, avoid crowds, and wash your hands regularly. We truly are all in this together.”
Governor Brown released a video statement along with this press statement, which is available here.
The Governor’s Office also provided a more detailed update from the Oregon Health Authority on the trends in cases of COVID-19 in Oregon.
As communities and businesses are opening, you may be looking for ways to resume some daily activities as safely as possible. While there is no way to ensure zero risk of infection, it is important to understand potential risks and how to adopt different types of prevention measures to protect yourself and to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/activities.html
Since early March, the world has been gripped in a global pandemic as the SARS Coronavirus 2 has spread. These past three months in Oregon have been difficult on all businesses. Many have been required to close their doors. Others have seen a massive disruption in their business model as they have had to switch to take out and delivery only, reduced hours, and seen their customer base reduced to a trickle. The City of Stayton is pleased to announce the initiation of a COVID-19 Emergency Business Assistance Program, focused on the smaller businesses in our community. Funded in part by the City and in part by a forgivable loan from the Oregon Business Development Department, the City will be providing grants to qualifying businesses that have a physical presence within the City limits.
In order to be eligible for a grant, the business must have had no more than 15 employees at the end of February, be able to demonstrate that they have been impacted by the shutdown around the virus, and not received federal pandemic assistance. Businesses that have been ordered closed by Governor Brown’s executive orders are eligible. Businesses that have been able to operate during the shutdown must show that their sales or revenue in March or April is 50% of January’s or February’s. Non-profit organizations are eligible for assistance and must show that their revenue in March and April 2020 is 50% of 2019’s revenue for the same period.
The amount of the grant will depend on either the number of employees in the business or the business’s fixed operating costs. If the grant is based on the number of employees the grant amounts will range from $2,500 to $7,500. For a business that chooses to provide documentation of their actual fixed expenses, the grants may be up to $15,000.
Anticipating that the requests for funding will exceed the amount available, grantees will be randomly selected from all the eligible and complete applications. Applications must be submitted by email no later than 5:00 pm on Friday, June 19.
To learn full details, please visit this link: http://www.staytonoregon.gov/page/covid_business_assist_grant
A statement from Director Kay Erickson from the Oregon Employment Department on processing unemployment claims in Oregon was released today. To read the full statement, click
here.
The City of Stayton has released our
Phase 1 Reopening Plan. You can view the plan
here.
Elected leaders call for supporting local communities and businesses
(Portland, OR) — Memorial Day weekend is traditionally a time for Oregonians to get outside, travel to their favorite vacation destinations, and welcome the return of summer. Today, Governor Kate Brown was joined by a bipartisan group of 26 mayors from across the state in urging all Oregonians, especially Portland metro area residents, to keep it local this Memorial Day weekend to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
After the sacrifices Oregonians have made to stay home to save lives, counties are just now beginning the process of gradually and safely reopening their communities and economies. Phase I counties worked hard to make sure they have the hospital capacity to treat COVID-19 patients from their communities, and the ability to test, trace, and isolate new cases. But those resources will be quickly overwhelmed if visitors flood Oregon’s reopened communities this weekend and unknowingly spark a COVID-19 outbreak.
Governor Kate Brown was joined by the bipartisan group of mayors from across the state today in urging Oregonians to stay close to home, and to support local businesses and communities this this Memorial Day weekend:
“Together we are asking all Oregonians to please keep it local this Memorial Day. Be good neighbors this weekend––stay local and stay safe.
“If you love the coast, stay home for now and plan your trip in the summer. If you love the Columbia Gorge, keep it local this weekend and visit later on. If you love Central Oregon, it’ll still be there in a few weeks.
“This Memorial Day weekend, a backyard barbecue or a small family gathering is the best way to stay healthy as we build a safe and strong Oregon. If you want to get outdoors, find a place to hike or bike or paddle close to home. And, please, wear a face covering when you are around others.”
Signed by:
Governor Kate Brown
Cannon Beach Mayor Sam Steidel
Seaside Mayor Jay Barber
Lincoln City Mayor Dick Anderson
Astoria Mayor Bruce Jones
Florence Mayor Joe Henry
Newport Mayor Dean Sawyer
Tillamook Mayor Suzanne Weber
Coos Bay Mayor Joe Benetti
Wheeler Mayor Stevie Burden
Gearhart Mayor Matt Brown
Bandon Mayor Mary Schamehorn
Yachats Mayor W. John Moore
Depoe Bay Mayor Robert Gambino
Garibaldi Mayor Judy Riggs
Warrenton Mayor Henry Balensifer
Ashland Mayor John Stromberg
Klamath Falls Mayor Carol Westfall
Redmond Mayor George Endicott
Bend Mayor Sally Russell
Willamina Mayor Ila Skyberg
Newberg Mayor Rick Rogers
McMinnville Mayor Scott Hill
Eugene Mayor Lucy Vinis
Springfield Mayor Christine Lundberg
Cascade Locks Mayor Tom Cramblett
Hood River Mayor Kate McBride
To learn more about the reopening, you can visit Reopening Marion County.
The following is a press release from Marion County:
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On Wednesday, May 20, 2020, Governor Kate Brown and the Oregon Health Authority approved the Community Roadmap for a Limited Reopening of Marion County starting Friday, May 22.
The approved plan represents a collaboration with state and county health experts, local leaders, and regional public health partners. According to Commission Chair Colm Willis, “We are proud of what our communities and public health teams have accomplished to slow the spread of COVID-19. As we have all worked together to protect public health, we have also seen businesses closed and livelihoods destroyed. Our plan encourages businesses, churches, and other organizations to move forward in a limited capacity while continuing to protect the health of our community.”
Phase 1 of the approved community roadmap allows reopening of several types of businesses and services, while keeping sanitation, physical distancing, face covering, and crowd size measures in place. Eventually, phases 2 and 3 of the plan allow for increased gathering sizes and resumption of non-essential travel, nursing home and hospital visits, and additional seating at restaurants, bars, and other venues. The county is required to remain in Phase 1 for at least 21 days, and advancement to phases 2 and 3 will be allowed only if public health monitoring indicates it is safe.
Throughout reopening, anyone who feels sick should remain at home. Additionally, high-risk individuals who are over 65 years of age or suffering chronic illnesses should continue to remain home as much as possible. All businesses and organizations that choose to reopen should follow state guidelines, many of which are described in detail sector by sector. We encourage all individuals to continue to follow physical distancing guidelines.
In recognition that additional restrictions and guidelines may be needed as circumstances evolve, we remain committed to working with the Governor’s office, the Oregon Health Authority, and local health and community partners to monitor progress and refine the roadmap as needed.
Below you will find the new guidance on Mask and Face Coverings for Business, Transit, and the Public.
In response to effects the COVID-19 pandemic has had on our community, and the growing needs of individuals and families throughout Marion County, Health & Human Services has set up a warmline to connect those in need with resources available to support them. The warmline is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at (503) 576-4602.
Marion County Today Newsletter from Marion County Commissioners:
On Thursday, May 14, 2020, Governor Kate Brown and the Oregon Health Authority determined that Marion County’s application for a limited reopening must be deferred to a later date. While many counties across Oregon will begin reopening on May 15, others, including Marion and Polk counties, will not yet reopen. Our application will be reviewed by the state again next Wednesday, May 20.
