Benton, Deschutes, Hood River, Lincoln, and Washington counties eligible to move to Lower Risk Level on May 21

May 18. 2021—Governor Kate Brown announced that Benton, Deschutes, Hood River, Lincoln, and Washington counties are leading the state in vaccinating their residents to protect them against COVID-19, and are eligible to move to the Lower Risk level in the state’s risk level framework on Friday, May 21. As of May 17, all five counties had vaccinated over 65% of residents 16 or older with at least one dose. (Preliminary data posted by the Oregon Health Authority on Monday did not include federal vaccine doses administered in counties.) All five counties have also submitted equity plans to OHA.

“Vaccines protect you, and they protect everyone around you. It’s going to take all of us working together to make sure enough Oregonians are vaccinated to stop the spread of COVID-19 in our communities and end this pandemic,” said Governor Brown. “I’d like to thank everyone in these counties, particularly their outstanding public health officials, health care workers, and volunteers who have led the way in making sure their communities are protected against COVID-19.”

On May 11, Governor Brown announced that counties that vaccinate at least 65% of their residents 16 or older with at least one dose and submit documentation on how they will close equity gaps in their vaccination efforts are eligible to move to the Lower Risk level.

A county vaccination data dashboard is available on OHA’s website here. Please note that the dashboard displays state vaccine allocations only, and does not track federally-administered vaccine doses. When including federal doses, Deschutes, Lincoln, and Washington counties all exceeded the 65% vaccination threshold, in addition to Benton and Hood River. Equity plans for each county are posted on OHA’s website here: Benton, Deschutes, Hood River, Lincoln, Washington.

County eligibility for Lower Risk based on vaccination rates will be assessed weekly. County movements based on COVID-19 infection and positivity rates will continue to be announced every two weeks. Next week, all counties will be eligible to move based on vaccination rates or on infection and positivity rates. The next risk level changes will be announced on Tuesday, May 25, to take effect on Friday, May 28.

When Oregon achieves a first dose 70% statewide vaccination rate for residents 16 or older, Oregon will lift all risk level health and safety restrictions. Some restrictions based on CDC guidance for use of masks and physical distancing may remain in place.