May 25, 2021 4:30 p.m.

Douglas County will stay at High Risk level for COVID-19 under updates to county risk levels announced on Tuesday.

Governor Kate Brown said effective this Thursday through June 3rd, there will be 15 counties at High Risk level, 3 at Moderate Risk and 18 at Lower Risk. Brown said Multnomah County will move to Lower Risk because it has reached a 65 percent adult vaccination rate and had its equity plan approved.  A complete list of counties and their associated risk levels are linked: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PQ8L3uPXWY5lsELQPVZISgMpAbg3apdT/view

Brown said, “The science is clear: vaccines are very effective in keeping people safe from COVID-19, and they are the key to returning to normal life and lifting health and safety restrictions statewide”. Brown said the disease remains dangerous for those communities with high rates of unvaccinated individuals.

Brown’s release said as case rates continue to decline, starting next week county risk level changes will be announced every week. The next risk level changes will be announced on Tuesday, June 1st and will take affect on Friday June 4th. Counties facing moves back up in risk level will be given a caution period to re-focus efforts to bring down case numbers.

Brown said when Oregon achieves a 70 percent statewide vaccination rate for residents 16 and older, Oregon will lift all risk level health and safety restrictions. Some restrictions based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance for use of masks and physical distancing may remain in place.