Reopening Oregon: Approved Counties to Enter Phase 1

31 Counties Approved for Reopening

Reopening Oregon’s communities and economy was a phased approach outlined by Oregon Governor Kate Brown. This is an effort to allow individual counties to begin reopening, provided they have met specific health and safety criteria.

These criteria are designed to ensure each county has the capacity to slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect those at highest risk of severe disease as we work to build a safe and strong Oregon.

Out of all the Oregon counties that applied to start slowly reopening their economies during the coronavirus pandemic, over two-dozen have gotten the green light.

Deschutes, Lane and Jackson counties are among the 31 that have been approved for Phase 1 of Oregon Gov. Kate Brown’s gradual reopening plan, Brown said Thursday. The three counties are home to the major cities of Bend, Eugene and Medford.

What Does It Mean For Counties Approved For Reopening?

According to the governor’s plan, with counties approved for reopening, restrictions will be eased for:

• Restaurants and bars for sit-down service
  Requirements include 6 feet of social distancing; a limit of groups to parties of 10 or fewer; food and drink consumption must end by 10 p.m.; and workers are required to wear masks. See more details on the requirements
  
• Barbers, salons and massage businesses
  Requirements include social distancing; appointment-only; and a personal protective equipment and customer list. See more details on the requirements
  
• Gyms and fitness centers
  Requirements include a maximum gathering limit; social distancing; and sanitation. See more details on the requirements
  
• In-person gatherings: Up to 25 people, no travel

The next phase will further ease restrictions. However, Phase 1 must last at least three weeks.

Similarly, counties approved for Phase 1 must remain in that phase before they’re eligible to begin Phase 2. In addition, if any counties, once they’ve entered Phase 1, begin to show significant increases in COVID-19 cases or community spread, they may have to move from Phase 1 back to a stay-home order.

In other words, Gov. Brown said social distancing will need to continue even as restrictions are eased.

Also beginning May 15, other standalone retail businesses across the state, such as furniture stores, art galleries, jewelry shops and boutiques will be allowed to open of they follow specific guidelines.

In addition, here are some new statewide guidance for:

• Face Coverings
• Summer School and Programs
• Summer Camp
• Public Transit
• Oregonians experiencing Homelessness and Service Providers
• Gyms and Fitness (Phase 1 Counties Only)

Phase 2 & 3 of the Reopening Plan

Moreover, details about Phase 2 and Phase 3 haven’t been released yet.

The specifics of Phase 2 will be guided by data collected in Phase 1. This will include expanded gathering sizes, allowing some people to return to work, and allowing some visitation to care facilities. Therefore, counties must continue flattening the COVID-19 curve despite them having approved for reopening.

In conclusion, Phase 3 which focuses on large gatherings won’t begin until reliable treatment or prevention of COVID-19 is widely available.