Notes From Gov Kate Browns Press Conference Thursday May 14
28 Oregon counties have been approved for Phase 1 reopening including Douglas County by Governor Kate Brown Thursday morning. 33 counties applied to open up their counties and the Oregon Health Authority reviewed each counties application with the governor. 28 counties have been approved by the Governor. 3 haven't applied yet. 2 applied, got denied. Marion and Polk. Marion - hospitalizations had increased. High % cases with no identified source from infections. (community spread) Polk - Hospitalizations increased, and cases could not be traced. Meaning community spread in both locations. They can be reviewed once a week. Jefferson, Umatilla, Morrow still need to provide more info to the state. So they are pending. “This is good news,” Governor Brown said. “There are two counties that applied for but don’t meet the criteria Marion and Polk Counties. The counties pressed for every county to reopen. When it comes to the health and safety of Oregonians the buck stops here.” Limited reopening for phase 1: Restaurants and bars open for sit down service if they keep 6 feet distancing, limit parties to a max of 10 people, close on site consumption at 10pm., all employees must wears mask. Barbers and salons may open in these counties as long as they screen clients prior to service, limit visits to scheduled appointments, record client lists, maintain physical distance between clients and require providers to wear face coverings. Gyms may open if they can maintain of physical distance of six feet between gym users, close all showers and pools, and have very strong cleaning protocols in place. In persons gatherings up to 25 people are allowed for any purpose as long as physical distancing is maintained in the counties that have been granted Phase 1 reopening. “Some will say this is still being too restrictive while others will say we're moving too quickly to starting the economy,” Brown said. “If I tried to please everyone nothing would get done. I’m focused on the health of all Oregonians. Counties must stay in Phase 1 for three weeks. If a spike occurs that cannot be addressed by contact tracing and quarantine, it could lead back to stay home, stay safe orders. Everyone across the state should practice physical distancing and wear face masks.” “We wear these masks to stay on the lookout for ourselves and our neighbors.” Brown said. Notes by: Josh Gaunt