The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

Deschutes County is included among the counties in Oregon able to begin “reopening” under restrictions and guidelines provided by the Oregon Health Authority, beginning Friday, May 15. Jefferson County’s application for reopening is still under review.

Deschutes County’s ban on vacation rentals will expire on May 15. Officials say they are still not encouraging tourism to the area.

Phase 1 lays out a detailed framework of protocols.

Retail stores are required to:

* Limit the number of customers in the retail store and focus on maintaining at least six (6) feet of distance between people and employees in the store. Store management should determine maximum occupancy to maintain at least six (6) feet of physical distancing, considering areas of the store prone to crowding (like aisles) and limit admittance accordingly.

* Post clear signs (available at healthoregon.org/coronavirus) listing COVID-19 symptoms, asking employees and customers with symptoms to stay home, and listing who to contact if they need assistance.

* Use signs to encourage physical distancing.

* Frequently clean and sanitize work areas, high-traffic areas, and commonly touched surfaces in both customer/public and employee areas of store. Wipe down changing room doorknobs, walls and seating between each customer use.

* Require all employees to wear cloth, paper or disposable face coverings. Businesses must provide cloth, paper or disposable face coverings for employees.

Restaurants and bars must:

* Ensure tables are spaced at least six (6) feet apart so that at least six (6) feet between parties is maintained, including when customers approach or leave tables

* Require all employees to wear cloth face or disposable coverings (provided by the employer)

* End all on-site consumption of food and drinks by 10pm

Personal care services (salons, barber shops, massage, etc.) must:

* Make appointments with pre-appointment health check

* Maintain a customer log

* Maintain 6 feet physical distancing between clients

* Remove all magazines, newspapers, snacks and beverages from waiting areas

* Require face coverings by employees and clients (depending on the services provided)

Gyms/ fitness must:

* Limit maximum number of customers accordingly

* Enforce physical distancing & sanitation

Local gatherings must:

* Limit local gatherings to 25 with no traveling