May 7, 2020 2:40 p.m. 
On Thursday, Governor Kate Brown released guidance for counties and businesses on the state’s phased reopening process.
The Governor said some counties will be eligible to begin the limited reopening of additional business sectors as early as May 15th if they have demonstrated they have met all the prerequisites for reopening. To qualify counties must:
*Show a decline in COVID-19 or have fewer than 5 hospitalizations
*Have sufficient COVID-19 testing and contact tracing capacity
*Establish plans for the isolation and quarantine of new cases
*Have the hospital capacity to handle any surge of COVID-19 cases
*Have enough personal protective equipment for health care workers
In Phase 1, counties can begin the limited reopening of these sectors under specific safety guidelines:
*Restaurants and bars for sit-down service
*Personal care and services businesses, including barbers and salons
*In-person gatherings of up to 25 people
Retail stores were mentioned in the Governor’s packet as well, with an emphasis on social distancing which impacts all businesses opening up in various ways.
Brown said counties must remain in Phase 1 for at least 21 days before becoming eligible to advance to Phase 2. Significant growth in COVID-19 spread could mean a county would have to move back to Phase 1. The release said more details on Phase 2 and Phase 3 are forthcoming.
Brown also announced that large gatherings such as conventions, festivals, major concerts and live audience sporting events will need to be cancelled through at least September. She said restarting events of that size will require a reliable treatment or vaccine.
A full copy of the Governor’s remarks is here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SH9lXU7UzClOfNtNhLPbOWUU-6WRDUpP/view
A link to the Governors presentation is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=dw3WnpZyXeM&app=desktop
The media kit with more information is here: https://www.oregon.gov/oha/ERD/Pages/covid-19-news.aspx