ODA Closes Offices, COVID-19, March 24

After a weekend with crowded beaches, trails, city streets, and parks, Governor Kate Brown issued an updated Executive Executive Order 20-12. The order requires additional social distancing to slow the spread of COVID-19. The “Stay Home, Save Lives” campaign directs everyone in Oregon to stay at home to the maximum extent possible. The order also adds more businesses to the list that will close including malls, gyms, hair salons, theaters, and state offices. As essential services, food and agriculture will continue to operate using all precautions provided by the Oregon Health Authority. “It is critical that we continue to grow, process, transport and ensure safe food from farm to table,” says ODA Director Alexis Taylor. “That is why we are implementing as many options as possible to safeguard the health and safety of our employees and customers during the COVID-19 emergency. While our offices will be closed to the public, our staff is only a phone call or email away. Please don’t hesitate to contact us. Together we will get through this.” According to the order, beginning Wednesday, March 25, all state executive branch offices and buildings will temporarily close to the public. Services will be provided by phone, email, or online as much as possible. When public services require in-person interactions, ODA asks customers to please make an appointment. The order requires strict social distancing measures (at least six feet between people) to be implemented and enforced. To make an appointment please refer to the ODA online staff directory or email us at info@oda.state.or.us. ODA has also created a COVID-19 webpage (https://oda.direct/covid19) for agriculture-specific resources. Here you can find out how ODA is handling business such as field inspections and get the latest guidance regarding your food-related business. For statewide news and updates please visit https://coronavirus.oregon.gov/