Klamath County moves down to 'High Risk,' indoor dining allowed

New rules and regulations surrounding the “High Risk” category take effect on Friday.

SALEM, Ore. - Governor Kate Brown today announced that 12 counties improved in risk level, with 10 improving from Extreme Risk for the first time since November. Klamath County moves from Extreme Risk to High Risk. Lake County moves up from Lower Risk to Moderate Risk.

The new risk levels take effect on February 12.

According to the state, indoor dining is allowed inside counties of the High Risk category although takeout highly recommended. Indoor capacity is not to exceed 25% maximum occupancy or 50 people, whichever is smaller. Outdoor dining allowed with a capacity of 75 people maximum. Indoor and outdoor seating is limited to 6 people per party, per table maximum, limit of 2 households. and 11:00 PM closing times.

For a full list of what is and is not permitted under High Risk visit https://coronavirus.oregon.gov/

County risk levels under the state's public health framework aim to reduce transmission and protect Oregonians from COVID-19. The framework uses four different risk levels for counties based on COVID-19 spread—Extreme Risk, High Risk, Moderate Risk, and Lower Risk—and assigns health and safety measures for each level.

“Thanks to Oregonians who have stepped up and made smart choices, we have made incredible progress in stopping the spread of COVID-19 and saving lives in Oregon," said Governor Brown. "This week we will see 10 counties move out of Extreme Risk, including the Portland tri-county area, for the first time since November. This is welcome news, as we'll start to see more businesses open up and Oregonians being able to get out a bit more.

"It’s also incredibly important that we continue to remain vigilant and protect our neighbors and loved ones as we face virulent new strains of COVID-19. This means continuing to wear masks, keep our physical distance, and avoid indoor gatherings. If we want to keep businesses open, reopen schools for in-person instruction, and stay safe, we must keep up our guard. Until vaccines are more widely available, case counts could go back up if we don't keep following safety measures."

Effective February 12 through February 25, there will be 14 counties in the Extreme Risk level, 11 at High Risk, two at Moderate Risk, and nine at Lower Risk. A complete list of counties and their associated risk levels is available here.

The Oregon Health Authority will examine and publish county data weekly. County risk levels will be reassigned every two weeks. The first week's data will provide a "warning week" to prepare counties for potential risk level changes. The next assignment of risk levels will be announced on February 23 and take effect on February 26. 

Updates to Warning Week data and county risk levels will be posted to coronavirus.oregon.gov.