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Tillamook County Stay at “Moderate Risk” effective 03/26/2021 – 04/08/2021.

March 23, 2021

COVID-19 Response

Tillamook County Public Health was notified that Tillamook County will stay at the “Moderate Risk” category for the next two weeks effective this Friday 03/26/2021. As calculated by Oregon Health Authority (OHA), Tillamook County had 33 new confirmed positive and presumptive COVID-19 cases from Sunday 03/07/2021 – Saturday 03/20/2021, which met disease metrics to remain at “Moderate Risk.”

The Risk and Protection framework that the state of Oregon is operating under allows for counties to function safely based on the amount of disease spread measured in a 2-week period for that county. This framework allows for the counties to change to the appropriate risk level every two-weeks using predetermined COVID-19 disease metrics – the following is for a medium sized county (i.e., Tillamook County):

•           Lower Risk: > 30 new COVID-19 cases in a 2-week period

•           Moderate Risk: 31 – 44 new COVID-19 cases in a 2-week period

•           High Risk: 45 – 59 new COVID-19 cases in a 2-week period

•           Extreme Risk: 60 + new COVID-19 cases in a 2-week period

In the “Moderate Risk” category, businesses may still operate but with stricter capacity limits and reduced hours compared to “Low Risk.” Indoor social gathering size will remain limited to 8 people, no more than two households. Remote work is recommended if able to. See more on what is allowed in the “Moderate Risk” category here: https://coronavirus.oregon.gov/Pages/guidance.aspx    

Be on the lookout for the updated press release from Governor Kate Brown’s office with the full list of counties and their associated risk levels.

While this is welcome news as after last week’s “warning data” showed Tillamook County with 40 cases, closer to “High Risk” than “Moderate Risk,” we ask you to not let your guard down. Continue to take COVID-19 safety precautions: wear a mask, wash your hands frequently, watch your distance (6ft), stay home if ill, seek COVID-19 testing and answer the call from public health contact tracers.

If cases continue to increase over the next two weeks, Tillamook County would be at risk of moving to a higher risk level 04/09/2021. If cases decrease, Tillamook County may move back down in risk level.

COVID-19 is a highly infectious illness that spreads like the flu. Local and state health officials continue to urge all Oregonians to take steps to protect those who are most vulnerable to complications from COVID-19. Those considered “high risk” include adults 60 and older, or anyone with a serious health condition, including lung or heart problems, kidney disease, or diabetes, or anyone who has a suppressed immune system.

To help control the spread of the illness the public is urged to stay home as much as possible and avoid gatherings.

We ask all county residents to continue to take the necessary precautions and follow current public health gudiance to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus:

  • Follow guidance on face coverings.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Keep 6 ft of distance from those not in your immediate household.
  • Stay home if you feel ill.

 About Tillamook County Community Health Centers:
TCCHC has been a Federally Qualified Health Center since 1994, providing medical, dental, behavioral and public health services.

Follow our Facebook @TillamookCHC for daily updates.

Additional Resources:

Oregon Health Authority COVID-19 Information: http://healthoregon.org/coronavirus  

CDC COVID-19 Information: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html