The health and safety of our community is the City of Eugene’s top priority. We are writing today to keep you updated on the actions we are taking in conjunction with our public health partners and with our partners at the County, Springfield and across Eugene to slow the spread of COVID-19. You can also access the latest information on the City’s Coronavirus webpage at eugene-or.gov/coronavirus.
– At noon on Tuesday, March 17, Eugene City Council held an emergency meeting and supported an administrative order declaring a state of emergency. This action is in concert with actions being taken by other jurisdictions, including City of Springfield and Lane County Government. The declaration of emergency authorizes City Manager Pro Tem Sarah Medary to take specific actions to address the COVID-19 emergency including better identifying our changing needs, locating and procuring resources, and ultimately better serving the needs of the community and our region.
– We have activated our City’s Emergency Operations Center that is working in conjunction with our partners at Lane County and City of Springfield to maintain critical services, identify community needs and mobilize coordinated responses.
– In addition to the strategies put in place by Governor Brown and to help slow the spread and protect each other, the City has made the following adjustments to services with guidance from Lane County Public Health and in consultation with our expert emergency response staff:
– Suspended all public meetings.
– Temporarily closed all libraries, community centers and pools and suspended programming.
– Temporarily closed the Hult Center and suspended all programming.
– Modified services across the City can be found and will be updated online at eugene-or.gov/coronavirus.
– Emergency services will not change. We will continue to respond to emergency calls for service, in progress crimes, other high priority life/safety issues, and incidents that require evidence gathering. Our police, fire and medical personnel have the equipment, training and protocols they need to protect themselves and community members.
– We are actively working with our homeless service partners and the County to help identify and meet needs to reduce the spread of COVID-19 among people who are unhoused. We have deployed dozens of handwashing stations in strategic locations throughout the community, including downtown. We are finding alternative shelter options and making sure shelters have the supplies and information they need to safely serve people who are unhoused.
– We recognize this event significantly impacts many sectors of our business community. We are working closely with economic development partners, including the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce, Lane County, the Small Business Development Center at Lane Community College, and Business Oregon, to provide assistance to area employers.
– COVID-19 Information for: Businesses and Workers.
What Can You Do to Help
Healthy behaviors:
– Cover your cough. Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and then throw the tissue away. If you don’t have a tissue, cough into your elbow.
– Wash your hands often with soap and water. Use hand sanitizer if you don’t have access to soap and water.
– Avoid touching your face, especially eyes, nose and mouth.
– Stay home if you are sick. Avoid contact with people who are sick.
Social distancing:
– Don’t shake hands. Avoid unnecessary contact by not shaking hands, hugging or kissing as greetings. Find other, non-contact ways to say hello.
– Leave space. Maintain a 6-foot radius between yourself and others in public spaces. (Droplets that may carry influenza and COVID-19 can commonly travel up to 6 feet.)
– Think it through. If you would normally reconsider attending an event during flu season, reconsider it now. People over 60 and those with pre-existing respiratory, cardiac conditions, or who are immunocompromised should avoid all large gatherings.
Help each other:
– Check on your neighbors – Offer to run errands or get groceries for someone who might not be able to go themselves.
– Reduce stigma – COVID-19 is a virus that does not see racial, religious, or any differences between humans.
– Support local organizations with donations.
– Support local businesses and arts and cultural organizations by buying gift cards, tickets for future events or ordering take out.
Where You Can Get the Best Information:
– Lane County Public Health – www.lanecountyor.gov/coronavirus
– Lane County Call Center – 541-682-1380
– City of Eugene – www.eugene-or.gov/coronavirus
– Oregon Health Authority – COVID-19
– Centers for Disease Control – www.cdc.gov/coronavirus
SHiNA 