Meanwhile, statewide and in Marion County, some stand-alone “Main Street” retail businesses, such as furniture stores, art galleries, jewelry stores, and boutiques, can reopen on May 15 if they agree to follow safety guidelines. Additionally, childcare, summer school, camps, and youth programs can reopen with specific limitations and guidelines. To review the Governor's specific guidelines, click here.
We also want our community to know that all county parks and boat ramps will be open for day use beginning May 15 (playgrounds will remain closed).
In response to Governor Brown’s decision, Commission Chair Colm Willis shared, “My heart goes out to all of the people who have been affected by this virus, including all of the family-owned businesses and their employees who have not had a paycheck for more than two months. We will continue to do everything we can to fight the spread of COVID-19 in our community and get the people of Marion County back to work as soon as possible.”
We remain committed to working with the Governor’s office, the Oregon Health Authority, and local health and community partners. We are reviewing the information provided by the Governor’s Office and are considering all of our options in moving forward toward timely reopening.
Update posted May 14, 2020:
Yes, we're back with another update. Marion County has updated us this morning that location and hours have changed!
Yes, there will be a ballot box in Stayton beginning tomorrow through May 19th. However, they've changed the location to Stayton Roth's Fresh Market (1770 Shaff Road) from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. We apologize for the multiple information updates. Unfortunately, during this time of COVID-19, things seem to be ever changing.
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Originally posted May 7, 2020:
During the May 19, 2020 Primary Election season the COVID-19 pandemic could change the access, hours, and availability of ballot drop boxes.
Below are options for turning in your ballot for the May 19, 2020 election:
Mail Option
- If today is before May 12, 2020 you are strongly encouraged to return your voted ballot by mail. Postage has already been included on the envelope, and stamps are not necessary to mail a voted ballot.
- Mailing a ballot after May 12th may not leave enough time for the ballot to arrive by 8:00 p.m. on the May 19, 2020 deadline.
24-hour Ballot Drop Box Option
A 24-hour drop box is always an option, but if today is after May 12, 2020 it is the best option. Drop boxes are open and available 24-hours a day from today until 8:00 p.m. on May 19, 2020 (except Marion County Public Works).
- Mt. Angel Library (290 E Charles St - Sidewalk on Charles St, south side of Library)
- Woodburn Library (280 Garfield St - N 2nd St between Garfield and Montgomery)
- Marion County Health Building (3180 Center St, Salem - South end of the first parking meridian)
- Keizer City Hall (930 Chemawa Rd NE - In the parking lot outside of Keizer City Municipal Court and Police Department)
- Silverton (208 Lewis St - In parking lot close to Jersey St and S 1st Street intersection)
- Marion County Public Works (5115 Silverton Rd NE - Parking lot to the right of the gate entrance) Hours are M-F, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; and open 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on May 19, 2020
With children at home due to COVID-19, many families are struggling to replace meals that would have usually been provided at school. To support them, the Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) announced that children eligible for free or reduced-price meals will get cash benefits for the meals they would have received at school.
This policy change will benefit more than 351,000 students receiving free or reduced-price school meals in Oregon. This includes nearly 147,000 students already receiving Nutrition Assistance. Households will receive $5.70 per child for each normal school day for the months of March, April, May and June. This is the equivalent of one lunch and one breakfast.
Families who have experienced significant income loss may now be eligible for free or reduced-price school meals. There is still time to apply. Apply online or contact your local school.
DHS will continue to work with federal partners to provide help to Oregonians in need. To apply for Nutrition Assistance, visit needfood.oregon.gov or call 2-1-1.
Read the full details here.
During its regular weekly board session on Wednesday, May 6, 2020, the Marion County Board of Commissioners adopted a resolution for beginning to reopen businesses, restaurants, churches, and county parks. Phase 1 of the community roadmap for reopening will begin on May 15. According to Commission Chair Colm Willis, “Many people in Marion County are suffering right now. This plan ensures first and foremost, the safety of the people of Marion County and fairness for our families and small businesses.”
Working closely with our county Health and Human Services experts, local leaders, and regional public health partners, the roadmap is based on the Governor’s guidelines for reopening counties across the state. Commissioner Willis adds, “In our case, the roadmap is tailored to fit the specific needs of our communities. We have worked hard with state and regional partners to prepare a thoughtful, balanced approach to supporting a safe, strong, and thriving Marion County.”
In Phase 1, the roadmap proposes reopening several types of businesses and services, keeping in place sanitation protocols and specific limits on physical distancing, face coverings, and crowd size until public health monitoring shows it is safe to move to later phases. Hospital visits will remain prohibited at this time, as will night clubs and most large venues.
Monitoring community health and safety is very important as the limited, phased reopening gets underway. Marion County Public Health Director Katrina Rothenberger is leading efforts to protect public health during the COVID-19 pandemic and observes that, “Local hospitals have ample capacity today and much more so than a few weeks ago when the virus first arrived in Oregon.” She goes on to add, “As businesses and other sectors begin to reopen, we will closely track new cases of the virus and will take immediate action if we see an unacceptable increase in new cases and hospitalizations.” Meanwhile, the roadmap has very specific details about what types of preventive measures are required for each type of business, venue, and activity.
Marion County is committed to working with the Governor’s office, local healthcare providers, and other community partners to update and refine the roadmap as needed.
Revised and Resubmitted - May 8, 2020 - Community Roadmap for a Limited Reopening of Marion County - Strategic Framework
Governor Kate Brown today announced the limited opening of some state parks, outdoor recreation facilities, and areas across Oregon for day use effective today, May 5, 2020, with camping opportunities becoming available as federal, state, local, and private providers are able to prepare their facilities for visitors. Ski resorts will also be able to resume activities under a new executive order that will be forthcoming. As this limited reopening occurs, it is essential that Oregonians recreate responsibly to protect the health, wellness, and safety of themselves and others in local communities.
“Enjoying Oregon’s beauty and bounty is one of our state's time-honored traditions,” said Governor Brown. “As we begin to slowly open up recreation sites, state parks, and ski areas opportunities, it is critical we ensure the health and safety of staff, volunteers, and the public. And that begins with each of us taking personal responsibility to be good stewards of our parks, and each other.”
Under the Governor’s Stay Home, Save Lives executive order, not all outdoor recreation areas were closed. However, as concerns about public health and safety due to crowding and lack of physical distancing grew, Governor Brown supported the decisions of local, state, and federal jurisdictions to close sites to protect the health and safety of their communities.
Oregon’s outdoor recreation providers and the Oregon Health Authority have partnered to create recommendations for safely and gradually offering limited outdoor recreation opportunities. This approach will not open all day use and camping opportunities at once.
Reopening outdoor recreation areas will be a phased approach as it becomes safe for some communities and recreational providers to do so, and will change the way that Oregonians visit some familiar sites. Columbia River Gorge parks and recreation areas, as well as coastal areas that are not yet ready to welcome visitors back, will remain closed for now, while the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department coordinates with local jurisdictions and partners in Washington to determine the appropriate timing for reopening.
Guidelines for responsible outdoor recreation include:
Prepare before you go:
- Limit your recreation activities, and recreate only with people in your own household.
- Check what’s open before leaving home. Your favorite trail or camp site may remain closed, or need to be closed on a temporary basis, to prevent crowding and protect public health.
- Plan ahead and come prepared as service levels may be different than you are accustomed to.
- Visitors may find limited restroom services available. Plan to bring your own soap, water, hand sanitizer, and toilet paper.
