Governor Kate Brown Announces 16 Counties Improve in Risk Level

Updated county risk levels take effect February 26

(Salem, OR) — Governor Kate Brown today announced that 16 counties improved in risk level, with 10 of those improving from Extreme Risk. County risk levels under the state’s public health framework aim to reduce transmission and protect Oregonians from COVID-19. The framework uses four different risk levels for counties based on COVID-19 spread—Extreme Risk, High Risk, Moderate Risk, and Lower Risk—and assigns health and safety measures for each level.

Effective February 26 through March 11, there will be five counties in the Extreme Risk level, 11 at High Risk, 10 at Moderate Risk, and 10 at Lower Risk. A complete list of counties and their associated risk levels is available here.

“For the second time in a row, we are seeing great progress in stopping the spread of COVID-19 across Oregon and saving lives,” said Governor Brown. “Oregonians continue to step up and make smart choices. While these county movements are welcome news, we must continue to take seriously health and safety measures, especially as more businesses reopen and we start to get out more. As we see infection rates going down and vaccinations ramping up, now is not the time to let down our guard. Continue to wear your masks, keep physical distance, and avoid indoor gatherings.”

The Oregon Health Authority will examine and publish county data weekly. County risk levels will be reassigned every two weeks. The first week’s data will provide a “warning week” to prepare counties for potential risk level changes. The next assignment of risk levels will be announced March 9 and take effect March 12.

Press Release issued on February 23, 2021 | Media Contact:  Liz Merah, 503-877-8287

Please see the sector guidance for your business industry – Sector Risk Level Guidance Chart and the COVID website for more information.