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Over two-dozen Oregon counties that applied to start slowly reopening their economies during the coronavirus pandemic 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.
The other 25 counties approved to begin reopening Friday are: Baker, Benton, Clatsop, Columbia, Coos, Crook, Curry, Douglas, Gilliam, Grant, Harney, Hood River, Jefferson, Josephine, Klamath, Lake, Lincoln, Linn, Malheur, Morrow, Sherman, Tillamook, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa, Wasco, Wheeler and Yamhill.
Marion and Polk county applications were initially denied.
Beginning last week, counties were able to submit plans to gradually reopen. The plans were evaluated on their ability to meet specific public health criteria.
Benchmarks include declining levels of COVID-19 hospital admissions over a 14-day period; minimum levels of testing and contact tracing capacity; adequate hospital surge capacity, quarantine facilities and personal protection equipment; and finalized sector guidelines from the state to communicate to individual businesses.
MORE ON OREGON PHASE 1 REOPENING:
Guidance on: retail | restaurants and bars | salons and personal services | outdoor recreation | sporting events | large gatherings, including concerts and festivals
With the governor’s OK, approved counties can begin to allow bars and restaurants, retail stores, outdoor recreation, salons and other personal service providers to open in phases — provided they follow industry-specific guidance developed by the state.
Phase 1 must last at least three weeks. The next phase will further ease restrictions.
Oregon’s three largest counties — Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas — are the only counties that have not yet submitted plans to gradually lift the stay-home order.
-- Jim Ryan; jryan@oregonian.com; 503-221-8005; @Jimryan015
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