Governor announces ‘two-week freeze’ to combat COVID-19 surge

Facing a surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations across Oregon — including Deschutes County — Governor Kate Brown on Friday, November 13, announced a “two week freeze” enacting renewed restrictions focused on limiting the spread of the coronavirus.

Restrictions include:

* Limiting restaurants and bars to take-out service only.

* Closing gyms and other indoor recreational facilities, museums, and indoor entertainment like theaters.

* Closing outdoor recreational facilities, zoos, gardens, and entertainment venues. City parks and playgrounds will remain open.

* Requiring all businesses to mandate that employees work from home when possible, and to close offices to the public.

* Limiting grocery and retail stores to 75% capacity and encouraging curbside pickup service.

* Prohibiting visits at nursing homes and other long-term care facilities.

* Limiting social get-togethers, whether indoors or out, to no more than six people from two households.

* Limiting worship services to 25 people when indoors and 50 people when outdoors.

Freeze measures will be in place from November 18 through December 2 through the entire state.

“Maybe we thought the fight was over, but it’s not,” said Dr. Dean Sidelinger, the state epidemiologist. “This is likely the most dangerous time in Oregon.”