Oregon inches closer to lifting COVID-19 restrictions

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — As Oregon inches closer to reaching the statewide vaccination target, at least 22 of the state’s 36 counties have moved into the “lower risk” level.

Counties in the “lower risk” category can increase capacity for indoor dining, theaters, gyms and other indoor entertainment spaces to 50%.

The risk level also allows expansion of indoor gatherings to 10 people and increases retail store capacity to 75%.

As more counties are approved to ease restrictions, many continue to eye the statewide target — of 70% of adults in the state having received at least their first dose — which would allow many COVID-19 restrictions to be lifted.  

Currently 68% of people, who are 18 or older, in the state had been vaccinated.