Oregon governor officially orders new coronavirus restrictions

Oregon’s governor issued an executive order Tuesday implementing a new wave of restrictions on public life as part of the state’s efforts to fight coronavirus.

A notice from Kate Brown’s (D) office indicated that all restaurants in the state would be restricted to takeout and delivery service, while gyms, museums and some other businesses would be forced to close entirely.

Stores that remain open will also operate under reduced maximum occupancy rules, and companies in the state have been directed to allow employees to work from home whenever possible.

“I know Oregonians have made tremendous sacrifices throughout this pandemic and that these new, temporary restrictions may seem daunting,” said Brown in a statement. “But, we are at a breaking point. If we don’t take further action, we risk continued alarming spikes in infections and hospitalizations, and we risk the lives of our neighbors and loved ones.

“I also know that Oregonians come together in times of need, and we owe it to each other to take these measures seriously. It is up to all of us to work together to get this virus under control,” she continued.

Brown initially announced the restrictions, which she called a “freeze” on public life, last week as cases have surged across the state and around the country.

The state saw more than 1,000 new COVID-19 cases on both Friday and Saturday of last week, the first time health officials in the state have recorded that many confirmed cases in a single day.