May 08th, 2020

Governor Brown announces three-phase reopening plan

May 7, 2020
  Thanks to millions of Oregonians staying home to keep themselves and their neighbors safe, we have prevented as many as 70,000 COVID-19 infections, and 1,500 hospitalizations in Oregon.
 Now, COVID-19 hospitalizations are stabilized statewide, supply chains for personal protective equipment are improving, and we've been able to finalize our statewide testing and contact tracing strategy.
 Because of these sacrifices and the hard work of our front line workers and health care experts, I'm happy to announce details for the first phase of a step-by-step reopening of Oregon.
  But I want to be absolutely clear with you, reopening any part of our state comes with risk.
  Until there is a vaccine, we will not be able to go back to life as we knew it. Physical distancing and face coverings are, and will, remain a part of our lives for many months to come. Hand washing and good hygiene are, and will, remain life-saving daily practices.
  My reopening framework is a regional approach, taking into account how the virus has impacted different parts of Oregon. That means some areas will be able to reopen before others. For counties that meet the state's requirements to move into Phase 1 of reopening (by May 15), the following sectors will then be eligible to reopen following specific safety guidelines:

• Restaurants and bars in these communities may open for sit-down service, but only with adequate physical distancing and the wearing of face coverings by employees. We encourage customers to also wear face coverings.
• Personal care businesses such as salons, barber shops, and gyms may open in a very limited way with physical distancing and increased sanitation, as well as a series of additional guidelines, like wearing face coverings and gloves at salons. Salons must also serve customers by appointment only and maintain records for contact tracing.
• Retails businesses can also open using physical distancing -- and we ask that they encourage this through proper signage, one-way flow in aisles, and using tape markings to delineate space.
• Local gatherings can increase in size to 25 with physical distancing.

  However, the Oregon Health Authority is advising that any large gathering -- in ALL counties across the state -- should either be cancelled or significantly modified at least through September. This includes live sporting events with audiences, concerts, festivals, and conventions.
  Each county must remain in Phase 1 for a minimum of 21 days, so that we can monitor whether there's an unsafe uptick in the virus. If the county still meets the prerequisites, and has not seen increased hospitalizations, then we can assess whether they are ready to move forward into the next phase.
  More information on all these steps is available online at www.coronavirus.oregon.gov.
  As we begin to reopen parts of the state, I ask that Oregonians continue being safe and smart.
Together, we can rebuild a healthy Oregon for everyone.
Yours,
Kate