Maintain Physical Distance, Not Social Isolation

WEST LINN, OR – April 8, 2020

Stay Socially Connected
Following the lead of the World Health Organization and Oregon Health Authority, we will move away from the term "social distancing" to "physical distancing." While it's important to stay physically separated from each other to slow the spread of COVID-19, supporting each other socially is also critically important to our health and well-being. Please continue to support your friends, family, and community by checking in on each other.

Maintain Physical Distancing During Nice Weather
As the weather improves this week, please continue to practice physical distancing even when you're outside. Enjoy the sun, our parks, outdoor exercise, and take care of your physical and mental health, but please do it safely by maintaining a distance of at least 6 feet between yourself and others at all times. Parks themselves will remain open as long as physical distancing from others can be maintained, but all park play equipment, sports courts, fitness court, skatepark, and all park bathrooms are closed. Effective April 9th, Bernert Landing and Cedaroak Boat Ramps will be closed until further notice. With the closure of many boat ramps in Clackamas County, we are unfortunately no longer able to safely operate these facilities under the current State order.

School Closures Extended
This afternoon, Governor Brown announced that Oregon schools will remain closed through the end of the school year. School districts, community colleges, and universities have been directed to complete the final weeks of the regular academic year by continuing distance learning. Read the Governor's announcement here. Our WLWV School District also has an announcement here.

New Mask Guidance
The CDC now recommends wearing cloth face coverings (e.g. homemade masks) in public places where other physical distancing measures are difficult to maintain. Homemade masks may help reduce the spread of virus, especially from those who have the virus but do not have symptoms. The cloth face coverings recommended are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators. Those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders. Check out the CDC's guide for making and wearing cloth masks.

Non-medical mask use does NOT replace the guidance to stay home except when meeting essential needs, maintain a distance of 6' or more with others, frequent handwashing, avoiding touching your face, and staying away from people who are ill.

West Linn Prescription Delivery
The West Linn Police Department is now providing a free prescription delivery service to West Linn residents who are 65 or older or who have any serious underlying medical condition that would put them at a higher risk of severe illness due to COVID-19. Learn more about the service here.

New Data Tools
New data visualizations were recently released from the Oregon Health Authority (OHA data) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC data). These are the types of data referred to when you hear of all the work we are all doing to "flatten the curve." The CDC also provided updated guidance on disinfecting homes and workplaces when someone is sick that you may find useful. 

TVFR Updates

TVFR and other local fire agencies are asking the public to voluntarily stop outdoor burning to help vulnerable populations during the pandemic. Please be a good neighbor by helping to limit respiratory irritation and keeping our firefighters focused on emergency medical care. Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue will begin using more sustainable personal protective equipment (PPE) on the majority of our medical calls, which will help reduce the consumption of PPE supplies that have been challenging to replenish. Please be aware that TVFR staff may arrive wearing a ventilator mask, gloves, safety glasses, and Tyvek suit. Photos and more info here.

TVFR is also encouraging residents and local businesses to consider donating new, unused PPE. Please email supply@tvfr.com and include a description of what items you have and quantity. TVFR staff will then work with you to either schedule a pickup or arrange a delivery.

Small Business Resources

Several State agencies worked together to compile a useful new Small Business Resource Navigator page to help business owners and employees find information and resources to deal with the impacts of COVID-19.

For City resources and our ongoing response to the novel coronavirus, visit westlinnoregon.gov/coronavirus
 
Trustworthy sources of information:
Oregon Health Authority
Centers for Disease Control
State of Oregon (includes resources for employees/employers)
Clackamas County
West Linn-Wilsonville School District COVID Info Page