Umatilla County was been approved to return to Phase 2 in Oregon’s reopening plan effective today, Sept. 11. The announcement came after the county reported 62 new COVID-19 cases in the preceding week.
Phase 2 does not change guidelines on public health and safety precautions. Face masks and social distancing are still required in public places to help reduce the spread of coronavirus. Social gatherings remain limited to 10 people.
In Phase 2, additional businesses and activities are permitted, including recreational sports, movie theaters, bowling alleys, and swimming pools. Restaurants and bars are permitted to stay open until 10 p.m. and large gatherings are capped at 50 people with physical distancing indoors or outdoors.
“We are very excited to return to Phase Two,” said Umatilla County Public Health Director Joseph Fiumara. “This shows that community efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19 are having an impact. We want to remind everyone to continue to be diligent so that Umatilla County can remain open. Continue to wear your face coverings, practice physical distancing, and stay home when you are sick. ”
Moving to Phase 2 reopening for businesses and gatherings requires fewer than 100 new cases per 100,000 people per week as well as meeting six criteria for hospitalizations, testing, and tracing capabilities.
While more businesses will be able to reopen in Phase 2, reopening schools will require a substantial decrease in new cases. Current guidelines require Umatilla County to report fewer than 8 new cases per week for three consecutive weeks to return K-12 students to the classroom, as well as a positive test rate of less than 5 percent.
For updated information and resources regarding Umatilla County’s reopening efforts, visit www.umatillacountyrecovery.com.
