Governor Kate Brown announced updates to county risk levels under the state's public health framework to protect Oregonians from COVID-19. Effective January 29 through February 11, there are 25 counties that seem to be stuck in the Extreme Risk level with high COVID-19 test results. Two counties are at High Risk, two at Moderate Risk, and seven at Lower Risk. Four counties made improvements, but Tillamook stands out moving from Extreme Risk down to Lower Risk. It didn’t just move from the highest risk to the lowest risk level, it is third from the bottom having the lowest case count per population. One thing is noticeable for counties in the lower risk levels is that they also rank the lowest in tests given per population. With one exception (Sherman County) all counties testing more than 50% of the population are in the Extreme Risk level.

Is this a coincidence that the CDC states on their website, “In general, a positive antibody test is presumed to mean a person has been infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, at some point in the past. It does not mean they are currently infected. An average of 10% of the SARS-Cov-2 are people with colds during the winter. People who receive positive results on an antibody test but don’t have symptoms of COVID-19 and have not been around someone who may have COVID-19 are not likely to have a current infection. They can continue with normal activities, including work.”

Governor Brown also announced modifications to the guidance for indoor activities in Extreme Risk counties, which will take effect January 29. These modifications allow for a maximum of six people indoors at facilities over 500 square feet (for all indoor activities except dining) with associated guidance for ongoing social distancing, cleaning protocols, and face coverings. For facilities smaller than 500 square feet, the modified guidance allows for 1:1 customer experiences, such as personal training. The updated guidance for indoor recreation will be posted to the state COVID-19 site. That site indicates under the Metrix that Indoor Entertainment Establishments and Indoors Recreation & Fitness are “prohibited.” However, the Statewide Guidance, Regardless of County’s Risk Level guidelines still permits opening with certain precautions.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

"The science has shown us that outdoor activities are safer than indoor activities when it comes to the spread of COVID 19, which is why we have clearly delineated guidance between indoor and outdoor activities," said Governor Brown. "We have seen over the last several weeks that Oregonians have largely complied with risk levels to the point that we have not seen a surge in hospitalizations that would have jeopardized hospital capacity. This means we are able to make these adjustments for Extreme Risk counties, which should assist both businesses and Oregonians as we continue to work to stop the spread of COVID-19."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the science of indoor spreading relates to SARS Cov-2, which may or may not carry the virus for COVID-19 and could simply be the common cold. The CDC indicates the only difference between precautions for outdoors and indoors is being well ventilated and wearing a mask. What science is Governor Brown using to justify closing businesses that provides healthy activity.

“Most of the state remains in the Extreme Risk category," said Governor Brown. "This is an important reminder for all Oregonians to continue to do their part by abiding by the health and safety guidelines in place. Until vaccines are widely available with high participation rates, the surest way to lower our risk and open our businesses and communities is to continue practicing the measures we know are effective in reducing the spread of COVID-19 — wear your mask, keep physical distance from others, avoid gatherings, wash your hands often, and stay home when you are sick."

As 25 counties struggle with pleasing Governor Brown to get off her “Extreme Risk” list, the Governor relays a false positive outlook to news outlets that are reflected nationally.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2021-01-27 14:07:31

Last Update: 2021-01-27 20:19:29