Oregon Gov Threatens She Won't Lift Oppressive Lockdown Until 70% of Residents Are Vaxxed

Gov. Kate Brown on Tuesday laid out a specific roadmap for fully reopening Oregon’s economy and making a big step toward normalcy: When 70% of the state’s residents 16 and older have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, she’ll eliminate most statewide restrictions meant to hamper the spread of the disease.

That includes the lifting of capacity limits on restaurants, bars, stores, gyms, sporting venues, movie theaters and limitations on the number of people who can gather indoors or out for events such as road races and festivals. No counties will remain under the current “risk level” tiers based on their rates of infections.

The statewide mask mandates on indoor public spaces and physical distancing requirements could, however, remain for some time. The governor said she’d continue to follow recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in determining when to lift mask rules.

“Let’s get this done, let’s get our economy fully reopened and enjoy our summer,” Brown said during a news conference Tuesday, expressing her hope that the 70% target will motivate more Oregonians to get vaccinated.