(Update: Adding video, commentary from the owner and manager of the CO Academy)
Central Oregon counties are still among 25 in the ‘Extreme Risk’ category
BEND, Oregon. (KTVZ) – The Kate Brown government issued a new guideline on Tuesday that will allow recreational facilities, such as gyms and other indoor activities (except restaurants), to reopen to a very limited extent in the state’s 25 “extreme risk” counties.
All three counties in Central Oregon remain in this highest risk designation. And just because gyms can open, it doesn’t mean they will, considering the limitations outlined for the limited reopenings that can start on Friday.
Kip Heilman, general manager of Athletic Club of Bend, told NewsChannel 21 on Tuesday: “I don’t think we’re opening on Friday, no. It just doesn’t make any financial sense to do it.”
Under the new guidance, which comes into effect on Friday, indoor recreation spaces over 500 square meters can hold up to six people inside. Any spaces smaller than this are limited to individual services.
Some gym owners say that while it is a start, it is not enough for serious help in their struggles.
Tate Metcalf, owner of the Sisters Athletic Club, said: “It’s great that Governor Brown is willing to open up to our communities, but obviously something has to be different.”
Metcalf added that the six-person limit is simply not practical.
“A boutique training studio in Bend with 1,100 or 1,200 square feet can accommodate six people,” he said. “My 19,000 square foot building can hold six. And, of course, Athletic Club of Bend has about 150,000 (square feet).”
Heilman agreed and added that it is also unfair to its members.
“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 expense just doesn’t make sense for six people.
“Only my utility bills here, even when we’re closed, exceed $ 25,000,” said Heilman.
Metcalf is also unsure whether it will open on Friday, but he hopes a better solution will come up.
“My hope is that they will regroup and set up something so that we can all reopen safely,” he said.
Release of the governor’s office:
SALEM, Oregon. (KTVZ) – Governor Kate Brown announced Tuesday’s updates to county risk levels under the public health framework to reduce transmission and protect Oregon residents from COVID-19.
The structure uses four different risk levels for countries based on the COVID-19 spread – extreme risk, high risk, moderate risk and lower risk – and assigns health and safety measures for each level.
From January 29 to February 11, there will be 25 counties at the extreme risk level, two at high risk, two at moderate risk and seven at low risk. A complete list of counties and their associated risk levels is available here.
Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson counties remain among the 25 listed as extremely risky. The only changes this time are Grant County changing from low to moderate risk, while Curry County has changed from moderate risk to down and Tillamook County has changed from extreme risk to down.
“Most of the state remains in the extreme risk category,” said Brown. “This is an important reminder for all Oregon residents to continue to do their part, complying with current health and safety guidelines.
“Until vaccines are widely available with high participation rates, the safest way to reduce our risk and open our businesses and communities is to continue practicing the measures we know to be effective in reducing the spread of COVID-19 – wear your mask, keep physical distance from other people, avoid meetings, wash your hands often and stay home when you’re sick. “
Governor Brown also announced changes to the guidelines for domestic activities in extreme-risk counties, which will take effect on Friday.
These modifications allow a maximum of six people indoors in facilities over 500 square feet (for all indoor activities, except meals), with associated guidance for continuous social distance, cleaning protocols and facial coverings.
For installations smaller than 500 square feet, the modified orientation allows for 1: 1 customer experiences, such as personal training. Updated guidelines for indoor recreation will be published at coronavirus.oregon.gov on Friday.
Although the new guideline does not yet allow for indoor meals, it makes some adjustments for restaurants and drinks, as follows:
· Modification for two-sided non-adjacent tents for al fresco dining (current orientation allows tents with roof and only one side)
· Permission for closed individual dining capsules for outdoor dining
· Permission to use video lottery terminals indoors, with a maximum of six people with physical distance on site
“Science has shown us that outdoor activities are safer than outdoor activities with regard to the spread of COVID 19, which is why we have clearly defined an orientation between indoor and outdoor activities,” said Brown.
“We have seen in recent weeks that Oregon residents have largely met risk levels, to the point that we have not seen an increase in hospitalizations that could compromise hospital capacity,” she said. “This means that we can make these adjustments for extreme risk counties, which should help both businesses and Oregon residents, as we continue to work to prevent the spread of COVID-19.”
The Oregon Health Authority will review and publish county data on a weekly basis. The county’s risk levels will be reassigned every two weeks. The first week’s data will provide a “warning week” to prepare counties for possible changes in the level of risk. The next assignment of risk levels will be announced on February 9 and will take effect on February 11.
Updates to Warning Week data and county risk levels will be posted at coronavirus.oregon.gov.