February 9, 2021 10:50 a.m.

Governor Kate Brown has announced that 12 counties have improved in risk level, with 10 improving from Extreme Risk for the first time since November, effective on Friday.

Douglas County remains at the High Risk level for COVID-19.

Brown said county risk levels under the state’s public health framework aim to reduce the transmission and protect Oregonians from COVID-19. That framework uses four different risk levels for counties based on COVID-19 spread – Extreme Risk, High Risk, Moderate Risk and Lower Risk – and assigns health and safety measures for each level.

From Friday through February 25th, 14 counties remain at Extreme Risk, 11 are High Risk, 2 are at Moderate Risk and 9 are at Lower Risk. The counties that moved from Extreme Risk to High Risk are Clatsop, Clackamas, Columbia, Deschutes, Hood River, Klamath, Linn, Multnomah and Washington. Morrow County moved from Extreme Risk to Moderate Risk. A complete list of counties and their associated risk levels is linked: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1URyFzeYqeTuagWMlKjyf-zYnuYoFlfry/view

Brown said, “Thanks to Oregonians who have stepped up and made smart choices, we have made incredible progress in stopping the spread of COVID-19 and saving lives in Oregon”.  Brown said this means more businesses can open up and Oregonians will be able to get out a bit more.

Brown said it is important that residents remain vigilant by wearing masks, keeping physical distance, and avoiding indoor gatherings so that businesses can remain open, and schools can re-open for in-person instruction. Brown said until vaccines are more widely available, case counts could go back up if safety measures are not followed.