PORTLAND, Ore — Washington County has been approved to enter Phase 1 of Oregon Gov. Kate Brown’s plan for reopening the state.
Gov. Brown announced Thursday that Washington County can start its gradual reopening on Monday, June 1.
That means the following restrictions will be eased:
- Restaurants and bars for sit-down service: Requirements include 6 feet of social distancing; a limit of groups to parties of 10 or fewer; food and drink consumption must end by 10 p.m.; and workers are required to wear masks. See more details on the requirements
- Barbers, salons and massage businesses: Requirements include social distancing; appointment-only; and a personal protective equipment and customer list. See more details on the requirements
- Gyms and fitness centers: Requirements include a maximum gathering limit; social distancing; and sanitation. See more details on the requirements
- In-person gatherings: Up to 25 people, no travel
“Now that we have been approved to enter Phase I on Monday, June 1, each of us has an obligation – to ourselves and to each other – to play by the rules and keep the virus on the decline,” said County Chair Kathryn Harrington.
In order to be approved for Phase 1, all Oregon counties had to meet prerequisites including a decline in COVID-19 cases, contact tracing capabilities, plans for quarantines of new cases, hospital capacity and protective equipment for health care workers.
Washington County must remain in Phase 1 for at least three weeks before it can become eligible for Phase 2.
While it's a big step for the county, Board of Commissioners Chair Kathryn Harrington said people still need to practice the social distancing and safety protocols that have been in place over the last couple of months.
"Each of us has an obligation – to ourselves and to each other – to play by the rules and keep the virus on the decline," Harrington said.
Officials also addressed the recent coronavirus outbreak tied to Townsend Farms and one of its sites in Cornelius. They said they're working with the Oregon Health Authority to isolate workers who are infected, and that the outbreak won't affect the county's reopening plan.
Thirty-one Oregon counties entered Phase 1 on May 15. None of them have been approved to move on to Phase 2.
Oregon’s most populous county, Multnomah, is now the only county in Oregon that has not either entered or been approved for Phase 1.
Multnomah County leaders on Wednesday announced the county will officially apply for reopening on June 5 with the goal of entering Phase 1 on June 12.