Oregon sets new rules, metrics in pandemic fight

Brown announced Wednesday the strict health and safety measures will take effect Dec. 3, at the end of the “freeze,” which she implemented to slow the COVID surge.

Extreme Risk

Under the new framework, in “extreme risk” category, outdoor-only seating is allowed at restaurants, but take-out is “highly recommended.” Social gatherings remain limited to six people from a maximum of two households, and gyms remain closed.

Retail stores are limited to 50 percent capacity and faith institutions are limited to 25 percent capacity indoors or 100 people, whichever is smaller, and 150 people outdoors. 

Businesses are required to implement remote work to the fullest extent possible, and offices must be closed to the public if possible.

Only outside visitation is allowed at long term care facilities in “extreme risk” counties.

Personal service businesses like barber shops and hair salons and non-medical massage remain allowed.

Wasco County has seen 112 COVID-19 cases in the last two weeks. By comparison, it took three and a half months to log the county’s first 112 cases. It mirrors what is happening statewide, where cases and hospitalizations are at an all-time high.

High Risk

Indoor dining available, not to exceed 25 percent capacity, with a maximum of 50 diners and an 11 p.m. closing. Outdoor dining is available with a maximum capacity of 75, limited to six per table from two households.

Indoor entertainment establishments (includes aquariums, indoor theaters, indoor arenas, indoor concert halls, indoor gardens, indoor museums, indoor entertainment activities of any kind, indoor event spaces) are not to exceed 50 percent capacity or a total of 100.

Retail stores are limited to 50 percent capacity and faith institutions are limited to 25 percent capacity indoors or 100 people, whichever is smaller, and 150 people outdoors. 

Businesses are recommended to implement remote work to the fullest extent possible, and offices must be closed to the public if possible.

Lower Risk

Sherman and Gilliam counties are in the lowest of the four risk categories. In these “lower risk” counties, indoor gatherings can have up to 10 people with a recommended limit of four households, and outdoor gatherings can have a maximum of 12 people.

Restaurants in lower risk counties can open for indoor dining at 50 percent capacity and retail stores can be at 75 percent capacity. Faith institutions can be at 75 percent of capacity indoors, or 300 people outdoors.

Visitation is allowed at long term care facilities in lower risk counties.

On Monday, Nov. 30, the Oregon Health Authority was slated to reexamine county data to determine which counties qualify for each risk level starting on Dec. 3 (results not available by press time). Risk levels will be reevaluated every two weeks.

The state stressed that there is no “zero risk” category. Until vaccines are widely available, health and safety precautions will remain in place so that schools, businesses and communities can reopen and stay open.

Oregonians must continue to wear masks, wash hands, keep physically distant from those not in their household, stay home when sick, and keep get-togethers small.