Governor Kate Brown and other health officials held a press conference today to explain the rationale behind the week-long, statewide “pause”. Brown said this is more of a caution sign rather than a full-on stop sign.
Tillamook County will remain in Phase II, so this decision mainly affects Multnomah County (Portland) who has not entered into Phase I.
“This is essentially a statewide yellow light,” said Brown. “This one week pause will give our public health experts time to assess what factors are driving the spread of the virus and determine what if we need to adjust our approach to reopening. I will continue to work with doctors and public health experts to determine whether to lift the pause, extend the pause, or make other adjustments.”
Brown said the freeze comes after an increase in COVID-19 cases has been documented “in both rural and urban communities.”
“This is impacting all of us. Each one of our actions make a difference,” Brown said. “We’re asking all Oregonians to be considerate of your fellow Oregonians.”
She encouraged everyone to continue the following practices:
1. Wear a face covering
2. Keep a distance of 6 feet
3. Avoid large gatherings
4. Keep it local, stay close to home
5. Wash your hands/cover your cough and stay home when you are sick!