SALEM, Ore. — An update from Governor Kate Brown's office on Tuesday provided some changes to Oregon's county-by-county coronavirus risk levels, though the core of southern Oregon will remain unchanged at the highest level of restrictions.
Oregon's framework uses four different risk levels for counties based on metrics for COVID-19 spread — Extreme Risk, High Risk, Moderate Risk, and Lower Risk.
Effective January 15 through January 28, there will be 26 counties in the Extreme Risk level, two at High Risk, two at Moderate Risk, and six at Lower Risk.
Jackson, Josephine, and Klamath counties remain on Extreme Risk, and Coos County increased to that level. Douglas County remains at High Risk. Lake County moved up to Moderate Risk from Lower, and Curry County moved down to Moderate from Extreme.
“With four counties moving back to Extreme Risk, this week we are reminded that health and safety measures continue to be of utmost importance, even when we slow the spread of COVID-19," said Governor Brown. "I want to remind all Oregonians to continue to do their part by abiding by the health and safety guidelines in place. Until vaccines are widely available with high participation rates, the surest way to open our communities is to continue practicing the measures we know are effective in reducing the spread of COVID-19 — wear your mask, keep physical distance from others, avoid gatherings, wash your hands often, and stay home when you are sick."
A full list of the county risk levels can be seen here.
The Oregon Health Authority re-examines county COVID-19 data every week, updating risk levels every two weeks. The first week's data provides a "warning week" so counties can prepare for potential changes. The next assignment of risk levels will be announced January 26 and take effect January 29.
