Washington County moving back to “high” risk on Friday

On April 20, 2021, Governor Kate Brown announced the latest update to Oregon's county risk levels. Starting Friday, April 23, Washington County joins 22 other counties in the high risk category.

To remain in the moderate risk level, the county needed to be below 600 total cases in a two-week period. In the two-week period from April 4-17, 2021, Washington County had 974 positive cases, well above the threshold to qualify for moderate.

“This pandemic is not done with us yet,” said Public Health Division Manager Tricia Mortell. “As much as we wish life would get back to some kind of normal, we can’t let our guard down.”

Health officials urge community members to keep gatherings small and outside, wear masks, stay home when sick, and get vaccinated when they can get an appointment.

“Getting vaccinated – as crucial as it is – is just one piece of the puzzle. It’s not a free pass to do anything we like,” Mortell reminds us. “We all need to do our part to drive case counts down again so we can get back to doing the things we love.”

Many businesses, including restaurants, fitness establishments and recreation facilities, will need to reduce their capacity starting Friday. Sector by sector guidance is available on the state’s website.

“We know this is a hardship for many businesses owners and their employees,” said Mortell. “We appreciate and count on their partnership, as they play a critical role in preventing disease spread in our community.”

The next assignment of risk levels will be announced May 4 and take effect May 6.

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