‘Freeze’ Over, But Most Oregon Counties Continue With Significant Restrictions

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Alachua County (public domain)

The two-week “freeze” enacted by Oregon Gov. Kate Brown expires Thursday, Dec. 3. But most counties will still face significant restrictions aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus.

In the newest version of the governor’s executive order, counties are placed into categories based on their current risk levels for COVID-19. The most restrictive, or “extreme risk” category, has 25 counties including Lane, Douglas, Linn and Deschutes. In those counties, indoor restaurant dining remains prohibited, but outdoor dining and takeout is allowed. Gyms, theaters and other indoor recreation venues must remain closed.

For the handful of counties considered “high risk,” including Benton and Lincoln, indoor restaurant dining is allowed and bars can be open until 11 p.m., with limits on capacity.

People in counties in both the extreme risk and high risk categories are limited to indoor social gatherings of no more than six people.  Retail stores in both categories are limited to 50% of capacity.

The state will update county risk level assignments every two weeks.

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Chris Lehman has been reporting on Oregon issues since 2006. He joined the KLCC news department in December 2018 and became News Director in March 2023. Chris was born and raised in Pennsylvania, and graduated from Temple University with a degree in journalism. His public broadcasting career includes stops in Louisiana and Illinois. Chris has filed for national programs including “Morning Edition” and “All Things Considered.”