- Bring a mask to cover your nose and mouth. Visit less crowded areas, visit during off-peak times, and have a back-up plan.
- Not feeling well? Don’t go. If you have symptoms of a fever, cough, or shortness of breath, stay home.
Take care when you get there:
- Be safe and responsible by choosing activities within your comfort zone.
- Leave no trace, and pack out what you pack in.
- Maintain your own personal hygiene like washing your hands often, bringing your own water, hand sanitizer, soap, and toilet paper.
- Avoid crowds. Be prepared for last minute changes to ensure the safety and health of others.
- All of the standard ways to protect public health apply in the outdoors too, like maintaining physical distance.
- Keep at least 6 feet between you and other Oregonians enjoying the outdoors. Launch one boat at time to ensure other Oregonians have enough space to launch safely and securely.
- Leave at least one parking space between your vehicle and the vehicle next to you.
- It is wildfire season. Please remain safe and vigilant to ensure forest health and safety. Do not start fires in undesignated areas. Check if your campground or park allows outdoor fires before you strike a match. If permitted, make sure you are building a campfire properly and that you have water or an extinguisher on hand. Before you leave, ensure the campfire is out. If it's too hot to touch, it's too hot to leave.
Governor Kate Brown today introduced new plans for COVID-19 testing and contact tracing, two foundational elements of her framework for reopening Oregon safely. Ensuring adequate testing capacity and contact tracing will allow Oregon’s health care system to effectively identify and treat new cases of COVID-19, trace contacts with new cases to identify those at risk for infection, and contain new outbreaks before community spread can occur.
“As we look to reopen Oregon, it’s critical we understand the prevalence of COVID-19 across the state and use science and data to ensure we can safely take steps forward," said Governor Brown. “A strategy of testing and tracing helps us identify who has the disease and who may be at risk of infection — knowledge that is incredibly powerful as we look to reopen."
Key elements of the testing plan include:
- Voluntary, widespread testing in partnership with OHSU
- Unified coordination between all hospital labs to optimize Oregon’s available testing capacity, acting as one statewide system which will allocate resources to meet the state’s testing needs in every region
- A focus on collecting data to serve at-risk communities
The plan also expands Oregon’s testing criteria, so that anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 can be tested within 48 to 72 hours. The plan sets the goal of being able to perform 30 tests per week for every 10,000 Oregonians.
Governor Brown’s contact tracing plan sets a goal of training at least 600 contact tracers, deployed statewide by county, with a focus on recruiting individuals with cultural and linguistic competence for the populations they serve.
A full media kit is available under the Reopening Oregon Documents tab on the Oregon Health Authority’s website with more information on both plans. Documents include:
A full copy of Governor Brown’s remarks is available here.
Video of Governor Brown’s press availability is available here.
Business Oregon, alongside the Oregon Employment Department, the Oregon Secretary of State, and the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services compiled the information on this page to assist Oregon small business owners, employees, and others dealing with the impacts of COVID-19. You can view it here:
https://www.oregon4biz.com/Coronavirus-Information/
Marion County Health & Human Services has published a COVID-19 Data Dashboard which they update regularly. Additionally, it also shares Risk Category and Incidence Rate data by zip code. You can view the Data Dashboard here: https://marioncounty.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/4050705017944ffb802bdce4f2f87bca
Safe + Strong provides health information and resources in 12 languages for Oregonians who face barriers to health and wellbeing
(Portland, OR) — Governor Kate Brown, along with the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), today launched a new phase of the state's public awareness campaign to educate Oregonians about COVID-19. Safe + Strong focuses on community-centered outreach in 12 languages to connect people who are most at-risk of experiencing health disparities with the information, tools and resources they need to stay safe, healthy, and strong during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"While the coronavirus does not discriminate in who it infects, persistent disparities in our society put many Oregonians at more risk than others," said Governor Brown. "I am committed to ensuring that all Oregonians, especially those from historically-underserved communities, have the information they need to stay safe during these unprecedented times.”
While social distancing measures have slowed the spread of COVID-19 in Oregon, many Oregonians face economic and systemic barriers which prevent them from taking steps to keep themselves and their families safe. Staying home to stay safe requires resources or life circumstances that are not a reality for many Oregonians. This includes safe, stable housing, money available to stock up on groceries, a job that allows remote work, the ability to meet daily needs without assistance from a caregiver, chronic medical conditions and access to information about how to protect themselves.
Safe + Strong is a statewide effort to reach communities most impacted by health disparities with culturally relevant, linguistically responsive resources. The target audiences of this campaign, developed by the women-owned firm Brink Communications, include:
- Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) communities
- Oregonians whose preferred language is not English
- Oregonians with chronic health conditions
- Migrant and seasonal farmworkers
- Hourly wage essential workers
"We know that due to historical inequities, race and income disparities can lead to devastating health impacts,” said OHA director Patrick Allen. “We also know from our ongoing collaboration with community-based organizations that essential health information about how to stay safe has not been reaching many Oregonians. We’re committed to improving the health of all Oregonians by putting resources and tools in the hands of the people who need them.”
The Governor's Office, along with OHA, will be working directly with community leaders and organizations representing groups most impacted by health disparities. These organizations with direct ties to communities will be provided with tools and technical assistance to leverage their ongoing efforts to respond to needs during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.
“The support our communities need to stay safe and strong is going to change over time, and we need to be responsive to those changing needs,” said Monica Juarez, Willamette Valley regional outreach coordinator for OHA’s Community Partner Outreach Program. “The information and resources we develop will be informed by community voices and their lived experiences.”
The Safe + Strong campaign includes:
- A website that will serve as a trusted information hub housing culturally relevant tools and resources—including food and rental assistance, unemployment benefits and the Oregon Health Plan—in 12 languages for both individuals and community-based organizations;
- These languages are based on populations in Oregon and include: Spanish, Vietnamese, Russian, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Arabic, Korean, Hmong, Somali, Chuukese, and Marshallese
- A strategically targeted digital, radio, and print campaign to help create awareness and connect Oregonians with the resources on the website; and
- A community engagement and technical assistance effort to support community organizations in reaching and assisting Oregonians across the state.
We invite you to visit the website at safestrongoregon.org and the Spanish version of the website. Information about the campaign in other languages is available here.
A PowerPoint presentation titled
Reopening Oregon: A Public Health Framework for Restarting Public Life and Business from Governor Kate Brown's office was shared this morning and you can view it
here.
Governor Kate Brown issued Executive Order 20-16 this week, directing state and local governments to take necessary measures to facilitate public participation in decision-making, helping ensure the continued operation of local government and the delivery of essential services during the COVID-19 outbreak. Local governments across Oregon are expected to begin their budget processes this month, and this order gives them the authority and flexibility in organizing the civic engagement necessary to move forward those processes and approve spending on essential services.
“Public participation in government decision-making is fundamental to our representative form of government,” said Governor Kate Brown. “While the COVID-19 crisis has changed the way we live, work, and operate, we still must ensure that every voice is heard by elected officials and other policymakers and that the critical functions of local government can continue unimpeded.”
The order directs state and local government bodies to hold public meetings and hearings by telephone or electronic means whenever possible. When in-person meetings are necessary, it directs governments to use appropriate social distancing measures to ensure the safety of participants. The order waives in-person requirements for public testimony if testimony can be provided by telephone or electronic means.
