May 29, 2020 3:40 p.m.
Douglas County Commissioners have submitted their Phase 2 reopening request letter to Oregon Governor Kate Brown.
A release said on Thursday night the Governor announced that Oregon counties that are in the Phase 1 Reopening trial period could submit request letters starting on Friday.
The release said the request letter is the next step in the process for the Governor’s Phased Reopening Plan that provides further relaxing of restrictions, as well as additional opportunities for businesses to reopen and offer expanded services in the county.
Douglas County has been in Phase 1 Reopening since May 15th. Counties have to remain in Phase 1 for 21 days before being eligible to move to Phase 2. The release said the decision to grant businesses permission to begin Phase 2 Reopening now lies in the hands of the Governor. According to the state guidelines, counties that receive approval could enter Phase 2 as soon as Friday June 5th.
Commissioner Chris Boice said the Board worked with County Public Health Officer Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer to submit the request letter. Boice said “again, we are confident that our efforts to combat COVID-19 in the county will pay off with the Governor approving our request to enter Phase 2”.
More information about Phase 2 Reopening guidance is in process and still subject to change according to information given to News Radio 1240 KQEN, by a spokesperson for Governor Kate Brown on Friday.