Getting your vaccine: What to know before you go; Risk levels updated, Change to Extreme Risk Guidelines

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The COVID-19 vaccine supply is limited, but more people are becoming eligible to get immunized. If you are eligible, planning ahead before going to a vaccine clinic will help you be better prepared. Getting vaccinated provides hope, but please be patient as well.

Here’s what you should know before scheduling an appointment at a vaccination site or event:

  • Please do not call your health care provider or local hospital to find out where to get a vaccine. Contact Tillamook County Community Health Centers.

  • Confirm that the event or site is accepting people in your eligibility group.
  • Make an appointment if it’s required.
  • Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth.
  • The COVID-19 vaccine will be free, and you do not need health insurance. If you have health insurance, please bring your insurance card. The vaccine provider may charge a vaccine administration fee to your insurance.
  • You should receive a vaccination card that tells you when to get your second dose. You should get your second dose from the site where you received your first.

For more information visit https://covidvaccine.oregon.gov/ or call 211.

Getting vaccinated: What you need to to know before you go. Information is repeat of article.

County risk levels updated: Changes take effect Jan. 29

County risk levels under the state’s public health framework to reduce transmission and protect Oregonians from COVID-19 were updated today. The framework uses four different risk levels for counties based on COVID-19 spread—Extreme Risk, High Risk, Moderate Risk, and Lower Risk—and assigns health and safety measures for each level. Effective Jan. 29 through Feb. 11, there will be 25 counties in the Extreme Risk level, two at High Risk, two at Moderate Risk, and seven at Lower Risk. Here is the complete list of counties and their associated risk levels:

County Risk Categories, Effective January 29 – February 11 (Data as of January 25, 2021)  

Changes from Previous Two-Week Period are Marked in Red 

Lower Risk (8)  

Curry (Moved from Moderate) 

Gilliam  

Harney  

Lake (Moved from Moderate) 

Sherman  

Tillamook (Moved from Extreme) 

Wallowa  

Wheeler  

Moderate Risk (1)  

Grant (Moved from Lower) 

High Risk (2)  

Douglas 

Lincoln 

Extreme Risk (25)  

Baker 

Benton  

Clackamas  

Clatsop 

Columbia  

Coos 

Crook  

Deschutes  

Hood River  

Jackson  

Jefferson  

Josephine  

Klamath  

Lane  

Linn  

Malheur 

Marion  

Morrow 

Multnomah  

Polk  

Umatilla  

Union  

Wasco  

Washington  

Yamhill

Governor Brown also announced modifications to the guidance for indoor activities in Extreme Risk counties, which will take effect Jan. 29.

establishments under 500 sq. ft. 1:1 experiences like personal training. Circle on right says establishments over 500 sq. ft. 6 people.

 

These modifications allow for a maximum of six people indoors at facilities over 500 square feet (for all indoor activities except dining) with associated guidance for ongoing physical distancing, cleaning protocols and face coverings. For facilities smaller than 500 square feet, the modified guidance allows for 1:1 customer experiences, such as personal training.

“The science has shown us that outdoor activities are safer than indoor activities when it comes to the spread of COVID 19, which is why we have clearly delineated guidance between indoor and outdoor activities,” said Governor Brown. “We have seen over the last several weeks that Oregonians have largely complied with risk levels to the point that we have not seen a surge in hospitalizations that would have jeopardized hospital capacity. This means we are able to make these adjustments for Extreme Risk counties, which should assist both businesses and Oregonians as we continue to work to stop the spread of COVID-19.”

Updates to Warning Week data and county risk levels, as well as updated guidance, will be posted to coronavirus.oregon.gov by Jan. 29.