March 31, 2020

Today, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) announced a positive COVID-19 test of a Wallowa County resident. The individual is not hospitalized and is isolated while recovering. OHA is conducting the investigation including identifying potential contacts. This person was tested outside of Wallowa County and remains outside of Wallowa County.

Union County continues to have only one confirmed COVID-19 case who is recovering. The total number of confirmed cases in the state has increased from 606 yesterday to 690 today. It is important to note that as a community we must continue to remain vigilant in our efforts to help prevent the spread of the virus.

Union County Board of Commissioners will hold their regularly scheduled board meeting tomorrow, April 1, 2020 beginning at 9:00 a.m. In a continuing effort to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus and to adhere to social distancing guidance, the Union County Board of Commissioners public meetings will facilitate citizen participation via teleconference. To listen to the meeting, or participate in the public comment opportunities, please call: (253) 215 8782 or (301) 715 8592 and enter participant pin number: 510-656-860. The call-in option will be the only opportunity for citizens to engage in the meeting until further notice.
The agenda can be viewed at http://union-county.org/commissioners/agendaminutes/

During the COVID-19 outbreak, the Union County Commissioners are working closely with communities to keep the cities in Union County updated. Through this effort, weekly calls are made with the local governing agencies who wish to participate. “We are committed to keeping our cities up to date on local operations and response and appreciate the partnerships we have with our cities within Union County,” said Union County Commission Chair, Paul Anderes. Calls consist of community partner and responder updates and sharing information on the effects of the COVID on our communities. Participating partners include the Union County Board of Commissioners, Cities, the Center for Human Development, Union County Sheriff, Union County Chamber of Commerce, and Union County Emergency Services. “These calls provide an important opportunity to assure we are all on the same page,” Commissioner Anderes said. “It gives us the opportunity to address COVID-19 issues in our community. We are finding ways to respect social distancing mandates while also working to keep our community safe.”
Grande Ronde Hospital has announced that in order to protect their patients, employees, and the community from the spread of COVID-19, a no visitors policy has been implemented at all clinic locations until the situation changes, patients only. The only exceptions to this policy will be to allow ONE support person for children or one support person for patients unable to attend alone based on medical conditions.