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(Update: video added, CO Gym Owner & Manager comment)
Central Oregon Counties Still Top 25 in “ Extreme Risk ” Category
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Gov. Kate Brown released new guidelines on Tuesday that will allow recreational facilities like gyms and other indoor activities (except restaurants) to reopen on a very limited basis in the 25 counties in ” extreme risk ”of the state.
All three of central Oregon’s counties remain in this highest risk designation. And that’s not because gyms can open, given the limitations outlined for limited reopens that can start on Friday.
Kip Heilman, general manager of the Athletic Club of Bend, told NewsChannel 21 on Tuesday: “I don’t think we’re going to open on Friday, no. It doesn’t make financial sense to do so.”
Under the new guidelines, which come into effect on Friday, indoor recreation spaces over 500 square feet can accommodate up to six people indoors. All spaces smaller than this are limited to individual services.
Some gym owners say that while this is a start, it is not enough for serious help with their struggles.
Tate Metcalf, owner of the Sisters Athletic Club, said: “It’s great that Governor Brown is ready to open up to our communities, but obviously something has to be different.
Metcalf added that the six-person limit just isn’t practical.
“A boutique workout studio in Bend with 1,100 or 1,200 square feet can accommodate six people,” he said. “My building, 19,000 square feet, can have six. And then, of course, the Athletic Club of Bend has about feet of it). “
Heilman agreed and added that it wasn’t fair to his members either.
“This would allow a member to use the club once every two months,” he said of how he could share access.
And he said the spending didn’t make sense for six people.
“My utility bills alone here, even when we’re closed, are over $ 25,000,” Heilman said.
Metcalf is also not sure if it will open on Friday, but is hopeful that a better solution will present itself.
“I hope they will come together and put something together so that we can all reopen safely,” he said.
Release from the governor’s office:
SALEM, Oregon (KTVZ) – Governor Kate Brown on Tuesday announced updates to county public health risk levels to reduce transmission and protect Oregon residents from COVID-19.
The framework uses four different risk levels for counties based on the spread of COVID-19 – extreme risk, high risk, moderate risk, and low risk – and assigns health and safety measures for each level.
From January 29 to February 11, there will be 25 counties in the extreme risk level, two at high risk, two at moderate risk and seven at low risk. A full list of counties and their associated risk levels can be found here.
Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson counties are among the 25 counties at extreme risk. The only changes this time around are Grant County’s shift from low risk to moderate risk, while Curry County went from moderate risk to low risk and Tillamook County went from extreme risk to low risk.
“Most of the state remains in the extreme risk category,” Brown said. “This is an important reminder for all Oregonians to continue to do their part by adhering to the health and safety guidelines in place.
“Until vaccines are widely available with high take-up rates, the surest way to reduce our risks and open up our businesses and communities is to continue to practice the measures we know work to reduce the risk. spread of COVID-19 – wear your mask, keep a physical distance from others, avoid gatherings, wash your hands often and stay home when you are sick. “
Governor Brown also announced changes to guidelines for domestic activities in extreme-risk counties, which come into effect on Friday.
These changes allow a maximum of six people indoors in facilities larger than 500 square feet (for all indoor activities except meals), with associated tips for continued social distancing, cleaning protocols and coatings. face.
For facilities less than 500 square feet, the amended guidelines allow 1: 1 customer experiences, such as personal training. The updated guidelines for indoor recreation will be posted on coronavirus.oregon.gov by Friday.
While the new guidelines still don’t allow eating indoors, they do make some adjustments for food and beverage establishments, as follows:
Modification of non-adjacent two-sided tents for outdoor dining (current guidelines allow tents with one roof and only one side)
Allocation of individual pods closed for outdoor meals
Allowance for the use of indoor video lottery terminals, with a maximum of six people with physical distance in place
“Science has shown us that outdoor activities are safer than indoor activities when it comes to the spread of COVID 19, which is why we have clearly defined directions between indoor and outdoor activities,” said Brown said.
“We have seen over the past few weeks that Oregonians have largely complied with risk levels, to the point that we have not seen an increase in hospitalizations that would have jeopardized hospital capacity,” she said. . “This means that we are able to make these adjustments for countries at extreme risk, which should help businesses and Oregon residents as we continue to work to stop the spread of COVID-19.”
The Oregon Health Authority will review and release the county’s data weekly. County risk levels will be reallocated every two weeks. The data from the first week will provide a “warning week” to prepare counties for possible changes in risk level. The next assignment of risk levels will be announced on February 9 and take effect on February 11.
Updates to Warning Week data and county risk levels will be posted on coronavirus.oregon.gov.
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