Baker County Approved for Phase 2

PRESS RELEASE – June 5, 2020

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

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

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

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