For local government budget processes, the executive order authorizes cities, counties, school districts, and other special districts to hold budget hearings and elicit citizen participation by telephone, electronic means, or in writing, so those governments can complete their budgeting process safely and on-time, to ensure continued provision of essential government services. The order will allow local governments to complete their budget processes, so that essential services such police, fire, and emergency response, street maintenance, water and sewer, and building permitting continue uninterrupted.
All government entities are still expected to ensure their processes provide equal access to all Oregonians, and that their processes for virtual public participation do not impact accessibility.
Yesterday Governor Kate Brown shared the
Framework for reopening Oregon. You can view her the information
here.
Looking for new walking or running routes in our area?
StaytonEvents.com shared 25 Stayton Sublimity routes courtesy of the Stayton Road Runners Club. To view them visit
here.
The Oregon Office of Emergency Management has released
COVID-19 Non-Health Related FAQs covering a wide range of topics, including blood donation, volunteering, guidance on cloth masks and much, much more. To view the guide, click
here.
Below is a letter to the Stayton community from the Stayton City Council. Click on the letter below to view the full size version.
Did you hear? Santiam Service Integration Team Mobile is up and running, ready to help you. This is a free service, ready to assist Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You can reach them at (503) 409-3652 or via email at sitmobile@santiamhospital.org.
- Have you been laid off due to COVID-19 and need help with supplies like diapers or formula or hygiene items, etc? They have those items and can deliver to you!
- Are you a senior or have a weakened immune system? The SIT Team will deliver items to you. They have supplies you might need and also have volunteers who can shop for you.
- Additionally, they can assist with prescription pick up in partnership with the local Police Departments.
A huge thank you to the Santiam Service Integration Team! We appreciate you!
In light of the necessity to continue social distancing measures during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, particularly her Stay Home, Save Lives order, Governor Kate Brown today announced she is extending Oregon’s physical closures for the K-12 and post-secondary education systems through the end of the current academic term and school year. She directed school districts, community colleges, and universities to complete the final weeks of the regular academic year by continuing distance learning and support to students.
“We have Oregon’s students at the forefront of every decision we make about education,” said Governor Brown. “Their health, happiness, and safety is our priority. The best thing we can do for the health of our children, and for the thousands of educators across the state, is to give everyone certainty by announcing the decision today to close in-person classes for the remainder of the school year. School, and learning, will continue as best as we can using remote means.”
Recognizing that physical closures of schools under unprecedented circumstances impact Oregon’s high school seniors in particular, the Oregon Department of Education today released new guidance for pathways for seniors to graduate.
A full transcript of the Governor’s written remarks is available here.
View the Governor’s press conference livestream video here.
Governor Kate Brown issued the following statement today on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) new guidance regarding the use of cloth, homemade masks in public:
“This is a rapidly-evolving situation, and each day we learn more about this virus,” said Governor Brown. “Early in this pandemic, health experts advised that masks were not an effective way to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Now, the CDC has updated their guidance regarding the use of cloth, homemade masks in public: they now say that wearing cloth masks in public places like grocery stores can help prevent those who are sick––particularly unknowingly infected, asymptomatic people––from spreading the virus further.
“That last point is a very important detail: wearing a cloth mask may not keep you from getting sick, but it can help you prevent spreading the virus to others.
“The best way to stop the spread of COVID-19 is to keep following the strict social distancing guidelines we put in place early in our outbreak. Staying home is saving lives in Oregon. When you’re in public for essential activities like grocery shopping, stay six feet away from other people. Continue to wash your hands and properly cover your coughs and sneezes. I know this hasn’t been easy, and I appreciate the sacrifices Oregonians have made. The Oregon Health Authority's projections for the outbreak in Oregon indicate that the social distancing measures we've put into place may be working to stop the spread of the virus, and we must stay the course.
“Like every other strategy we have used to address this crisis, wearing homemade masks will only be effective if we all work together. Continue to stay home to the maximum extent possible, and add wearing a homemade mask to the list of precautions you are practicing when you go out in public. Make sure you are still abiding by all the social distancing measures we have in place. And, please only wear homemade masks, not medical masks that are desperately needed by our frontline health care workers treating COVID-19 patients.
“We are all in this together. So, let’s do everything we can to help those on the front lines of this fight.”
Additional guidance is available from the CDC and the Oregon Health Authority.
TELECONFERENCE MEETING
We request all citizens that are able, to view the City Council meeting from home via the City of Stayton’s live stream on YouTube. The City is using technology to make meetings available to the public without increasing the risk of exposure.
Please use the following option to view the meeting:
To maintain compliance with public meeting laws, a limited number of chairs will be provided in the building for citizens to listen to the meeting; however, social distancing is essential in reducing the spread of COVID-19 and no more than 10 people total will be allowed in the
building at one time. City officials strongly encourage all citizens to utilize YouTube to view the Council meeting rather than attending in person.
Supplemental Budget Public Hearing
If you wish to testify as part of the 2019-20 FY Supplemental Budget Public Hearing, please read the following:
- Written Testimony: It is strongly encouraged that interested parties provide testimony in writing prior to the meeting and abstain from attending the meeting in person. Written testimony submitted at least two hours prior to the meeting start time will be provided to the public body in advance of the meeting. Testimony can be provided in the manner dictated for each individual public body. Submit your written testimony to cityofstayton@ci.stayton.or.us.
- Conference Call: Should it be necessary to provide verbal testimony, it is recommended that interested parties participate via an established City conference call line. Parties interested in participating in this manner shall contact City staff at least two hours prior to the meeting start time with their name, address, and phone number they will be calling from. Contact staff at cityofstayton@ci.stayton.or.us.
- Participate in Person: Although it is strongly encouraged that people not attend the meeting in person, the opportunity will still exist to participate in the meeting at a designated meeting location. The method of this participation may include in person public testimony, access to a phone to call into meeting via a conference call line, or other available public testimony method as allowed by the Oregon State Public Meetings law. Please note that in person meeting attendance will be subject to applicable regulations in place at the time of the meeting and are subject to change.
All other public comment will be accepted as follows:
- Public Comment on Items not on the Agenda: There will be no verbal public comment. All parties interested in providing general public comments may email the comments to cityofstayton@ci.stayton.or.us and they will be distributed to the City Council.
- Public Comments on Action Items: There will be no verbal public comment on action items. All parties interested in providing public comments on action items may do so in written form. Written comments should be submitted to cityofstayton@ci.stayton.or.us. Comments received at least two hours prior to the meeting start time will be provided to the City Council in advance of the meeting.
The Paycheck Protection Program is designed to help small businesses, nonprofits, veterans’ organizations, and tribal businesses with fewer than 500 employees -- as well as sole proprietors, self-employed Oregonians, and independent contractors -- cover payroll and operational costs by awarding them with fully forgivable loans.
The program is officially live and accepting applications now.
Below are resources that have been shared with us that you may find helpful:
Business Resources
- The State of Oregon has a Work Share Program that can help businesses avoid layoffs by retaining employees who have seen reduced hours due to COVID-19. The program is available to businesses with three or more employees.
- The U.S. House Committee on Financial Services released answers to frequently asked questions regarding financial services provisions in the CARES Act.
- The U.S. Small Business Administration provides a summary of the four primary relief options for small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. These are the Paycheck Protection Program, the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Advance, SBA Debt Relief and Express Bridge Loans.
