By Sara Cline, Associated Press / Report for America
PORTLAND – Government Kate Brown on Thursday extended Oregon’s state of emergency until May 2, as confirmed COVID-19 cases drop, but hundreds of new cases are still reported daily.
“Throughout the pandemic, Oregonians have made smart choices that have protected our families and loved ones,” Brown said. “Our infection and death rates have remained among the lowest in the country throughout. And for the first time, there are fewer and fewer patients at critical care units at COVID-19. ”
The Oregon Health Authority on Thursday reported 553 newly confirmed COVID-19 cases, bringing the state to 154,554. The state’s death toll is 2,204.
The agency’s weekly COVID-19 report, released Wednesday, shows a sharp decline in daily cases, hospitalizations and deaths compared to the previous week.
The health authority reported a 35% decrease in cases and a 42% decrease in hospitalization.
The emergency declaration is the legal basis for the executive orders issued by the governor, including her orders around the reopening of Oregon, child care, schools and higher education operations. By extending the declaration of emergency, those orders can remain in force. The governor assesses and evaluates each of her emergency orders every 60 days.
Brown first declared a state of emergency in March when there were 14 known COVID-19 cases in the state.
“As we vaccinate thousands of Oregonians every day and reopen more school buildings and businesses as safely as possible, now is not the time to keep our guard up. New, more contagious COVID-19 variants are spreading in the United States, including several confirmed cases in Oregon. ”
Republican senators in Oregon refused to turn up Thursday’s floor session, objecting to the governor’s COVID-19 restrictions and dealing with school reopening, vaccine implementation and economic recovery.
In a statement from the Republican Senate, lawmakers said: “Despite the decline in the number of cases, you extended your emergency statement today and pushed the Oregonians even further. The Legislature cannot do its job of helping Oregonians recover if people are unable to return to work due to orders that small businesses remain closed. ”
As the number of cases improved, the governor announced that 16 provinces, including Marion County where the Capitol is located, would move to lower risk levels – allowing for greater capacity for indoor dining and gyms. The new risk levels take effect on Friday.
Five counties – Benton, Coos, Douglas, Jefferson and Josephine – remain at the level of ‘extreme risk’, banning indoor dining.
“For the second time in a row, we are seeing great progress in stopping the spread of COVID-19 across Oregon and saving lives,” Brown said.
The Oregon Health Authority also reported that 22,841 new doses of the COVID-19 vaccines have been added to the state immunization registry.
A cumulative total of 88,206 first and second doses of COVID-19 vaccines were administered to Oregonians.
This week, there is access to vaccines for people 70 years and older. From Monday, people aged 65 and over will be eligible for vaccinations.