County Board issues resolution strongly recommending face coverings

During the June 25, 2020 Benton County Board of Commissioners meeting, the commissioners issued a resolution strongly encouraging Benton County residents to wear face coverings in public settings where a minimum of six feet of physical distance cannot be maintained between people.

Resolution #R2020-017 was adopted shortly before Governor Brown's announced a statewide requirement to wear face coverings in indoor public spaces, that became effective July 1, 2020.

Daily COVID-19 Video


Since March 17, the Emergency Operations Center has produced over 81 daily videos—and 18 of them in Spanish—to provide timely COVID-19 information and updates to our community.

Visit youtube.com/bentoncountygov and subscribe today!
New director hired for the Community Health Centers of Benton and Linn Counties

The Community Health Centers of Benton and Linn Counties (CHC) hired Thom King as the new Executive Director, effective June 2, 2020. The hire comes in preparation for the planned retirement of current director, Sherlyn Dahl, who led the CHC for the past 14 years.

County Board issues statement in response to historic protests

Following the death of George Floyd on May 25, 2020, historic protests have occurred throughout the nation as communities draw together to disavow racism and insist on dismantling the systems that reinforce oppression. The Benton County Board of Commissioners released a statement affirming their dedication to dismantling systemic racism within Benton County communities and government.

Guidance for Events and Gatherings

As we head into summer, events will be occurring in the community. We would like to restate the importance of staying safe and preventing the spread of COVID-19. Now that larger gatherings are allowed, we know that there will be important events you want to attend and it is critical that health and safety are including in your planning.

Benton County approved for Phase 2 reopening

On Thursday June 4, 2020, Benton County received approval from the State of Oregon to advance to Phase 2 reopening. Along with 29 other counties, Benton County advanced to Phase 2 on Friday, June 5, 2020.

Coast to Valley Express resumes service

The Coast to Valley Express, a service provided in a partnership between Benton County Transportation and Lincoln County Transportation, resumed services Monday, June 8, 2020.

The Coast to Valley Express service will follow a new schedule, adding a stop in North Albany at the Park n’ Ride, and will operate seven days a week with four daily runs between Albany, Corvallis and Newport.

Bat tests positive for rabies

On Wednesday, June 17, Oregon State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory informed Benton County Environmental Health that a resident of Benton County found a bat on their property that may have had contact with their domestic animal. The resident brought the bat to the Oregon State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory for testing on Tuesday, June 16 where it tested positive for the rabies virus.

pioinfo@co.benton.or.us    //  541-766-6800 //   www.co.benton.or.us
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