SIUSLAW NEWS | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2020 | 9A COVID from page 1A “I expect local law enforcement to continue to use an education first approach, but Oregonians need to understand that these rules are enforceable under law. A large majority of Oregonians continue to do the right thing to protect themselves, their loved ones, and their neighbors,” Brown said Tues- day. “However, when Oregonians don’t take COVID-19 seriously, and don’t take steps to reduce the spread of the disease, they put all of us at risk. We need all Orego- nians to use common sense, make smart choices, and take seriously their individual responsibilities during a public health emergency.” The new restrictions come in the wake of the state’s third day with more 1,000 COVID-19 cas- es since reaching that milestone last Thursday, when the Oregon Health Authority reported 5,177 new cases — up 46 percent from the last week of October. Health authority officials say small social gatherings are driving the surge, and during a press conference last week to announce targeted restric- tions in the most-effected coun- ties, Brown implored Oregonians to alter or cancel get-together plans for the Thanksgiving holi- day. For the next two weeks, the fol- lowing restrictions and guidelines apply statewide: Immediate closures through Dec. 2: • Gyms and fitness organiza- tions • Indoor recreational facilities, museums, all indoor entertain- ment activities, as well as indoor pools and sports courts • Outdoor entertainment and public activities such as aquari- ums, gardens and tours We’ve got you COVERED business • homeowners • auto • life • health • medicare plans A SK US ABOUT M ULTIPLE P OLICY D ISCOUNTS ! COVERAGE FOR YOUR MOST PRECIOUS ASSET. YOU. Contact Angela, Jodi or Paul to discuss your policy needs. Serving Florence since 1990 875 Hwy 101 • Florence, OR • (541) 997-3466 www.AbelInsuranceAgency.com 240 • Any venues that include both indoor or outdoor events, includ- ing fundraisers and community meals Businesses restrictions: • Employees are strongly en- couraged to work from home if possible and offices are asked to the closed to the public • Restaurants are limited to de- livery and take-out only • Grocery stores, pharmacies, retail stores and malls — both indoor and outdoor — are being limited to 75 percent capacity and, whenever possible, are encouraged to implement curbside pick-up. Social gathering restrictions: • Must be limited to no more than 6 people total, from no more than 2 households. This includes gatherings either indoors or out- doors • Faith-based organizations are limited to a maximum of 25 peo- ple indoors or 50 people outdoors • There are is no indoor visita- thority (OHA). tion at long-term care facilities or For more information, visit group homes govstatus.egov.com/or-covid-19. Brown has also announced a The two-week freeze does not travel advisory in coordination apply to, or change, current with California and Washington. health and safety protocols for Effective immediately, those enter- the following: ing Oregon from another state for • Personal services, such as non-essential travel — including barber shops, hair salons and returning residents — “… should non-medical massage therapy limit their interactions to their im- • Congregate homeless shelter- mediate household for 14 days,” ing according to the advisory. • Outdoor recreation and sports This recommendation does not • Youth programs apply to individuals who cross • Childcare state or country borders for es- • K-12 schools sential travel. Essential travel in- • K-12 sports that are currently cludes “work and study, critical allowed infrastructure support, economic • Current Division 1 and profes- services and supply chains, health, sional athletics exemptions immediate medical care, and safe- • Higher education facilities ty and security.” All of these are allowed to con- Brown said areas with the high- tinue operating under the guid- est rates of infection might remain ance and regulations previously under the freeze for longer than issued by the Oregon Health Au- two weeks. recruitment period, in Janu- ary 2021 the council would then either hold a work ses- sion to review applications and determine which candi- dates to interview, or simply hold interviews — depend- ing on how many candidates submit applications. In addition, the new city council sworn in during a January meeting, will need to decide what to do after completion of the inter- views. It could be decided to deliberate and vote for the new candidate at a future council meeting or schedule a special meeting. Meetings will be sched- uled for the week of Jan. 4, after the new council has been sworn in. City staff recommend- ed the council initiate the application process now so that the interview and ap- pointment process can oc- cur as early as possible in January 2021. Reynolds’ City Manag- er Report was brief but did point out to councilors that the weekend’s heavy storm front had presented a chal- lenge for Public Works em- ployees, as well as telecom- munications companies in the area. She noted that high wind warnings would likely re- turn later in the week and praised the dedication and professionalism of the Public Works Department in dealing with the severe weather conditions of the past weekend. again, the PUD posted, “Re- member that we do have As weather worsened high winds and heavy rain in the forecast. We’re keeping our fingers crossed that we have no outages — our crews really need some rest! — but Mother Nature has a way of surprising us sometimes.” T HE S IUSLAW N EWS . COM The storm’s debris con- tinues to pose a problem as newly fallen trees remain an impediment to residents and motorists. started our day Tues- S IUSLAW N EWS day “We early with a reported tree blocking the south bound lane on Rhododendron Drive,” Miller said. “We re- ceived the call at 6 a.m. I called two staff members in early to deal with that tree prior to the regular start of the workday. We also re- sponded to a tree down on 11th Street (between Rhody and Alder Court) and are continuing to clean up storm debris. We have been ad- dressing several calls regard- ing leaning trees that poten- tially pose a risk to structures and fences. Also, the street sweeper is out once again to- day to pick up the debris in the gutter line of the streets.” The forecast for the rest of the week looks to be less in- timidating as moderate rain, with sun breaks and winds of approximately 20 mph ex- pected. To report power outages, people can contact the Cen- tral Lincoln Outage Hotline at 877-265-3211. There is also an outage map online at clpud.org. PLAN from page 6A Lastly, Reynolds brought to the council’s attention the need to begin the process of selecting a person to fill the vacant position on the council. The general rec- ommended process would include an application pro- cess and recruitment peri- od, where the vacant posi- tion would be posted on the city’s website and through local media outlets. After the open application STORM from page 1A Visit us on the web SWANSON’S PEST MANAGEMENT INSPECT – CORRECT – PROTECT SUSTAINED PEST MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR HOME AND BUSINESS HOURS SOME OF THE PESTS THAT WE TREAT: ANTS • COCKROACHES • FLEAS • RODENTS BIRDS • BEDBUGS • STORED PRODUCTS PESTS BEES/WASPS • GOPHERS Is your family prepared? If an emergency happens in your community, it may take emergency workers some time to reach you. You should be prepared to take care of yourself and your family for a minimum of 240 hours. 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