County-Specific Risk & Protection Framework Underway

Effective December 3, the Governor's Risk & Protection Framework went into effect. It provides county-specific guidance at four risk levels based on their level of COVID-19 spread—25 counties are at Extreme Risk level, 5 High Risk, 2 Moderate Risk, and 4 Lower Risk.

Emphasizing the importance of these measures, on December 4, Oregon broke grim records with 2,176 cases and 30 deaths, and reached a tragic milestone of more than 1,000 deaths. "The current level of transmission could generate 'exponential' growth, resulting in approximately 2,000 new daily cases and 75 additional daily hospitalizations by Dec. 24," according to Oregon Health Authority.

Go to the Governor's new information site for links to county risk levels (as a table and map), guidance by activity at each level, and additional resources.

It’s important to note that there is no zero risk category. Until COVID-19 vaccines are widely available, health and safety precautions will remain in place so that schools, businesses and communities can reopen, and stay open.