Governor Brown orders a minimum '2-Week Freeze' on social gatherings
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Updated 2:57 PM, 11/13/2020 with updated info from Sky Lakes Medical Center.
Today, Governor Kate Brown ordered a minimum 2-week “freeze” to limit social gatherings throughout Oregon starting on November 18 continuing through Thanksgiving, and lasting until December 2 at the earliest.
“We have seen an alarming spike in cases and COVID-19 hospitalizations,” said Governor Brown. “Today we topple a thousand cases again.”
Governor Brown continues, “The majority of these cases stem from sporadic community spread which means the virus is out there. Every day it is infecting more and more Oregonians who think they are safely seeing their friends and family members. It’s a very dangerous situation.”
“Whether we like it or not, we are about to experience the roughest days yet of the pandemic,” Governor Brown added. “If we want to give Oregonians a fighting chance we must take further measures to flatten the curve now. That is why I am announcing a ‘2-week freeze’ for the entire state.”
Oregon Health Officials used examples of Halloween parties in spreading and partially blamed the parties for a current spike in COVID-19 infections. By limiting the number of social gatherings over the Thanksgiving holiday, Officials said the “freeze” with aid in the reduction of numbers in December and reduce hospital capacity for all medical needs.
“I am not asking, I am telling you to limit your social gatherings to no more than six per household,” said Governor Brown.
Measures of the 2-week freeze include:
Limiting social get-togethers (indoors and outdoors) to no more than six people, total, from no more than two households.
Limiting churches and other faith-based venues to a maximum of 25 people indoors or 50 people outdoors.
Limiting restaurants to take-out only.
Closing gyms and fitness organizations.
Closing indoor recreational facilities, museums, indoor entertainment activities, and indoor pools, and sports courts.
Closing outdoor recreational facilities, zoos, gardens, aquariums, outdoor entertainment activities, and outdoor pools.
Limiting grocery stores and pharmacies to a maximum of 75% capacity and encouraging curbside pick up.
Limiting retail stores and retail malls (indoor and outdoor) to a maximum of 75% capacity and encouraging curbside pick up.
Closing venues (that host or facilitate indoor or outdoor events).
Requiring all businesses to mandate work-from-home to the greatest extent possible and closing offices to the public.
Prohibiting indoor visiting in long-term care facilities.
Although disruptive, the 2-week freeze does not include all the restrictions as the shutdown did earlier this year. Personal services (such as barbershops, hair salons, and non-medical massage therapy), congregate homeless sheltering, outdoor recreation and sports, youth programs, childcare, K-12 schools, K-12 sports currently allowed to operate, current Division 1 and professional athletics exemptions, and higher education — all of which can continue operating under previous guidance issued by the Oregon Health Authority.
For all other permitted activities listed above, the Oregon Health Authority will be issuing sector-specific guidance within the next week. Sectors without specific prohibitions or guidance must operate under general employer guidance.
The freeze includes Thanksgiving, state officials urge families to avoid large gatherings or keep them small to a maximum of two households - and use the telephone or video calls to gather with family.
“We will use all tools available to keep Oregonians safe and alive,” said Governor Brown.
As of 8:00 AM today, Sky Lakes Medical Center has reported two COVID-19 patients receiving treatment at the hospital, with “beds available as required.”
“The new measures are a difficult necessity to help prevent overwhelming hospitals and healthcare workers,” said Paul Stewart CEO of Sky Lakes Medical Center. “This is a dangerous time in the state, and Sky Lakes remains prepared to meet the healthcare needs of the people we serve. But hospital capacity is a finite resource.”
Stewart continues, “At this time, we do not anticipate curtailing elective procedures, although that is something we may need to consider if the number of cases continues to climb.”
“We encourage people to make good choices to help prevent spreading the virus: Wear a mask when in public, maintain at least 6 feet space when outside of your home, and wash your hands frequently,” said Tom Hottman, Sky Lakes Public Information Officer.
Sky Lakes Medical Center is licensed for 176 beds and has a total of 105 staffed beds.
As of this morning, Sky Lakes reports, a total of 67 patients are under care of the hospital, 4 of those are in the ICU and 2 adults are inside the COVID isolation unit.
The latest numbers from Klamath County Public Health on November 12 show the local COVID-19 case count at 503 since the beginning of the pandemic - this week’s total is 33.
A November 2, report from the Oregon Health Authority, shown 672 total deaths in Klamath County, 3 of which have been attributed to COVID-19. The same report shows 29,040 total deaths statewide 746 have been attributed to COVID-19.
It has been 250 days since Klamath County’s first COVID-19 case.
The Klamath County Chamber of Commerce and the KCC Small Business Development Center have announced the availability to help Klamath Basin businesses through the “freeze.” Both have implemented protocols for in-person engagement but will be available via telephone and zoom for assistance.
Last Friday Governor Brown and State Health Officials ordered a 2-week “pause” on nine counties in Oregon with, particularly high case rates. The “pause” went into effect on November 11. Today’s announcement of the “freeze” is in addition to the current “pause.” The “freeze” applies to the entire state.
I know that Oregon can do this because we have done this before,” said Governor Brown. “Throughout this entire pandemic, Oregonians have made incredible sacrifices to protect themselves, their family members, and their community members and their vulnerable neighbors.”