Gov. Kate Brown approved Clackamas County to begin Phase 1 of reopening our community on Saturday, May 23. Entering Phase 1 means that we are ready to begin easing restrictions on local gatherings and allowing restaurants, salons and gyms to open as soon as they are able to meet state safety guidelines.
Clackamas County submitted the application for reopening on Tuesday, after successfully demonstrating to the state that the county is ready to meet seven prerequisites as required by our population size and our health region.
This first phase of reopening is a testament to the county’s residents, who listened when medical professionals told them how important it was to stay home and stay safe.
“Thank you, Clackamas County,” said Board of County Commissioners Chair Jim Bernard. “Without your incredible efforts in ‘flattening the curve,’ we would not have been able to move into Phase 1.”
On May 15, the state allowed retail businesses and child care facilities to open. Now that we are entering Phase 1, there is more flexibility for who can now open. These areas include:
- Restaurants and bars
- Personal care services such as salons and barber shops
- Gyms and fitness centers
- Local gatherings for 25 or fewer with physical distancing
- Malls and shopping centers
Businesses in these categories who feel they are ready to open can visit the state’s website to make sure they meet all the criteria.
It’s important to note that with more businesses opening, the risk for exposure to COVID-19 increases. It’s more important than ever to continue following the Centers for Disease Control’s recommendations.
“There is still work to do for us to continue our progress,” Bernard said. “Safety measures such as frequent handwashing, thorough cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces, social distancing and face coverings will ensure we continue to keep trends moving in the right direction.”