It has been two and a half months since Oregon issued its stay-home orders to combat the transmission of COVID-19. Since then, the state’s coronavirus numbers have remained low compared to other populated areas.
On May 7, Oregon revealed plans to slowly begin the reopening of the state’s economy. Phase 1, which most counties applied for and were approved to initiate right away, consisted of raising the limit on gatherings to 25 and reopening restaurants, services, and personal hygiene businesses with strict distancing guidelines and health measures.
The original plan stated that Phase 1 must be practiced for 21 days without an uptick in cases or shift away from progress.
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Now, Oregon Governor Kate Brown has provided more details on what Phase 2 entails.
Prerequisites for Phase 2 approval include continually maintaining the prerequisites for Phase 1 metrics, described via graphics as a declining disease prevalence in the specific county, and implementation of a minimum testing regiment with adequate isolation and quarantine facilities.
Counties applying for Phase 2 must also be able to provide sufficient evidence that they are able to identify the source of new coronavirus cases at a minimum of 70% accuracy, and be able to trace new cases within a 24-hour timeframe.
Phase 2 will also allow the reopening of movie theaters, bowling alleys, recreational sports facilities, and pools.
“I know it’s frustrating that reopening has to move slowly,” Governor Brown wrote on Twitter. “I know our economy has taken a devastating blow. But this careful, cautious approach is saving lives.“
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