On Monday, March 16, Gov. Kate Brown announced new measures to flatten the curve of coronavirus transmission in Oregon, including new orders and guidance on social distancing; an agreement for the Portland metro hospital system to coordinate resources and increase capacity; activation of the state’s Unified Command emergency response organizational structure; and a new order to prevent price gouging.

“My goal is to protect the health and safety of Oregon families. Every step we are taking is being made with community input and careful consideration of its impacts,” Gov. Brown said. “Each action has ripple effects across our state, both on a personal and an economic level. But we can overcome these hurdles in an Oregon Way. By working together, we are stronger, even if it’s in ways we never thought possible.”

The new orders on social distancing measures, effective March 17 for at least four weeks, include:

• a statewide cancellation of all events and gatherings larger than 25 people — exempting essential locations like workplaces, grocery stores, pharmacies, and retail stores. It’s additionally recommended that Oregonians avoid gatherings of 10 people or more;

• restaurants, bars, and other establishments that offer food or beverages for sale are restricted to carry-out and delivery only with no on-site consumption permitted;

• food service at healthcare facilities, workplaces, and other essential facilities will continue;

• all other businesses are urged to assess their practices, implement strong social distancing measures, and close their doors temporarily if they cannot put the new guidance in place.

On March 12, Gov. Brown announced a statewide closure of Oregon K-12 schools from Monday, March 16 through Tuesday, March 31.

“Schools are critical institutions that provide important services for all our students, but especially our most vulnerable, and during this crisis, I have worked hard to ensure those critical services continue. So many of our families depend on school in order for parents to go to their jobs, and for students to access healthcare and receive nutrition assistance,” Gov. Brown said.

“However, I have heard from superintendents, school board members, teachers, parents, and students that it has now become impossible to functionally operate schools due to workforce issues and student absences. Schools are experiencing critical shortages in staff, and superintendents are concerned for school personnel who are at elevated risk, such as those over age 60 and those with underlying medical issues.

“I want to be very clear: Sending Oregon children home will not stop the spread of the coronavirus. While children are home, when at all possible, they should not be in the care of older adults or those with underlying health issues that are most at-risk from COVID-19.”

Per the governor’s directives and with the support of the Oregon Department of Education and the state’s Early Learning Division, during the closure:

• school districts are directed to develop plans for returning to school that accommodate ongoing impacts of coronavirus. Staff should utilize the final two days of March to finalize plans for operating schools under updated measures, with students expected to return on Wednesday, April 1;

• districts are tasked with developing plans to continue nutrition services during the closure;

• the Oregon Department of Education will examine the impact that the closure will have on instructional time;

• school districts will ensure adequate cleaning supplies for increased cleaning protocols following the closure; and

• The Early Learning Division will support child care programs and will work to identify resources to support child care needs for our most vulnerable families, as well as healthcare professionals and first responders.

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Hilander sports canceled or postponed

Along with the school closures, Burns High School Athletic Director Erin Toelle announced that all scheduled contests for track and field, softball, baseball, and golf have either been canceled or postponed until further notice.

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Churches suspend services

In an effort to protect our vulnerable members and to cooperate with health authorities in attempting to “flatten the curve” of the coronavirus spread, Pioneer Presbyterian Church is suspending worship and other church activities effective immediately. The church hopes this recess will only last until Easter, but extending the time may be necessary if the coronavirus remains unchecked. Sermons, worship materials, and other communications will be posted on the church’s new blog and can be accessed at pioneerpresbyterian.blogspot.com.

St Andrews/Peace Lutheran Church in Burns agreed to close until April 5 and reevaluate. The Community Dinner Program will continue the third Sunday of the month, but limited to takeout only.

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High Desert Partnership meeting virtually

In light of the current COVID-19 situation and recommendations from the Oregon governor’s office, High Desert Partnership has transitioned all collaborative meetings to virtual meetings, rather than in-person meetings for the near future. These include the Harney Basin Wetlands Initiative Collaborative meeting, scheduled for Wednesday, March 18, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and the Harney County Wildfire Collaborative meeting scheduled for Thursday, March 19, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. To participate, contact Ben Cate at ben@highdesertpartnership.org or 541-573-7820 for call-in information.

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Play postponed

The play, ALIBIS, that was to be performed by the Diamond Community Theater on Saturday, March 28, has been postponed. The play will be performed at the earliest possible date.

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Victim Impact Panel rescheduled

Victim Impact Panel class scheduled for March 19, 2020, will be moved to May 21, 2020.