- Oregon’s agricultural producers can now apply for the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program. The federal program is part of the recently passed CARES Act. It offers loans to help businesses keep their workforce employed during the COVID-19 crisis. Producers should contact the Small Business Administration district office at (503) 326-2808 for more information.
- The CARES ACT established $349 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program, which provides relief to millions of small businesses to sustain their businesses and keep their workers employed. This news release from the U.S. Treasury Department explains the program, where business owners can go to a participating Small Business Administration lender, bank or credit union starting April 3, with funds approved the same day. Loans will be forgiven as long as the funds are used to keep employees on the payroll and for certain other expenses. View a list of approved SBA lenders in Oregon here.
- The state of Oregon is asking business owners to take a survey to learn more about how COVID-19 is impacting businesses around the state. Information gathered by this survey will be vital to policy-makers who are working to provide assistance to businesses during this crisis. The survey is open through April 15.
- Watch a Vimeo that walks through the details of the SBA grants and loan applications. The video is current as of Monday, March 31 and will be updated if the application changes.
- The not-for profit State Accident Insurance Fund has money available to SAIF policy holders to promote employee safety, reduce injuries and decrease workplace exposures to COVID-19. This fact sheet has more information on the program.
Worker and Unemployment Resources
- The Oregon Employment Department has a new blogpost about the latest unemployment insurance numbers. During the week starting March 22, the Oregon Employment Department received 92,700 initial claims for unemployment insurance benefits. That represented a 21 percent increase from the previous record during the week starting March 15. Read the full post.
- Essential workers who have to continue working during the COVID-19 crisis can find childcare resources from the state here.
- The Professional Beauty Association (PBA) and PBA Charities have created a new fund, the COVID-19 Relief Fund, and will provide $500 to licensed beauty professionals who are unable to work due to COVID-19.
This digest is a compilation of information and resources received on the evening of April 2 from the Governor's office related to employment, commerce and economic development issues surrounding COVID-19. There are numerous online resources for those seeking health-related information, including daily COVID-19 updates from the Oregon Health Authority at https://govstatus.egov.com/OR-OHA-COVID-19.
- Governor Kate Brown Announces Statewide Initiative to Support Small Businesses: Governor Kate Brown announced the launch of the Coronavirus Small Business Resource Navigator, which will help connect small businesses to financial support and information they need to stay in business through the COVID-19 crisis. Read the full news release here.
- Essential workers who have to continue working during the COVID-19 crisis can find childcare resources from the state here.
- The state of Oregon is asking business owners to take a survey to learn more about how COVID-19 is impacting businesses around the state. Information gathered by this survey will be vital to policy-makers who are working to provide assistance to businesses during this crisis. The survey is open through April 15.
- The Professional Beauty Association (PBA) and PBA Charities have created a new fund, the COVID-19 Relief Fund, and will provide $500 to licensed beauty professionals who are unable to work due to COVID-19.
- The Institute for Disease Modeling released data Wednesday that suggests a slight increase in current COVID-19 infections in Oregon than previously estimated. However, the modeling also indicates that social distancing and the current stay-at-home order appear to be reducing the spread of transmission.
- Oregon reports 2 new COVID-19 deaths, 90 new COVID-19 cases: COVID-19 has claimed 2 more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll from 19 to 21, the Oregon Health Authority reported Thursday morning. The agency also reported 90 new cases of COVID-19. The state provides daily updates at https://govstatus.egov.com/OR-OHA-COVID-19.
- Governor Kate Brown Statement on Special Session: Governor Kate Brown today issued a statement on calling a special legislative session. Read the full statement here.
On Wednesday, April 1st, the Marion County Commissioners approved $200,000 in lottery funds earmarked for economic development for grants of up to $5,000 for small business owners with up to five employees. Additional criteria will be available with the application.
The Marion County Immediate Economic Stimulus Funding Program is being managed through the Willamette Workforce Partnership. Please visit their website at https://willwp.org/. Applications will be available on Tuesday April 7th, and can be submitted on Thursday, April 9th.
The Statesman Journal also published an article you can read here.
President Donald J. Trump announced the extension of the Coronavirus Guidelines for America for an additional 30 days through Friday, April 30th. The recommendations are simple to follow and will continue to have a resounding impact on public health.
30 Days to Slow the Spread Flier - English
DIRECTRICES-DEL-PRESIDENTE-SOBRE-EL-CORONAVIRUS
This program is now live and accepting applications. View the Paycheck Protection Program Application for more details.
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The CARES ACT established $349 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program, which provides relief to millions of small businesses to sustain their businesses and keep their workers employed. This news release from the U.S. Treasury Department explains the program, where business owners can go to a participating Small Business Administration lender, bank or credit union starting April 3, with funds approved the same day. Loans will be forgiven as long as the funds are used to keep employees on the payroll and for certain other expenses. View a list of approved SBA lenders in Oregon here.
Santiam Hospital will be hosting a local COVID-19 update on Facebook Live tonight, Monday, March 30th at 6:30 pm.
Dr. Steven Vets, MD, Emergency Room Medical Director, and Dr. Janine Vansant, MD, Infectious Disease Director will be presenting.
You can learn more by visiting: https://www.facebook.com/events/240773410442375/
A huge thank you to the Stayton/Sublimity Chamber of Commerce for compiling this list of local restaurants and grocery stores. The list includes their hours, as well as availability of take-out, drive-thru, curbside, and delivery.
Be sure to download the list and support our local businesses!
Stayton-Sublimity Chamber of Commerce - List of Local Restaurants and Grocery.pdf
The CARES Act represents more than $376 billion in relief for struggling small businesses. To learn more, read the
CARES Act Small Business Administration Summary.
The City was notified today that community members may be receiving phone calls from a company called Doxo claiming you can use their company to pay your City of Stayton Utility Bill. This is not the case.
The City of Stayton is in no way affiliated with this company.
The only payment service utilized by the City of Stayton is XPress Bill Pay which you can learn about through our website.
If you have any questions, please contact City Hall at (503) 769-3425.
The State of Oregon has set up a website through Oregon's Occupational Safety and Health division where you can report businesses not complying with the Governor Kate Brown's "Stay Home" order. You can visit the website here: https://www4.cbs.state.or.us/exs/osha/hazrep/
To learn more, you can also read the full article on OregonLive.com.
The Oregon State Police has issued a list of Frequently Asked Questions regarding enforcement during Governor Brown's Executive Order "Stay Home, Save Lives." You can view the list here:
Oregon State Police Emergency Declaration Enforcement FAQ
Santiam Hospital has launched a COVID-19 HelpLine, staffed by a team of their very own, knowledgeable Registered Nurses. Their team of RNs is ready to field all of patients’ COVID-19 related questions.
You can reach the HelpLine by calling (503) 769-1999 and is open 7 days a week, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
If you've found yourself temporarily out of work due to COVID-19, the Oregon Employment Department has set up an informational page to provide guidance and answer questions.
Guidance and FAQs can be found at: https://www.oregon.gov/employ/Pages/COVID-19.aspx
You can also click on the images below to view full size versions.
This afternoon, Santiam Hospital shared the following on Facebook:
"We are so grateful to have community members wanting to help the hospital staff and patients/visitors with masks and gowns. We are looking for donated supplies as well as volunteers to assemble gowns and sew masks.
Donated Supplies Needed
If you are a business in town and have commercial grade masks and other PPE material, we would appreciate any and all donations of these vital supplies. They do need to be new and in the original boxes or wrapping. We cannot accept used.
