Risk level changes announced, May 27

Governor Kate Brown Tuesday announced several updates to the County Risk Levels. From Thursday, May 27through Thursday, June 3, there will be 18 Oregon Counties in Lower Risk, three in Moderate Risk and 15 in High Risk. Among the counties moved this week was Multnomah County, which moved from High to Lower Risk after vaccinating 65% of its residents ages 16 and older and submitting a vaccine equity plan. Other counties that moved were: Baker County from High Risk to Lower Risk; Clatsop County from High Risk to Moderate Risk; Curry County from Moderate Risk to Lower Risk; Tillamook County from Moderate Risk to Lower Riske. Earlier this month, Governor Brown announced that counties that vaccinate at least 65% of residents 18 and older with at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine and that submit an equity plan to close gaps in their vaccination efforts will be eligible to move into the Lower Risk category. In addition, Oregon continues to make progress toward the statewide goal to have 70 percent of adults (age 18 and above) vaccinated, which would allow the state to lift the current risk metrics. The 70 percent target is based on CDC vaccination data, which is more comprehensive in scope, and captures vaccine doses administered by federal entities – such as the Veterans Administration– that are not reflected on OHA’s vaccine dashboard.