Oregon Gov. Kate Brown issued a two-week partial lockdown on Friday.
Why it matters: The U.S. has seen a surge in COVID-19 cases over the last few weeks. Though officials have hesitated to reinstate the sweeping measures they enforced during the first wave, states are facing increased pressure as case numbers rise and hospital beds fill.
The state of play: Oregon’s partial lockdown, which will begin on Nov. 18, closes gyms, museums, pools and entertainment venues, limits social gatherings of more than six people and allows only take-out for restaurants and bars.
- Retail outlets, grocery stores and pharmacies will remain open but at limited capacity, while churches will not be allowed to host more than 25 people indoors or 50 outdoors.
- Schools that “meet the metrics” will stay open, Brown said at a press briefing Friday.
Where it stands: Oregon’s daily COVID-19 numbers have steadily climbed in the last few months. In the past week, the state has seen a 104% increase in average cases per day compared to two weeks earlier.
- Case rates are topping 1,000 per day, according to Brown.
- Renee Edwards, chief medical officer at Oregon Health and Science University, called Brown's order "difficult to hear but necessary."
The context: Other states are starting to enforce stricter measures despite reluctance to issue lockdowns.
- New York has closed nighttime bars and restaurants and limited private gatherings to no more than 10 people. New York City is considering shutting down in-person schooling as early as Monday.
- The governors of California, Oregon and Washington issued a joint message on Friday urging out-of-state travelers to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival.
