With 46 cases of COVID-19 reported in the 14-day period ending April 17, Wasco County will move from the lower risk category two levels up to the high risk category, beginning Friday, April 23. It is one of six counties moving up two risk levels.
Wasco County had previously dropped three risk levels in late February, from extreme risk of community spread to lower risk of community spread.
As a county with 15,000- 30,000 population, risk is measured by the number of cases within a 14-day period. Lower risk is less than 30 cases over 14 days. Moderate risk is 30 to 44 cases, and high risk is 45 to 59 cases.
The lower risk category allows 50 percent indoor seating capacity at restaurants and a midnight closure. The high risk category is 25 percent indoor capacity and an 11 p.m. closure.
Faith institutions can have 75 percent in-person capacity at the lower risk category and 25 percent at high risk. Indoor gyms can have 50 percent capacity at lower risk and 25 percent at high risk.
Grocery stores and other retail stores can have 75 percent capacity at lower risk and 50 percent at high risk.
Vaccination remains the best tool to stop the pandemic. Wasco County has vaccinated 35.63 percent of its population. Now, everyone 16 and older is eligible for the vaccine.
“Friday Night Lights,” A vaccine event for 16-17 year olds, is taking place this Friday, April 23, at Wahtonka Field in The Dalles. It is using the Pfizer vaccine, which is authorized for those 16 and older. To book an appointment, visit https://www.ncphd.org/book-vaccine or call 541-506-2600.
(For more information, please visit COVID-19 Vaccine in Oregon, contact North Central Public Health District at (541) 506-2600, visit us on the web at www.ncphd.org or find us on Facebook.)