After the ‘freeze,’ Oregon will introduce new framework for counties

After the statewide “two-week freeze” ends on Dec. 2, Oregon will introduce a new framework of safety measures dependent on each county’s risk. 

The new framework has four risk levels based on counties' current COVID-19 spread. At each risk level — Extreme Risk, High Risk, Moderate Risk, and Lower Risk — health and safety measures and guidance for businesses and individuals will apply.

These measures will become effective upon the expiration of the "freeze" on December 2nd. The measure to determine this risk include:

• Rate of COVID cases per 100,000 over 14 days.
• Percentage test positivity over the previous 14 days.

By these measures, Lane County is now in the "Extreme Risk" category.  The thresholds and specifics of activity limitations for each category can be found in the attached document, but for city services the impact is as follows:

• City Hall will remain closed to the public and available by appointment or telephone. 
• OFD, OPD and Public Works will restrict access to the public and follow established procedures.
• City property rentals (Greenwaters, etc.) reservations will be rescheduled.
• Other COVID mitigation actions will remain in place.

County risk categories will be re-evaluated every two weeks. The city will modify these postures as guidance allows. 

The framework is intended to establish sustainable protection measures for Oregonians in counties with rapid spread of COVID-19, while balancing the economic needs of families and businesses in the absence of a federal aid package.

It’s important to note that there is no zero risk category. Until COVID-19 vaccines are widely available, health and safety precautions will remain in place so that schools, businesses and communities can reopen, and stay open.

At every risk level, to prevent COVID-19 outbreaks, Oregonians must continue to wear face coverings, watch their physical distance, wash hands, stay home when sick, and keep social gatherings small.