New modeling of the coronavirus released by the Oregon Health Authority
(OHA) and the Institute for Disease Modeling in late June revealed it is
spreading more rapidly in the state. The model, based on data through June
18, predicted that daily case levels could rise as much as 20 percentage
points.

"We know that COVID-19 is in our communities," said Dean Sidelinger, MD,
Oregon state health officer, in a press release. "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.

"Think hard about your choice of activities, especially as we get close to the
Fourth of July holiday,” he added. “Ask yourself: how can I reduce my risk
and the risk I might pose to people around me?"

As of Friday, June 26, OHA reported a total of 7,818 cases of the coronavirus
in Oregon, including 665 cases and 24 deaths in Clackamas County.

As of Tuesday, June 23, the county had 8.45 trained case investigators, with
eight others hired and in training, and 3.4 trained contact tracers, with 9.2
others hired and training.

Clackamas County Commissioners sent a letter to Governor Kate Brown on
Thursday, June 18 that requested approval for the county to move into Phase
II of reopening. Brown, however, grouped Clackamas County with Multnomah
and Washington Counties as a tri-county area that must remain in Phase 1 of
reopening until at least Friday, July 10.

“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,” Brown said in a press release.

Brown also announced that people in that tri-county area, in addition to Hood
River, Marion, Polk and Lincoln counties, are also required to wear face
coverings while in indoor public spaces, including grocery stores and other
businesses, starting on Wednesday, June 24.

Clackamas County Chair Jim Bernard issued a statement stressing that the
health of the county’s residents remains the top priority and the county is
working to prepare for Phase 2.

“We understand that many are ready to return to normal life, get back to
work, and gather with our friends, loved ones and community,” Bernard said.
“It is understandable that some are disappointed that we are not moving into
Phase II. Yet, we cannot ignore the increase in cases of COVID-19 and the
alarming projections of how many more people would get sick if we continued
into Phase II reopening.”

The county reopened its primary service buildings, the Development Services
Building (DSB) and the Public Services Building (PSB), to the public during
limited hours on Monday, June 22. Both buildings are open to the public from
9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Thursday, offering services including
Assessment and Taxation, Business and Community Services and more.
Other county departments continue to offer virtual services. Residents are
encouraged to contact departments regarding services at
www.clackamas.us/departments for clarification regarding open services.

For information on Clackamas County’s preparations to enter into Phase II
visit: www.clackamas.us/coronavirus/reopening.

OHA recommendations on what you can do 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.
– Stay home if you’re sick.