June 4, 2021 2:50 p.m.

On Friday, Oregon Governor Kate Brown announced the steps the state will take to lift COVID-19 health and safety restrictions and fully reopen the economy after 70 percent of all Oregonians, age 18 and older have received a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Brown said because vaccines are very effective at protecting against COVID-19, after reaching that 70 percent threshold, Oregon will lift most state restrictions and move away from a state-led emergency COVID-19 response effort, shifting the focus to pandemic recovery and supporting local public health and health care providers.

As of June 3rd, Oregon has achieved a 66.2 percent vaccination rate for individuals age 18 and older. That means that 127,308 more people need to receive a first dose to reach 70 percent.

Brown said, “I want to be very clear that we are able to reopen like this because of the efficacy of the vaccines. For those of you who are vaccinated, you’ve helped us to reach this point – and you are protected from the virus”. Brown said it will remain “incredibly important” for Oregonians to continue making smart choices – and to respect the choices of others. Brown said, “Let’s respect one another as we prepare to make this transition”.

Brown said after reaching the 70 percent threshold, the state will take the following steps to lift restrictions:

*Oregon’s Risk Level framework, including all county-based metrics and health and safety restrictions, will be lifted. That includes mask, physical distancing and capacity limit requirements.

*The state will not require masks and face coverings in almost all settings, with some exceptions following federal guidance – including airports, public transit and health care settings.

*Because the same mask and social distancing rules will apply for all individuals – vaccinated or unvaccinated – vaccine verification will not be necessary.

*It will still be strongly recommended that unvaccinated individuals and other vulnerable individuals continue to wear masks and practice other health and safety measures to stay safe from COVID-19.

More details are available by linking to a copy of the Governor’s prepared remarks:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Oa6_sGWHGmlSHreR0FfqW62bOQoh7jHq/view