Lincoln and Benton Counties will face stricter regulations aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus starting this Friday, Dec. 18.
The counties will be in the “extreme risk” category. Rapidly rising case counts prompted the change, which was announced by Oregon Gov. Kate Brown.
It means restaurants in places like Corvallis and Newport will no longer be able to offer inside dining. Gyms and indoor recreational facilities will have to close. Outdoor facilities will have smaller capacity limits.
The restrictions will stay in place through at least the end of December. Most other counties are already in the “extreme risk” category, including Lane, Linn, Douglas and Deschutes. The only counties not in that category are seven lightly populated counties in eastern Oregon.
"We continue to see community spread across Oregon to the point that the majority of the state needs to continue with strict health and safety measures," said Brown said in a press release. "Until we reduce the spread and have high participation in vaccination, all Oregonians need to follow the guidelines in place in their counties."