EDITOR’S NOTE: All data is current as of 9 p.m. Jan. 11.
Lincoln County Public Health officials confirmed Monday night that Lincoln County will remain in the “High Risk” category for COVID-19 under Governor Brown’s Oregon’s Risk and Protection Framework.
According to data pulled from the Risk Level Metrics report published Monday, Lincoln County barely stays “High Risk” with 198.9 cases per 100,000 population with 96 cases. Lincoln County will renter High Risk starting Friday.
Restaurants will still be able to serve patrons inside and retail businesses will stay at 50 percent capacity. A full report of high risk guidance can be found below.
Lincoln County School District Superintendent Karen Gray said they plan to bring K-6 students partially back to schools starting February 1, barring any COVID-19 surges. Older students could also start back a couple days a week beginning February 8.
COVID-19 vaccines are being distributed and Lincoln County has vaccinated 1,296 people with a first dose. Lincoln County has received 1,700 doses and expects another 770 this week.
Oregon’s Risk and Protection Framework, a system created to combat the spread of coronavirus, took effect Dec. 3, the day after Governor Brown’s 2-Week-Freeze. The framework uses four levels of risk: Extreme Risk, High Risk, Moderate Risk, and Lower Risk. Oregon Health Authority (OHA) examines data to determine which risk categories counties fall under. OHA makes determinations bi-weekly based on COVID-19 disease metrics.
The framework is being used under the authority of Governor Brown with executive order 20-66. Also cited is ORS 433.441, ORS 433.443, ORS 431A.010.
High Risk Guidance:
Social gatherings indoor and outdoor remain limited to six and eight persons respectively, with a recommended limit of two households coming into contact with one another.
Indoor dining is allowed with takeout being highly recommended. Indoor capacity is not to exceed 25 percent with a maximum of 50 customers. Outdoor dining is allowed with a cap of 75 people and six people per party. Eating and drinking establishments need to close at 11 p.m.
Gyms, indoor pools and indoor recreation businesses may have 25 percent occupancy or 50 people, whichever is smaller. Theaters, museums and any indoor entertainment must abide by the same rules.
Retail business, such as grocery stores, convenience stores and pharmacies, can have up to 50 percent capacity with curbside pickup encouraged. This includes shopping centers such as malls.
Churches, funeral homes and cemeteries have a maximum capacity of 25 percent or 150 people, whichever is smaller. 200 people can congregate outdoors at these places.
Remote work is recommended for offices under “high risk” and if Lincoln County moves into the “extreme risk” category, offices will be asked to close to the public, if possible.
Outdoor recreation and entertainment establishments are limited to 75 people. This includes, outdoor sports, parks, hiking trails, campsites, zoos and stadiums.
Personal services are allowed and long-term care will allow inside and outside visitation.
All activities are subject to more detailed, sector-specific guidance and assume mask usage, minimum physical distancing and enhanced cleaning protocols.
