Información sobre COVID-19 en español aqui: bendoregon.gov/covid19-es y recursos comerciales y asistencia aqui: bendoregon.gov/recursoscomerciales.

You’re receiving this special “COVID-19 Emergency” eNewsletter because at some point you’ve provided your email address to the City and we wanted to reach everyone possible during this local state of emergency which will be extended through May 6.

The City’s new webpage bendoregon.gov/covid19 includes updates and information from the City about how to access services via phone or email when public buildings are not open, as well as community resources, if you need help or want to lend a hand.

BUSINESS RESOURCES:

Bend businesses and employees are under immense strain due to required closures and the economic downturn associated with the public health response to COVID-19. As federal and state resources become available, staff in the City’s Economic Development Department are working to connect business owners with the right programs to help through this difficult time.

The City continues to post updates on relevant news and financial assistance programs at bendoregon.gov/bizresources. Each business is confronting this crisis differently. To speak with someone directly please call (541) 323-7151 and a member of the City’s Economic Development team will follow up based on the questions you have.

STAY HOME, SAVES LIVES:

Across the City, State and Country, leaders are asking everyone to put community, medical providers and first responders first, and make some temporary changes in your daily lives. The best strategy we have to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to stay home and to practice social (physical) distancing if you do have to go out for essentials. We want to remind you that your efforts in following the #StayHomeSaveLives order are working to slow the spread of COVID-19. The City supports Oregon Governor Kate Brown’s executive order:

IF YOU HAVE TO GO OUT: Public Health experts advise wearing masks in public.

EXERCISE AND RECREATION:

Bend is such an active, outdoorsy community! It’s hard to balance our need for physical and mental health under these restrictions. Here is what your public lands managers want you to know about what you can still do outside to stay active. Your recreation options will eventually reopen. Help everyone by doing the right thing for now; this is not forever. Read the story on Central Oregon Emergency Information's webpage.

REPORTING VIOLATIONS:

If you see groups violating the physical distancing order or are unsure how to report a problem, click here to learn more about how to report violations.

We’re always providing crucial core services, but these days things are operating a little differently than normal:

PUBLIC SAFETY

Bend Fire & Rescue has changed service delivery. First, 911 dispatchers are asking callers additional questions to determine if caller may have been exposed to COVID-19 or if they or family members may be experiencing signs and symptoms of the COVID-19 virus. First responders have added additional protocols concerning personal protective gear, certain medical procedures and the cleaning of ambulances and equipment. Bend Fire & Rescue has also changed its operations by sending in one medic in full protective gear into ALL medical calls to determine if the rest of the crew needs to be in full COVID-19 protective gear or if typical protective gear will be adequate for the nature of the call. New operational plans now exist in preparation for the medical call surges our county may face in the near future.

Bend Police are maintaining routine patrols in residential, industrial and commercial areas to ensure community safety. When possible, Police handle incidents by telephone or electronically to protect our community and our officers. When responding in person is necessary, Police are practicing physical distancing as much as possible given each situation. Bend Police are still conducting traffic enforcement.

When Police receive a call about violations of the Governor’s “Stay Home, Save Lives” order, we first focus on education and warnings to gain compliance. The order will be enforced as a last resort if compliance is not gained through education and discussions.

Bend Police lobby customers are being triaged using a phone at the front entrance to determine the need for a face-to-face contact by an officer or staff member. Some records staff are in the building during business hours, but many are working remotely. Evidence staff are collecting, storing and releasing items on a case-by-case basis during these times.

PUBLIC WORKS

Public Works employees are still providing clean, award-winning drinking water, safe sewage treatment, road maintenance work, building inspections and more. Our practices have changed to accommodate physical distance requirements and keep staff safe.

We’re still progressing on major projects such as the Empire Corridor Improvements and Murphy Corridor Improvements. The Governor’s orders have not put direct restrictions on construction activities.

Federal guidelines list Public Works employees as first responders, along with public safety and law enforcement. Obviously, assuring access to clean water, treating sewage and maintaining our streets and safe buildings are essential during this crisis. We’re still filling potholes and sweeping streets. Now more than ever it’s imperative for the City to continue making Bend work, as other services are shutting down.

We’re in this together.

The City — a core service provider — wants to help connect our community with the good sources of information about how this global pandemic is affecting people in our region:

Central Oregon Emergency Information Network (COEIN)’s website, coemergencyinfo.blogspot.com, provides a collective resource for up-to-date local information.

Our County Public Health experts point to the Oregon Health Authority and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as good sources of information about COVID-19.

You’re included in a new notification group for periodic, as-needed “Emergency Notifications.” To unsubscribe to this or to subscribe to regular communications, go to bendoregon.gov/enews. You will not receive regular communications unless you subscribe.