We need the following supplies in order for our volunteers to continue to assemble gowns for our surgical staff and masks for our patients and visitors:
- Tarps (new and still in the wrapping) that you would use to cover something outside
- Clear Shower Curtains (new and still in the wrapping)
- Elastic 3/8 inch
- Elastic 1/8 inch
- Elastic 1/4 inch
- Bias Tape - extra wide double folded
- Tyvec
Volunteers Wanted
To sew gowns for the hospital staff. There are two options:
- Option One: The volunteers will be given a kit to then assemble. You will need a serger to sew the gowns together. A sewing machine will not be appropriate for the gowns.
- Option Two: Volunteers can follow this video and make gowns that will be reusable. https://youtu.be/O0goN9DgNxg
To sew masks for the visitors and customers of the hospital. We are seeking two types of masks. Volunteers would need to be willing to sew the masks with supplies they have on hand and donate the masks to the hospital.
The following mask is for employees-patients in more exposed areas. You may use ¼ inch elastic instead of 1/8 inch. Also, you can use 3micron filtered fabric instead of 5. We ask that you modify the pattern a bit- 3 layers instead of 2. Use a water-resistant, but breathable material (like Duck or Gore-Tex) for the outside layer. Middle later should be a Non-woven material, 5micron filtered fabric. And the inner material can be cotton. Insert a wired pipe cleaner on the top so one can mold it to their face.
https://www.deaconess.com/How-to-make-a-Face-Mask
Here are instructions for the mask that will be used for visitors of the hospital and staff members who are less exposed: https://img1.wsimg.com/isteam/ip/6d5955d7-ca75-4486-86d6-ccd808cf0870/Face%20Mask%20Pattern-0001.jpg/:/rs=w:1300,h:800
You may drop off donated materials, masks, and gowns at the Emergency Room. There will be a desk outside with a member of our staff to accept the donations so you do not need to enter the hospital.
If you have any questions, please email giving@santiamhospital.org or call 503-769-9319. Email is the preferred method of communication.
Any homemade masks and gowns donated to the hospital that are not used during this COVID 19-time period will be sent with our medical team who donates their time in Haiti.
Thank you so much for wanting to help out our community in this challenging time."
Full post here: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=2887684594602999&set=a.627210477317100
Governor Kate Brown today issued Executive Order 20-12, directing everyone in Oregon to stay at home to the maximum extent possible and adding to the list of businesses that will be temporarily closed to stem the spread of COVID-19 in Oregon. The order is effective immediately, and remains in effect until ended by the Governor.
“We are learning more about this virus and how people react to it every day. Not just from a medical standpoint, but from a social and behavioral standpoint.
“I started by asking Oregonians to stay home and practice social distancing. Then I urged the public to follow these recommendations. Instead, thousands crowded the beaches of our coastal communities, our trails, our parks, and our city streets, potentially spreading COVID-19 and endangering the lives of others across the state. Now, I’m ordering it. To save lives and protect our community.
“Today, I am issuing a new executive order further requiring social distancing measures because we know this is the most effective way to flatten the curve and slow the spread of this virus. I hope everyone in Oregon abides by its core message: stay home unless absolutely necessary.
“Staying home both keeps you safe from infection, and ensures you do not unknowingly infect others.
“We’ve already put a number of measures forward specifically aimed at increasing hospital capacity, such as cutting down on non-emergency care so we conserve masks, gloves, and gowns to save the lives of the health care workers who are working so hard to save others. All of these things add up, and by slowing the infection rate, we preserve hospital beds so that there will be one available if and when you need it.
“None of us have ever been through this before, and that means there is no way to know exactly what lies ahead. We don’t know yet when this outbreak will end, or what changes this will bring for our state and for our country. But I want to make sure that we’ve done all we can to end it as quickly as possible.”
About the order:
- All non-essential social and recreational gatherings of individuals are prohibited immediately, regardless of size, if a distance of at least six feet between individuals cannot be maintained. Gatherings of members of the same residential household are permitted.
- It closes and prohibits shopping at specific categories of retail businesses, for which close personal contact is difficult to avoid, such as arcades, barber shops, hair salons, gyms and fitness studios, skating rinks, theaters, and yoga studios.
- It requires businesses not closed by the order to implement social distancing policies in order to remain open, and requires workplaces to implement teleworking and work-at-home options when possible.
- It directs Oregonians to stay home whenever possible, while permitting activities outside the home when social distance is maintained.
- It closes playgrounds, sports courts, and skate parks, among other types of outdoor recreation facilities. Those that remain open are required to strictly adhere to social distancing guidelines.
- It outlines new guidelines for child care facilities, setting limits and rules on amounts of children allowed in care, and outlining that child care groups may not change participants.
- Failure to comply with the order will be considered an immediate danger to public health and subject to a Class C misdemeanor.
Following this order will save lives, while still allowing businesses to function if they can protect employees and customers through social distancing. While many businesses and organizations that are heavily dependent on foot traffic and in-person interactions have already closed or will close under the expanded order, other businesses that make robust plans to meet social distancing requirements—and enforce those requirements—may remain in operation, preserving jobs while ensuring health.
This distinction from closing all businesses except for those categorized as essential as mandated in other states, aims to minimize unintended consequences and add clarity for businesses who can adjust their business models to accommodate vital social distancing measures.
“This order is designed to flatten the curve over the coming weeks, preserving scarce hospital space and equipment. It will also ensure that any place of business that remains operational does its part to enforce social distancing rules,” said Governor Brown. “It is designed to be more sustainable over time, to allow Oregonians to keep their jobs when their work does not add to the growth of COVID-19 in Oregon.”
Retail businesses closed by Executive Order 20-12 include:
- Shopping: Outdoor and indoor malls and retail complexes, although individual types of businesses not subject to the measures may stay open.
- Fitness: Gyms, sports and fitness centers, health clubs, and exercise studios
- Grooming: Barbershops, beauty and nail salons, and non-medical wellness spas
- Entertainment: Theaters, amusement parks, arcades, bowling alleys, and pool halls
Other retail businesses will not be able to continue to operate unless they can implement strict social distancing measures and designate an employee or officer charged with ensuring compliance. Retail businesses able to adapt to take-out style shopping experiences can also remain open. If businesses can have employees work from home, then they must do so. Many of the businesses outlined in the order have voluntarily closed their doors already, to do their part to protect Oregon’s communities. In addition, non-retail businesses like manufacturers and the construction industry must ensure that their employees are maintaining social distancing measures.
Please read the full details on all businesses listed in the executive order here.
In addition to businesses, Executive Order 20-12 also orders state executive branch offices and buildings to close to the public and provide public services by phone to the extent possible. When public services require in-person interactions, the order requires social distancing measures to be implemented and enforced. State agencies must also facilitate telework and work-at-home for state employees whenever possible. While the order does not apply to local, federal, or tribal governments, those governments are strongly encouraged to follow these directives.
The order also directs state agencies to close parks and other outdoor spaces where social distancing cannot be maintained––expanding on actions already taken by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.
All coronavirus executive orders will be posted on the Oregon Coronavirus Information and Resources Page after they have been issued and signed.
A press release from the Oregon Health Authority today, shared a list of underlying conditions putting people at higher risk of contracting the Coronavirus illness, irregardless of age.
