The following is a message from Harney County Sheriff Dan Jenkins:

Hello, Harney County. I have been receiving several inquiries about the position of the Harney County Sheriff’s Office in regards to the governor’s executive order and the restrictions placed on local businesses.

As some of you may already know, the Harney County Sheriff’s Office has been working closely with the Oregon State Sheriff’s Association and sheriffs around the state throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The unified message from the sheriffs has been to “educate, rather than enforce” the provisions of the executive order.

Harney County Sheriff’s Office has not, and will not, issue criminal citations or arrest anyone who is reported to violate any provisions of the executive order. Business owners need to be aware that any potential consequences would come through the agencies that can fine them or revoke their business licenses if they do not comply, such as OLCC, OHA, etc.

I am aware that several Eastern Oregon counties will be participating in phase 1 of the reopening plan beginning May 15, 2020, and many other states have already started reopening. If you look at the license plates of vehicles traveling on our local highways, you will see the majority are from other states. It does not make sense that our local businesses are still closed or restricted when people from out of the area are traveling through Harney County at their leisure.  Our local businesses have created plans for reopening with precautionary measures. The closures have been devastating to several of our local businesses, and they need our support to remain in business.

I understand the importance of taking precautionary measures to limit the spread of any illness. I am a firm believer in common sense and believe that the citizens of Harney County are able to determine whether or not they should shelter in their homes or patronize a local business.

A “one size fits all” approach is not appropriate for the state. What works in the more populated areas of the state may not be a good fit for the rural areas, such as Harney County. I am encouraging our community members to use common sense and make informed decisions with the knowledge that Harney County Sheriff’s Office is here to serve you, the citizens of Harney County.