Sherwood Declares Local State of Emergency

Emergency Declaration Declared in Sherwood

The City of Sherwood adopted an emergency declaration today allowing City staff greater flexibility and support as they work with other partner agencies and the public to contain and prevent the further spread of the novel coronavirus causing the disease known as COVID-19. 

The declaration specifically authorizes the city organization to:

• Seek state and federal assistance and potential reimbursement for local funds spent on COVID-19 response; 
• Use streamlined processes for purchasing goods and services as allowed under Oregon law during emergency situations; and
• Follow emergency plans and procedures as may be needed to protect the public health within the scope of state law and the city’s Charter and code.

The declaration will expire in two weeks, on March 26, but could be renewed, if necessary.  This local declaration is similar to county and state declarations that have been recently made in response to COVID-19.

In addition, the City’s emergency operations center (EOC) partially activated today to assist with multi-agency coordination, public information and community outreach. The activation also provides a venue for mobilizing resources and developing plans across multiple City of Sherwood departments. During this emergency period, some city programs and activities may be curtailed or cancelled.  The City will utilize our normal communication channels of any changes in programs and activities.

The emergency declaration and EOC activation come on the heels of additional measures outlined by Governor Brown in light of the ongoing COVID-19 situation in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest.

“Our community is understandably concerned about this new virus and the impact it has been having here in the Pacific Northwest and around the world,” said City Manager Joseph Gall. “This emergency declaration is meant to give our city staff the flexibility and support it needs to quickly purchase supplies, organize our response over the weeks ahead and seek potential state and federal resources as they become available. Our staff has been working with our respective county and state public health staff, and in partnership with our neighboring counties, the State of Oregon and federal agencies, and we want to give them every advantage this declaration can provide.” 

Everyone can help reduce the spread of infectious diseases such as the flu and COVID-19 by doing the following:

• Washing hands often for 20-30 seconds with warm water and soap.
• Coughing or sneezing into your sleeve or a tissue, not into your bare hand.
• Staying home if sick. 
• Keeping your immune system strong by eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep and regular exercise and by taking care of underlying health conditions.

There are also basic steps every household should take to prepare for any unexpected event, such as: 

• Establishing a childcare plan in the event your kids need to stay home from school.
• Making sure your household has the necessary food, drinks, medications and pet supplies if members of your household need to stay home and limit your contact with other people for a couple of weeks.
• Reach out to your neighbors, especially those who might need extra help, such as older adults or people living alone, to ensure they have access to medicines and other supplies.

Health officials continue to ask that the public stay informed and educated through trustworthy sources of information, such as the CDC, the Oregon Health Authority and Washington County Public Health Division. General questions about COVID-19 can be answered by calling 2-1-1.

Questions about your specific medical needs should be directed to your health care provider. 

Media Contacts:

Joseph Gall, City Manager, 503.625.4200, gallj@sherwoodoregon.gov