February 24, 2021 3:50 a.m.
Douglas County Commissioners say they have issues with what they call the state’s “one-size-fit-all” approach to COVID restriction metrics and programs.
The release said the Commissioners “are very concerned about our recent surge in COVID cases, and dismayed to learn that out case counts in the last two weeks have prompted the State of Oregon to move Douglas County from the State’s mandated High COVID Risk Level to the State’s Extreme COVID Risk Level, thus imposing stricter guidelines on our residents and businesses”.
The release said the change will be felt most by small businesses, especially restaurants, bars and gyms, rather than where the most recent rash of cases has been reported – long-term care facilities, churches, schools and “…by residents who have chosen to host large events”.
The release said the board realizes that many local businesses are likely to stay open and challenge the state’s guidelines for this new risk level. It said “The State’s new mandated program undeservedly punishes and brutally affects our local businesses ability to operate and stay financially stable during this pandemic”. The release said the businesses that have suffered the most are “…among some of the safest places to go during the pandemic”. Commissioners said COVID-19 cases at restaurants, bars and gyms accounted for only 1 percent of the total positive cases in the county in the last two weeks.
The release said of the current 280 active COVID cases that the Douglas Public Health Network is supporting in isolation:
*There are no COVID outbreaks created or active at any gyms, restaurants or bars in the county
*Of those 280 active cases, only 4 positive cases are associated with any gyms, restaurants or bars in the county
*Currently there are no other employees at any other gyms, restaurants or bars that have active or positive cases at this time
The release said while the Board understands the need for increased measures to slow the spread of the virus due to the recent dramatic increase in local COVID-19 cases, “…we do not agree with a statewide mandated approach…”.
The release said residents should contact local state legislators and “…ask them to engage in the fight to help our local businesses and residents”.