On Monday, April 27th, Governor Kate Brown announced updates to county risk levels under the state’s risk management matrix due to the rapid spread of COVID-19 in Oregon.
After the Oregon Health Authority reported Tuesday, April 27th, that 4.6 million Oregonian’s had been tested statewide, and that 4.3 million of Oregon’s 4.1 million population had tested negative for COVID-19, combined with hospitalizations rising above 300 people STATEWIDE and threatening to overwhelm doctors and nurses, Governor Brown announced that 24 of Oregon’s 36 counties would be placed in the ‘Extreme Risk’ or ‘High Risk’ categories effective Friday, April 30th. 15 counties including Josephine and Jackson counties will be ‘Extreme Risk’, nine counties including Coos County, will be ‘High Risk , four at ‘Moderate Risk’, and eight at ‘Lower Risk’.
As of Tuesday night April 27th, the total verified number of positive cases reported in Curry County residents since the start of the pandemic is 627 with 9 deaths associated with Covid. Curry County is currently in ‘Moderate Risk’, and will remain in ‘Moderate Risk’ effective April 30th through May 6th, according to the Oregon Health Authority.
“If we don’t act now, doctors, nurses, hospitals, and other health care providers in Oregon will be stretched to their limits treating severe cases of COVID-19,” said Governor Brown. “Today’s announcement will save lives and help stop COVID-19 hospitalizations from spiking even higher. With new COVID-19 variants widespread in so many of our communities, it will take all of us working together to bring this back under control.”
In addition, the Governor announced that outdoor capacity limits for bars, restaurants, and other sectors will be raised from 50 to 100 people in Extreme Risk counties, with health and safety measures, including physical distancing, in place.
“We know that the risk of COVID-19 transmission is lower outdoors.” Governor Brown said. “I am urging all Oregonians, if you choose to gather with others, keep it outdoors. Indoor transmission is a key driver in the COVID-19 surge that is making renewed health and safety restrictions necessary.”
“The fastest way to lift health and safety restrictions is for Oregonians to get vaccinated as quickly as possible and follow the safety measures we know stop this virus from spreading. I recognize the burden these restrictions place on Oregon businesses and working families. My goal is to lift these restrictions as soon as it is safely possible, and keep Oregon on the path for lifting most health and safety requirements by the end of June so we can fully reopen our economy. But we will only get there if enough Oregonians get vaccinated. There are appointments available right now all across the state.”