- Lung disease, including asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (chronic bronchitis or emphysema) or other chronic conditions associated with impaired lung function or that require home oxygen
- Compromised immune system (immunosuppression) (e.g., seeing a doctor for cancer and treatment such as chemotherapy or radiation, receiving an organ or bone marrow transplant, taking high doses of corticosteroids or other immunosuppressant medications, HIV with a CD4 count <200)
- Blood disorders (e.g., sickle cell disease or on blood thinners)
- Chronic kidney disease
- Chronic liver disease
- Current or recent pregnancy (in the last two weeks)
- Diabetes, or other endocrine disorders
- Metabolic disorders (such as inherited metabolic disorders and mitochondrial disorders)
- Heart disease (such as congenital heart disease, congestive heart failure and coronary artery disease)
- Neurological and neurologic and neurodevelopment conditions
To read a full article released by the Oregonian, you can visit their website.
It was announced today that all State Parks in Oregon will close beginning Monday, March 23rd. Day use ares will close by 5:00 p.m. on Monday. Campers must check out of campgrounds by 1:00 p.m. Monday.
To read more on the closures, you can visit the Oregonian's story on the topic.
The Statesman Journal has published a story regarding an uptick in scams in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic in the state of Oregon. To read the story, click here.
METCOM 9-1-1 is currently screening ALL calls for service for potential COVID-19 (Coronavirus) symptoms.
If you call 911 or non-emergency numbers for police, fire, or medical needs PLEASE tell us if you or someone in your household have a fever, cough, and shortness of breath or have been exposed to someone who has the Coronavirus.
This vital information will help keep our emergency responders safe from potential exposure.
The City received information from SEDCOR this afternoon regarding a program for small businesses and nonprofit organizations in Marion, Polk & Yamhill Counties (and statewide). Small businesses are eligible to apply to the US Small Business Administration Emergency Impact Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. This program is available to provide working capital assistance to small businesses and nonprofits who are suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Questions can be directed to EIDLoan@sedcor.com, which is an account set up to field questions and requests for technical assistance.
They are also encouraging businesses to contact their local banking institution, as it may be offering new programs and resources to help business customers facing substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus. Also, please note that some businesses may have previously submitted a worksheet outlining potential economic impact due to the Coronavirus emergency to help get Oregon added to the list of states eligible for SBA emergency funds. That was NOT an application, and those businesses will need to complete the application linked in the attachment below.
CORE EID Loan
If you are in immediate need of a domestic violence shelter, contact the Portland Women’s Crisis Line at 1-888-235-5333. This crisis line refers callers to local programs.
The Oregon Community Foundation has launched a new grant program for non-profits impacted by COVID-19. Established in collaboration with partners throughout the state, the Oregon Community Recovery Fund will rapidly deploy resources to community-based organizations at the front lines of the coronavirus outbreak.
To learn more about this program, visit: https://oregoncf.org/grants-and-scholarships/grants/oregon-community-recovery-fund/
Thank you to Melissa Baurer, the Service Integration/Community Liaison Coordinator at Santiam Hospital for sharing the following information:
The St. Anthony Council Knights of Columbus is offering to help those in our community that for whatever reason are unable to access necessary supplies during this challenging, unprecedented time. They may be self-quarantined, quarantined by a doctor, or otherwise unable to shop for supplies. Or, they may be unable to find critical supplies they need for their family, such as baby formula, paper products, etc. They know some of you are already getting help from friends, family, and neighbors – that is a blessing! However, they also know that some of you don’t have that support or have struggled to find it – the Knights are here to support you.
They are offering to help where they can:
- Do grocery store pickup and delivery. Some local stores are accepting orders online and by phone – they will pick them up and deliver them.
- Round up hard-to-find supplies and deliver them. They know stores are temporarily out of many common items. There are people in the community with excess supplies, and they are willing to share them with families that need them.
If you, or someone you know, needs such assistance, please contact them.
If you, or someone you know, has extra supplies that you can spare (I think we all know the critical items that are now hard to find), please contact them.
How to contact them:
- Through your local parish
- By phone – (503) 765-5738
- By email – admin@kofc2439.org
- By Facebook - @kofc2439, https://www.facebook.com/KofC2439/
On Monday, March 16, 2020, the Marion County Board of Commissioners held a special meeting to declare a state of emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Marion County is working closely with the Oregon Health Authority to ensure that we have the most up-to-date information on this situation. The Marion County website has information and resources that may be of interest to you.
Governor Kate Brown today announced an extension of Oregon’s statewide school closure to a total of six weeks, until April 28, and also issued further guidance for Oregon’s public schools. This follows on an initial two-week closure of Oregon's schools to end on March 31.
The orders, outlined in Executive Order 20-08, are as follows:
- Schools are to remain closed through Tuesday, April 28, 2020.
- Districts are to provide learning supports and supplemental services to students and families during the closure period, including meals and child care. This includes the delivery of food assistance and offering child care for essential health care professionals and first responders.
- School districts may call on public school educators and employees to deliver limited learning and support services.
- Each district will pay all their regular employees during the closure.
- The Oregon Department of Education, Oregon Health Authority, and Department of Human Services are directed to support public schools in the continuity of mental health services.
“I do not take the decision to extend school closures lightly,” said Governor Brown. “This will have real impacts on Oregon’s students, parents, and educators. But we must act now to flatten the curve and slow the rate of COVID-19 transmission in Oregon, otherwise we face a higher strain on our medical system and greater loss of life to this disease.”
Governor Kate Brown today also signed the following executive orders that she announced yesterday:
All three executive orders take effect immediately.
A complete list of Governor's executive orders to date can be found here, and Governor Brown's news releases are posted here.
Governor Kate Brown today announced new measures to flatten the curve of coronavirus transmission in Oregon, including new orders and guidance on social distancing, an agreement for the Portland metro hospital system to coordinate resources and increase capacity, activation of the state's Unified Command emergency response organizational structure, and a new order to prevent price gouging.
"My goal is to protect the health and safety of Oregon families. Every step we are taking is being made with community input and careful consideration of its impacts," said Governor Brown. "Each action has ripple effects across our state, both on a personal and an economic level. But we can overcome these hurdles in an Oregon Way. By working together, we are stronger, even if it’s in ways we never thought possible."
The new orders on social distancing measures, effective March 17 for at least four weeks, include:
- A statewide cancelation of all events and gatherings larger than 25 people — exempting essential locations like workplaces, grocery stores, pharmacies, and retail stores. It's additionally recommended that Oregonians avoid gatherings of 10 people or more.
- Restaurants, bars, and other establishments that offer food or beverages for sale are restricted to carry-out and delivery only with no on-site consumption permitted.
- Food service at health care facilities, workplaces, and other essential facilities will continue.
- All other businesses are urged to assess their practices, implement strong social distancing measures, and close their doors temporarily if they cannot put the new guidance in place.
"I know that while these actions will impact Oregon businesses and employees, they will help decrease the rate of infection while bringing state and federal resources up to the same speed as the spread of the virus," said Governor Brown.
The Governor's Coronavirus Economic Advisory Council will convene tomorrow to examine ways to mitigate the impacts of new social distancing measures and anything else that adversely affects Oregon's economy. The council will examine a variety of tools available, including requests to the State Legislature and the federal government.
Governor Brown also announced the formation of two command groups, one to manage our health care system’s resources and the other to manage our state resources. The metro regional COVID-19 hospital response plan will help the health care community to prepare for the expected surge of COVID-19 cases in the coming weeks — a model for a crisis care plan that can be implemented statewide. Working together, hospitals will treat COVID-19 testing resources and personal protective equipment, including gowns, masks, and gloves, as community resources, and work together to increase bed capacity.
