On April 17, after President Trump released a three-phase plan for the end of COVID-19 quarantine in the United States, Oregon officials began to draft a state reopening plan. A finalized plan will be ready by May 4, but when exactly the plan is initiated depends on the number of COVID-19 cases in Oregon.
Each part of the Federal reopening proposal is under review by the Oregon Health Advisory, Governor Brown’s Medical Advisory Panel, and local public health experts. In the last week, they have heard a variety of presentations from economic experts, healthcare officials, and community members and have formed work groups to make individual decisions for each phase.
Officials emphasized that the plan is still subject to revision and each phase of the reopening will be contingent on declining symptoms and cases among Oregonians, as well as adequate hospital space. In order to even consider re-opening procedures, officials must expand testing as well.
After standards of preparedness and containment are met, Governor Brown will enact the first phase of openings. In accordance with the federal proposal, schools will remain closed during this phase and hospital visits will still be prohibited, but additional childcare services will likely open in Oregon. While the Federal proposal would open large venues, sit-down dining, and gyms with “strict physical distancing and sanitation protocols”, Oregon officials will not likely open large venues or gyms until later. Work groups are currently meeting to discuss a plan for potentially opening sit-down dining, bars, and personal services.
Non-emergency medical procedures are not tied to the plan to reopen. The Governor authorized that these may commence May 1. However, private clinics are given the option to re-open or remain closed.
If Oregon still meets gating criteria 14 days after Phase 1 begins, Phase 2 will begin. The Federal proposal would allow for groups of 50 or less to gather during this time. If gating criteria is met after another 14 days, Phase 3 would allow for even larger mass gatherings, unrestricted worksite staffing, nursing home visitation, and increased seating in restaurants and bars. Again, this is a proposal and is still under review by Oregon officials.
