June 4th, 2020 COVID-19 Reopening East County Issue Forum

June East County Issue Forum 

COVID-19 Reopening Question Summary

June 4th, 3:00-5:00 pm

Zoom Meeting Recording

Thank you to our presenters for taking time to share with us the work they are doing during this unprecedented pandemic. We also want to thank those who were able to join our call. If you were unable to participate, you can view a recording of the zoom meeting online.

Presenters:

Multnomah County Chair Deborah Kafoury

Jessica Guernsey, MPH, Public Health Division Deputy Director

Below are questions that were asked to our presenters, with the accompanying answers.

  • I’m hoping for resources/information for what small office (11 staff) protocols need to be to safely open for our staff. I don’t seem to find those guidelines easily. If you aren’t covering that today, can you provide links so we can more easily find that information? 

  • Can you expand on "personal services", i.e., salons, tattoo shops and massage services which are problematic at a distance of 6'

    • Guidance on state website

  • How do we get tested, even if we are well?

    • If you have a concern, call your healthcare provider to ask about testing. No broad based testing right now due to availability.

  • Are your models factoring in the recent protests and their likelihood to increase the COVID-19 contact and infection?  Not judging, I participated myself, but it has to factor into the equation.

    • Working with demonstrators to increase protections for attendees, takes several weeks for symptoms to show up.

  • What will it be like for us to eat at a restaurant? Will our temperature be taken? Do we need to provide our license or other identification? Do we need to simply provide our phone numbers?

    • Only for personal services, asking to record accurate name and contact information, as well as appointment/reservation time. Do you have symptoms, been around people with symptoms?

    • Restaurants: Reservations, spacious seating. Face coverings for employees, cleaning recommendations, bars have to accommodate physical distancing. https://sharedsystems.dhsoha.state.or.us/DHSForms/Served/le2342B.pdf

  • What is the group size limited to in Phase 2?  Many faith based groups very interested in an ETA? 

    • State still working, would potentially be going up to 100.

  • If we visit a hair salon, and someone tests positive later that was at the salon that day, are we forced to stay in quarantine for 14 days?

    • It depends on what sort of information we get about potential exposures in that situation. We have a robust contact tracing protocol, detailed historical reconstruction of a person's outings. This is spread through droplets so easier to identify who may be infected. The virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly from person to person, mainly through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Spread is more likely when people are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html#How-COVID-19-Spreads

  • What will the guidelines be around theaters?