The state’s Unified Command emergency response organizational structure, an incident management structure similar to what Oregon would activate during a major Cascadia earthquake, has also been activated. This will fully integrate the Oregon Health Authority’s public health response efforts with the Office of Emergency Management’s efforts to minimize any disruption to critical services in Oregon.
At the request of the Attorney General, Governor Brown declared an abnormal market disruption regarding essential items like hand sanitizer and toilet paper, to prevent price gouging during this public health crisis.
A copy of Governor Brown's remarks are available here.
In cooperation with the Stayton-Sublimity Chamber of Commerce, we want to share resources for businesses impacted by COVID-19.
The President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America - 15 Days to Slow the Spread
- Listen to and follow the directions of your state and local authorities.
- If you feel sick, stay home. Do not go to work. Contact your medical provider.
- If your children are sick, keep them at home. Do not send them to school. Contact your medical provider.
- If someone in your household has tested positive for the coronavirus, keep the entire household at home. Do not go to work. Do not go to school. Contact your medical provider.
- If you are an older person, stay home and away from other people.
- If you are a person with a serious underlying health condition that can put you at increased risk (for example, a condition that impairs your lung or heart function or weakens your immune system), stay home and away from other people.
- Even if you are young, or otherwise healthy, you are at risk and your activities can increase the risk for others. It is critical that you do your part to stop the spread of the coronavirus:
- Work or engage in schooling from home whenever possible.
- If you work in a critical infrastructure industry, as defined by the Department of Homeland Security, such as healthcare services and pharmaceutical and food supply, you have a special responsibility to maintain your normal work schedule. You and your employers should follow CDC guidance to protect your health at work.
- Avoid social gatherings in groups of more than 10 people.
- Avoid eating or drinking in bars, restaurants, and food courts – use drive-thru, pickup, or delivery options.
- Avoid discretionary travel, shopping trips, and social visits.
- Do not visit nursing homes or retirement or long-term care facilities unless to provide critical assistance.
- Practice good hygiene:
- Wash your hands, especially after touching any frequently used item or surface.
- Avoid touching your face.
- Sneeze or cough into a tissue, or the inside of your elbow.
- Disinfect frequently used items and surfaces as much as possible.
- School operations can accelerate the spread of the coronavirus. Governors of states with evidence of community transmission should close schools in affected and surrounding areas. Governors should close schools in communities that are near areas of community transmission, even if those areas are in neighboring states. In addition, state and local officials should close schools where coronavirus has been identified in the population associated with the school. States and localities that close schools need to address childcare needs of critical responders, as well as the nutritional needs of children.
- Older people are particularly at risk from the coronavirus. All states should follow Federal guidance and halt social visits to nursing homes and retirement and long-term care facilities.
- In states with evidence of community transmission, bars, restaurants, food courts, gyms, and other indoor and outdoor venues where groups of people congregate should be closed.
CDC Guidance on Mass Gatherings or Large Community Events as of 3/15/2020:
"Large events and mass gatherings can contribute to the spread of COVID-19 in the United States via travelers who attend these events and introduce the virus to new communities. Examples of large events and mass gatherings include conferences, festivals, parades, concerts, sporting events, weddings, and other types of assemblies. These events can be planned not only by organizations and communities but also by individuals.
Therefore, CDC, in accordance with its guidance for large events and mass gatherings, recommends that for the next 8 weeks, organizers (whether groups or individuals) cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 50 people or more throughout the United States.
Events of any size should only be continued if they can be carried out with adherence to guidelines for protecting vulnerable populations, hand hygiene, and social distancing. When feasible, organizers could modify events to be virtual.
This recommendation does not apply to the day to day operation of organizations such as schools, institutes of higher learning, or businesses. This recommendation is made in an attempt to reduce introduction of the virus into new communities and to slow the spread of infection in communities already affected by the virus. This recommendation is not intended to supersede the advice of local public health officials."
On Friday, March 13th, Mayor Henry Porter declared a State of Emergency, per Stayton Municipal Code 2.44.1070, as a result of COVID-19 Pandemic.
The purpose behind the declaration is as follows:
- Access to state and federal assistance and potential reimbursement for local funds spent on COVID-19 response;
- Ability to use streamlined processes for purchasing goods and services, as allowed under Oregon law, during emergency situations;
- Follow emergency plans and procedures, as may be needed, to protect the public health within the scope of state law and the City’s Charter and Municipal Code.
To prevent and limit the spread of COVID-19, and to ensure the health and wellness of our staff, volunteers, and patrons, the Stayton Public Library was closed to the public yesterday until further notice.
All events are canceled, including meetings using the meeting room until the Library reopens.
Worried about your holds? All holds currently on the hold shelf will remain for a period of days after we reopen and you will be able to pick them up then.
Worried about your due dates? All due dates will be moved out until after the closure. You may keep your items until May 1st.
Don't forget our electronic resources are available 24/7. While the Library building will be closed, you can still access eResources.
- Libby from Overdrive is an easy-to-use app that lets you check out e-books and audiobooks.
- For little ones missing storytime, check out Kanopy Kids. They have animated storybooks!
- Additional information can be found on our eResources page.
If you have questions, please contact the Stayton Public Library at (503) 769-3313.
Updated 4/3/2020 - The Police Department Lobby is also now closed. All employees are still working and can be reached at the phone numbers below.
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The health and safety of our citizens is the number one priority of local government. We are at a critical point in terms of protecting the most at-risk portions of our community, the elderly and those with preexisting health conditions.
Effective immediately, and until further notice, the City of Stayton will be closing the public lobbies of City Hall, Public Works, and Planning. The Police Department lobby will remain open with access to a public restroom and emergency phone.
Additionally, until further notice, the Stayton Public Library, Stayton Family Memorial Pool, and Stayton Municipal Court will be closed. All activities at the Library and Pool are canceled. If you have business with the Stayton Municipal Court, please contact the Court at the number provided below.
The Monday, March 16th City Council meeting has been postponed.
It is important to know that the critical functions of the City of Stayton will continue. The Police Department will continue serving and protecting the community. Our water and wastewater plants will continue to be fully operational. Our Public Works crews will be available to address critical infrastructure needs.
City staff in all departments will be available via phone to accept payments and answer questions. Additionally, there is a payment drop box available on the wall outside the Stayton Police Department. If you have a building permit to pick up from the City, please contact the Public Works Department to schedule an appointment.
We are taking active steps to limit direct interaction where COVID-19 could be shared or spread. These actions are for the safety and well-being of our community.
For updates, please follow our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CityofStayton or by continuing to visit the Latest City News portion of our website.
All staff contact information, with an option to send an email, is available on our Staff Directory page.
- City Hall – (503) 769-3425 or email cityofstayton@ci.stayton.or.us
- Police Department Office – (503) 769-3423
- Emergencies dial – 9-1-1
- For non-emergencies – (503) 769-3421
- Public Works Office Office – (503) 769-2919
- After-hours non-emergency – (503) 769-3421
- Planning & Development – (503) 769-2998
- Stayton Family Memorial Pool – (503) 767-7665
- Stayton Municipal Court – (503) 769-2668 or (503) 769-3425
- Stayton Public Library – (503) 769-3313