Oregon Health Authority officials moved Lincoln County’s COVID-19 risk level from “moderate” to “high risk,” giving the county a new list of rules to follow.
Oregon’s Risk and Protection Framework, a new system created to combat the spread of coronavirus, takes effect Dec. 3, the day after Governor Brown’s 2-Week-Freeze, and uses four levels of risk: Extreme Risk, High Risk, Moderate Risk, and Lower Risk. Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has examined data to determine which risk categories counties fall under. OHA will make 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 will be limited to six and eight persons respectively, with a recommended limit of two households coming into contact with one another.
Indoor dining will be allowed with takeout being highly recommended. Indoor capacity is not to exceed 25 percent with a maximum of 50 customers. Outdoor dining will be allowed with a cap of 75 people and six people per party. Eating and drinking establishments will 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. Theatres, museums and any indoor entertainment must abide by the same rules.
Retail business, such as grocery stores, convenience stores and pharmacies, will be dropped to 50 percent capacity with curbside pickup encouraged. This includes shopping centers such as malls.
Churches, funeral homes and cemeteries will have a maximum capacity of 25 percent or 150 people, whichever is smaller and can have 200 people outdoors.
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 to be 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.
Congregate homeless sheltering, youth programs, childcare, K-12 schools, and higher education — can continue operating under previous guidance issued by OHA.
