Wildfire Evacuation Protocol for People Quarantining or Isolating Due to COVID-19, Sept. 11

During Oregon’s wildfires and safety evacuations, it is important to take precautions to avoid spreading COVID-19, particularly for those in isolation or quarantine due to a positive diagnosis or exposure to the virus. The first priority in wildfire situations is responding to the evacuation and safety instructions of local and state fire officials – and heeding their warnings. Regardless of disease status, if you are asked or ordered to evacuate, you should do so.  If you or a household member are quarantining or isolating to prevent the spread of COVID-19, please take the following precautions: If ordered to evacuate, do so immediately. Follow all instructions from fire officials. If you have time, reach out to your local public health authority, who should have already been in contact with you about your isolation/quarantine. They may have solutions to help you continue to isolate/quarantine if you are evacuated. Should you be directed to a shelter or other evacuation space, please let officials know you are in isolation/quarantine so that they can take steps to keep you distanced from other evacuees. Wear a mask at all times when outside your home, or if you may come into contact with people who do not live with you. If you are an older adult or a person with disabilities, reach out to the Aging and Disabilities Resource Connection for information about resources 1-855-ORE-ADRC(1-855-673-2372). Practice physical distancing to the greatest extent possible, if you must travel outside your home for any reason, including evacuation. More information about wildfire safety and your health is available on healthoregon.org/wildfires. Additional resources can be found by calling 2-1-1.