Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update - 4

SWEET HOME, Ore. March 13, 2020 — The City of Sweet Home continues to monitor the latest information surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.  We are in contact with or monitoring information distributed by Linn County Emergency Management, The Oregon Health Authority, Linn County Health, and federal authorities, to name a few. 

Based on this information, especially with last night's Oregon Health Authority press release, which stated six more COVID-19 cases were found at the Oregon Veterans' Home in Lebanon, we strongly believe we are moving towards a Tier III response of our Pandemic Response Plan.  We feel it is reasonable to assume there is an undiagnosed case in Sweet Home and that there will be a confirmed case announced in Sweet Home soon. During Tier III, city operations would be limited to essential functions. In addition to Tier I and II items, the following items would be implemented:

• Monitor messages from Federal, State, and County Public Health Authorities
• Notify Department Heads and employees of implementation of Tier III and why
• Implement Community notification through social media/news media with precautionary steps to take to prevent infection and spread
• Only essential functions should be at the workplace or on telephone stand-by
• Non-essential personnel should attempt to telework, if possible

City staff began working on a response weeks ago. This work has included drafting and implementing a response plan, participating in conference calls with the White House, Oregon League of Cities, and leadership of Lebanon and Albany. We continue to be in contact and collaborating with our regional partners as we evaluate the situation. Our regional partners include: 

• Sweet Home Fire District
• Sweet Home School District
• Sweet Home Senior Center
• Boys & Girls Club
• City of Lebanon
• Linn County Emergency Management 
• Linn County Health Department
• U.S. Forest Service 

We will continue to work diligently to gather as much information as possible, make sound decisions for the safety of the community, and then communicate whatever steps we take. Our goal is to protect our community members who are the most vulnerable to this type of illness. If we can help "flatten the curve," this should allow health care systems to handle the patients who need their care. 

After careful consideration, the status of city facilities remains unchanged: 

• Library: CLOSED until further notice.  Due to the limited space in our facility, our patrons & staff can not practice recommended, "social distancing." Further, the dominant user groups of the facility tend to be the most susceptible to these types of illnesses.  Library patrons can access books online through Library2Go. All due dates have been extended. Dates for items on hold have also be extended. 
• Public Works: ​Fully operational but CLOSED to the public​
• City Hall: OPEN normal business hours.​ 
• Courts: OPEN normal business hours.​ 
• Police: OPEN normal business hours.​

Staff is following CDC recommended cleaning and disinfecting protocols. ​Our focus is on the safety and well-being of our community members and employees. We will strive to help keep people informed on issues related to prevention, warnings, and changes to city operations. 

There are two information sources we are continuously monitoring, which we recommend you follow them as well:

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) - COVID-19 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Our next update will be released this evening.