SALEM, Ore. – Plans to start reopening Oregon have been announced.
On Thursday morning, Oregon Governor Kate Brown said individual counties who show they meet certain guidelines can apply to start “Phase 1” of the opening plan. In order to reopen, counties must:
- Show a decline in cases, or have fewer than five hospitalizations
- Have sufficient COVID-19 testing and contact tracing capability
- Establish plans for isolation and quarantine of new cases
- Have hospital capability to handle any surge in new COVID-19 cases
- Have enough personal protective equipment for healthcare workers
According to Brown, restaurants and bars will be able to provide sit-down service once again if they’re in a county that meets the prerequisites. Brown said some of the requirements include face covering and physical distancing.
Salons, barbershops, gyms, and retailers can also open if their county is approved.
Once approved, counties will be monitored by the state for 21 days. At that point, if everything looks good, the counties will be able to move forward to “Phase 2.” The details of the next phase have not been announced.
Governor Brown also said gathering limits have been increased to 25 in abiding counties, as long as there is adequate social distancing. However, there will be no live sporting events with audiences, festivals, concerts, or similar gatherings until at least September.
The Oregon Health Authority will accept Phase 1 requests from counties on May 8. Approvals could start as soon as May 15.
According to Governor Brown, the state will reveal plans for childcare and summer schools next week.
See the full press conference below:
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