COVID-19 Information

Two-Week Statewide Freeze

(from the State of Oregon Covid Status page, see the State of Oregon Covid Updates page for further information)

From November 18 to December 2, Oregon will be in a statewide Two-Week Freeze to stop the rapid spread of COVID-19 across Oregon. These risk reduction measures are critical in limiting the spread of COVID-19, reducing risk in communities more vulnerable to serious illness and death, and helping conserve hospital capacity so that all Oregonians can continue to have access to quality care.

Social Gatherings

  • Limited to no more than 6 people total, from no more than 2 households – indoor and outdoor
  • Limited faith-based organizations to a maximum of 25 people indoors or 50 people outdoors
  • No Indoor visitation in long-term care facilities

Businesses

  • Work from home to the greatest extent possible and close offices to the public
  • Restaurants are delivery and take-out only
  • Grocery stores and pharmacies are limited to 75% capacity and should encourage curbside pick up
  • Retail stores and malls (indoor and outdoor) are limited to 75% capacity and should encourage curbside pick up

Must Close

  • Gyms and fitness organizations
  • Indoor recreational facilities, museums, indoor entertainment activities, and indoor pools and sports courts
  • Zoos, gardens, aquariums, outdoor entertainment activities, and outdoor pools
  • Venues that host or facilitate indoor or outdoor events

The Two-Week Freeze does not apply to or change current health and safety protocols for...

Personal services (such as barber shops, hair salons, and non-medical massage therapy), congregate homeless sheltering, outdoor recreation and sports, youth programs, childcare, K-12 schools, K-12 sports currently allowed, current Division 1 and professional athletics exemptions, and higher education — all of which can continue operating under previous guidance issued by the Oregon Health Authority.

Statewide Freeze Guidance

These guidance documents, dated November 18,2020, are on the Oregon Covid Status Page.

Phase Two Guidance

Economic Development and Business Services

City Meetings and Forums

Meetings have resumed in the Council Chambers. This includes all city advisory committee meetings as well as Council meetings and workshops.

The public can still livestream the meetings on their computers or watch on Channel 183. Follow the Livestream link to watch when the meeting is in session. See the Livestreamed Meetings, Broadcasts, and Videos page for more options

Parks

June 12, 2020 - Skate Park now open. 

New signage has been placed at the park alerting users to the social distancing restrictions established by state mandate. Park users must maintain 6-foot distancing. Groups of more than 10 people in the same party are prohibited. 

Vehicles must leave spaces between other cars when parking. Visitors must enter and exit vehicles without lingering or congregating in the parking lot.

Parks visitors should bring their own water and hand sanitizer and avoid touching any surfaces. Restrooms may be closed or have fewer than twice per day cleanings.

The park will be closed if distancing is not maintained or any vandalism occurs

May 29, 2020 - Tennis courts, pickleball courts and dog parks are officially open. Locks have been removed and new signage in regards to proper social distancing will be up by June 1.

Basketball courts, fields, pavilions and playgrounds remain closed at this time.  

Groups of more than 10 people are prohibited. Park users should bring their own water and hand sanitizer, avoid touching shared surfaces, and are prohibited from gathering or lingering in parking lots.

Dollar Mountain - The BLM has reopened access to Dollar Mountain at Northwest Crescent.

Parks and Recreation

The Parks and Recreation office are now open. Their hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Phone: 541-471-6435.
Send an email to Grants Pass Recreation.

City Offices

May 20, 2020 - City offices will open to walk in traffic, with the exception of Finance Customer Service, which will open once the appropriate safety measures are installed.

Public Safety

Police and Fire/Rescue lobbies are opening:

  • Police lobby at 726 NE 7th Street:
    8:00 am through 1:001 pm daily. 
  • The Fire Rescue lobby at 800 East Park Street:
    8:00 am to 12:00 pm, and from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday. 

We will still be practicing social distancing within the public buildings.

City of Grants Pass Actions

On Monday, March 23, the Grants Pass City Council adopted a resolution declaring a state of emergency at their special city council meeting. At that time, the bulleted actions were taken.

  • Public walk-in traffic at all city offices has been suspended during state mandated social distancing restrictions. (amended 5/20/2020 per Phase 1 Reopening Operations - all offices except for Finance are open to walk-in traffic)
  • Community Development Department services will be available by appointment only.
  • The public will still be served where necessary at the main Public Safety Station.

