Oregon Governor Kate Brown offered a glimpse of a framework for reopening various parts of the state and the economy during a Tuesday press conference, but didn’t present specifics or any kind of timeline.  Brown said it would be a science based approach that would be gradual and careful, and certain pre-requisites would have to be completed including slowing the growth of the COVID-19 virus, providing for adequate personal protective equipment, and establishing a “robust” public health framework that included ramping up testing capacity, a contact tracing system, and an effective quarantine and isolation program for people who test positive.  Brown says she is going to be gathering more input from health professionals, local governments, and business representatives.  Brown repeatedly turned down journalists’ request for more specific timelines and metrics.  She did say it is likely that rural Oregon communities, including their hospitals and clinics, may be allowed to resume near-normal operations before urban and suburban areas.  State epidemiologist Dr. Dean Sidelinger said Oregon will not lift all restrictions in a single day but will do so in stages.

No new local cases of COVID-19 had been reported Tuesday by local officials.  Klickitat County has reported 14 positive tests during the outbreak, with Wasco County listing ten, Hood River County four, Skamania County three, and Sherman County one.  Klickitat County has reported the only two deaths to result from COVD-19 in the region.  Wasco County has tallied 333 negative COVID-19 tests, Hood River County 308, Klickitat County 247, and Skamania County 45.  The Oregon Health Authority listed 49 new COVID-19 cases in an update of statewide numbers Tuesday, moving the total to 1,633.  The death count went up by two to 55.  In Washington, 10,538 cases of COVID-19 have been detected, with 516 deaths.  Oregon reports it has received 30,730 negative tests, while Washington has not updated their count of negative tests for a few days.

The state of emergency for the City of The Dalles has been extended for another two weeks to May 1.  It had been set to expire on April 17, but City Manager Julie Krueger has the ability to extend the state of emergency in two-week increments as long as COVID-19 continues to pose an on-going threat to the health and safety of the City.  The state of emergency declaration will be re-evaluated again on the week of April 27 to determine if an additional extension will be required.  The Dalles city staff continue to respond to voicemails and emails as quickly as possible during this time.

The Dalles Public Works Department announced the 2020 Community Clean Up has been cancelled.  In a statement, the department said to maintain social distancing and minimize the possible spread of COVID-19, it made the decision to cancel the 33rd annual event.  Public Works also reminded people that now is not the time to take yard debris and large items to The Dalles Disposal transfer site.  The department hopes to hold the event again in 2021.

The Mid-Columbia Economic Resiliency Team is trying to help area businesses get through the COVID-19 crisis.  Mt. Adams Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Tammara Tippel says the team consists of anyone in the region who wants to be a voice on how to strategize to create economic opportunities in the Mid-Columbia area.  She adds the group is open to more people taking part, with Jacque Schei at Mid-Columbia Economic Development District the contact person.  MCEDD also has resources related to employment, commerce, and economic development posted at their website, mcedd.org.

Klickitat County officials are reminding people not to call 9-1-1 to report suspected violations of Governor Jay Inslee’s order to avoid public gatherings and limiting going out to essential activities or employment in essential services.  If the report is about an individual or private group not following the proclamation, call Klickitat County dispatch at 509-773-4545.  If it is about a business, go to coronavirus.wa.gov to fill out a form to be forwarded to the appropriate agency.  People can still participate in activities such as bike rides, gardening, and dog walking — as long as they follow social distancing rules and stay within their local area.

Skamania County is implementing a temporary emergency ban on small debris burning beginning Tuesday and continuing through next Wednesday, April 22.  All issued small debris burn permits in Skamania County will be temporarily invalid and there will not be any new small debris burn permits issued until the temporary small debris ban has been lifted.  The projected end date could be extended if weather conditions continue.  A statement from the Skamania County Fire Marshal’s office cited dry weather conditions and low humidity.   In addition, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources will go to a moderate fire danger level for all lands protected by the DNR.  Written permits issued by the DNR for silvicultural burning are only valid at low fire danger.

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