After nearly three months at Oregon’s highest level of pandemic-related public health restrictions, Jackson County will be upgraded from the “Extreme Risk” category to “High Risk.” The change will take place this Friday.
The county has been upgraded because case levels have been dropping for weeks, finally getting below the state-mandated threshold of 200 COVID cases per 100,000 population.
With the new designation, restaurants, bars and cafes will be allowed to resume limited indoor service. Fitness centers and other indoor recreation facilities – as well as theaters and other indoor entertainment businesses -- can also resume limited activities.
Jackson is one of 16 counties that improved their risk levels this week, and one of 10 to move out of “Extreme Risk.” However, Josephine and Coos Counties remain at the “Extreme Risk” level. Douglas County – which had previously been upgraded to “High Risk,” has returned to “Extreme Risk”. Two weeks ago, Klamath County also was upgraded from “Extreme Risk” to “High Risk.”
Gov. Kate Brown made the announcement Tuesday afternoon and called on Oregonians to continue their efforts to limit the spread of the virus.
“For the second time in a row, we are seeing great progress in stopping the spread of COVID-19 across Oregon and saving lives," she said. "Oregonians continue to step up and make smart choices. While these county movements are welcome news, we must continue to take seriously health and safety measures, especially as more businesses reopen and we start to get out more. As we see infection rates going down and vaccinations ramping up, now is not the time to let down our guard. Continue to wear your masks, keep physical distance, and avoid indoor gatherings."