This page is updated regularly to provide our public with up to date information. Updates and links to information and resources are listed below, categorized by topic, department, community, state, and federal information.

Community Development Block Grant

In response to combating the effects of COVID-19, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) allocated special CDBG funds for entitlement entities. The City of Grants Pass will receive $220,405 in CDBG entitlement funds to be used to prevent, prepare for and respond to COVID-19. This allocation was authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).

Community Information

Here are links to community organizations whose responses to the crisis may be of interest to our public.

Child Care for Essential Workers

Rules are rapidly evolving on the child care front. All child cares that want to remain open must apply to be designated as an emergency child care provider.

Emergency child care is intended to serve health care and other essential workers. See the Essential Workers During the COVID Pandemic for more information on which workers are considered essential.

Use the following to look for child care:
CALL 211 or 1-866-698-6155 Listen for the “Child Care” prompt, otherwise there may be a long wait
TEXT keyword "children" or "ninos" to 898211 (TXT211)
EMAIL children@211info.org
Search for child care providers online

Restaurants 

The City has implemented temporary 15-minute take-out parking provisions and the creation of signs to be distributed to local restaurants for their use as they adapt to restrictions regarding on-site dining.

Check out the Restaurant Guide page for a list of local restaurants which may offer takeout and/or delivery services in Grants Pass. Their addresses and phone numbers are included.

Businesses - Employers - Employees

Small Business Administration Resources

State and Local Business Resources

Other Resources

Josephine Community Library

All four library branches in Grants Pass, Illinois Valley, Williams, and Wolf Creek are closed until further notice. Go to the Josephine Community Library website for more information.

Schools

Josephine County

Trash Haulers and Transfer Stations

Southern Oregon Sanitation (SOS)
All collection routes are currently running, and customer service representatives are available. The Redwood and Kerby Transfer Stations & Recycle Depots are now open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday – Saturday, and closed Sundays. Eagle Point Recycle Depot is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday – Friday, and closed Saturdays and Sundays.

Republic Services
All service routes will be running on normal schedule, but The time waste is collected may fluctuate. Put waste out the night before to ensure collection. Republic Services has suspended bulk item pick-up. They will only pick up trash in a cart or in bags beside the cart. No loose items. All recycling must be in the cart, including cardboard.

Effective April 12, the Merlin Transfer Station will be open during regular hours Monday through Saturday, closed on Sundays. Customers are encouraged to pay with a debit or credit card to reduce interaction between the public and Republic Services employees.

Official State of Oregon Information

Oregon Coronavirus Information and Resources page from the Office of the Governor, includes these topics:

  • Health Information: Common Questions and Answers
  • Closings, Rules, and Recommendations
  • Education
  • Resources for Employees
  • Resources for Employers
  • Other Resources
  • Federal Updates
  • Executive Orders
  • Governor’s Coronavirus Economic Advisory Council

COVID-19 Related Business Layoffs, Closures, and Unemployment Insurance Benefits page - information for both employees and employers.(Oregon Employment Department)

Oregon Health Authority website.

COVID-19 page on the OHA website This page includes these topics:

  • Situation in Oregon
  • Governor Brown’s Executive Orders and Guidance from the OHA and DHS
  • COVID 19 Resources for the Community
  • Situation in US and Globally
  • Informational Videos

Coronavirus Updates - US and Global

  1. New Not-For-Profit will be Established to Contract City Tourism Promotions

    The Grants Pass City Council has authorized City Manager Aaron Cubic to form a starter board of directors for an independent, not-for-profit destination marketing organization to eventually handle the city’s tourism promotion operations. Read on...

  2. Join a City Committee

    Applications are being accepted for one position on the City of Grants Pass Housing Advisory Committee and one position on the Parks Advisory Committee. Application deadlines are listed separately below. Read on...

  3. Street Closure: 5th Street between G and H Street

    Beginning Monday, November 23, 2020 through January 4, 2021, 5th Street between “G” and “H” Street will be closed to through traffic for the placement of the traditional Holiday Plaza Christmas Tree. Read on...

  4. Strategic Planning Community Forum Dec. 10

    The Grants Pass City Council will now host a Strategic Planning Community Forum 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, in City Council Chambers, 101 NW “A” St. The date has been changed in accordance with state-mandated COVID-19 restrictions. Read on...
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