Due to a steady increase of new COVID-19 cases, Lane County is moving back up to the High risk category for coronavirus restrictions. The governor’s office announced the change will go into effect this Friday.
As cases continued to surge, Public Health officials warned a risk level upgrade would happen. The county’s new average is 65 to 70 new cases a day— and this has resulted in the highest hospitalization rate in months. Spokesperson Jason Davis said Public Health has begun communicating with the business community about what the move back to High risk means.
“Make sure they understand what the new regulations are and restrictions,” Davis said. “Essentially, it’s a change in occupancy percentages and some changes in overall hours.”

Besides Lane, 22 other counties will have to limit indoor dining under the High risk rules. Risk level changes come as eligibility for COVID-19 vaccination opens to all Oregonians 16 years and up.