Last updated: March 26, 2020, 19:35

COVID-19 (commonly called “coronavirus”) has been declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization. Pandemic refers to the worldwide spread of a new disease for which most people do not have immunity.

The Hamlet of Beavercreek is following guidance from Clackamas County and the State of Oregon during this unprecedented time. It is a rapidly changing situation. For the most up-to-date local information, visit COVID-19 alert pages for Clackamas County and the State of Oregon.

• As of March 14, the county is recommending the cancellation or postponement of public meetings and events that are not absolutely necessary. Alternative measures to conduct the meetings, such as teleconferencing and videoconferencing, should be explored if possible/appropriate. Note: The Hamlet board meeting on March 19 and community meeting on March 25 are canceled. The board will post land use application notices on this website.
• Public input is critical to the business of the County.  Board of County Commissioner Business Meetings and Policy Sessions will continue. However, the county is encouraging members of the public to stay home and will be making available alternative means of participating.
• As of March 16, President Trump has indicated this could last through July and August.

No need to panic; we’re all just taking this day by day. Let’s remember to be kind and support each other during this unprecedented time in our history. It is important to continue to follow recommendations from health officials including:

• Never visit a hospital or long-term-care facility if you have a fever or cough illness.
• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Stay home if you feel ill.
• The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has issued new guidelines for older Americans (persons 60 or older) and those in at-risk populations to take extra precautions and avoid crowds. That guidance can be found here.

The COVID-19 virus spreads like the flu, when someone who is sick coughs or sneezes close to another person (close means about 6 feet). After someone contracts COVID-19, illness usually develops within 14 days. Symptoms mirror those of the flu, including fever, cough, runny nose, headache, sore throat and general feelings of illness.

In Oregon, call 211 from a cell phone, 503-222-5555 from a landline, text your zip code to 898211, or email help@211info.org to find services and answer your questions about COVID-19.

Link to regional resources compiled by Rep. Earl Blumenauer.

If over 65 or disabled and you need assistance with food or any other important supplies please call ADRC – Aging and Disability Resource Connection – at 503-650-5622 M-TH. In addition, here are a couple important phone numbers for you to keep nearby or share with others if they are in need:

CLACKAMAS COUNTY CRISIS & SUPPORT LINE:  503-655-8585

SENIOR LONELINESS LINE: 503-200-1633 or http://seniorlonelinessline.org

GROCERY SHOPPING & DELIVERY FOR SENIORS

If you know of a senior citizen, that needs a volunteer to pick up grocery’s and have them delivered contact 503-794-8008. There are volunteers within the Sheriff’s office who will go grocery shopping with their own money to be reimbursed later on by the Peace Officer’s Benevolent Foundation (POBF)….who is taking donations on our behalf. For people who can pay, they can reimburse the POBF. https://ccpobf.org/

Beavercreek Community Response

Relief Fund

In true Beavercreek fashion, community members are putting together a relief fund for local residents. So far we have $1,100 committed to be used in ways yet to be determined. [Update 3/15: Funds will partially be used to support local students who are on the free and reduced lunch program. See below.] Oregon schools are closing for two weeks from March 16-31, offices are moving to virtual whenever possible, and stores are closing or reducing hours. This will create hardships for many, and we want to help people in our community during this unprecedented time.

• If you wish to contribute, send checks to Beavercreek Committee for Community Planning (BCCP), PO Box 244, Beavercreek OR 97004 or use PayPal to donate online (it says Beavercreek Bulletin, which is published by the BCCP). Donations are tax-deductible, as BCCP is a local 501(c)(3) that is dedicated to community education and support. Your contributions are a charitable tax write off and you will receive a receipt.
• If you need support, on Monday, March 16, we will add a survey link or you can email board@beavercreek.org. We are still determining how to use contributions, but would like to better understand how people are being impacted, so please do get in touch.

Local Support

There is also a thread on the Facebook Beavercreek Oregon Forum of over a dozen people who are willing to help those in need. We’re not sure yet the ripple effect that COVID-19 will have our community, but it will and it sure is great to know we’re looking out for each other.

Beavercreek Grange

We’re also speaking with folks from the Beavercreek Grange (22041 S. Kamrath Rd Oregon City) about being a possible pickup / dropoff site for food donations for those in need. Any other ideas, please share to board@beavercreek.org.

• [Update 3/15 20:09] Student Lunches. The Grange is offering grab-and-go lunches for students. Breakfast bags will have cereal, milk and a banana. Lunch bags will have a sandwich, mayo/mustard packets, apple, orange and granola bar. Timing to be determined, but likely to start on Tuesday, March 17 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Volunteers needed to pack launches and serve; email board@beavercreek.org.
• [Update 3/15 20:09] Food Pantry. The Grange will take all household supplies (yes, including toilet paper) and perishable food during the 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. grab-and-go lunch time. There are tables ready to store supplies and food and offer them to any one in need. Timing to be determined; we will post here when it’s up and running.

Food Relief Programs

• Oregon City Pita Pit is offering free meals for kids in lunch assistance programs.
• Laughing Planet is offering free meals for kids in lunch assistance programs.
• Hidden Forest Farms is offering free dozen farm fresh eggs for local, elderly neighbors in need. First come, first served. Limited supply. Contact Heidi for availability, days and times for pick up at (503) 318-7938, email hiddenforestfarm2018@gmail.com or send a message on Facebook.
• Beavercreek United Church of Christ’s (10 O’Clock Church) food pantry is still open and serving.
• Beavercreek Grange (see above).

Student Lunch Programs

A grab-and-go lunch (with a breakfast bar for the next day) is available for all children ages 1-18 years old, Monday through Friday, March 16-31, 2020 from 12:00 p.m.  – 1:00 p.m. No dining allowed on-site (pick-up only) at these locations:

• Candy Lane Elementary School
• Eastham Community Center
• Gardiner Middle School
• Holcomb Elementary School
• Kingsbury Heights Apartments
• Beavercreek Grange (see above).

If you know of other local relief programs, email melissa@constantia.io. We will continue to update, so please do share.